Program celebrating Howell Cemetery’s 200th anniversary

ATHENS – Festivities are planned for May 3 to commemorate a milestone anniversary for the Howell Cemetery, which turns 200 years old this year. The cemetery was established in 1826 by Abraham and Sarah Howell, who settled in Monroe County in 1818.

“We’re trying to locate and find people that have not come to the cemetery and have not had anyone attend decoration days. We’re thinking about the permanent maintenance of the cemetery and keeping interest alive to make sure our ancestors are taken care of. We’re trying to build the interest of the young people in this endeavor because it’s important. We’re trying to get everyone to come and honor these people because it’s biblical to honor your mother, father and family members. In turn, we want to have a system in place where we know the cemetery will be taken care of forever,” said Peggy Baggett, whose grandfather was Willie B. Howell.