Leavitt Memorial within the White Pigeon Cemetery

Jean Tefft, the Office Coordinator of the White Pigeon Township, describes her experience after researching all of the members and dates in the cemetery records. She found out that this cemetery’s oldest burial was a man who was born on November 26th and was named Solomon Whitney. After his death, more and more people were buried in this location. Unclear exactly how this turned into a cemetery as more people passed away and were also buried in this area. Unfortunately, because of the amount of weathered down gravestones, there are no clear pictures that are easily visible.

 It’s important to highlight the travels of settlers and their connection to the land, especially what came to be White Pigeon. As you can see when looking at pictures of the monument you will note that this landmark states that, the Leavitt family "became the forebears of the early "untamed wilderness." This idea erases the harm that colonization and white settlers had on indigenous life in North America, and especially White Pigeon. Even though this marker has historical significance, it is in the cemetery and one should be respectful of everyone who is buried there. My intention in adding this spot to the walking tour is to highlight how colonization is still highlighted in dangerous ways. What is the history of the Potawatomi Nation? Where are their people buried? Are they recognized with being the ones who were here first? Or is a legend this town repeats often used to erase the history?

Tefft, Jean. "Cemetery." Village of White Pigeon. White Pigeon Township. Accessed Date 10 Dec. 2020. https://whitepigeontwp.com/cemetery/

Western Association of Leavitt Families. "Leavitt." Sept. 2003. Monument. White Pigeon, MI. 12 Dec. 2020.