USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Spring Grove cemetery: its history and improvements, with observations on ancient and modern places of sepulture > Part 4
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The same information will be required, and also a permit from the Secretary, when remains are to be interred which have been removed from other burial grounds ; and when a body is to be removed from one part of the cemetery to another part, a permit therefor must be obtained from the Secretary.
2. Any lot-holder allowing a friend to bury in his lot must make application in person or by a written order.
Every lot-holder should have a diagram of his lot
58
Spring Grove Cemetery.
on the back of his deed or other convenient place for reference, and mark every interment thereon. This method would enable him in most cases to point out the precise location for each succeeding grave without going out to the grounds; and thus prevent mistakes occurring from improper descriptions of location. And one interment is all that should be made in the same grave unless at a great depth, or when actual necessity seems to require it.
3. Owing to the great number of interments in times of an epidemic or unusual mortality, parties are advised to apply at the Secretary's office before setting the time of funeral, to ascertain what hour the Sexton can attend the same, so as to prevent unnecessary delay and confusion at the grounds ; applications to be con- sidered each in their turn.
4. All interments will be subject to the following charges, which are very reasonable, and must be paid to the Secretary on obtaining the permit, but no inter- ment will be allowed in any lot until the lot has been paid for :
For opening and closing a grave under 4 feet in length - -
$2.50
For opening and closing a grave 4 feet and under 5 feet -
3.00
For opening and closing a grave 5 feet and
- upward - - -
4.00
59
Regulations.
For opening and closing a grave 4 feet and under 5 feet, when enclosed in a case $3.50 For opening and closing a grave for same 5 feet and upward -
- 4.50
For opening and closing a family vault or cata- comb the charges will be according to the time esti- mated or required-from two dollars upward.
BRICK GRAVES.
Under 3 feet in length (inside) - - $10.00
3 feet and under 4 feet - 12.50 -
4 feet and under 5 feet - 15.00
5 feet and under 6 feet - 17.50
6 feet and under 7 feet -
20.00
A permit for a brick grave should reach the Sexton full twenty-four hours before the time of funeral.
PUBLIC VAULT.
I. The remains of any person who died of a conta- gious disease will not be admitted in the public vault, nor can funerals take place therefrom on Sundays without a special order from the Business Committee of the month.
60
Spring Grove Cemetery.
Whenever a body is to be deposited in the public vault, a permit must first be obtained from the Secre- tary's office, and the following charges paid :
2. For receiving and discharging each body $1.00 For vault rent for remains of persons
fifteen years of age and over, per month 1.50 And for children under 15 years of age .75
3. In all cases a sufficient amount must be depos- ited with the Secretary, to cover expenses of interment and vault rent for the time stipulated; after which, the remains will be subject to interment by the associa- tion ; but when a deposit is made for a single grave, and a lot is purchased in the mean time, the difference in charges will be adjusted at the time the body is ordered from the vault. Bodies removed from the vault for interment in other cemeteries, will be charged double the amount of the regular prices.
Owners of single graves purchasing family burial lots, will have the removal of bodies made from such graves without extra charge.
4. Whenever the remains of any person are taken to the cemetery without a permit from the Secretary, the sexton is instructed not to receive or allow them to remain on the grounds, unless proper statistics are furnished, and double the amount of the usual charges for vault and burial be deposited with him, to be
.
·
61
Regulations.
afterward adjusted with the party by the Secretary ; and if not adjusted within ten days thereafter, the Secretary may order the interment made for the amount deposited.
SINGLE GRAVES.
Whenever a single grave only is wanted, the fol- lowing prices are charged, which covers the entire expense for the ground and the opening and closing of the grave :
For a grave under 4 feet in length - $ 6.00 For a grave 4 feet and under 5 feet in length 8.00
For a grave 5 feet and upward -
- 10.00
For the accommodation of all persons who wish to make interments, a messenger will be sent out to the cemetery daily, when required (Sundays and holidays excepted), at 10 o'clock A. M. and 3 P. M. from April Ist to October Ist; and at 1 2 o'clock P. M. from October Ist to April Ist. At all other times, parties applying must furnish their own messenger.
OFFICE HOURS.
Office No. 2 Pike's Building.
From April Ist to October Ist, 7 A. M. to 6 P. M .; from October Ist to April Ist, 8 A. M. to 5 P. M.
62
Spring Grove Cemetery.
(In case of emergency when a permit is needed on Sundays or holidays, the Secretary may generally be found by calling at his residence.)
