BEAUTIFUL OLD FORGOTTEN CEMETERY (Tuesday May 11, 1915 article) ------- Tragic Story of the Early Days of Lawrence Written in Stone ---------- WHERE EARLY MARTYRS REST --------- Records Have Been Lost and Many of the Dead Have Been Forgotten --------- Cemetery Came Into Disuse More Than Forty Years Ago, When Oak Hill Was Opened --------- Within five minutes walk from Mount Oread with its teeming life is a quiet and beautiful city of the dead in which sleep those who passed away during the early days of Lawrence. Originally a stony knoll overlooking the Wakarusa it has now become a spot of great beauty, shaded by trees planted by loving hands many years ago. Here sleep early settlers, men who fell in the border warfare as mytyrs [martyrs] to freedom and beside them sleep little babes, who if they had lived would now be old men and women, for this quiet and forgotten cemetery was used sixty years ago. Here, too, rest a large number of soldiers from Wisconsin regiments, probably little more than boys when they marched away from their home in the sixties and for a half century they have been resting with their faces turned toward the azure blue of a Kansas sky. The story of epidemics which swept away the little ones is told by the large number of little slabs bearing almost the same date. Perhaps it was scarlet fever, or diphtheria, before the modern anti-toxins of today were known, but whatever it was it robbed the poor homes of the early settlers of Lawrence of their dearest treasures. Character there is also in the monuments still standing or lying broken on the ground. We find the ephemeral American policy of show in a stucco monument to the unknown dead and the solid granite set about with iron posts and chains which show little wear for their half century of exposure. It was a long way to the old settler, perhaps two miles from Massachusetts street and it was up then almost inaccessible hills, but those who were living followed the bodies of their dead and planted trees which have now grown to large proportions. Even these old trees show the marks of storms which have blown across the hill and have left broken branches and twisted trunks. As nearly as can be learned this old cemetery, which has been known as Oread, was opened in 1854 or 55 within a year after the town of Lawrence was founded. It was used for more than twenty-five years until Oak Hill offered a larger and more convenient spot and was then abandoned. Some removed their dead to the new cemetery, but most of the sleepers remained and in time the cemetery became a jungle of briars and brush. This was the case when (Continued on Page 2) OLD FORGOTTEN CEMETERY --------- (Continued from Page 1) a few years ago N. A. Gwin was asked to turn his goats into the cemetery in order that they might clear it up and they did a good job, for today the little spot looks almost as well kept so far as weeds and undergrowth are concerned as Oak Hill. In giving the list of the dead which follows many of the inscriptions were taken from slabs which were fallen and broken and perhaps the graves which they marked have been opened and the bodies taken away to Oak Hill, but of this no one can be certain. Walking through the University Heights to the west of the campus and continuing to the southwest one winds around until the home of N. A. Gwin is reached and a little way farther to the south lies the cemetery. It is a beautiful walk and it is surprising that so few residents of Lawrence seem to know about it. At the corner nearest the city are some evergreens which were planted by the late N. P. Deming to mark the graves of his parents. Old Mr. Deming loved trees and together with Chancellor Marvin, years ago planted the walnuts which have grown into the beautiful grove just north of the university buildings. A little later in the season it will be hard to find the slabs which are lying on the ground, but a week ago they could be read quite readily and following is given the names and some of the data to be found on the stones. Carolita M., daughter of W. M. and M. L. Burhans, July 25, 1868, aged 19 months. At Rest, Jacob S., son of Absolom and Anna T. Holcomb. June 7, 1871, Aged 16 years. This slab which stands erect has been used as a mark by hunters. L. F. Ahrberg, June 12, 1865. L. M. Holtzlander. Oct. 13, 1864. This monument is leaning against a tree and the grave it formerly marked may have been opened. A large stucco monument is marked with a copper slab upon which appeared originally in white letters the following inscription: --“To the unknown dead Union Soldiers of the Civil war.” A broken slab with a hand pointing upwards was marked: --Frances M. wife of J. C. Cunningham. Aug. 12. 