Brooke Cemetery Abstracted and contributed to the WVGenWeb, Brooke County Site By Candice Kelner BryanKelner@compuserve.com Feb. 1999 Please do not repost this information without permission from Candice. Between July of 1955 and April of 1859, the editor (s?) of the Wellsburg Herald chastised and harangued the good citizens of Wellsburg regarding the acquisition and maintenance of a "decent burial ground" within the town. The articles which follow were transcribed from the Herald and begin in the summer of 1855 with the scandal that the graveyard "at the upper end of Main Street" was not only very crowded, but also that no one appeared to have kept a record of who was buried there or even where the bodies were placed. As new graves were being dug, remains of previous burials were being unearthed. The readers were then lectured that even the Indians were much more respectful of the hallowed gravesites of their forebears than the supposed civilized people who now lived here. It took two years for the city fathers to finally purchase 10 acres of land on the slope of the river hill for use as a new cemetery. It was purchased in May of 1857 from George COX, Sr. for 80 dollars per acre. By July of that year, little had been done to improve the site until (it appears) that the young wife of Samuel GEORGE died and was buried in the new cemetery which was still unnamed. By the end of that summer, a wooden fence around the location was nearly finished and a "proper" road was being constructed. A Mr. CHISLETT, who had designed the Alleghany Cemetery, was employed to lay off the grounds. The taxpayers were reminded in the August 1857 editorial that the costs involved could not be weighed against a safe and sacred resting place for their loved ones. By October of 1857, the fence was completed and an admirable road had been constructed "leaving from the Steubenville road directly through the center of the grounds". Several internments had already taken place. At 1 o'clock on Sat., the 24 Oct. 1857, the sale of lots formally began. Persons who wished to purchase lots were invited to be at the cemetery, now officially known as Brooke Cemetery, to make their selections. First class lots (10x30 feet) were available for $25 and second class lots (10x15 feet) could be purchased for $12.50. Buyers could pay part cash with the balance due in three months. If more than one buyer wished to purchase the same plot, the "rules of the Alleghany Cemetery were to be observed". By August of the next year, 1858, the writer of the editorials was again appalled at the condition of Wellsburg's graveyard, although it was now the "new" cemetery which dismayed him. There were many blackberries, briars, elder bushes and other weeds growing throughout the cemetery. He suggested that perhaps the town should turn the place into a berry patch and use the money raised from the sale of berries to maintain the site. He did not think the occupants or their relatives would object because a berry patch would be better looking than the disgraceful mess which was there now. One must assume the "vegetation" was cleaned up rather quickly because a dedication ceremony was held on Saturday the 18 of October. Alexander CAMPBELL delivered the dedicatory address with the assistance of Rev. T.M. HUDSON "and others". A large number of people attended the dedication. By the spring of 1859, enough lots had been sold to ensure the continued improvement of the cemetery and the natural beauty of the location could be greatly appreciated. The editor by this time had found a new crusade. Without naming the church, he berated all concerned about the churchyard on the corner opposite the old graveyard, at the upper half of town. The grounds had been allowed to deteriorate, the fence was down and pigs had rooted through the yard, "giving it the appearance of a ploughed field". I wonder how much time was needed to clean it up? Candice Wellsburg Herald 27 July, 1855 Article #1 We saw the sexton, on Sunday morning last in digging a grave for a child in the graveyard at the upper end of Main Street, dig upon and uncover the bones of someone that had been interred a good many years ago and whose place of sepulchre (sic) was unmarked by a stone and we learned that of late such a thing was of no uncommon occurrence. It struck us as something singular that with all this broad land before us, territory enough could not be found to secure to the bones of the dead a decent and undisturbed resting place. There is no feeling stronger in the human heart than that of natural repugnance to seeing the remains of those we have loved and cherished in life exposed and treated with disrespect. The savage himself resents an indignity to the graves of his forefathers quicker than he will a personal insult; and the last regret in leaving their hunting grounds is to leave the spot hallowed and rendered sacred by the memory of the departed. Shall it be said that civilized men are more blunt of feeling, more destitute of natural humanity than the savage? Such and similar were the reflections that forced themselves upon us in witnessing the bare skull unearthed by the Sexton's spade in the grave yard at Wellsburg. The yard in question is crowded with graves so that had proper regularity even been observed in Interments heretofore, there would be little spare room , but graves have been made