1875
Trinity
Cemetery.
Messrs.
Gaston, Thomas & Morton, the proprietors of the new cemetery,
have been pushing matters with commendable zeal, and now have
the entire grounds - thirty acres - enclosed with a neat and
substantial fence. There are fourteen hundred lots in the cemetery,
each twenty-two feet square, while the streets are twenty-five
feet wide and the alleys six. The grounds were surveyed and mapped
out by Captain W. M. Johnson, our efficient city engineer, and
reflects credit upon his skill and judgment. The cemetery is
located on the McKinney road, adjoining the place of Mr. John
H. Cole. The large gates are at the east and west corners.
- July
3, 1875, Dallas Weekly Herald, p. 1, col. 6.
- o o o -
1884
Trinity
Cemetery.
Our
reporter took an excursion over the Belt street railroad yesterday
and, leaving the cars where the road turns out of the McKinney
road, walked out to Trinity cemetery. This silent city of the
dead is truly a beautiful location and, although it is small
for so large a city as Dallas, it can be made as beautiful a
cemetery as can be found in all the land. Young forest trees
and cedars abound, which, if trimmed up properly and with nice
shelled walks and drives winding among them, would make it a
lovely spot for the repose of the dead. About three-fifths of
the ground is already taken up. Many of the lots are nicely improved,
some in one way, and some in another. Many imposing monuments
and tombstones are to be seen, mementoes of affection for the
loved and lost, and on all sides the hand of woman, mother, wife,
sister or daughter, is to be seen in the lovely flowers and trailing
vines that bloom and grow above the resting places of those who
were so loved in life. There is no higher mark of civilization,
no stronger proof of refinement and of an elevated morality of
the people, than is the attention paid to their cemeteries. We
may moralize upon death and philosophize as we may. Reason may
tell us that death is the common lot of all and that we should
not grieve, but when the time comes that we are called upon to
shut the coffin lid upon the face and to heap the clods of the
valley upon the bosom of one we love, philosophy and reason are
but as the idle winds. When we see the tired eyelids pressed
down on tired eyes that brighten no more at our coming; see that
one we have over so fondly and tenderly loved, still and cold
in death, logic and argument-thought itself is as nothing. All
that is left us is a memory, a memory twined about with the cypress
of sadness, enshrouded in the pall of grief. All we can do for
our dead is to beautify the place where we have put them away,
and what is more appropriate for this than trees and vines and
flowers and lichens and mosses. As they will live again, so will
the flowers and grasses that grow and bloom about them every
spring time after the autumn of their fading.
Trinity cemetery belongs to a private
company, if we are not mistaken, and it is certainly not amiss
to suggest that they improve the grounds-not the burial lots,
but improve the grounds by making walks and drives, by cutting
out the undergrowth, by trimming up the trees and by setting
out evergreens and shrubbery along the walks and drives. It is
not amiss, either, to suggest that a street railroad to the cemetery
would pay. Hundreds of people who have friends buried there would
patronize it every few days, who now, on account of the distance,
are debarred the pleasure of frequent visits, and it is a pleasure,
sad and solemn though it be, to visit the graves of our dead.
- November
13, 1884, Dallas Weekly Herald, p. 7, col. 4.
- o o o -
1890
Local Notes.
The
G. A. R. benefit this afternoon and night at the Oak Cliff theatre
promises to meet with liberal patronage. The proceeds will go
towards the erection of a monument to the memory of the ex-Union
soliders who are buried in Trinity cemetery.
July
4, 1890, Dallas Daily Times Herald, p. 2, col. 3.
-o o o -
1891
DECORATION DAY.
_______
Orders and Programme-Ser-
vices To-Morrow.
Memorial
services on Sunday preceding Decoration Day (to-morrow), to be
held at the Congregational Church, Rev. C. I. Scofield delivering
the memorial sermon.
John A. Dix and George H. Thomas
Posts G. A. R., Sterling Price Camp ex-Confederates, Custer Camp
Sons of Veterans, Woman's Relief Corps and soldiers who wore
the blue or the gray will meet at Grand Army Hall on Elm street
at 10 a. m. and march to the church.
The public generally, and especially
the school children are invited to attend these services.
DECORATION DAY, SATURDAY MAY 30.
Master of ceremonies, E. G. Rust.
Officer of the day, John Hunter.
Assistant adjutant general, J. C. Bigger.
Chairman of decoration committee, D. Hunter.
Chairman of transportation committee, Jas. M. Steere.
Chairman of reception committee, J. L. Boyd.
Musical director, A. S. Lee.
John A. Dix Post will meet at Grand
Army Hall at 9:30 a. m. to receive visiting orders and procession
will form in following order:
Music.
George H. Thomas Post G. A. R.
Sterling Price Camp ex-Confederates.
Custer Camp Sons of Veterans.
Visiting soldiers and citizens.
John A. Dix Post G. A. R.
Line of March will be down Elm
to Austin street; south on Austin to Main street; east on Main
to Preston street, where cars will be in waiting to go to Trinity
cemetery. At the cemetery, the procession will reform in order
as above and march in.
The Woman Relief Corps, having
preceeded the procession with flowers and decorations and formed
around the Grand Army burial ground, will open the circle on
approach of procession, and department commander, past department
commander, commanders and chaplains of the two posts, master
of ceremonies and officer of the day, with firing squad, will
enter the circle, the balance of the procession forming in the
rear of the Womans Relief Corps. All being in position, the following
order will be observed:
1. Bugle call.
2. Singing.
3. Reading of orders and addresses of A. A. Gen'l.
4. Memorial service.
5. Salute to the dead.
6. Singing.
7. Taps.
The throng will then disperse themselves
throughout the cemetery, strewing alike with flowers the graves
of all soldiers of the late war. The same to be marked with a
small American flag at the head.
AFTERNOON SERVICES.
At 3 p. m., exercises will continued
at Oak Cliff opera house, where all the states of the Union will
be represented by little girls and boys dressed in white with
blue sash and red crown, with name of state in gilt on crown.
Speeches will be made by Capt.
G. W. McCormick, Judge R. E. Burke, Judge A. B. Norton and others.
The celebrated male quartette,
composed of Messrs. Blount, Cole, Ducker and Kremsy, have kindly
volunteered to sing on this occasion. On the stage with the representatives
of the states, will be a broken column, on which will be inscribed
in evergreen, the words, "Our Unknown Dead," to be
beautifully decorated with wreaths and garlands of flowers by
the little representatives of the states. At the close of the
exercises, a tableau will be presented representing the Goddess
of Liberty. All school children under fifteen years of age will
be carried free over and back by the Dallas & Oak Cliff railway,
by their taking the 2:15 train from Main street; and returning
on the 5:38 train from Park station. No other trains will carry
them free. It is hoped especially that the teachers of all the
schools will make an effort to have their pupils attend these
exercises.
All soldiers who wore the blue
or gray are heartily welcomed, as well as all citizens.
All persons living at a distance,
or who wish to make a day of it, should bring a basket with refreshments.
- May 23, 1891, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 5, col. 4.
- o o o -
DECORATION DAY.
________
The Graves of Heroes Covered
with Flowers.
Tuesday,
May 30, is a legal holiday, decoration day, and was appropriately
observed in Dallas by the veterans of the union army, assisted
by their former antagonists, the boys in gray.
At 9:30, members of John A. Dix
post were on hand at the G. A. R. hall over the Live Oak grocery
on Elm street, to welcome the veterans. The procession formed
in the following order.
Band,
George H. Thomas post G. A. R.,
Sterling Price camp (boys in gray),
Custer Camp Sons of Veterans, visiting
soldiers and citizens,
John A. Dix post G. A. R.
