"The Union Church Cemetery"
An uninclosed burial-ground surrounded the old "Union Church" in Branchville; as nearly as can be determined, it was first used about 1800. Over the graves originally stood memorial stones, most of which have yielded to the ravages of time or been ruthlessly destroyed by sacrilegious hands. It is probable that the individuals who gave the site for the church also bestowed the ground for burial purposes. The following epitaphs are the only ones that remained unimpaired.
"In memory of Hannah, wife of Job Cosad, who died March 2nd,1815, in the eighty-second
year of her age.
"In memory of Hannah, wife of John Elliot, who died September 26th, 1813, aged thirty- five years, seven months, and sixteen days. A good wife, a kind mother, and obedient child." "Sacred to the memory of Mr. John Elliot, who departed this life November 14th, 1833, aged fifty-seven years, three months, and twenty-six days." |
This association was organized under an act of the State Legislature passed on March 14, 1851, and the proceedings of the meeting held for the purpose of incorporation were officially recorded Jan. 30, 1868.
At this meeting it was determined that a board of nine trustees should be elected, and the
following gentlemen were chosen:
First Class-Squire Dalrymple, Israel McDanolds, Martin Everitt.
Second Class-Nathan S. Roe, Virgil H. Crisman, John J. Coss.
Third Class-William McDanolds, J. L. Everitt, S.H. Stivers.
Judge William McDanolds was chosen president of the association, and John L. Everitt secretary and treasurer.
A committee was appointed to make an examination of grounds adjacent to Branchville with reference to the selection of an advantageous site for the cemetery. Their report recommended the purchase of land on the farm of Nathaniel Roe, and lying near what are known as the "Calamus Rocks." With a view to the picturesque location of the latter point, they also recommended that a portion of it be included in the purchase.
On Oct. 17,1868, the business details with Mr. Roe were consummated, and a deed was given by him for 14 acres, which included a tract of 3 acres embracing the "Calamus Rocks." The ground thus secured was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, Dec. 17, 1868. A set of by-laws was then adopted by the association, which were printed and generally distributed. An executive committee was also appointed, consisting of the president, Squire Dalrymple, and Martin R. Everitt. The price fixed by the trustees for lots was ten and fifteen cents per square foot, to be governed by location, and this was to be modified on the application of poor persons who desired ground within the limits on the cemetery.
A neat structure was erected at the entrance for accommodation of visitors and the convenience of the sexton,
and a ragged hedge formed a picturesque inclosure around the grounds.