1864., “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” Nearby are a large number of stones evidently furnished by the Federal government to mark the graves of soldiers. Simply the names and company is given and if one wishes further information there are somewhere the original rosters of the companies. Adam Aris, Co. B. 1st. Wis. E. S. Smith, Co. A. 1st. Wis. Harlow Burton, Co. C. 13th, Wis. L. A. F. Randolph, Co. A. 1st. Wis. R. C. Condon, Co. D. 13th. Wis. Stephen West, Co. D. 13th. Wis. Edwin Price, Co. F. 13th. Wis. G. E. Barnum, Co. E. 13th. Wis. Louis Shields, Co. H. 13th. Wis. Lft. A. T. Finney, Co. F. 13th Wis. John Vonderburgh, Co. D. 13th. Wis. John Plantz, Co. K. 13th Wis. David Seeley, Co. H. 13th. Wis. Milo Ackerman, Co. A. 13th. Wis. G. W. Kinney, Co. G. 13th. Wis. J. M. Pomeroy, Co. G. 13th. Wis. Sgt. D. H. Whittlesey, Co. A. 13th. Wis. G. H. Sargent killed in the Quantrill raid, Aug. 21, 1863. Aged 24 years and 10 mos. Walter B. S. son of G. and L. Griswold, born Oct. 18, 1845, Died on the Memorial morning Aug. 21, 1863. The upper part of a broken slabs reads:--Leaner D. wife of S. W. Speas. Sept. 29, 1864. While on the lower half is written:-- Oh cruel death. Oh greedy grave To steal and hide away The idol of a lover’s heart As your own lawful prey. Freeman, son of Carlos and Lucy A. Hall, Aug. 12, 1864, aged 6 years 10 mos. This slab leans against that of the boy’s father, Carlos Hall. Nov. 16, 1862, aged 38 years. Dora daughter of O. D. and S. A. Pickens, Jan. 26, 1867, aged 14 mos. and 10 days. Nearby is another, Lauretta daughter of O. D. and S. A. Pickens Sept. 21, 1864, aged 2 months. Louis A. Swan killed in raid Aug. 21, 1863. Age 31 years. This stone bears the insignia of the Masonic order. Dora daughter of L. G. and F. Busse. Feb. 6, 1869. “Darling rest in Peace.” Walter C. Hutchinson Oct. 11, 1861. Age 40 years. Annie B., daughter of G. C. and M. A. Hutchinson, Age 11 months. This slab is down and broken as are many of the others. On a rude sandstone is carved L. Miner Aged 60 years and below it, L. Miner age 10 months. Nearby is a little grave marked with an ordinary piece of limestone at the head and feet. Chester Hay, Aug. 21, 1863. Aged 28. Killed in the Lawrence Massacre. On the Hay monument is the imprint of the makers, Champ & Porter and many of the other monuments also bear a similar advertisement. N. H. Blanton, Apr. 18, 1858. Age 16. This slab is so over grown as to be hard to read. Francis M. Blanton, May 1st, 1858. Age 20 years. These two stones, which bear the mark of Ech’lb’ry & Cribb. Leavenworth, evidently tell the sad story of two brothers called but to weeks apart. Margaret J. Sweezer Aug. 26, 1855. 2 years. Beside some large evergreens is a stone marked:--Martha Graham. Mar. 11, 1858. Age 17. “The Lord is my Shepherd I’ll not want.” Wife and daughter of Jno. [John] M. Graham. James Hall. May 5, 1867. Age 54. At this grave is a locust tree nearly two feet in diameter and about it are a number of graves marked with ordinary stones. In the south-western part of the cemetery are a lot of graves, no telling just how many, simply marked with the plain limestone picked up in the cemetery and placed to mark the grave temporarily until a better mark could be secured. Those who placed their loved ones there have forgotten them and today there is probably no one who cares. Delia Dillard. Died 1863. Age 73. A masonic insignia also marked the stone of John Berry. Jan. 30, 1869. Age 25 years. “Meet me in Heaven” are the words above a carved hand holding a boquet [bouquet] and below appears Samuel Jones. Feb. 5, 1868. Age 26. In memory of Francis Killam. May 25, 1857. Age 53. “Blessed are Dead who die in the Lord.” Mary Ann, daughter of L. C. and E. Peet. April 10, 1857. Age 1 year. The best preserved grave and markings in the cemetery is the one which reads as follows:--Gatte. Carl G. Rau. Geb. 22 Mai 1827. Gest. 4 Nov. 1855. Gewidmet von der Wittwe Elise geb. Maier. Mit ihrem Kind.“ The stone is of solid granite and shows no wear while the four heavy iron posts connected with chains will stand for a hundred years to come. The best translation the writer could make is “Husband. Carl G. Rau born May 22, 1827, died Nov. 4, 1855. Erected by the widow, Elise, born Maier. With their child.” In memory of Cornelius Campbell. Apr. 22, 1855. Age 56. This stone is half buried. Thomas W. Barber, born Feb. 22, 1814, died Dec. 6, 1855. This monument came from Richmond, Indiana, and is the largest private monument in the cemetery. Hiram Bu. Oct. 9, 1857. Age 28. Mary E. Godwin. Mar. 4, 1862. Age 25. Albro, son of G. W. and M. E. Godwin. Aug. 2, 1864. Age 9 yrs. Jennie Godwin, Nov. 16, 1873. Age 4 mos. Geo. Godwin, Nov. 30, 1872 age 1 year. The date shown on the slab for Jennie Godwin. Nov. 16, 1873 is the latest date to be found in the cemetery and doubtless marks one of the last burials to be made. Aug. P. Nixon only son of Ira and Phebe Nixon. Sept. 2, 1857. Age 26. Geo. B. Sutliff. June 23, 1859. Age 18. “Far from Home.” Angelina, wife of Simon Ritter, Mar. 13, 1858. Age 21, appears on a broken, half buried slab. The tombstone of David C. Buffum, one of the free state martyrs, leans against a tree. The inscription is “David C. Buffum, born at Salem, Mass., died near Lawrence, Sept. 17. 