A Strange Graveyard for Secret Societies **Weird Abandoned Things**

[@darlatidwell6255]

Alot of interesting memorials. The millstone is neat.

[@Midknightwriter]

Back in those days there was no limit to how many fraternal orders you could join, as long as you could pay the dues, one might offer a headstone for your grave after you die while another might offer a plot of ground for burial.

[@MMDiegoFigueroa]

Amazing masonic tombstones!

[@jobassett7395]

It's nice to see that families still visit the graves. Nice video. Thanks again.

[@ladylordify]

So much history in all this stone work. Odd follow, Freemasson. Bring our war hero's to not be forgotten. Thank you Matt

[@staceyschwark845]

Hi Matt! Long time watcher. First time commenter. I live about 45 minutes away from this cemetery and am a big genealogy buff. Mr. Neal passed away in 1928. According to his death certificate he is buried in this cemetery and had not remarried. They had one son who is also buried in this cemetery so maybe he just didn't get the death date engraved. I am originally from Ft. Wayne and am moving back in August. Love watching your videos!

[@539Productions]

Thanks for the info, Stacey!

[@teresaleach7955]

Very nice to get more info. I thank you!

[@mamavoudou1402]

You shouldn't be paranoid about other people checking you out in graveyards. You are a young man with crazy colored hair and just don't look like a person one would expect to find in these places. Apparently, you pass their test of whether you are up to no good or not and your videos are thoroughly enjoyable.

[@jenniferfulkerson4060]

The star you referenced on the stone with the name Beulah is The Order of the Eastern Star. The White Shrine is the women's version of the Masons and Shriners. My grandmother was the Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, and ironically was also named Beulah.

[@annebell7274]

I thoroughly enjoyed my stroll through this Cemetery. Very peaceful but boy what a strong wind. Being watched again, I don't like that 💖🌿💖

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Matt, some of those markers were truly beautiful and well loved by the remaining relatives. The name of the female masons is called "Order of the Eastern Star". A very respectfully made video as always. Thank you. x

[@539Productions]

Thanks, Sue! I appreciate the info, I'll try and remember that for next time!

[@SueGirling68]

You're more than welcome ;).

[@blondelebanese9922]

Sue Girling Hi, I’m not sure but the women I knew that were in the Eastern Star did not consider themselves to be tamale Masons. They proudly joined the group in support of their husband’s who, of course, were Masons. A neighbor belonged to the Eastern Star and was very open about their social activities that were ongoing in the group. In fact, it seems that it had little other purpose other than a place for Mason’s wives to gather, gossip and socialize. There weren’t, in my area anyway, any teachings, beliefs or indoctrination associated with the Eastern Star group. Perhaps in other areas it may have differed but here in the lazy South, there was much drinking of iced tea and finger sandwiches, which I witnessed when I was visiting our local Eastern Star gatherings as a young lady. On one occasion, the ladies wore summer frocks like evening gowns, which I was fascinated by. I wanted my mom to go too, not understanding back then about the connection with the Masons. I was only impressed by the wearing of event gowns. Looking back, that was a special occasion, the ladies usually wore street clothes popular in the late fifties. Namastè 🙏🏼

[@SueGirling68]

Hi, wow that is an awesome memory, I bet those gowns were beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. xx

[@lisaknell6018]

blonde lebanese I am an officer in my local Eastern Star chapter. You are correct, there is a lot of socialization during Eastern Star meetings (food is always involved! LOL) Us Southern gals love to entertain! However, OES also contributes to local charities and other worthy causes. Interestingly enough, Master Masons can also be members of Eastern Star, and many are.

[@annham4136]

I think that you need not worry about others because you are doing no harm. You could be looking for an ancestral grave, for all they know. Just be cool and ignore people. :) Nice exploration of an old cemetery!

[@priscillaross-fox9407]

I had 2 people walk into the cemetery where I was taking photos. The guy didn't say much but she stated she had a family member buried in the same cemetery. I believe they were going to rob me.

[@annham4136]

That's a danger anywhere, I suppose. It isn't as though they were upset with you for being there . . .

[@priscillaross-fox9407]

No, not upset with me just wanted whatever I had.

[@annham4136]

That could be frightening.