The line of march was down Elm
to Austin, down Austin to Main and east on Main to Preston, where
cars were in waiting for the cemetery. At the cemetery, the Woman's
Relief Corps were on hand with flowers at the Grand Army burial
ground, and review at the procession in the following order:
Department commander, past department commanders, commanders
and chaplains of Dallas posts, master of ceremonies and officer
of the day, firing squad.
At the burial ground, the following
proceedings were observed: Bugle call, singing, reading of orders
and address of assistant adjutant general, memorial service,
salute to the dead, singing, taps.
The graves of the soldiers of the
war, the blue and the gray, were strewn with flowers, and over
the graves waved the flag of the county, the emblem of the Union.
Hundreds visited the cemetery and participated in the decoration
day ceremonies.
At 3 o'clock this afternoon, the
exercises began at the opera house in Oak Cliff, transportation
having been furnished by the management of the Oak Cliff Elevated
railroad. All the states were represented by children dressed
in the national colors. Colonel G. M. McCormick, Judge R. E.
Burke, Judge A. B. Norton, Major Edwards and others are among
the orators.
That excellent quartette, Messrs.
Cole, Blunt, Ducker and Krumsey, favored the large audience with
several choice selections.
The proceedings closed with a tableaux,
consisting of a beautifully decorated broken column marked, "Our
Unknown Dead," surmounted by the Goddess of liberty and
surrounded by children singing, "Our Country, Tis of Thee."
- May 30, 1891, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 5, col. 3.
- o o o -
Decoration Day.
The procession
will form on Elm street to-morrow at 9:30 and march down Elm
to Austin, up Main to the postoffice, and will be composed of
the various orders of the blue and the gray and all visiting
old soldiers. After decorating the graves at the cemetery, the
procession will disband to meet again at the Oak Cliff opera
house, where a nice programme will be carried out with speaking,
singing, etc., free to all, and the public is cordially invited.
The 2:15 p. m. train from the main street end is free to all
school children under 15 years to return on the 5:38 train from
Park station. No other trains free.
- May 30, 1891, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 8, col. 2.
- o o o -
City Notes.
Night vandals
are said to be robbing the graves in Trinity cemetery of their
choice flowers and shrubbery.
- August 4, 1891, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 8, col. 4.
- o o o -
[Editorial]
WHAT'S the
matter with Trinity Cemetery? It doesn't look altogether like
"the home of the dead" of a refined and civilized people.
Grown up in grass, weeds, and lacking in care, it shows gross
neglect in every part. A fund should be raised to put it in good
condition.
- August 8, 1891, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 4, col. 2.
- o o o -
1893
CAUGHT ON THE FLY.
Complaint
has been made to police headquarters of the ravages of stock
in Trinity cemetery. Since the police force was cut down, there
has been nobody to look after loose cattle out that way, and
they have run riot in the cemetery, to the very great annoyance
of those who wish to decorate graves.
- September 14, 1893,
Dallas Daily Times Herald, p. 5, col. 4.
- o o o -
1894
Cemetery Decorations.
Fittingly
appropriate at the Christmas tide, in memory of the Christ child,
have been the many beautiful floral decorations in Trinity cemetery,
laid by hands of love upon the resting place of loved ones who
have passed the gates of pearl and are "safe on the golden
shore." Especially beautiful among the many on Christmas
day and yesterday is the decoration of the grave of Mrs. E. M.
McMurry, by her only child, Mrs. J. R. Johnson, of this city,
whose deep filial devotion is so often touchingly and tenderly
evidenced by her lovely tributes sacred to the memory of her
dead. Around the marble monument bearing in large old English
letters the tenderest of all names, "Mother," is entwined
mistletoe, holly and rose leaves from which flutter rich white
satin ribbons ornamented with gold crosses and the word "Rest"
in gold letters. Upon the grave rests an exquisite bisque cross
of white roses; over the grave hovers a large and beautiful angel
figure with snowy white wings outspread (a memorial tribute from
Berlin, Germany) while at its feet, upon a marble dais, with
name in relief, the gift also of one who loved her, rests a picture
of "the loved one asleep" in a framing of silver filigree
ferns. Around this are massed delicate ferns, bride rosebuds,
sweet alyssum, Roman hyacinths, Parme violets and trailing smilax,
while from the marble vase at the foot rises a crystal and gilt
fernleaf vase holding ferns and long stemmed calla lilies--the
whole exquisitely beautiful and touchingly suggestive that the
living tenderly remembered her whose life was so full of loving
deeds and who made in life many a joyous Christmas tide for her
loved ones, and brought sunshine into the homes of the poor,
"whom we always have with us."
- January 2, 1894,
Dallas Daily Times Herald, p. 2, col. 1.
- o o o -
1895
BURIED IN
SHALLOW GRAVES.
_______
Pauper Bodies Given
Scant
Coverings of Earth.
_____
Residents Near Trinity Cemetery
Forced
to Appeal to the Commissioners
Court for Relief--Mr. Barkus In-
dorses Their Grievance.
______
Mr. D'Ablemont
and others living in the neighborhood of the grave yard in which
the paupers of the county are interred, which is adjacent to
Trinity cemetery on McKinney avenue, two days ago lodged complaint
with the Commissioners Court that the bodies in that potter's
field are buried in such shallow graves that the stench is sickening
for a radius of 200 or 300 yards, and the people living thereabouts
are afraid the unwholesome air will make their families sick.
Commissioner Barkus to a TIMES HERALD reporter
this morning said:
"I went out and examined the cemetery
and found it quite as bad as represented. The end of one of the
coffins has only a few inches of earth on it. A fearful stench
came from the grave of a woman who was buried about the end of
last February. The condition of these two graves satisfied me,
and I declined to examine others, which are said to be as badly
in need of attention.
"I will to-day employ men and have
these exposed bodies placed at a sufficient depth.
"I do not wish to have anybody indicted
for doing such work as this."
- August 6, 1895, The
Dallas Daily Times Herald, p. 6, col. 3
- o o o -
[Editorial]
THAT pauper graveyard matter comes pretty close to
being a public scandal and an outrage on living and dead humanity.
The developments made thus far are a disgrace to Dallas that
should not be permitted to longer exist. The idea of bodies,
even of paupers consigned to "potter's field," having
such miscellaneous shallow depths of earth as 22 inches, 2 feet
or 3 feet, as coverings for coffins is revolting to human sensibilities.
It matters not whether the contract with the public's representatives,
the county officials, clearly expresses the depths at which graves
shall be dug, the public's sanitary interest and the appeals
of common decency dictate that in a warm climate, such as prevails
in the latitude of Dallas, graves should not be less than 6 feet
deep, and the earth compactly filled in around and above the
coffins, that the graves may be permanent in their solidity and
proper form, as is the case in private and corporate cemeteries.
The officials of Dallas county should pursue this pauper graveyard
matter on lines that shall prevent a repetition of the current
scandal.
- August
8, 1895, Dallas Daily Times Herald, p. 4, col. 2.
- o o o -
1896
TRINITY CEMETERY.
______
Philip Lindsley Calls Attention
to Its
Lamentable Condition.
