Talbert-Pierson Cemetery, Vernon Parish Louisiana
Leesville Leader - April 12, 2004



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Leesville Leader, April 12, 2004
Talbert-Pierson Cemetery unveils State Historic Markers
by Kelly Moore / Staff Writer 

Cravens -- The Vernon Parish Tourism Commission, along with descendants
of the original members of the Talbert and Pierson families and members
of the Pine Grove Methodist Church, attended a dedication ceremony 
recently to honor a local cemetery.

A Louisiana State Historic marker has been erected in the Talbert-Pierson
Cemetery [Pine Grove Cemetery]. This follows a listing on the National 
Register of Historic Places in 2003. The Talbert-Pierson Cemetery is
located on Hwy. 277 at Cravens, next to Pine Grove Methodist Church.

The Talbert-Pierson Cemetery was established in 1889 by members of the
Talbert and Pierson Families, pioneers who first settled in the area in 
the 1860s. Soon a tradition of constructing gravehouses was established.

The origins of gravehouses are uncertain. Many believe that it began as
a means of protecting the graves before cemeteries were commonly fenced.

Family members took great precaution to guard the new graves by building
gravehouses. At the time the cemetery was created livestock roamed
throughout the countryside along with various species of wild animals.

Special trees were cut from the nearby woods then carved into uniquely
designed pickets, which were then constructed into sheds complete with
metal roofs.

Most gravehouses in the Talbert-Pierson cemetery were built in the same 
style. Each of the gravehouses cover one grave and consists of a gabled
metal roof with overhanging eaves which are supported by squared wooden
posts at each corner. Many of the shelters have fences surrounding them
creating an enclosure.

The five earliest gravehouses include fences with hand cut wooded pickets
enclosing the grave. The pickets display a Victorian era theme. Each of
these five original shelters have small gates and the remaining shelters
continue, to a lesser degree the Victorian theme.

Tradition also demanded that the gravehouse was to be built before sunset
on the day of the burial. It was also customary that graves be decorated
with shells.

Vernon Parish Tourism Commission Executive Director John Crook opened the
dedication by welcoming all in attendance and introduced members of the
Talbert-Pierson families along with commission members and Rep. John
Smith.

A prayer was lead by Rev. Mark Theriot of the Pine Grove Methodist Church,
who led the singing of "Amazing Grace."

Chairman of the Vernon Parish Tourism Commission Elize Howerton spoke about
the history of the cemetery and its importance to not only the Cravens
community but to Vernon Parish, Louisiana and ultimately the history of the 
first settlers in the area.

Sarah Anderson-Talbert and Lena Talbert-Martin unveiled the Louisiana State
Historic Marker.

Immediately following the unveiling many of the people in attendance were
given an impromptu tour of the cemetery by family members who were present.