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Contributed by
Judy Carlson, 2000
Formally called the Holy Faith Episcopal Cemetery, it is commonly called the Hobu (pronounced Hobo) Creek Cemetery because of its close proximity to the Hobu creek. This cemetery is located three miles north and ½ mile west of Lindy. In 1895 the United States granted a deed for 158.10 acres to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church "so long as the same shall be occupied and used by such society for Educational and Missionary work among said Indians", and is signed by President Benjamin Harrison. Knox County deeds, Book U, page 55. Part of this parcel became the site of the Holy Faith Church and cemetery although burials were already being made on this site.
My first visit to this cemetery brought reality to my perspective of early Knox County history. The burials are primarily Native Americans and their culture clearly shows in this cemetery. Two of the oldest marked burials are Maggie Goodteacher 1802-1856 and Ben Wakanhditanko 1801-1866. While I marveled at the very early dates on these stones, it occurred to me that these burials took place long before white people settled in the area.
Many of the graves are marked with tombstones but more are not. I counted over 75 burials with no names to indicate who they are. Only the sunken ground in symmetrical rows tell of their demise. Some graves have crudely made wooden crosses sticking about twelve inches above the ground. A few of these crosses have a name written across it with what appears to be a black magic marker. What fascinates me the most is the floral arrangements placed at the head of several of the unmarked graves. Clearly someone knows where loved ones are interred.
Chief Wabasha III who died in 1876 is buried in the Hobu Creek Cemetery. Due to a vote in 1878, the Santee did away with the old system of tribal chiefs, making Chief Wabasha III the last Santee Chief. His grave, as well as others in the Hobu Creek Cemetery are decorated with pieces of brightly colored cloths along with other cultural objects. The placement of these items have deep spiritual meaning to the Native Americans.
Across the road to the south, nearly in ruins, stands the Holy Faith Episcopal Church. As I stepped up on the rotted entry floor and entered the church, I could easily picture how beautiful this church once was. The gentle breeze flowed gracefully through the open windows, lending to the solemnity and serenity of the moment. Services haven’t been held in the Holy Faith Church for many years but the memories live on, just as the memories of the loved ones buried in the Hobu Creek Cemetery. Being one of the older cemeteries in the county, it is still used today.
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