Dallas,
Tex., April 27.--(To The News.)--- Allow me to call the earnest
attention of the lot owners of Trinity cemetery to the fact that
its outside fence is down in many places; that cattle roam through
it every night at will; that its drives, walks and many of its
lots and graves are sadly in need of attention and repair; that
is grounds are daily invaded by wagons heavily loaded with every
variety of traffic, which use its main street as a roadway, and
to suggest that the lot owners, at once, meet together, form
a corporation to act, if possible, in harmony with the present
owners of the cemetery and protect our graves. I here pledge
myself to co-operate with them all in my power, and will at such
meeting, present to them facts and figures, the result of a careful
investigation of the matter in all its phases, with suggestions
of how to, at once, and permanently protect, improve and beautify
this resting place of our dead. My motion is, that we meet as
early as possible, appoint our committees, let them go immediately
to work, and within ninety days, the birds in its trees will
sing their morning hymns to the memory of our dead amid surroundings
made appropriate and beautiful by the love of the living. Will
any one second my motion?
PHILIP LINDSLEY.
- April 28, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 8, col. 6.
- o o o -
Mr. Lindsley's Plan
Seconded.
To The
News: I am glad of the opportunity to second Mr. Lindsley's motion
in regard to the better care and keeping of Trinity cemetery.
I think his plan a good one, and I feel sure will meet a hearty
indorsement from every one who has loved ones buried there.
MRS. W.
A. BABCOCK.
- April 29, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 8, col. 3.
- o o o -
ROUND ABOUT TOWN.
______
Mrs. W.
H. Johnson said yesterday to Round About: "Mr. Philip Lindsley
has won our unspeakable gratitude by his appeal in behalf of
Trinity cemetery. Time and again, we have tried to put this move
on foot. The dearest spot on earth to many hearts in Dallas is
this resting place of our loved ones. There is no more beautiful
place naturally. It is near and east of access, which renders
it a sacred resort to weary, overburdened ones who would spend
a quiet hour in a holy place. We judge the people of a city by
their reverence for the memory of those who have loved and served
them. By such a standard in what estimation would we be held?
Who has visited Galveston and not her beautiful city of the dead?
You have not seen St. Louis if you have missed Belle Fontaine
nor Richmond, Va., if Hollywood nor Washington, if you have failed
to see Oakland. Mr. Corcoran erected his own monument when he
brought from a foreign land the remains of the author of "Home
Sweet Home" and perpetuated the features of John Howard
Payne in marble, and his immortal verse, by this simple epitaph:
"
'Sure, when thy gentle spirit fled
To
realms beyond the azure dome.
With
outstretched arms God's angels said,
Welcome
to thy home, sweet home.'
"In our cemetery there awaits
the resurrection call, a soldier of the cross and a hero of the
lost cause, with many loved ones, friends and comrades here,
there is not even a stone to mark the resting place of Gen. L.
M. Lewis. This ought not to be. Mrs. W. H. Prather and the writer,
with many others, are securing the names of those interested
(what citizen of Dallas is not?) in Trinity cemetery to meet
at the Central Christian church Saturday at 7:30 p. m. to organize
a permanent association pledged to take this matter in hand.
We earnestly invite all to be present at this meeting. More than
a year ago, we were granted by the city, a portion of the cemetery
to be known as the King's Daughters' division, for burying the
poor. We especially invite the King's Daughters to be also present.
The Daughters of the Confederacy will be there, for was not Gen.
L. M. Lewis our standard-bearer?
- April 30, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 8, col. 3.
- o o o -
WORK MAPPED OUT.
_______
ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING OF THE
DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY
YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.
_________
GRAVES OF DEAD HEROES
_______
Will Be Strewn with the Blossoms
of
Spring on May 5--Proceedings
of the Meeting.
______
The Daughters
of the Confederacy held an enthusiastic meeting yesterday at
the residence of their president, Mrs. Katie Cabell Currie, on
Ervay street. May 23 was chosen as "Dirt Digging Day,"
for then they will dig the first dirt for the monument. It will
be celebrated at the City park with a basket picnic to which
all friends are invited, bringing their baskets of good things.
After dinner, there will be short speeches and music on the spot
where the monument will stand. Then, the spot will be marked
off for the foundation and every veteran will be asked to throw
a shovel of the dirt. A motion was then offered that an appeal
be made to every southern woman to join this organization, "appreciating
how much more good can be done by the multitude than the few,
letting them know that the dues are only $1 per year and are
used to prepare a suitable burial spot for the confederate dead
and to suitably mark each grave."
The motion was unanimously adopted.
One of the daughters said:
"Let us tell them what we have accomplished by our two years
of labor, and again urge every woman whose loved ones wore the
gray to join us. Our lots in Trinity cemetery are beautifully
sodded and five marble head stones mark the resting place of
those who sleep their last sleep; letting them know that our
most cherished possession is a letter from the widow of one of
these gallant men, thanking us for our loving care of her husband's
grave and praying that God will prosper an organization that
brings such comfort to the aching widow's heart. Urge every one
to join so that we may be able to establish a charity fund from
which Camp Sterling Price can draw when their comrades are in
need. This has long been one cherished hope, and if our membership
would increase as we wish this could be carried out with no extra
assessment, but by putting aside half from our yearly dues."
It was next decided that the graves
of confederates in all the cemeteries should be placed in order,
and a committee to visit each cemetery, find out the graves of
the noble dead, have the weeds cut, the graves marked, and on
May 5, the next day of meeting, the Daughters of the Confederacy
in a body, attended by the friends of the deceased veterans and
Camp Sterling Price, will go from grave to grave in each cemetery,
placing a floral tribute on each. The daughters also appeal to
all who know where the confederates are buried to let them know,
and also to bring all the flowers they can spare to Mrs. Katie
Cabell Currie on Monday, May 4, so that the ladies can arrange
them in suitable design. One of the speaks said: "We expect
by this means to find all the graves that have been neglected,
and from now on, hope to see each grave bear evidence of our
loving care."
The secretary read letters from
friends scattered throughout Texas and Arkansas, promising to
attend on June 25, when the corner-stone of the monument will
be laid.
Thus closed the business of the
meeting and a motion to adjourn prevailed. Mrs. Curries said
to a New reporter: "Just as soon as our plans are matured,
invitations will be sent to all Masonic lodges, military organizations,
confederate veterans, Grand Army of the Republic posts and all
other societies, to take part in our grand parade on that day."
- April 30, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 8, col. 5.
- o o o -
LOCAL NOTES.
The movement
among lot owners to protect and improve Trinity cemetery is taking
shape, and a call will be made tomorrow for a meeting of all
interested.
- May 1, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 8, col. 5.
- o o o-
TRINITY CEMETERY.
________
IN RESPONSE TO MR.
LINDSLEY'S
CALL A MEETING OF LOT OWN-
ERS WILL BE HELD
_______
AT THE CHRISTIAN
CHURCH.
_______
Every Lot Owner Urged to Be
Pres-
ent--A List of the Signers Who
Will Be in Attendance.
_______
The following
communication is self-explanatory:
Dallas, Tex., April 20.--(To The
News.)-- As lot owners in the Trinity cemetery, we decidedly
approve and second the suggestion of Mr. Philip Lindsley in Tuesday's
News, that we meet together and take prompt action for the protection
of our graves. Those of us who keep our own lots in perfect condition
are ,none the less, interested in this question. All such feel
the outside fence should be at once repaired, the grounds protected
against improper uses, the drives and walks graded and graveled,
and the neglected graves cared for. We, therefore, call a meeting
of all the lot owners to take place Saturday evening at 7:30
o'clock prompt at the chapel or Sunday school room of the Central
Christian church on Masten street. Its pastor and officers, with
characteristics kindness, have placed it at our disposal. We
have reason to know this movement inaugurated by Mr. Lindsley
has the warm approval of a great many of those interested. Surely,
we can give an hour next Saturday evening to an earnest consideration
of the plans he may suggest upon a matter so near and so dear
to us all. Let every lot owner or his or her representative be
present promptly at 7:30 o'clock.
