Bosque Bello Cemetery – Two Union Soldiers face a dilemma

An opinion submitted by Chris Belcher

One of Fernandina Beach’s greatest assets is the original section of Bosque Bello Cemetery – locally known as “Old” Bosque Bello. The picturesque setting is truly deserving of its Spanish name “Beautiful Woods.”  Burials started at least as early as 1813 based on the oldest gravestone.  Many prominent people can be found resting here underneath ancient cedars and majestic oaks.  Their contributions to Fernandina include Revolutionary, Civil, Spanish and World Wars service, Nuns who provided yellow-fever relief, local notables, politicians and dignitaries, and Keepers of the local lighthouses.  Old Bosque Bello’s importance and significance is substantiated by being included in the Historic District.

While doing Civil War research about Fort Clinch, I discovered the Union had buried many of its soldiers in the “Fernandina Cemetery.”  I walked all over Old Bosque Bello determined to find these soldiers.  Due to the ravages of time, many graves in Old Bosque Bello have lost their markers.  The Union placed “head-boards” on soldiers’ graves.  These markers were wooden boards painted white but they quickly deteriorated.  For other graves, concrete markers have deteriorated and become illegible or totally disintegrated.  Vandalism has taken its toll on more permanent marble stones. 

Despite my failure to find the Fort Clinch soldiers, I did discover 32 civil-war gravestones of black soldiers and sailors who either returned to, or moved to, Fernandina after the war.  These veterans lived and raised their families here in post-war peace.  Their stories need to be researched and told!

On one of my many visits, I stumbled across a dilemma for two of our Union Soldiers; Jefferson Harris and Jonas Miller (U.S. Colored Troops).  The City recently gave a family permission to construct a 60’ x 17’ concrete-block enclosure to denote their family plot.  The family’s existing gravestones are in one-row and extend about 60 feet along Oleander.  They were allowed to expand their plot by placing a wall 5 feet behind the gravestones – for a total depth of 17’. 

The issue is Harris and Miller are buried right behind these gravestones and the new rear-wall is built on top of their graves.  To rectify this, the City told the contractor to move the two headstones!  This structure is nearly complete and totally overshadows the moved headstones.  Jefferson Harris’ and Jonas Miller’s remains are now underneath the concrete-block wall and their headstones are placed away from their graves. 

I visited City Hall and was told building permits aren’t required for any work in the cemetery and Historic District Council approval isn’t needed.  Any “over-sight” of Bosque Bello, I was told, is provided by the Parks & Recreation Department and they approved the work.  I was also told that families can essentially claim whatever they want because Old Bosque Bello isn’t platted and there are no records to prove ownership.

I argue against that last statement.  A comprehensive survey was made of Old Bosque Bello in 1987 and accurate maps depicting grave and plot locations were published in 1988.  These maps must be used as the base-line to establish boundaries and rights of families.  At the very least, a new survey, using ground penetrating radar, should be required for any new graves or expansion of family plots.  This requirement will prevent the loss of unknown graves and protect the remains of those we should cherish.

However, in this case, the City allowed the desecration of two marked graves for the wants of a family.  These headstones were in place for well over a century.  Portions of these two soldiers’ remains are now inside this family’s enclosure and their headstones are moved back and away from their graves.  This modern edifice is totally out of character with the historic setting of Old Bosque Bello and surrounding graves. 

The City must admit its mistake, immediately stop work, and meet with the family to rectify the situation.  At a minimum, the structure must be reconfigured to restore Jefferson Harris’ and Jonas Miller’s graves and dignity. Ultimately, the structure should be removed because it is totally out of character for historic Old Bosque Bello. 

The City must protect our historic cemetery and the citizens who chose this beautiful setting as their final resting place.

 Editor’s note: Chris Belcher is the son of Hal Belcher, local historian and major contributor to “The Original Section of Bosque Bello Cemetery,” published in 1988 by The General Duncan Lamont Clinch Historical Society of Amelia Island.

November 14, 2012 4:00 p.m.