Undertakers must so arrange the time for funerals as to be out of the grounds before dark, as damage has been done by being late. Carriage drivers and others employed at funerals must always keep to the right on the avenues and remain near their respective vehicles during the performance of funeral ceremonies, and otherwise conduct themselves properly and in accord- ance with the regulations of the institution. No music or firing of volleys will be allowed within the grounds. The Police of the cemetery is instructed to arrest any person offending against the above, or any rule or a regulation of the Board.
PRICE OF LOTS.
From 30 cts. to 75 cts. per square foot ; but for the time being, and until the scale of prices shall have been fixed, for lots fronting on the avenues 50 cts. per square foot, for the next tier 40 cts. per square foot, and for all other lots, 30 cts. per square foot. The Superintendent to recommend to the Board wherein any changes should be made in said prices.
63
Regulations.
PRICES OF FOUNDATIONS TO MONUMENTS.
2 x2 x6-24 cubic feet @
-
-
-
1
23x2x6-372 cubic feet @
9.00
3 ×3 x6-54 cubic feet @
- 12.00
32x32x6-732
cubic feet
a
1 5.00
4 x4 x6-96
cubic feet (a
18.00
41x42x6-121} cubic feet
@
21.00
5 x5 x6-150 cubic feet a
25.00
52x52x6-1812 cubic feet
@
30.00
6 x6 x6-216 cubic feet @
35.00
63x62x6-253₺ cubic feet @
40.00
7 x7 x6-294 cubic feet @
46.00
72x72x7-336₺ cubic feet @
52.00
8 x8 x6-384 cubic feet @
- 60.00
HEAD STONES.
Io in. x 16 in. 6 ft.
-
-
$2.50
Io in. x 20 in. 6 ft. -
3.00
12 in. x 18 in. 6 ft.
- -
3.50
I2 in. x 24 in. 6 ft.
- -
-
4.00
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
. . .
$ 6.00
64
Spring Grove Cemetery.
RULES CONCERNING IMPROVEMENTS ON LOTS.
The Board of Directors have no wish to interfere with the taste of individuals in regard to the style of their improvements, but in justice to the interests of the institution, they reserve to themselves the right given them by law of preventing or removing any struc- ture or object, which they shall consider injurious to the general good appearance of the grounds, and particularly to adjoining lots.
I. In order to produce a natural and pleasing , surface over the entire ground, the grade of all lots will be determined by the agents of the corporation.
2. It shall be the duty of proprietors to place per- manent land-marks on their respective lots, which must be at least two feet in length, and not project above the surface of the ground.
3. Foundations for monuments will be built by the agents of the institution; they must be six feet in depth, and of the same size as the lower base of the superstructure, and level with the ground.
4. Persons wishing foundations made must leave their orders with the Secretary at least one month before
65
Regulations.
the erection of the monument, and pay for the same at the time.
5. Headstones for graves will not be allowed to exceed two feet in hight from the ground ; exceptions can only be granted on extra fine works of art, and by special permission from the Board in each particular case. On section 29, single graves for children, no standing headstone is permitted.
6. The keeper of the gate is directed not to permit monuments or other building material to enter the grounds, unless accompanied by workmen for the pur- pose of erecting the same on their proper place.
7. Heavy laden teams will not be allowed to enter the grounds in wet weather ; nor will any other vehicle, transporting building material, be permitted entrance during dinner hours, unless accompanied by a watch- man.
8. Persons engaged in erecting monuments or other structures, are prohibited from attaching ropes to trees and shrubs, and from scattering their material over adjoining lots, or leaving the same on the grounds any longer than is absolutely necessary ; but in all cases they must conduct themselves in accordance with the regulations of the Board.
9. Vaults or tombs are not recommended, but will be permitted, provided a design of the same is submit- ted to the Board, and the work done in the most substantial and safe manner.
66
Spring Grove Cemetery.
IO. Enclosures around burial lots, wooden trel- lises and head-boards of any description whatsoever, are considered useless incumbrances, and are therefore prohibited.
II. If trees or shrubs are planted, they must be placed at least from five to six feet inside the boundary, and such kinds only selected as will not injure adjoin- ing lots.
12. The Superintendent is authorized to remove enclosures heretofore erected, if desired by lot-holders, and remodel their lots in conformity with the regula- tions of the Board, and without any charge to the owner.
RULES AND REGULATIONS TO BE 0 BSERVED BY LOT-HOLDERS AND VISITORS.
1. Each member of the corporation is entitled to a ticket of admission for his or her family, and shall have the privilege of introducing strangers except on Sundays. Tickets to be styled "Special Tickets," may be issued to persons not proprietors, some member of whose families may have been interred on a "single interment" section, or on the lot of a proprietor.
