Dallas Co., TX - Long Creek Cemetery 150th Anniversary ****************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Robert Bennett USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ****************************************************** Newspaper Articles Dallas Morning News 22 Oct 2005 EVENT MARKS 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF LONG CREEK CEMETERY By Sandra Stone Long Creek Cemetery, located in Sunnyvale, celebrated its 150th anniversary on Oct. 2. About the same time last year, the Long Creek Cemetery Association dedicated a headstone for Leona Crownover Caldwell , the first person laid to rest in the cemetery. She was buried Oct. 2, 1855. According to records, she was laid to rest under a tree in a field owned by her father, Benjamin Crownover. The field would later be known as Long Creek Cemetery. At the celebration, a proclamation from the state of Texas was read by State Rep. Elvira Reyna. As president of the Long Creek Cemetery Association, I addressed the group and thanked Robert Bennett for his time and care in helping put together the Family History Book, a book about some of those buried in the cemetery and exploring the genealogy of those and other families connected with the cemetery. Jim Bellamy was recognized for having helped with the printing of the book and for donating a new archway bearing the Long Creek name, which was recently installed above the gate. Virginia Chase was also recognized as for helping prepare the cemetery’s application for designation as a Texas Historical Cemetery. Jay Vandiver and the New Hope Funeral Home were thanked for their support and help, as well as Long Creek Baptist Church for opening their church to the families. Blue Bell Creameries was appreciated for helping the group capture a bit of years past by furnishing ice cream for the occasion. Reyna, and David Webb, a trustee of Long Creek Cemetery, unveiled the affidavit of dedication designating the site as a Texas Historical Cemetery. George Venner read the designation from the Texas Historical Commission. When the marker is fully constructed, it will be permanently erected at a location inside the bounds of the cemetery. Those in attendance enjoyed a bit of history by descendants of some of those who are buried at Long Creek Cemetery. Those who participated in giving family histories were: Bill Qualls, representing the Webb family; Jim Bellamy, representing the Coats Family; Robert Bennett, representing the Bennett Family; Patricia Paschall Venner, representing the Paschall Family; and Virginia Chase, representing the Lewis Family. A time capsule was filled and sealed with family facts and memories of Long Creek Cemetery. Organizers hope it will be opened during cemetery’s 175th anniversary in October 2030. Also placed inside the time capsule was a copy of the Long Creek History Book. Some copies of the book are still available for those who are interested. They can be purchased for $30 upon request from the association For more information , write to longcreekcemetery@hotmail.com or call 972-978-0692. Sandra Stone is the president of the Long Creek Cemetery Association and a resident of Mesquite.