[@victoriataylor5457]

@@priscillaross-fox9407 Isnt that scary, to think that someone would rob you, in a cemetery ! What is this world coming to, when people do such things. Do we now have to pack a gun, or mase to protect ourselves when we go to pay respect to our loved ones. For fear of being robbed. That's pitiful, just pitiful thanks for your comment, and for making others aware of that. I guess we always have to be aware of our surroundings, no matter where we are , & to be ever watchful for the people who may be up to no good, and who want our money .Sad its came to that. Have a nice day Priscilla

[@aaronfromwesternmass4293]

That FCB marker is for the Knights of Pythias I think.

[@jeanrussell9616]

We have met some awesome people in cemeteries over the years and they were doing what we were doing, enjoying the outdoors where there’s very little traffic and noise.

[@attilladacook3405]

FYI a graveyard is the word used to denote graves surrounding a church. Otherwise land used for burials & internment’s only is called a cemetery.

[@sethspeaks4494]

I'm glad to see someone checking up on you.......wish more would check up on the graves

[@darlatidwell9995]

My 4x great grandmother on my paternal side is a Solomon. I cannot find her ancestors tho. That's another reason I love your channel, is that I can find some ancestry info I find in the cemeteries you go to with possible links to my family/ancestors in Indiana and Ohio, where alot of them haled from. Thanks for finding a Solomon Matt. 👍 The main reason I love your channel is your love for history, adventure and travel is contagious, and your production is awesome. ❤ & ✌ !

[@debbiehensley6219]

Another great cemetery video. This one had some really nice stones & statues that I enjoyed seeing. Especially the above ground vaults. It just dumbfounds me the things that some people do. If you don't want your garbage ( t.v. ) take it to a landfill not a cemetery, really folks. Thanks Matt, for all you do to bring us these great videos. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend and STAY SAFE.

[@susan5301]

Another wonderful adventure Matt! How interesting to see the variety of grave markers. So peaceful! Thanks for sharing!

[@Mr05241948]

I very much enjoy your videos. Graveyards are historic records of the folks that have gone before, and many have very beautiful sculptures

[@jqueen1380]

Definitely a mill stone. Very unique. Wondering whether this person owned a mill or was fascinated with mills as a hobby. Wow! The windmill monument is incredible.

[@539Productions]

Thanks for confirming that June! Gonna have to do some more research in this place!

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

Here in my home town in Norway, we’ve always had an Odd Fellow lodge, but it wasn’t until I was an adult I found out what the name really stands for. Because, as many others, I thought «Odd Fellow» was named after a person called that, as «Odd» is a very common male name here and we have many sirnames here that originates from abroad... ☺️

[@sandraplonka5225]

Matt really enjoyed this graveyard. Can’t wait for more.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Neat place!

[@winterman63]

Thanks for all your hard work. Really enjoy your videos.

[@mommettam278]

Love your videos. I just watched a Sidestep Adventures video where they used some kind of pen-like flashlight to read the unreadable gravestones and wondered if you would be interested in such a flashlight. The Sidestep Adventure people could tell you what kind of light it is that they use and you can find them online.

[@JW-es5un]

Thanks Matt. I enjoy watching & learning

[@malissabrowder7842]

Great video!! I think the plain crosses are for “pauper graves.” Unclaimed bodies or homeless people. You do such a good job with these cemeteries. Look forward to your next video

[@jillpaulus8307]

Malissa Browder, probably a Potter's Field of sorts. Many cemeteries have them.

[@kathyh3120]

That’s what I was thinking also as there were no names

[@diana3599]

the new crosses may have been an "upgrade" by a service group. Even some high school require their students to some sort of volunteer duty.

[@janefonda5697]

Do not drink or fish from any well or pond directly in the watershed of a graveyard.

[@paigelee6321]

Beautiful old stones a lot of energy there peaceful. Love those old tree stones Interesting place thank you 😊

[@vivianjohnson4637]

Matt , you really brought us to a beautiful graveyard ! It is so sad when you see one as well cared for as this , and others that are left to be swallowed up by the surrounding areas. Thanking you as always .

[@539Productions]

Thank you!!!