1856. His death although a great loss to his friends and the country has been a great gain for the cause of freedom. He was devoted to the cause for which he suffered his last words being ‘I am willing to die for the cause of Freedom in Kansas.’” James F. Wood, son of Alden and Phebe Wood, born in Leverett. Mass., July 12, 1825, died May 24, 1856. Age 31. Eddie, son of C. and A. Duncan, Mar. 12, 1859. Age 6 mos. Chas. T. son of C. and A. Duncan. Oct. 2, 1857. Age 13 mos. Eddie, son of W. H. and E. Duncan. Dec. 20, 1857. Alfonso, son of W. H. and E. Duncan. July 14, 1857, age 2 years. John Byron McLouth, Sept. 26, 1857. Age 1 year. Frank McLouth, Oct. 6, 1857. Age 4 years. James O. Baldwin. Apr. 30, 1863. Age 28. He was loved in life and in death lamented. “Remember friends as you pass by. as you are so was I. As I am so you mus be, prepare (Continued on Page 4.) BEAUTIFUL OLD CEMETERY -------- (Continued from Page 2) for death and follow me.” That monument makers could make some queer freaks in the way of stone cutting is shown by the following verse which is given line for line as it appears on the stone: Clara M., daughter of Jas. O and S. J. Baldwin. Oct. 14, 1862 Oour sweet little child has gone, der sky To mansions above yon— To gaze on the beautiful throne on high Of him who is seated Cary H. son of J. O. and S. J. Baldwin. Aug. 29, 1861. Age 1 mo. But Jesus said suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Mandae. wife of J. W. Matthews. died Nov. 3, 1861. Age 19 years. She was lovely she was fair And for awhile was give An angel came and claimed his own And bore her home to heaven. Mr. Matthews apparently loved his young wife dearly and in two months he joined her for the next slab reads: J. W. Matthews, Jan. 7, 1862. Age 29. Cease dear friends (rest of line cannot be read). Above the spot where I am sleeping When Christ appears I shall arise And I hope to meet you in the skies. Lucy Jane Coat, daughter of G. W. and E. M. Coat, Jan. 23, 1862. Age 1 year. Eighteen months later her father followed her. Geo. W. Coat. Killed in the Massacre in Lawrence, Aug. 21, 1863. Age 28 years. A verse follows, but is buried and cannot be read. Benjamin S. Draper, Oct. 18, 1862, age 13. T. J. Brokaw, Mar. 14, 1872. Age 39. E. Brokaw, Mar. 11, 1872. Age 37. Rev. Wm. A. Kenney of the Kansas Conference of the M. E. church. Apr. 23, 1863. Age 28. “This Jesus whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” Rev. L. H. Nichols, Aug. 28, 1858 Age 22 yrs. and 10 mos. The first wife of L. S. Steele was the widow of John R. Blakely and his monument bears several inscriptions. John R. Blakely. Killed at Coal Harbor, June 1, 1864. Infant son and daughter of L. S. and L. A. Steele. Abraham Blakely, Dec. 19, 1864 [61?]. Age 53. Chas. A. Blakely, May 31, 1864. Age 28. J. R. Blakely’s grave is also marked by a government stone with his name and “Co. F. 9 N. Y. H. A.” An iron railing nearby surrounds a child’s grave but there are no marks to indicate the name. Henry B. Shaw, Sept. 22, 1858. Age 23. John T. son of David and Mary Evans. Apr. 12, 1864. Age 15 mos. A stone upon which the name Stearns and the date 64 could be made out was so deeply buried that the rest of the inscription could not be read. There is evidence of an old trail leading through the cemetery and Mrs. Paul R. Brooks says that this road was open and used after the cemetery was abandoned, but was finally ordered closed. The grounds were not fenced until taken over by Mr. Gwin to be pastured by his goats. This is doubtless the first complete story of this cemetery and its occupants that has ever been published and therefore is published in full, although quite long. A concensus [consensus] of the opinions of E. Huddleston, William Crutchfield and Charles L. Edwards indicates pretty conclusively that the old cemetery which was deserted in 1865 was abandoned for the most part because it was comparatively inaccessible—much more so at least than the Oak Hill cemetery. Much of the distance was up a stiff grade, and the new site proved so much more popular that after the new cemetery was opened interments out there practically ceased. The soil in the old cemetery is said to be for the most part not so fertile as in Oak Hill, and that fact had considerable influence in the abandonment. The very large proportion of soldiers from the Third Wisconsin cavalry buried in the old cemetery is said to be due to the prevalence of an epidemic. William Crutchfield says cholera—that was prevailing here while this regiment was in camp enroute to some more southerly point. Others