Henry C. Coke, A. B. Taber, Edward
Gray, M. L. Crawford, A. S. Lathrop, C. H. Edwards, A. D. Aldridge,
Dr. J. M. Pace, W. C. Padgitt, George H. Plowman, John F. Worley,
W. E. Best, Simon Philp, M. Pointer, H. C. Stephenson, W. R.
Howell of Ennis, W. M. Edwards, F. M. Cockrell, C. F. Carter,
J. M. McCormick, R. E. Burke, S. W. S. Duncan, W. Illingsworth,
T. W. Scollard, S. D. Thruston, J. T. Elliott, W. L. Cabell,
A. O. Carden, George N. Fearn, B. O. Weller, John G. Hunter,
Sanger Bros., Mesdames John Lane Henry, W. H. Johnson, J. R.
Johnson, M. D. Garlington, J. Z. Rogers, F. Fendrick, J. M. Coble,
W. J. Clark, J. B. McLeod, C. Morrill, E. J. Thomas, W. C. Lemon,
S. C. Knight, Hunter Craycroft, C. Crawford, J. S. Aldehoff,
T. A. Randall, A. E. Randall, J. R. Cravens, A. C. Ardrey, J.
J. Eckford, M. M. Gray, O. K. Harry, Lizzie Prather, C. H. Carter,
E. B. Durgin, John Tucker, James Rhodes, Tillie Wiley, P. G.
Mann, M. J. Newman, N. A. Georga, H. McAllister, W. G. Anderson,
J. I. Reekes, S. C. Keller, S. C. West, H. R. parks, J. T. Downs,
J. J. Carnes, J. R. Cole, F. I. Hunt, K. M. Bryan, Mamie Hamilton,
M. A. Lewis, W. M. McCutchen, Miss Bessie Oram, Mesdames J. P.
Murphy, G. M. Swink, S. Peterman, D. Nussbaumer, T. Beilharz,
J. F. Metcalf, Miss Miriam Morgan, Mesdames C. J. Dent, W. A.
Babcock, A. F. Kirkpatrick, S. J. Adams, G. N. Aldridge, Mattie
Freeman, F. Garrard, Ida Gano, Jeff Thomas, W. A. Collins, R.
E. Cowart, G. C. Figh, Miss A. E. Johnson, Mesdames W. H. Flippin,
W. H. Prather, Rev. T. W. Morris, F. B. Bryan and J. D. Aldridge.
- May 1, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 24, col. 3.
- o o o -
ROUND ABOUT TOWN.
_______
"Yes,"
said Philip Lindsley yesterday to Round About, "this movement
to protect and improve Trinity cemetery is indeed rapidly taking
solid shape. The meeting to-night at the Christian church will
solve a grievous problem to many of our people. I shall be ready
with the facts and figures and the remedy. The letters and words
of encouragement I have received are significant. Here are some
of them:
"H. C. Stephenson--I read
your notice with joy. Put me on the committee that has the hardest
work to do. Tell me what my part of the required money is, and
it is ready.'
"Henry C. Coke--I will do
anything in my power to assist you in this matter.'
"W. R. Howell of Ennis--I
was glad to see your call. I do not live in Dallas now, buy my
dead are in that cemetery. Put my name down to anything required.'
"A. D. Aldridge--Thank you
for that notice. Command my services.'
"Mrs. Kate M. Bryan--That
call in The News is on a matter of vital interest to me. Let
me help in this movement all I can.'
"Major A. B. Taber--Your article
in The News read by me and others, and we give a hearty second
to your motion. The condition of our cemetery is not only a disgrace
to our city, but a sad reflection on those who have relatives
and friends buried there. Call the meeting at once.'
"Miss Miriam Morgan--Thank
you for your call in this morning's News, about the shameful
neglect of Trinity cemetery. I have long wished to start some
such organization as you mention. I will gladly join anything
of the kind which you may establish.'
"S. W. S. Duncan--If I am
not present, please represent me in any manner you see proper,
with regard to the improvement of Trinity cemetery.'
"Mrs. W. H. Johnson--You have
won our unspeakable gratitude by this appeal for Trinity cemetery.'
"W. S. Simkins--Put me on
the committee where there's work.'
"Gen. W. L. Cabell--I am with
you.'
"B. O. Weller and John G.
Hunter--Anything in the world we can do to help this movement,
we stand ready to do.'
* * *
"I
am glad that Trinity cemetery is to be looked after," said
a well known citizen yesterday. "It certainly needs attention.
Take the Jewish cemetery and see the care and attention the lot
owners give the resting place of their dead. The driveways and
walks are well graveled, the fences are in order, the weeds are
never permitted to show their heads, the grass is kept cut, and
around each lot there is a well trimmed hedge fence. This isn't
all. There is a neat building in the Jewish cemetery where services
are held if the elements are raging and mourners are not compelled
to pay the last sad rites in pelting rainstorms or icy northers.
The Jewish cemetery is a pretty spot, and President Alex Sanger
and the members of the association, in conjunction with the lot
owners, constantly keep the grounds, fences and driveways in
excellent condition at all times.After viewing the Jewish cemetery,
and then Trinity, I heartily agree with Mr. Philip Lindsley that
the lot owners should organize and carry out reforms suggested
by that gentleman."
- May 3, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 24, col. 3.
- o o o -
TRINITY CEMETERY.
_________
ROUSING MEETING OF LOT OWNERS
AT THE CENTRAL CHRISTIAN
CHURCH LAST NIGHT.
_______
PHILIP LINDSLEY'S
PLANS
_______
For the Improvement of the
Cemetery
Adopted--One Hundred Shares
In response
to a call issued to the lot owners in Trinity cemetery, about
100 gathered in the Central Christian church last night to take
some action looking toward an improvement of the place.
Mr. Philip Lindsley, who has, up
to this time, been the prime mover in this enterprise, called
the meeting to order. In speaking of the cause of the assemblage,
he dwelt on the great need of improvement at the cemetery and
read a paper, which he had prepared, detailing the neglect and
disorder which prevailed in that place. After enumerating the
broken fences, gully washed driveways, etc., he asked the body
if this was the way to treat their dead. He estimated that about
$400 would be needed to make the necessary repairs. He submitted
a plan for the improvement of the land. It was to form a stock
company to be called the Cemetery Protective and Improvement
company of Dallas, with a capital stock of $4000, who were to
purchase the land and assume its care. The stock was to be divided
into shares of $10 each, upon which an assessment of $5 per annum
may be made after the stock has been paid up. Any lot owner or
friend of the cemetery will be permitted to take as many shares
as they desire. This corporation was to have a board of twenty-four
directors, as follows: W. C. Padgitt, A. B. Taber, A. D. Aldridge,
John S. Hetherington, Edw. Gray, J. M. McCormick, S. W. S. Duncan,
Philip Lindsley, E. O. Weller, J. T. Elliott, A. F. Kirkpatrick,
John Beatie, H. C. Stevenson, W. E. Best, John L. Henry, C. F.
Carter, S. M. Leftwich, John Bookhout, W. Illingworth, Richard
Morgan, C. H. Edwards, M. L. Crawford, J. M. Harry and H. C.