[@kennethhall9202]

Wish I had someone to discover old grave yards with

[@petejohnson8590]

Well done, you speak so clearly and you are so respectful, you are giving a social history documentary, I say a if thank you to you 🙏✅👍🥇

[@bubblesangel555]

Hi Matt, the double tree trunk gravestone is amazing. I think you could be wrong about the wife dying, and the husband remarrying and being buried with his new wife. It looks as though Susan Neal was born in 1853, and died in 1923 making her 70 years old. It may be more likely that the couple had no children, and no one to record his death when he died.

[@staceyschwark845]

I did some investigating. Mr Neal passed away in April 1928. According to his death certificate he is buried in this cemetery. They had 1 son who died in 1949 who is also buried here. Maybe he didn't have the funds to have his date engraved. I am a big genealogy buff and got all this information from Ancestry. I also live in Indiana so I know about searching Indiana's records.

[@rogenedrake9746]

People can be extremely protective of their local cemeteries

[@mskudlarczyk]

I love all the masonic stones. Much love to them and your vlogs

[@heidibrown7512]

My family has the 3 rings plus the compasses on many graves. N also some were born in Ireland n died in ny. We kept really good records lol

[@aaronk534]

The original entrance had a road gate and a man gate. Wrought iron fence along the road. The monument for the priest with the blank crosses could be a John Doe section or an orphan section. It could be in his honour. It's certainly something left untouched on purpose. Possibly something that just never got used, like a section for clergy. Right on. Great find

[@jeanettemann6200]

Awesome as always Matt!!!

[@claireguest642]

Another one I've found !!! Brill !!!

[@kimdouglas8598]

That was a beautiful place to visit! Thank you

[@sibylcook2755]

Amazing !

[@Starghost1999]

That area by the metal crosses maybe a potters field catholic cemetery's usually have them.

[@donna6368]

Hey Matt!! I love your effort and respect when making these videos. Great job.

[@0518Purple]

Very cool. I love it when you go to the old grave yards. My family were/are all Freemasons and Eastern Star. . Eastern Star is the female version of the Freemasons that you were trying to think of the name of. Love your videos.

[@luckyme100178]

Sally0518 ...what freemasons do?

[@pamelawooten8172]

The women's order of the Masonic order were members of the Order of the Eastern Star. I have relatives who belong to this order. Very good video and so many majestic markers. Great job!

[@mooieendje]

what enormous cemeteries America has. There are many more shrubs and trees in the Netherlands.

[@kdalessandro9895]

Very interesting cemetery. It's nice to learn the history of these places. Thanks for all you do. 😊

[@bobbalooie69]

A very nice tour. Thank you for taking us along.

[@LL-sq8se]

Nice video! In way better shape than some! Thanks 😁

[@jagboy69]

Matt, you want to see some insane cemeteries??? You need to take a drive to New Orleans. They are EPIC! Everything is above ground.

[@539Productions]

I'd love to do that!

[@jagboy69]

The best ones are around the french quarter. Do it at night and bring a spare clean pair of underwear. That place is creepy AF.

[@priscillarobinson7740]

539 Productions Burial plots are above the ground in New Orleans because the water table is so high. Dig down a couple of feet and you hit water. The water rots the coffin and everything in it and before you know it, it’s above the ground. Pretty intense, huh? A lot of vaults above ground are gorgeous/detailed. A lot of the vaults are in terrible shape due to the muddy grounds. They are cracked and in piles of cement. There’s no remaining family to take care of most of them. You HAVE to go !!! Really !!! See it first during the day. Next see it at night, that’s when the extra underwear comes in handy!!! Go to St. Louis Cemetery #II, it has over 100,000 + vaults there. The marble figures that hold 1 person It’s something you’ll never forget.

[@jimmyhappysmith204]

Thank you Matt for sharing this interesting video. Before Social Security married men joined as many groups to care for their family after death.

[@sarina76667]

I always love those tree grave stones. I wonder what they are symbols for.

[@TheSWolfe]

"The pump don't work, cuz the vandals took the handles." Old well pumps dredge up early childhood memories of my cousin Peanut & I playing on the one in Grandma & Grandpa Gary's front yard in Mississippi. We'd pretend it was a horse & take turns riding it.

