Friends of the Briscoe Family Burying Ground, October 2015

Rain poured down in watery sheets yesterday morning, but that that didn’t stop the stalwart band of “Friends of the Briscoe Burying Ground” from their appointed task. They met at the little Briscoe family gravesite to do some much-needed cleanup. In spite of the stormy weather, they completed their tasks in a timely manner and even planned for “next steps” in their efforts to preserve this long overlooked piece of Peninsula history.

They left the area not only in better shape than when they arrived, but with a potful of bright flowers in front of each of the century-old tombstones. I wonder how long it’s been since the graves of Lucy A. Briscoe (d. October 23, 1881) and Judge John Briscoe (d. March 9, 1901) have been so tenderly decorated.

Spring 2015

It all began when Community Historian Michael Lemeshko became interested in Judge Briscoe during a research project involving land grants and property transfers. His diligence has taken him through historical archives in both Washington and Oregon, has resulted in meeting descendants of the Briscoes – some for as far away as Canada and Australia. He has given talks about the litigious, ‘cantankerous’ Judge, and has begun writing a book to document this amazing pioneer’s life in early Pacific County.

Along the way, Michael became concerned about the little family cemetery just north of Long Beach. With the blessings of the Briscoes’ descendants, he has formed the Friends of the Briscoe Family Burying Ground. Eventually, he hopes discover and delineate other Briscoe family graves that are said to be close by, to interest the State if placing a Heritage Marker on Pacific Highway and, perhaps, to provide an access to the site for those wishing to pay their respects.

Briscoe Residence, Oysterville 1880s

But for right now, the spot is a bit more noticeable than it was a week ago, or even than it was last Wednesday. Seeing that rain was forecast for their scheduled Saturday workday, Michael went over on Thursday and re-painted the neat white fence which surrounds the two graves. Sometime soon (maybe even today) a couple of the Friends are going to cut back some of the brush that impairs the view from the highway. I can’t wait to drive by and take a look!

Hats off to Michael & Friends! It does my cockles good to see an important piece of our history honored and preserved! Perhaps their efforts will start a trend.