Coke. He submitted a form of charter and the following subscription
blank for their approval:
"We, the undersigned lot owners
in the Trinity cemetery, every person who has a relation there,
being considered a lot owner, hereby subscribe to the number
of shares set opposite our names in the Cemetery Protective and
Improvement Company of Dallas, said shares to be of the face
value of $10 each and payable cash on demand. Should the twenty-four
parties named at this meeting as directors of said company conclude
it is for the best that we become stockholders in the Trinity
cemetery, or that we purchase stock in said company under an
arrangement by which said parties shall have entire control of
the same, and that every dollar realized from the sale of lots
shall be used to protect, improve and beautify the graves and
grounds, then we herein agree that these subscriptions, or any
amount of the same that may be necessary, may be considered as
subscriptions for the purchase of stock in said Trinity cemetery
company, with the understanding that every $10 here subscribed
shall entitle the subscriber thereof to a paid up one share of
stock in which every one of said company's said twenty-four parties
may decide, shall take possession and control of said cemetery
grounds."
In explaining the latter part of
this blank, Mr. Lindsley said that he had deemed it proper to
make this insertion in case it should be decided upon to purchase
a controlling interest in the present cemetery company and improve
the grounds under their name.
Here he was interrupted by Dr.
Mosely, who made a motion, which carried, that a secretary be
appointed to take the minutes of the meeting. Carried and Mr.
H. C. Coke was selected.
Mr. Lindsley then concluded his
remarks by stating that as he had started this movement, he would
keep it up so long as he was able to do so with the hope that
the grounds might at last be put in good shape. He said he submitted
his suggestions for what they were worth and would be glad to
hear comments on them. He also thanked Undertaker Loudermilk
for the assistance he had rendered him in making different investigations
in regard to the property. This latter gentleman had offered,
in the event of a new corporation being formed to take the land,
to donate to them on the purchase price the $454, which he had
already paid down on it as purchase money for himself.
Immediately after the conclusion
of his remarks, several gentlemen offered to take from two to
five shares a piece, but Mr. T. D. Holloway made a motion that
before any action of this kind was made, that Mr. Lindsley's
suggestions be adopted, and that the directors named in the charter
be instructed to act in carrying out the suggestions made. Carried.
Subscription books were then passed
around and ninety-six shares were subscribed on the spot. Acting
on a suggestion made, several gentlemen then came forward and
offered to take a subscription book and endeavor to raise more
of the necessary funds. Those who do not feel able to subscribe
one full share may take a half share, or two may club together
to buy a whole share. As soon as enough money is raised, the
work of improving the grounds will be inaugurated.
After a vote of thanks had been
unanimously tendered to Mr. Lindsley for his service and suggestions,
the meeting adjourned.
- May 3, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 24, col. 3.
- o o o -
FLOWERS OF SPRING
________
HEAPED UPON THE TOMBS OF SOL-
DIERS WHO FOUGHT FOR THE
LOST CAUSE.
_______
NEGLECTED GRAVES
VISITED
______
The Programme Carried Out
by the
Daughters of the Confederacy
and Their Friends.
_______
Decoration
day with its wealth of flowers, its recollections freighted with
sympathy and memories crowded with love, came yesterday. Dallas,
and especially the Daughters of the Confederacy, proved equal
to the occasion. Graves, forgotten and neglected, were found,
and those sleeping in the silent cells were brought to mind while
loving hearts dropped a tear for their memory. No grave was passed
by. With charity and love to all nature's growth of weeds and
vines were brushed away to make room for tender hands with their
loads of wreaths and crosses with which every grave was decked.
Christian prayers went up as requiems to those gone before. Christian
songs added beauty to the exercises and Christian words were
spoken in remembrance of the dead. A better day for the programme,
or more and choicer flowers, had not been conceived by those
who had it in charge. Everything was propitious and everything
was done well.
Fully seventy-five or one hundred
ladies and gentlemen took part in the exercises. The Daughters
of the Confederacy, under the direction of Mrs. Katie Cabell
Currie and the members of Sterling Price camp, U. C. V., were
the prime movers. The Daughters of the Confederacy spent days
preparing for the observance of the day and worked with enthusiasm
till the last grave had received its share of roses and vines.
The ladies met at Mrs. Currie's
on Ervay street at 9:30 o'clock yesterday morning, and proceeded
at once to the old city cemetery on Akard street, where they
were joined by quite a number of ex-confederates. The first stop
was made at the grave of Travis Hensley. A touching prayer was
offered by Rev. W. L. Lowrance. All joined in the singing of
"Nearer, My God, to Thee." Following this, the grave
was fairly covered with buds of every description.
From here, the decorators proceeded
to the Masonic and Odd Fellows' lots. Here, the resting
place of John J. Good, a gallant soldier, one of Dallas' early
settlers, and one of the first mayors, was shown especial attention.
Rev. W. Anderson prayed and all sang "Shall We Gather at
the River." Then, willing hands set to work right and left.
Fifty-four graves were strewn and wreathed with flower garden
clippings in a short while. When the party left, the sight behind
them was well worth the efforts it had cost.
From the old cemetery, the ladies
led the way to Trinity. At Rev. Dr. A. P. Smith's tomb was made
the first halt. Dr. Smith was a soldier of the cross and chaplain
of Sterling Price camp. Prayer was made by Gen. Gano, who feelingly
referred to the Christian graces of the one about whose grave
they stood. Rev. Lowrance spoke of the virtues of the dead chaplain,
of his life-long devotion to the cause of his master and asked
his hearers to emulate the example of the man whom they honored.
"Rock of Ages" was sung sweetly and tenderly. Graves
around Dr. Smith's were decorated. Among those were five filled
by men who followed the stars and bars. Rev. Mr. Anderson appealed
in beautiful words to God. Gen. Gano added an address that was
pronounced one of the finest features of the day. "God be
with you till we meet again," was sung with all the feeling
the choristers could command. Then, the decorators set to work
again. In all, there were seventy-six graves covered in the confederate
lot, some of the designs being very pretty and striking. On Major
John Henry Brown's grave was placed a handsome star, representing
his love for and efforts in behalf of Texas. Gen. Lewis' tomb
was decorated with both a star and cross--the one to show his
zeal for Texas, the other, his love for Christ. Many of the graves
were covered with tangled vines and some difficulty was experienced
in finding them. Each one that was located was garbed like the
others.
It was after 1 o'clock before the
work was completed. It had been done lovingly and well and with
a prodigal use of leaflets, flowers and blossoms. The entire
programme as arranged by the Daughters of the Confederacy, was
prettily carried out, and the exercises will not soon be forgotten
by those who observed the day. Mrs. Currie, as president of the
confederate daughters, was greatly elated over the success of
their work. She said to a News reporter: "I hope all the
ladies will join us in this work we have inaugurated. The dues
are only $1 per annum, and I am sure they will be pleased. We
need their co-operation and assistance."
- May 6, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 3, col. 5-6.
- o o o -
TRINITY CEMETERY.
________
POINTS FOR ITS IMPROVEMENT
SUB-
MITTED BY MR. PHILIP
LINDSLEY.
_______
FOR THE LOT OWNERS.
_______
Work Outlined for the New
Company.
A Very Full and Inter-
esting Statement.
_______
Mr. Philip
Lindsley said to a News reporter yesterday:
"I have been asked by a number
interested to give for publication briefly, the points for the
improvement of Trinity cemetery submitted by me as adopted at
the large meeting of lot owners Saturday night.
1. All lot owners prior to Feb.
25, 1895, hold under deeds from Gaston and Thomas, or receipts
of their agents. On that date, they deeded to the Trinity Cemetery
company, all unsold lots, expressly stating the deed did not
convey occupied lots, and that all streets and walks to remain
as at present. This company's capital stock is $3000, one-third
owned by Capt. Swink, and two-thirds by Mr. Loudermilk, upon
which, the latter yet owes $1544. There are now some 150 lots
for sale. They have little value except upon the basis the grounds
are to be protected and beautified in future. This company has
no control over the old graves, lots, walks and drives. Practically,
they are in charge of no one.
