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Two small family cemeteries are located within Scott AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Divine Cox
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
Scott Air Force Base is home to two mid-19th century pioneer family cemeteries that contain 24 confirmed graves.

Three pioneer families are buried in the two cemeteries. The Perschbacher and Rossell Family Cemetery is located on the left side near the Scott Lake entrance, and the Middlecoff Family Cemetery is located by Mascoutah Gate.

In 2009, the gravesites were identified by the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron as in need of care and maintenance. Members of the squadron mowed, weeded, cleaned and repaired the nineteenth century cemeteries. A local Boy Scout troop marked all the grave sites, which were lacking headstones, with white wooden crosses.

Recent improvements to the cemeteries include welcome signs, informational boards, new fencing and a concrete walkway.

Buried at Perschbacher and Rossell Cemetery are Johanne "John" Perschbacher, who immigrated to the area from Germany in 1833, Maria Perschbacher, and three grandchildren; Carolina, August, and Elizabeth. Additional graves include John's son's Christopher, Phil, and J. George.

The Rossell family has three members buried here: Thomas W. Rossell, his wife Susan, and their son Thomas W. Rossell Jr.

Buried at the Middlecoff Family Cemetery are John Middlecoff, his wife Nancy, daughter in-law Rachel, and their grandson, Arthur.