[@computergrant1]

I have a fascination with cemeteries, and love your videos of old cemeteries. It may be odd, but I am particularly fascinated with the above ground vaults, especially old ones. Some have a somewhat eerie effect to them. I love Edgar Allan Poe and Halloween, so maybe that explains it. But I must confess Matt, although I still have a curiosity with cemeteries, I have worked in body removal and pick up. It affected me to a "creepiness" (lack of a better term) degree. Homicides, car accidents, natural causes, etc. Being hands-on, literally, got to me. I can honestly say, I have never seen so many dead bodies. Being directly on-scene via a Coroner's call, at the Coroner's office, and the morgue. Several, several bodies on shelves and morgue carts. I don't mean to sound crude, but just telling from my experiences.

[@539Productions]

Thank you for sharing, Grant! That would be rough work, don't think I could ever do it.

[@nicolasroque163]

U welcome 539

[@coltmerg4202]

Independent Order of Odd Fellows .....Purpose "Visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan"

[@relicman]

Great video! I did a video on an old cemetery in Hillsborough, NC and I found one from the early 1800's that had the Masonic symbol with a key in the middle instead of the typical G which I thought was strange.

[@539Productions]

I'll have to keep an eye out for that!

[@taravance7209]

By the way awesome job on the video keep up the good work.

[@wasnhas]

at 20:25, She was a member of The Eastern Star.

[@smug8567]

I'd go to the county website and find the owner of this place. The sale from the furniture would pay for the investment. Can you imagine a farm auction there?

[@robineckert9783]

this is my bag! That and abandoned houses...love doing this...Lets get a motorhome and start a reality show..."Next on the Travel Channel...'Diggin' Graves'"

[@539Productions]

Sounds fun!

[@vevedehavilland4743]

My grandparents where Mason's and my grandmother a Eastern star

[@aneesaali2404]

Wtf does all that even mean?!!!

[@maryhenrich1777]

In Massachusetts a grave yard head stones in one place i walked had the story of the child's passing in a ship the boiler had blown up i forget where the ship was headed and i forget the other stories very odd i like walking in grave yards and never seen that before..i moved here in the south and head stones seem only to have birth date and death date..nothing personal like back home..

[@nicolasroque163]

539 your gd I injoy your videos bro I'm in NYC jeep it up love it n be safe

[@539Productions]

Thanks, Nicolas! Love NYC!!

[@ramonapetermann9585]

Hey Matt, I found a picture of the Lodge House of the Order of the Odd Fellows In Rockfield, Indiana, which was built in 1896, and this order does also exist and work here in Germany as well.

[@jqueen1380]

Could be that the deceased did not have any remaining relatives to ensure his death year was inscribed on the stone.

[@user-jm9uw6pb2k]

The FCB symbols on the first gravestone actually pertain to the Knights Of Pythias which is another fraternal order and secret society founded in DC by Justus H. Rathbone. The FCB stands for "Friendship, Charity, Benevolence" and their markings include swords, the history of the group will explain why. The Odd Fellows markings include triple links and include the letters FLT which stands for Friendship, Love and Truth".

[@marycallahan6148]

I’m drawn to graveyards ! I to explore them find history and the people that were buried there

[@debbiefritts-boyce5118]

FLT stood for Friendship, Love and Truth.

[@ginamaria2579]

Interesting, great video Matt ! Maybe with the vandalism that happens from time to time in some cemeteries, they may have had family there or a vested interest , wanted to make sure you were on the level 😊

[@mudinmyeye2881]

Cool video

[@natalijazunec5199]

6:03/23:56, look at the right side of the screen above, by the fence-I can see that some animal is eating something?

[@539Productions]

Hmm, I'm not sure! There is some movement, but I don't know what it is.

[@dianafarler8282]

Hello Fellow Hoosier ☺️ Love your channel 👍

[@priscillaross-fox9407]

Could you tell me the name of the cemetery and where it is located? Thanks.

[@WhatTheHeckTV]

the crazy thing is that they grow corn across the street from the cemetery they call it frankincorn ,Dont Eat The Corn

[@Mariel_Moon]

LOL

[@bcsurvivor4713]

Well fertilized.

[@j.whiteoak6408]

BC Survivor And full of formaldehyde!! It leaches into the soil and water table .. and into the frankencorn!!

[@beckicottingham9814]

My husband is a oddfellow and I'm a Rebecca the female part of the oddfellows. They are not catholic.

