Historical marker placed at Berlin/Kritner Cemetery
BERLIN, Ala. – After decades of obscurity, the once-nearly lost plot of land that is now the Berlin/Kritner Cemetery has become a recognized place of remembrance and an important historical marker. On Saturday, June 21, members of the Berlin community gathered to witness the unveiling of a new Alabama Historical Commission historical marker at the cemetery, paying their respects to the lives of those who were laid to rest there and celebrating the generations who dedicated themselves to preserving its history.
The effort was led by Nancy Kuykendall, whose personal ties to the cemetery go back generations.
“My grandmother’s baby sister is buried here. About 30 years ago, they tried to do something to preserve it, but it just fell through the cracks. After Grandma passed in the 80s, the interest faded. I knew it was time to try again,” she said.
Over the past 16 months, Kuykendall has dedicated countless hours to researching the cemetery’s past, identifying lost names and gathering growing support.
“There are about 45 graves over there,” she said. “But only a few are marked. I found baby names and printed them out for the memory table. I still don’t know where they’re all buried, but I’ve researched until I don’t know where else to look.”
Through her tireless efforts, Kuykendall was able to uncover the names of multiple infants who died in the late 1800s and early 1900s whose burial places had nearly been lost.
Adding depth to the site’s history is the story of John T. Warren, who, in the late 1800s, set aside a parcel of land on the northeast corner of what is now Holly Pond Road for burial purposes. Warren’s daughter, Lenora, fell in love with and married Richard “Plez” Turner against her father’s wishes. In November 1900, Lenora gave birth to a son, Leo J. Turner, who tragically died shortly after birth. Lenora also passed away just hours later. Both mother and child were buried in a shared casket in what became known as the Warren Cemetery. Their heartbreaking story and the land’s earliest known burials are at the very heart of why the site matters.
Ivey Kritner Wright, a midwife and community matriarch, assisted in that delivery and helped prepare bodies for burial in her teens in early married years. Ivey’s older sister, Ollie Mae Kritner, passed away at 3 months old and was buried near Lenora’s grave. Other surnames found in the cemetery include Davenport, Glasscock and Schnittker. What was once known as the Warren Family Cemetery eventually became the Old Berlin Cemetery and now carries the name Berlin/Kritner Cemetery in tribute to the many families tied to its soil.
Robin Henderson, president of the Holly Pond Historical Society, partnered with Kuykendall and helped guide the project through the official channels needed to earn historical site recognition. Henderson brought experience from working with the Alabama Historical Commission on five previous markers. Jaimie Bryant and Dot Gudger aided with the project as well. Bryant helped with research and Gudger was instrumental in helping secure funds for the sign at the cemetery.
“I helped with the wording, got the state approval, and Sen. Garlan Gudger helped secure the funds to make it happen,” he said, “but Nancy is the bulldog who made this real, day in and day out.”
The cemetery was decimated in the 1980s when a local landowner allegedly removed tombstones to plant a cantaloupe patch. Kuykendall recalled the emotional impact the destruction and disrespect had on her grandmother.
“Grandma was furious. She went out there and named off who was buried where from memory,” she recalled. “But after she passed, we lost even more of that knowledge.”
Stories from families across Alabama and Georgia came flooding in after Kuykendall shared her mission on social media. A defining moment at the dedication ceremony occurred when Dr. Billy Watts portrayed Plez Turner, his twice-great-uncle, and shared his story, bringing to life the history of those buried at the site and the legacy of Warren’s land donation.
The historical marker not only brings recognition, but also ensures protection for the future. The community of Berlin, along with local officials and Berlin Mayor Patrick Bates, hope to make further improvements, such as adding a sidewalk to improve access.
Beyond the physical restoration, Kuykendall and Henderson hope that the site will become a place of remembrance and education.
“A lot of people didn’t even know this cemetery existed,” Henderson noted. “Now it stands as a record of local history and family sacrifice.”
The dedication was emotional for many in attendance, including members of the Kritner family, whose roots run deep in the area. Nearly 50 people gathered for the unveiling, exceeding the organizers’ expectations.
“We’re so thankful for everyone who helped,” Kuykendall said. “From local businesses who donated food and supplies to the Historical Society and every person who just cared enough to show up.”
When asked what they would say to future generations about the importance of the project, Henderson replied, “The people who came before us made us who we are. They paved the way. We honor them by remembering.”
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