Old Pioneer Cemetery in Waynetown is the final resting place of William Bratton, a member of the historic expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase territory in 1804-06.
This bronze plaque and marker were later added to William Bratton’s headstone, explaining that he was a member of the historic Lewis & Clark expedition in 1804-06.(Photo: Kevin Cullen/For the Lafayette Journal & Courier)
WAYNETOWN — Old cemeteries are filled with surprises.
One stone in this particular resting place remembers a baby who died in 1830. Beneath another lies a Civil War sailor. Many cast shadows over the graves of pioneers who worked themselves to death turning forests into corn fields.
But the Old Pioneer Cemetery on U.S. 136, at the eastern edge of town, contains a much bigger surprise. Among its weathered stones is one that marks the grave of William Bratton.
Bratton, who lived from 1778 to 1841, settled near here…