[@customscreenprinting]

539 Productions thanks Matt I really enjoyed this video about a strange Graveyard for a secret Societies**weird Abandoned things. matt I watched your other video yesterday about the other graveyard too on here but I had a minor problem with my computer when I tried to leave a comment my computer would not let me it kept on going around making a circle but today my computer is working okay today and I really enjoyed both videos on here and I can't wait to see your next videos on both channels and I hope you will watch my new video on my you tube channel it is my own commercial about my t-shirt business and God Bless you my friend and thanks again.

[@jobassett7395]

Do you stick with one area of Indiana or do you visit cemeteries around the state?

[@539Productions]

Thanks for watching! I travel all around the country.

[@tedrobinson5743]

we have a odd fellow's cemetery here in Reno NV that also has Civil war grave's that UNR has Been Trying to Poach. The Bastard's.

[@noahchris7023]

Great video brother. I believe it's the eastern star btw. The female Masonic organization that is.

[@griseldacatalan545]

Love the hairstyle I know that this video is old but four me is new.

[@jenn9579]

Have you ever had anyone approach you with anger for being in a cemetery?

[@PaleHROse]

Super channel

[@zoie54123]

The star symbol is Order of Eastern the star with that Mason grave is part of the group with Mason’s for women

[@ronnieleemichael292]

I was thinking the sign might have been between the smaller column and the larger one next to it?

[@debbiefritts-boyce5118]

My Dad was a member of the Oddfellow's; my Mum was a Rebecca. Don't know if they're spelt correctly.

[@mamiebobb4173]

My grandfather was an Oddfellow and my gran a Rebecca. I remember they both had regular meetings which they enjoyed and looked forward to. The Oddfellows seemed to have in interest in taking care of the streets. I remember them organizing clean up days with the kids to keep litter and trash down. The Rebeccas worked in the local cemetery's - keeping them clean and well cared for. This was a tiny town in Ohio that they lived in and it might be different in other places.

[@aneesaali2404]

So many of u weird people who have no real purpose in life

[@aneesaali2404]

@@mamiebobb4173 Wheres the part where they sacrificed animals and children and drank their blood

[@deborahrollins1775]

If you ever get near Martinsburg WVA the cemetery there is said to be haunted ...l was there and it's cool

[@TWILAlovesJESUS]

Good grief, that was creepy, even in the day time 😲⚓

[@Revilo419]

Eastern Star for the lady Masons

[@taravance7209]

I'm sure the people coming by to see what you are doing is nothing personal. I'd say they want to make sure your not up to no good. Like vandalising graves. It's very sad to say this but I myself have seen tombstones smashed and graves desecrated before. It takes a sick individual to do something like that but it happens. So I wouldn't take any offense to people checking out what's going on.

[@deannamcdaniel2941]

You look like Billy Joe the lead singer of Green Day Has anyone ever told you that it's not a bad thing I promise

[@539Productions]

Yes! Actually I have gotten that so many times I almost come to expect it now! BIG Green Day fan though so always taken as a compliment!

[@brendakrieger7000]

I was thinking that too 😍😘

[@ohmeowzer1]

As long as your safe

[@AuntieNay]

I checked one of the names on the grave with www.findagrave.com and then a Cemetery search shows the granite sign you show in your video, but says it is also known as 100F Cemetery.

[@neganalways6813]

IOOF: International Order of Odd Fellows.

[@donnanoe6736]

Wow. I am very surprised that this is a Catholic cemetary. They are very strict about who can be buried in their cemeteries. Which is so silly.

[@Noonespecial237]

All religious cemeteries have rules for burial....EVERY ONE OF THEM

[@maryhenrich1777]

Hello Matt, you may not know as many do not know yet...the information that will be coming out will show a much DARKER picture of the "odd fellers" past.(the lower orders did not know). love your work and Video's thank you for sharing them..

[@tedrobinson5743]

it's the Daughters of the Eastern Star my great grandma belonged.

[@chowder8802]

Fire Brigade

[@ohmeowzer1]

Hi ty

[@patriciacurnutt7669]

Xmost grave yards are fenced off wonder why it isn't.

[@esechucote52]

kooooooooooooooool cemetery video as always

[@bcsurvivor4713]

People are weird Matt, and getting weirder every day. For all they know you could be getting info for someone from Find A Grave. People requests info for deceased loved ones all the time.