U.S. Geological Survey Benchmark 987 Gainsv - Starkey Cemetery - Montague County, TX - U.S. Benchmarks on Waymarking.com

Thanks to the folks at the U.S. Geological Survey for providing a scan of their datasheet for this benchmark, which was not used by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, and as such, is not available online. This benchmark is described on Line 4 as follows:

FROM NOCONA QUADRANGLE SOUTHEAST AND SOUTHWEST ALONG SETTLEMENT ROADS BY WAY OF BLUE MOUND, DYE MOUNDS, AND MALLARD INTO MONTAGUE NO. 3 QUADRANGLE (by M.S. Bright in 1903).

Note: Not adjusted to 1958 leveling except as noted.

[...]

4.25 Nocona, 4.3 mi. E., thence 4.0 mi. SE. from; 4.0 mi. NW. of Blue Mound School; on N. side of rd. junction at Starkey Cemetery; 17 ft. E. of SW. fence corner; iron post stamped "987 Gainsv" 1958 Elev. 988.410

New Description: Saint Jo, 3.3 mi. SW of along State Highway 59, thence 6.21 mi. NW. along gravel rd., 62 ft. NW. along rd.; 34 ft. E. and 0.3 ft. higher than rd. junction; 19 ft. E. of SW. corner of cemetery; 0.5 ft. S. of fence; 3½ in. iron pipe with bronze cap stamped "GAINSV 987" 988.410

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Notes on the datasheet indicate that this one was OK in 1960, but it's 2014. Let's find this one a bit easier. From the center of Nocona, follow US 82 southwest 5.8 miles. Turn south on Dixie School Road and follow it for 0.6 miles until reaching a fork where Dixie School Road goes southwest and Starkey Road goes south. There is also a sign here pointing in the direction of Starkey Cemetery. Follow Starkey Road 1.3 miles to reach the cemetery, which is on the east side of the road.

The cemetery archway itself was built in 1988, so this may not be the same fence that was in place at the time they documented this benchmark. There is a Texas Historical Marker at the gate, and the benchmark is almost due north of it, slightly to the west, maybe about fifteen feet, plus or minus. At present, there is a red granite headstone, "Cash," located slightly northwest of the benchmark, which is in excellent condition. Watch your step!

Condition: Mark found in good condition Designation: 987 Gainsv Benchmark Agency: U.S. Geological Survey Monumentation type: BENCH MARK (or B.M.) Disk County: Montague USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle Name (optional): Montague Find type: Found by luck/skill/knowledge Benchmark Agency (if other): Not listed Monumentation type (if other): Not listed Special category (optional): Not listed Special Category (if other): Not listed Web address of this benchmark's datasheet (optional): Not listed NGS PID: Not listed Local database's URL (optional): Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   06/18/2014 QuarrellaDeVil visited it