promiscuously, in many instances no mark made to them and no registry so that now the Sexton has no means of knowing whether or not he will strike upon a coffin and the chances are ten to one that he will. A new grave yard or cemetery is much wanted. One capacious enough to last for generations, and so far from town that it will never be encroached upon by the living. Who will move in the matter. Wellsburg Herald 3 August 1855 Article #2 Who can submit a plan for the establishment of a cemetery somewhere in the neighborhood of this town that will meet with general approbation. If any one can, our columns are open for its publication. Wellsburg Herald 15 May 1857 Article #3 The city fathers have been engaged for some time back in looking out a location for a cemetery. Some two or three different locations present themselves and we should not be surprised to have to announce before long that a contract had been closed for one of them at a fair price. Wellsburg Herald 22 May 1857 Article #4 The town council has purchased from Mr. George Cox, Sr. 10 acres of land lying on the slope of the river hill about one and one half miles above this town for a cemetery. The ground is eligibly located and with a little improvement can be made a beautiful spot. The cost was $80 per acre. This is something that has been needed for a long time and we rejoice that the present board have been successful in at least making a beginning by the successful purchase of the ground at a very reasonable price. The improvement of the same will proceed forthwith. The first improvement needed however is one in which the county is interested, namely on the public road leading in that direction. Wellsburg Herald 3 July 1857 Article #5 What are our city fathers doing in regard to the cemetery grounds recently purchased? Is the question we sometimes are asked and we are unable to answer satisfactorily. The usual Wellsburg style of public improvements is to stop about half way, and there seems a very promising prospect that the custom will not be departed from in this case. Put her through. Wellsburg Herald 31 July 1857 Article #6 Died on Friday evening the 17th of July of consumption, Mrs. Eleanor GEORGE, wife of Mr. Samuel GEORGE of Wellsburg and daughter of James W. MILLER, Esq. Aged 21 years and 10 months. She leaves to mourn her husband, father, sister and brothers. She is buried in the new cemetery. Wellsburg Herald 28 Aug 1857 Article #7 The new cemetery is beginning to assume something of the appearance usually belonging to such a locality, it being neatly enclosed for a portion of the way with a close board fence which will soon be completed, and men being at work in constructing a proper road into the enclosure. The entire premises comprise some twelve acres, the land costing in the neighborhood of $1000 and the necessary improvements to render it suitable for a burying ground will require an expenditure of a considerable additional sum of money. The committee of the town council having it in charge, have employed Mr. CHISLETT, the accomplished designer of the Alleghany Cemetery, and of various minor Cemeteries throughout the country, to lay off the grounds and put the affair into proper shape for service. He expresses himself highly pleased with the grounds selected and with his experience and acknowledged taste, we hazard nothing in predicting that it will be made one of the handsomest burial places in the country. The improvements now in progress were commenced prior to his engagement, but we believe they meet with his concurrence. The town council, and we believe the citizens of the town generally are disposed to do their duty in the premises in getting established a cemetery that will be not only a permanent institution, but a credit to the town and country; but they rely also upon such citizens residing in the county as have not already made arrangements for permanent burial grounds, to second them in their endeavors. It is contemplated to procure an act of incorporation from the next Legislature so as to put it on a footing with that occupied by churches, and whatever funds may accrue from time to time from the sale of lots will be used to embellish the premises, after reimbursing to the town the money actually expended in the purchase of ground and for labor. Some equitable mode will be devised in the mean time for disposing of the lots, so soon as they are ready for sale, when it is expected that the citizens of the town and of the surrounding neighborhood, who wish to secure an abiding place for their loved and lost, or a rest for themselves when they have closed their eyes on the shifting scenes of this world, will promptly make their selections and pay over their funds to the authorized officer. The propriety of permanent burial grounds of sufficient capacity to supply the future wants of a community without indecent crowding and without the risk of future disturbance from any cause, is too apparent to require argument; the very heathen admit it, when they set such store upon the ashes of their ancestors, that to leave them to be desecrated by strange hands is one of the bitterest trials that can befall them. Shall it be said that christians (sic) are behind the heathen in those attributes of humanity that dignify and annoble (sic) the race. Yet let any man look around him upon the dilapidated graveyards overgrown with weeds