Alan Junkins discussed the location of this burial ground and the possibility that it might be where Robert1 and his family were buried in an article titled What's Happening in JFA newsletter no. 9, October 1994.
Subsequently, Kathleen Wheeler, Historical Archaeologist, was contacted and an archaeological dig was performed at Three Trees in June 1995. Alan and Kathleen presented their reports of that dig in JFA newsletter no. 10, July 1995: June 1995 Archaeological Dig Report.
In JFA newsletter no. 13, March 2002, it was announced that a memorial marker would be dedicated during the 2002 JFA reunion.
Memorial Marker Dedication
On Friday morning, September 27, 2002, at 11:00 a.m., a new memorial marker was dedicated at the Three Trees burial ground during the 2002 JFA reunion in York. The funds for this marker came from the Memorial Marker Fund donations, approximately $950.
About 18 members of JFA gathered in a light rain at the small burial ground on Cider Hill Road in York. The Reverend Richard Knight of First Parish Church was there to help with the service. Some opening words were said by Alan Junkins, explaining why it is believed to be Robert's burial place.
The first four Junkins to die in the colonies were: Robert1, 1699; Infant Junkins, ca. 1710, Joseph2's son; Joseph2, killed by Indians near the Garrison; and Sarah (Smyth) Junkins, March 20, 1718, Robert's wife and mother of all Junkins in America. There are three giant Rock Maples on three corners of the burial ground, the Trinity, Father Son and Holy Ghost.
Alan explained that during an archaeological dig conducted two years earlier, the burial pits of three adults and one infant were discovered. There were five other burial pits discovered, from which the bodies had been removed during the mid-1800s and moved to the Albert B. Junkins burial ground across the road. There is written evidence of this.
The Reverend Knight said a few words and read a passage from the Bible. Then, Logan12 Junkins unveiled the marker, which is a bronze plaque approximately 18" by 20". It is mounted on a highly polished piece of black marble. The Reverend Knight gave a dedicatory prayer and those present said the Lord's Prayer.