2. The plan contemplates the immediate
formations of a new company, which will at once grade and gravel
all drives and walks, repairs lots where owners all dead or absent,
repair the fence, prohibit all use of the driveways for traffic,
have constant police protection by having the keeper and assistant
made a deputy sheriff and special police.
3. The new company to acquire all
interests of the present company and be in exclusive control.
Every dollar of proceeds of sales of lots to be applied to purchase
money and protection and improvement of the grounds. We have
reason to believe not much will be required to purchase the stock
by the present company. Subscriptions to stock in the new company
entitles subscribers to paid up shares in the company, the new
directors decide, shall control the grounds.
4. A sub-committee for each of
the twenty-four blocks. The space between each of the four drives
is a block. Each block under a general provision of the company
so as to promote uniformity to have its own walks and four feet
around the block graded and graveled, and all its lots placed
in perfect condition. This will allow the general of the new
company to be used to grade and gravel the drives, repair the
fence, to have a neat receiving vault, a handsome shelter from
the rain, and pay for improvements of blocks whose owners, from
death or otherwise, are unable to do so.
5. Mr. Loudermilk agrees to give
the new company the benefit of the $450 he has paid on his $2000
stock, and convey it to them for the cancellation of his debt
on the same. This debt is held in nearly equal amounts by Messrs.
W. H. Gaston and W. H. Thomas. They will take the new company's
notes instead of Mr. Loudermilk's, and they both volunteered
the statement they would do more than that. That means the new
company will get this stock at a liberal rebate on this debt.
They will also execute to the new company, an instrument which
will quiet the title to all lot owners to their lots, whose deeds
or receipts are lost. The terms upon which we acquire Capt. Swink's
stock have not yet been agreed upon.
6. The capital stock now being
subscribed will be needed for the righting of the grounds. The
$5 yearly assessment on each share, each year, will pay for keeping
the grounds thereafter, in order. Where to help pressing needs,
one person subscribes now for more than one share, his yearly
assessment will, nevertheless, be only $5.
We expect to start the work just
as soon as the required amount of stock is taken. The lot owners
are practically in charge to-day, and must take steps to protect
their dead.
- May 6, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 10, col. 5.
- o o o -
ROUND ABOUT TOWN.
_______
"It
should be understood," said Mr. Philip Lindsley to Round
About yesterday, "that the ladies will have an active part
in the adornment and preservation of Trinity cemetery. At the
first meeting of the directors of the new company, a by-law will
be submitted, and no doubt adopted, creating a board of lady
managers to be thereafter designated and organized by the ladies
interested in this movement, this board to take charge of any
special features of improvement it may suggest, and the two boards
to co-operate with each other for the purpose which both have
in common.
The suggestion was made in these
intitiatory movements that the ladies take charge of the whole
matter. We will be most glad to have their co-operation on such
lines as they may desire. But, it would be a reproach to manhood
to turn it over to them in its present condition."
- May 8, 1896, Dallas
Morning News, p. 10, col. 6.
- o o o -
GREENWOOD CEMETERY
________
The Property of the Old Company
Transferred to the New
Association.
_______
The old
Trinity Cemetery Company yesterday filed a deed, through its
president, G. W. Swink, and secretary, W. L. Henry, conveying
to the Greenwood Cemetery Association all lots and fractional
lots embraced in the original conveyance by W. H. Gaston, excepting
the lots sold since and five others, in consideration of the
fact that the Greenwood Cemetery Association has purchased and
now holds all the stock of the old company.
Some months ago, the condition
of the cemetery and the graves was called to the attention of
the owners of burial lots, and the formation of the Greenwood
Cemetery Association was the result. Since then, the grounds
have been improved, the unsightly growth of weeds and underbrush
cut out, walks graveled and two new gates added. The name was
also changed to Greenwood.
- November 21, 1896,
Dallas Daily Times Herald, p. 4, col. 5.
- o o o -
1898
"BEAUTIFUL GREENWOOD."
________
An Appeal for Help to Keep it
in Condition.
_______
Two years
ago, next May, an enthusiastic meeting was held in Dallas to
consider ways and means by which Trinity cemetery could be improved
and kept in the perfect order befitting a "city of the dead."
Fences and gates were dilapidated and, in many places, where
roses and violets should have been, giant weeds and coarse grasses
grew.
It was decided to change the name
to Greenwood cemetery and the Greenwood Cemetery association
was organized. Money was contributed to build a strong fence
and gate and to get rid of acres of grass and weeds, "vile
cumberers of the ground," besides buying in the grounds.
Great improvement was visible to a close observer. Much was done
at that time by the gentlemen-I started to add "God bless
'em," but remembered in time not to. In such work there
must be co-operation. The necessity was felt for a Ladies Auxiliary
Greenwood association and one was organized about one year ago.
Its object was to continue caring for unkept lots, grading the
driveways and the erection of a lodge with a room large enough
to serve as a shelter during storms and where services could
be held when not convenient or possible to have them in churches
or homes. Strangers are sometimes taken from an undertaker's
establishment direct to the cemetery.
A few ladies, brave in spirit,
have struggled hard to carry out these plans, hoping to at last
be able to have the grounds in such a state that by the payment
of a fixed, reasonable amount per year by lot holders, they may
be kept in perfect order. They need help and now is the time
to give it. It is necessary to protect the grounds from vandalism;
the keeper, or sexton, should be on the spot and has the power
to do so. Generous donations of brick, lumber and such materials
have been made. Carpenters will give of their labor, which is
the same as money. Some money has been given, but more is needed.
This is something in which rich and poor, weak and strong, may
work "heart to heart" and "hand to hand."
"Many hands make light work."
If all really understood the object of this association and the
effects made by its members, surely none would hold back from
helping to make our cemetery a beautiful place in which to lay
your dear ones and, finally, ourselves.
CLARA
BROWN MITCHELL.
- February 20, 1898,
Dallas Daily Times Herald, p. 5, col. 5.
- o o o -
CITY NEWS NOTES.
Members of G.
A. R. and W. R. C. are requested to meet at grand army lot, Greenwood
cemetery, Tuesday, June 7, at 2 o'clock p. m. for the purpose
of locating graves and placing headstones. Have just received
headstones for twenty-two departed comrades. A. McWhirk, adjutant.
- June 5, 1898, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 6, col. 5.
- o o o -
1900
[No Heading]
To the
Lot Owners of Greenwood Cemetery:
You are earnestly requested to
call on Mr. R. C. Ayers, treasurer, and pay dues for the year
1900, that your lot may be kept clean and the walks and drives
cared for.
The association has no funds for
this purpose, and it is your duty as a lot owner to help take
care of the grounds, and not expect a few to bear the whole burden.
A concert of action in this matter will insure good results,
and you will not be ashamed to drive through these grounds, and
the complaints that are heard about them being neglected will
cease.
B. O. WELLER, President.
- June 10, 1900, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 3, col. 4.
- o o o -
GREENWOOD CEMETERY
_______
An Appeal to Owners of Lots
There.
The following
is self-explanatory:
To the One Thousand Lot Owners
of Greenwood Cemetery: It has become imperative to announce to
the over one thousand lot owners of Greenwood cemetery, that
unless they pay their yearly assessments for the care of the
grounds, they will have to be abandoned to weeds.
All of those who pay private individuals
for the care of their lots re requested to pay into the Cemetery
association, of which R. C. Ayers, is treasurer. While such lots
are cared for so, no attention is paid to the walks and drives
adjoining. Those amounts concentrated would be sufficient to
do all of the work well.