and briars, the memorials planted by the hand of affection, overturned and desecrated by idle boys or unclean animals, and the whole appearance reminding one more of ghouls and ghosts than of the cheerful visions befitting a christian (sic)burial, and the reflection will naturally occur, - this people is worse than the heathen. This is a true picture of more than one graveyard we have seen. Who would weigh a few paltry dollars in the scale of such a comparison as this, or allow cupidity to insult in death the memory of those dear in life, by an unworthy sepulture, when an opportunity is offered to lay their bones in grounds consecrated to the purpose so long as our laws and the land shall last. Wellsburg Herald 9 October 1857 Article #8 We paid a flying visit to the new cemetery grounds one day this week and were surprised to see the change wrought upon the appearance of things in a few weeks. The entire premises have been enclosed with a substantial fence, and a most admirable road constructed with great labor, leaving from the Steubenville Road, directly through the center of the grounds. Most of the Surveys and plots have been made and we presume that in a short time the announcement of "Lots for Sale" will be made. Several internments have already been made in it. Wellsburg Herald 16 October 1857 Article #9 We are requested to say that a Sale of Lots in the New Cemetery will take place on the premises at 1 o'clock on Sat. week, the 24th inst. Persons wishing to make their own selections will do well to be on the grounds at the time; and as the terms of payment will be easy, it is hoped that a fair proportion of the lots will be disposed of. Wellsburg Herald 23 October 1857 Article #10 The sale of lots in the New Cemetery, which by the way, has been christened "Brooke Cemetery" commences on Sat. the 24th on the premises. The prices have been fixed by the Council at $25 for first class lots, $12.50 for 2nd class do; the first class lots being 10 x 30 ft, the others of just half the size or 10 x 15 ft payable part cash, balance in three months. Where there is competition for the same lots, the rules of the Alleghany Cemetery to be observed. Wellsburg Herald 6 November 1857 Article #11 We have been requested by Mr. Mont. ROSE to state that any person who will notify him of their wish to visit "Brooke Cemetery" on Sat. next, for the purpose of purchasing a lot, he will take pleasure in sending them out, free of charge. Wellsburg Herald 6 August 1858 Article #12 Passing along by the graveyard at the upper end of town the other day, we were forcible impressed with the idea that it would make a most excellent blackberry patch. The soil seems particularly suited to such fruit, judging from the luxuriant growth of briars, elder bushes, polk stalks, locust sprouts and similar vegetable production. The relatives of the occupants we do not think would make any serious objections and we are sure the appearance of the premises would be greatly improved by the uniformity of aspect that would be thus affected, and enough money might be realized in a year or two to keep it in decent repair by the sale of the berries. This may be considered a grave joke, but if any one wishes to verify its pertinency all he will have to do is inspect the premises. In plain English, the condition of the grave yard is a disgrace to the civilized community and would hardly be tolerated by the heathens. Wellsburg Herald 10 September 1858 Article #13 The ceremony of dedicating the Brooke Cemetery will take place on Sat. the 18. The dedicatory address of the ground will be delivered by Alexander Campbell, commencing at half past 12. Every arrangement will be made for the comfort of the people who may be in attendance and we trust that the citizens will turn out in numbers worth the occasion and the eminent gentleman who has consented to deliver the address. Wellsburg Herald 17 September 1858 Article #14 (Same article as 10 Sept., 1858 with this addition:) - Rev. T.M. HUDSON and others will assist in the various ceremonies of the day. A choir from the several churches in Wellsburg will attend. Wellsburg Herald 28 September 1858 Article #15 The dedication ceremony at the cemetery came off on Saturday last and was attended by quite a crowd of people. Wellsburg Herald 13 April 1860 Article #16 The funeral ceremonies intended to be rendered to the remains of John D. BROWN, deceased, by Brooke Lodge IOOF of which he was a worthy member, were deferred on account of the impracticability of reaching the cemetery in procession, owing to the road being partly underwater. Wellsburg Herald 15 April 1859 Article #17 Mr. M. MULDOON, of Steubenville has just finished a burial vault in the Brooke Cemetery for Ezekiel HARKER of this place, at an expense of several hundred dollars. The design and workmanship on the front are very creditable. Lots continue to be bought and improved in the Brooke Cemetery and the place is beginning to look like an established institution. The natural beauties of the location are rapidly developed as the progress of improvement goes on. While on this subject, is it not a disgrace to all concerned that the churchyard on the corner opposite the old graveyard, at the upper half of town, should be allowed to become so dilapidated. The fence is down and the swine have given the premise very much the appearance of a ploughed (sic) field.