admit the prevalence of disease, but do not think it was cholera. Mr. Edwards and Mr. Huddleston remember the unusual mortality among the Wisconsin men while the Third was temporarily here, but as stated, they do not agree with Mr. Crutchfield as to the cause. All the burials of men from the Wisconsin regiment seem to have been made in the old cemetery, and more of them, in fact, than the old headstones disclose, because some of the bodies—none knows how many—have been taken up and sent east, and still others are in Oak Hill. The Wisconsin regiment did not have any fight while here, all are positive, and they are certain its mortality was caused by disease. Not a line of the original records about the old cemetery are in existence, so far as the Oak Hill cemetery officials and the old settlers know. The Rev. L. H. Nichols, who died in Lawrence in 1858 and was buried in the old cemetery and whose body is yet there, is described by William Crutchfield as “A young preacher, probably 21 years old, who did not have any pastorate, but ‘preached around.’ Here and there.” He had not been ordained, Mr. Crutchfield thinks, but was a divinity student out getting experience. He died of a fever. Charles L. Edwards remembers distinctly the first death in Lawrence, and remembers seeing the funeral procession wind about the foot and slopes of Mount Oread on its way westward. Mr. Edwards was not at the burial, but is very certain the interment was made in the old cemetery, and that it was the first interment therein. The dead man was named Pomeroy, and he was a near relative of S. C. Pomeroy, afterward United States senator from Kansas. Mr. Edwards has the impression that his first name was Lucian, but he is not certain. In view of his positive recollection that Pomeroy, who was a young fellow of but 25 or 26, was the first person to die in Lawrence, and that the funeral procession went out of town over the Mount Oread road to the westward. It is safe to say that he was the first person buried in the old cemetery. Mr. Edwards cannot remember the date, however. Pomeroy died of typhoid fever. David C. Buffum, who is buried in the old cemetery, and who died September 17, 1856, was shot by men, probably “border ruffians,” who robbed him of his horses while he was working in the field. He resisted, or at least protested, and was murdered in cold blood. He did not die at the time, but lingered, and was able to tell how he came to meet his death. This incident Mr. Edwards remembers distinctly. Thomas W. Barber, and uncle of O. P. Barber of Lawrence, died at a point on the highway four miles west of Lawrence, December 6, 1855, under the following circumstances: He and his brother Robert, and Thomas Pierson, brother-in-law of the Barbers, were returning to their homes eight miles southwest of Lawrence from Lawrence, following the California road. They had reached a point where their route swerved from the California road toward the southwest, when they saw at a distance to the northwest a party of men supposed by them to number a hundred or so. As they looked two of the men rode away from the main body and “cutting across” intercepted them. The Lawrence men anticipated no trouble and did not run. As they came up to the two men on of the latter engaged them in conversation, and asked them where they were from. Thomas Barber answered, “Lawrence.” One of the two, a quite young man, then began to curse and said, “Why don’t you fellows obey the law!” and pulling a pistol fired directly at Thomas Barber’s chest, and followed it up with a shot aimed at Robert Barber’s groin. This second shot based through the saddle seat and into the horse Robert Barber was riding. All five then put spurs into their horses, riding directly away from each other—one party eastward, the other westward. Robert Barber, the only one of the Lawrence men armed, shot at the two retreating men several times, and it is thought he lightly wounded one of them. About a hundred yards west of where the shooting took place Thomas Barber sank from his horse saying he was shot. The others dismounted and Thomas died in a few moments later. The two men riding eastward were joined at a considerable distance away by a large party from the northwest. It was afterward known that this large party of men were from Lecompton. After the horse Robert Barber was riding died from the effects of the shot in his back aimed at the rider’s groin. The slayer of Barber was never identified. Thomas Barber was born in 1811 and came to Kansas from New Paris, Ohio. [Above is the transcription of an article found in the Lawrence Daily Journal-World, dated Tuesday, May 11, 1915, author unknown, from Volume LIX, pages 1, 2 and 4. Transcribed by M.S. Campbell 7/5/2020.] https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=H3xT48m3F74C&dat=19150511&printsec=frontpage&hl=en