This work has been carried on by
the association with very little assistance for the past two
years, and we feel that it cannot be continued unless the lot
owners pay for the keeping of the lots. Mrs. S. J. Adams, president;
Mrs. W. H. Prather, first vice president; Mrs. Wm. Belsterling,
second vice president; Mrs. B. O. Weller, secretary; Mrs. J.
L. Henry, treasurer.
- July 1, 1900, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 4, col. 1.
- o o o -
1901
Nature of Re-Union.
....benefits are manifold...nearly all,
if not all, of the camps are chartered and it is the camps individually
that do the eleemosynary work almost exclusively. These camps
make provision for the helpless and needy Confederates within
their reach, each one doing noble and most generous charity.
They buy medicines for the sick, provide physicians, supply food
and clothing and fuel and bury their indigent dead. Sterling
Price camp of this city, has its burial plat in Greenwood Cemetery,
now stuck with headstones marking the graves of its dead--those
who died by natural means. It was the chapter of the United Daughters
of the Confederacy of this city that raised the money and purchased
the headstones for these graves. No Confederate can ever sleep
in the Potter's field in Dallas or elsewhere if the Confederates
know of his death. Almost the majority of Confederate are poor.....
- December 22, 1901,
Dallas Times Herald, pp. 6,7
- o o o -
DIRECTORS ELECT OFFICERS.
_______
Business Transacted at Meeting
of
Greenwood Cemetery Association.
Directors
of the Greenwood Cemetery Association met yesterday afternoon
at the Oriental Hotel and selected officers for the year. Then,
they proceeded to plan the work aimed at and to name the committees
to report at a meeting next Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock at
the chapel in the cemetery grounds. Officers are as follows:
President, Col. C. C. Slaughter;
vice president, J. W. Young; secretary, Charles B. Gillespie;
assistant secretary, Miss Willie Biggs; treasurer, M. M. Toole;
committee on ground and improvements, S. M. Leftwich, Emil Fretz,
J. W. Young; committee on finance, C. B. Gillespie, M. M. Toole,
Mrs. Oliver Thomas.
It is the purpose of the improvements
committee to make a selection of some design for a five-foot
iron fence to be placed entirely around the cemetery. This committee
will also select some ornamental design for a gateway at the
Hall street and Cemetery avenue entrances. Under the direction
of this committee, bids are to be called for the macadamizing
of the two main driveways of the grounds with Jacksboro rock.
A full directory was present. The
members and officers are to meet next Sunday afternoon.
- July 14, 1907, Dallas
Morning News, p. 36.
- o o o -
1912
WILL KEEP CEMETERY
IN GOOD CONDITION
_______
Board of Directors of Greenwood
As-
sociation Has Elected Offi-
cers For Year.
The board
of directors of the Greenwood Cemetery association, elected at
the lot owners' meeting last Sunday, met Wednesday for organization
in the directors' room of the National Exchange bank. Dr. King
Cole was elected president; Mrs. Blanche Babcock, vice president,
and T. M. Lucas, secretary and treasurer.
As the association depends almost entirely
for revenue upon the assessments upon the lots and, as it is
absolutley necessary to have the cash in hand to keep the cemetery
in proper condition, it was decided to employ a collector for
this purpose.
The new board consists of Messrs. A.
V. Lane, A. B. Tabor, J. D. Cullum, Dr. King Cole, M. M. Toole,
T. M. Lucas, Mesdames Dan Morgan, N. W. Finley, T. F. Nash, Blanche
Babcock, Katherine Randell and Lewis Wagner.
- July 5, 1912, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 3, col. 2.
- o o o -
1913
ASK BOARD TO BUY
PARK NEAR CEMETERY
_________
Pointed Out in Petition That
Site Is
Ideal For Park and if Otherwise
Used Would Mar Beauty.
A petition
which is being signed by many is being circulated asking the
park board to purchase a tract of land adjoining the Greenwood
cemetery for park purposes. According to those interested in
this matter, the land belongs to an old family of Dallas and
it is the belief of those working on the matter that the property
could be purchased for a reasonable sum. It is pointed out in
the petition that if the land in question was used for any other
purpose it would mar the beauty of the cemetery, where many of
the city's dead sleep their last long sleep.
The petition is as follows:
Hon. Chairman and Members Park
Board, City of Dallas, Tex. Your petitioners, residents and taxpayers
of the city of Dallas, would respectfully call your attention
to and ask that you purchase, if obtainable, the following described
tracts of land, if same can be purchased at a reasonable price,
and dedicate the same as a public park.
This land lies adjoining the Greenwood
cemetery, and if used for any other purpose, would greatly damage
and destroy the beauty of this last home of the very best of
our citizenship who have gone before. It would also damage, very
materially, all of that part of North Dallas. This property fronts
on Oak Grove avenue about 1,000 feet and extends back about 200
feet average to the northwest line of Greenwood cemetery, and
is bounded on the northeast by Hall street and on the southwest
by McKinney and Howell street. This property has a small drain
through it and some beautiful shade trees, in fact, would make
an ideal park and playground.
- April 12, 1913, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 3.
- o o o -
MASS
MEETING OF
NORTH DALLASITES
__________
PROPERTY OWNERS NEAR GREEN-
WOOD CEMETERY WANT PARK
BOARD TO BUY LAND.
__________
A mass
meeting of the North Dallas citizens who are favorable to the
purchase of four and one-half acres of land north of Greenwood
cemetery by the Park board for park purposes, will be held Thursday
evening at 7:30 o'clock at the William B. Travis school. George
Stewart, one of the leaders in the movement, said Tuesday morning:
"We believe the city should
have this land for park purposes. It is in the center of a thickly
populated section of North Dallas, and there are no other parks
near by. The William B. Travis school, with its hundreds of children,
is located just a block away. It is unnecessary to point to the
advantage that would accrue to the children. Then the park would
be a protection to Greenwood cemetery. I think all who own lots
in Greenwood cemetery should be interested in protecting this
beautiful burial place from the encroachment of buildings in
the future.
T.P Scott and other North Dallas
residents are active in the movement to have the Park board buy
the land. They expect the mass meeting to be largely attended.
- April 15, 1913, Daily
Times Herald, p. 4, col. 5-6.
- o o o -
NORTH
DALLASITES
ANXIOUS FOR PARK
___________
Meeting Will Be Held Thursday
Night
at Travis School to Take Steps to
Urge Purchase of Plot.
___________
North Dallasites
who are interested in having the park board purchase the [fou]r
and one-half acres just north and [adj]oining the Greenwood cemetery,
for [par]k purposes, are to hold a meeting [at 7]:30 o'clock
Thursday night at the William B. Travis school. All residents
in the community of this school [and] the entire section of North
Dallas are urged to attend this meeting.
Those behind the movement point
out that the location is an ideal one for a small park and say
that it will serve two purposes, that of preventing the encroachment
of business and dwelling house in close proximity to the cemetery
where many of the older residents sleep the last long sleep and
will add much to that portion of the city from a beauty standpoint.
The plot of land is almost across the street from the William
B. Travis school and this is urged as another reason why it should
be transformed into a park.
- April 17, 1913, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 7.
- o o o -
NORTH
DALLAS WANTS
CITY TO BUY PARK
__________
SELECT SITE NEAR TRAVIS SCHOOL
WHICH THEY WILL PURPOSE
TO PARK BOARD.
