Benton Family Cemetery, Siluria Ala

10/07/2023

Dear Benton Family and Friends,

As most of you know, Dr. Philip C Benton, our maternal uncle, passed away last January. He took over all the caretaking of the Benton Family Cemetery with the dedicated and generous assistance of his family, and he did so for many years after the previous caretakers were no longer able to continue. Phil did this selflessly, and this piece of family history was profoundly important to him--especially since so much of his legacy is buried there, including his parents (our grandparents), his sister, (our mother), many generations before them, and it is now his final resting place.

When Uncle Phil died, maintenance for the cemetery was willingly taken over by us - Virginia Summers Carter and Kendrick Benton Summers. However, the upkeep costs for the property have proven to be a significant additional expensive that neither of us were really prepared to take on. And, this cost increased (doubled) as soon as we took over this responsibility.

We've made inquiries to both the Alabama Historical Commission and to The Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance, and we've not been able to find any favorable information regarding programs to assist with the associated costs for historic property upkeep as long as we want to maintain control over the property.

The Benton-Oldham Cemetery is important to us. We're sure it's important to many of you, as well. But we need to ask you for your help in maintaining this historic legacy. We're new to this - we're not even sure how it all really works. But we do know that it's something we don't want to turn back to the state because of a lack of funds.

The cost for this is ~$270/month, and this includes lawn/grass maintenance every two (2) weeks. The possibility exists that during the Spring/Summer months, the needs could be greater, but on average, it's usually twice a month.

If you have family and/or friends who are buried here, we would appreciate any help you would be willing to contribute for these costs, and we thank you in advance for your consideration. Please reach out to either me or my brother if you're interested.

01/22/2023

*Important*
Please read updated information below that ALL cemetery records have been turned over to Virginia Summer Carter, Philip Benton’s niece, daughter of Margot Williston, granddaughter of Philip Maxwell Benton, great granddaughter of Mack Duke Benton. Contact: [email protected]
————
Note: Cemetery Census!!!
Note: Bobby Joe Seales DOES NOT maintain the cemetery information any longer. We are undetermined as to what happened under her care! Prior to information being turned over to Philip Benton!
Philip and Susan Benton were the contacts until Phil’s passing in January 2022! As of December 2022, Susan has turned over ALL cemetery information to Virginia Summers Carter, Philip Benton’s niece! Up until December 2022, Susan personally paid all cemetery fees. Prior to that Philip Benton personally paid all cemetery fees.
Fees have always been collected annually by all family members with relatives in the cemetery! Documents shown by Virginia’s great grandfather, Mack Duke Benton!
Virginia Carter will look into records, and make contacts in 2023 to establish that protocol once again!
***
On June 22, 2005 "Benton Family Cemetery" aka Benton-Oldham Cemetery was favorably reviewed and listed on the
"Alabama Historic Cemetery Register" with The Alabama Historical Commission.
Also, it is on the "Alabama Cemetery Register" with The Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance.
A public dedication of the Historical Cemetery Roadside Memorial Marker was held on April 1, 2006.

11/30/2019

With rain in the forecast expected, Saturday, 30 November at 10am turned out to be a beautiful time to lay Margot Diane Benton Summers Williston to rest next to her husband, mother, daddy, and her grandfather, Mack Duke. Along with most of her living family present, nine generations of Benton’s were represented, as an inspirational graveside service was held, with biblical readings and song. Rest In peace Margot.

06/13/2016

Post by Philip Benton: My mother also lies here and her 101st birthday my sister just passed as well in MAY. Keep your parents in your heart.

03/04/2016

Jesse Benton, 1842

03/04/2016

03/04/2016

Note: Cemetery Census!!!
Note: Bobby Joe Seales DOES NOT maintain this information any longer. We are undetermined as to what happened under her care! Prior to information being turned over to Philip Benton!
Philip and Susan Benton were the contacts until Phil’s passing in January 2022! As of December 2022, Susan has turned over ALL cemetery information to Virginia Summers Carter, Philip Benton’s niece! Up until December 2022, Susan personally paid all cemetery fees. Prior to that Philip Benton personally paid all cemetery fees.
Fees have always been collected annually by all family members with relatives in the cemetery! Documents shown by Virginia’s great grandfather, Mack Duke Benton!
Virginia Carter will look into records, and make contacts in 2023 to establish that protocol once again!
***
On June 22, 2005 "Benton Family Cemetery" aka Benton-Oldham Cemetery was favorably reviewed and listed on the
"Alabama Historic Cemetery Register" with The Alabama Historical Commission.
Also, it is on the "Alabama Cemetery Register" with The Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance.
A public dedication of the Historical Cemetery Roadside Memorial Marker was held on April 1, 2006.