A new look for the Silver Creek Cemetery Community News September 21, 2016September 22, 20160 A little history about the Silver Creek Cemetery. It is a historical cemetery, and people buried there include a Civil War veteran, people involved in the water war on Wagontire Mountain, the first Harney County judge Prior to the improvements, cattle and wildlife were able to breach the fence and damage the headstones. (Thomas Jefferson Shields) and members of his family, along with others who homesteaded in the valley. The land the cemetery sits on was deeded to the town of Suntex by Henry and Ruby Street when they owned the ranch at that location. Bob Johnson, current ranch owner, approached Chuck Lynde, who is the grandson of the Streets, because the fence around the cemetery was falling down, and cattle and wildlife were able to get inside, and some of the headstones were toppled or knocked off their base. Lynde talked with Nick Collins and Mick Miller for suggestions on getting the cemetery cleaned up and re-fenced. Both Collins and Miller live at Silver Creek and had previously helped with some cleanup. Lynde found out that there is grant money available from the state for repairs to historical cemeteries. After talking to Harney County Judge Steve Grasty, Lynde applied for the grant, and it was awarded in July of this year. There are many people to mention for working to get the cemetery looking so good: Brent Beverly of Harney Electric Cooperative had a line crew dig new post holes; Randy Curt of Oregon Trail Electric had some old poles they donated to replace the existing With the help of a grant and dedicated community members, the fence has been repaired, preserving the historical cemetery into the future. corner posts; Felix Zabala and the community service crew who helped put in the new posts and string the wire, and who also cut down all the weeds and brush that had grown over the years; and the gentleman who rented Lynde the machine to insert the new posts (what a life-saver that was!). Bill Lynde also worked during his vacation helping build the fence, inserting the new poles, and doing whatever else needed to be done. There is still work to be done, and if you would like to help, contact Collins or Miller. If you are out that way, take a drive by the cemetery. Stop by and check out the headstones — it is truly amazing how much history is buried there.