At an enthusiastic
meeting of North Dallas property owners, held last night at the
Travis school, it was decided to ask the Park Board to purchase
property in North Dallas for a park, out of a portion of the
money to be obtained through the $500,000 bond issue recently
voted. The land in question fronts on Oak Grove avenue, running
back to Greenwood Cemetery, between Hall, McKinney and Howell
streets.
Thomas Scott was elected chairman
of the meeting and George W. Achilles, secretary. A committee
of three, consisting of Thomas Scott, Gilbert Irish and George
Stuart was appointed to call on the owners of this property and
see for what price it can be bought. They are to report to the
next meeting, at which time another committee will be appointed
to wait on the Park Board.
There are already many beautiful
trees on the land in question and a little branch running through
it, which could easily be utilized in carrying out landscape
effects. The children from the Travis school are beautifying
a portion of this property now.
The total area of the ground which
it is desired to change into a park is between four and five
acres. It fronts on Oak Grove avenue for about a thousand feet,
extending back about two hundred feet to the northwest line of
Greenwood Cemetery. It is bounded on the northwest by Hall street
and partially on the south and west by McKinney avenue and Howell
street.
"Unless we transform this
ground into a park, there is a chance that it will eventually
be taken up by an inferior class of houses, on account of its
proximity to the cemetery," said Mr. Achilles last night.
"We feel that North Dallas should reap some benefits from
the big bond issue and the location in question is naturally
one of the most beautiful spots that could be secured."
The date for the next meeting has
not yet been announced.
- April 18, 1913, Dallas
Morning News, p. 4.
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MAY
LOCATE PARK
IN NORTH DALLAS
_______
MEETING OF NORTH
DALLAS PROP-
ERTY OWNERS HELD THURS-
DAY NIGHT.
_________
WILL VISIT COMMISSION
_________
Committee Is Named to Confer
With
Owners of the Property -- To Ask
Use of Park Bond
Money.
North Dallas
property owners met Thursday night at the Travis school building
and decided to petition the city commissioners to purchase a
tract of land for park purposes. The committee will urge that
a portion of the $500,000 park bond issue voted at the April
election be used for the purchase of the property. The tract
of land proposed to be bought is bounded by Oak Grove, running
to Greenwood cemetery, between Hall, McKinney and Howell streets.
It covers nearly five acres and is declared to be an ideal spot
for a park. Its natural resources gives promises of one of the
best little parks in the city. It already has on it many large
and shady trees and a small branch traverses it.
At Thursday night's meeting, a
committee composed of Thomas Scott, Gilbert H. Irish and George
Stuart, was named to confer with the owners of the property and
report at the next meeting of the citizens. Thomas Scott presided
at the meeting and Geo. W. Achilles was secretary. After next
week's meeting a committee will be named to present the object
to the city commissions.
It is not known what the property
can be purchased for. The land, it is said, will never be used
for handsome homes because of its near proximity to the cemetery.
For this reason, the North Dallas people are anxious that a park
be established there. The site will be easily accessible by electric
cars, the Highland Park and Oak Lawn cars passing near by.
- April 18, 1913, Dallas
Daily Times Herald, p. 6.
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WANT CITY TO
USE GRAVE YARD
________
CITIZENS ASK CITY TO TAKE
OVER
TRINITY CEMETERY FOR
PARK PURPOSES.
Property owners
interested in the Trinity cemetery on Hall street called on Mayor
Holland Monday morning, and asked that the city take over the
cemetery land for park purposes.
The Trinity property, on Hall street,
according to their plan, would be turned over to the city free
of charge with the proviso that the graves be properly cared
for. The delegation will submit their project to
the park board at their next meeting.
Mayor Holland said Monday: "Personally
I am opposed to taking over this property."
-July 21, 1913, Dallas
Times Herald, p. 4, col. 6
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1921
Burial Ground of Dallas
Pioneers Transformed
From Weedy Wilderness Into Place of Beauty
_______
Greenwood Cemetery Association
Will Raise
Coin to Pave Streets and Improve Grounds;
Flowers Bloom Where Grass Grew Wild.
_______
During
the past few months, Greenwood cemetery, the historic burial
place of this city's pioneer residents and builders, has undergone
a pronounced transformation.
Passersby, peering through the
iron fence along Hall street, have been aware of the change.
Grass and weeds which grew in rank profusion and hid from view
the last resting places of once distinguished citizens, have
disappeared.
Well defined roadways have come
from out of the chaos of vegetation; flowers bloom where Johnson
grass once thrived; a carpet of closely cropped and neatly trimmed
green spreads beneath the overreaching boughs of shade trees.
What was a desolate wilderness has become a place of distinct
beauty -- a fitting burial place for them who made Dallas great.
Will Plan Roads.
The process of beautification is not
to end with trimming the grass and cutting down weeds. Roads
within the Cemetery will be paved, tombstones which have toppled
out of plumb will be straightened and the cemetery will be converted
into a genuine beauty spot if plans of the Greenwood Cemetery
Association are successful.
At a recent meeting the lot owners decided
to spend $15,000 paving roadways and making other improvements.
Each lot will be assessed $25. The coin will be collected by
a committee of twenty appointed at a meeting held Friday afternoon,
and work will be started as soon as possible. The city of Dallas
will help, the commissioners having recently agreed to do the
grading free.
Change Administration.
The transformation began when the
association changed administrations recently. M. M. Mayfield,
the new president began his official duties by replacing the
sexton with a "business manager." J. M. Harry was picked
for the job and instructed to clean up the premises. Harry employed
a crew of 16 workmen and assailed the weeds. Then the ground
was sodded, paths were trimmed and flowers were planted.
Formerly lots were kept clear of
weeds only when the owners paid for it. Now every lot is kept
beautiful and all graves are cared for. The association members,
which is composed of the lot owners, decided it would be better
to maintain the beauty of the entire cemetery even if some of
the owners were unable to pay.
This isn't the first time Greenwood Cemetery has been rescued
from neglect.
Needed Repairs.
Back in 1896, Philip Linds[l]ey, father
of former Henry D. Linds[l]ey, called attention to conditions
in a letter to lot owners. At that time the cemetery was known
as Trinity Cemetery. His letter follows: "Allow me to call
the earnest attention of the lot-owners of Trinity Cemetery to
the fact that its outside fence is down in over twenty places;
that cattle roam over its fresh-made graves at will; that its
drives, walks and many of its lots and graves are sadly in need
of attention and repair; that its grounds are daily invaded by
wagons heavily loaded with every kind of traffic, which use its
main street as a common roadway. I suggest the lot-owners at
once meet together, form a corporation to act in harmony, if
possible, with the present owners of the cemetery, and protect
our graves. I here pledge myself to co-operate with them all
in my power, and will at such meeting present to them facts and
figures, the result of a careful investigation of the matter
in all its phases, with suggestions of how to at once and permanently
protect, improve and beautify this resting place of our dead.
My motion is that we meet, as early as possible, appoint our
committees, let them go immediately to work, and, within ninety
days, the birds in its trees will sing their morning hymns to
the memory of our dead amid surroundings made appropriate and
beautiful by the love of the living. Will any one second my motion?
PHILIP
LINDSLEY."
A meeting was held, a new association
was organized and a crew of men was put to work repairing fences,
trimming trees and clearing away the weeds.
Greenwood Cemetery was founded in 1875
and was originally owned by W. H. Gaston and W. H. Thomas. The
first grave, that of Mrs. Susan Work, who was buried March 24,
1875, is one of many interesting landmarks in the older section
of the cemetery where were buried the pioneer citizens of Dallas.
-July 31, 1921, The
Dallas Daily Herald, Sec. I, p. 12, cols. 1-4.
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