67
Regulations.
2. All visitors, whether in vehicles or on foot, are required to have tickets, to be presented to the gate- keeper, in order to gain admittance. Such tickets can be obtained by proper persons on application to the Secretary, at the office of the association, or of the Pres- ident, or any of the Directors, and are not transferable.
3. None but lot-holders will be admitted on Sun- days and holidays.
4. Persons with refreshments will not be permitted to enter.
5. No rapid riding will be allowed, nor driving on the grass.
6. Omnibuses will not be permitted to enter the grounds.
7. Horses must not be left without the driver, or fastening the same.
8. No smoking will be allowed, nor persons with fire-arms admitted.
9. Persons with dogs will not be permitted to enter the grounds.
IO. Children will not be admitted unless accom- panied by guardians.
II. No feeding nor disturbing of the water fowls and other birds is allowed.
12. All persons are prohibited from touching any object not their own.
13. No person is permitted to enter the cemetery but through the gate.
·
68
Spring Grove Cemetery.
14. Discharging of fire-arms is prohibited in and around the cemetery grounds to the distance of one hundred yards.
15. The gate-keeper is charged to refuse admit- tance into the grounds of all improper persons, and those who are known to have at any time caused a disturbance, or otherwise transgressed the regulations of the association.
16. No money shall be paid to the attendants at the gate or on the grounds. The gates are open to the cemetery from sunrise to the tapping of the bell at evening, when all persons must leave the cemetery.
The officers and other employes of this cemetery having been appointed under an act of the legislature of Ohio, special police officers, with power to arrest on sight and prosecute all those who violate the ordinances or commit trespass ; all persons, therefore, are re- minded that the grounds are sacredly devoted to the burial of the dead, and that the provisions and penal- ties of the law, as provided for by the charter, will be strictly enforced in all cases of wanton injury, disturb- ance, and disregard of the rules.
It is of the utmost importance that there should be a strict observance of all the proprieties due the place, whether embraced within these regulations or not, as no impropriety will be permitted to pass un- noticed.
All well-disposed persons will confer a favor on
6g
Regulations.
the corporation, by informing the Superintendent of any breach of these rules that may come under their notice.
RULES REGULATING THE PURCHASE OF LOTS.
PERSONS desiring to purchase a lot should first call at the office of the cemetery and obtain a ticket of admission to the grounds. Upon his or her arrival there, the Superintendent or the Sexton will show the various lots ready for sale, and, if one is selected, the party will receive a ticket, giving the number of the lot and section. The purchaser should then return immediately to the office and pay for the same, after which an order for interment thereon may at any time be given.
The Board of Directors do not consider it expe- dient to sell any lot before the same shall have been surveyed and recorded. No lot can be exchanged for another unless the difference in value equals at least one hundred dollars, and without specal action of the Board; and when such exchange is made, the original deed must be surrendered by proper assignment, or by a reconveyance, if considered necessary, before the arrangement is effected. Lots are not transferable
70
Spring Grove Cemetery.
unless permission is obtained from the Board. The expense of transfer or exchange of a lot, which is but a trifle, is required to be paid by the party applying for the same.
FAMILY BURIAL LOTS.
THE areas of individual burial lots at Spring Grove range from three hundred to ten thousand square feet, and their form varies according to circumstances, depending much upon the peculiar surface of the grounds to suit all kinds of improvements, as well as the means of all classes of citizens. It must be remembered that Spring Grove was established solely for the public good, permitting no one to make it a matter of speculation. In conducting its affairs the Board of Directors have endeavored, according to their best judgment, to carry out the views of the originators.
The enlargement of families and the desire which is naturally felt, to be laid with one's kindred at death, as well as the extreme low price (which is less than one- fourth of the price charged in the best Eastern ceme- teries), and also the advantages afforded by large lots for making superior improvements, have latterly shown the desirability of purchasing larger lots than has been cus- tomary. In many cases two or more relatives have
71
Society Lots.
joined in purchasing a large lot, and erected but one family monument for all, each branch occupying one side of it; thus preventing a crowded appearance.
SOCIETY LOTS.
THE various burial lots belonging to different societies are generally located in prominent places and occupy large areas.
I. The Pioneer lot occupies the whole of section 33, and was donated to the Pioneer Association of Cin- cinnati by the Board of Directors.
2. The Masonic lot is situated on section 23, and embraces the whole western front of that section.
3. The Caledonian Society lot occupies a beauti- fully situated triangular lot known as section 32.
4. The Western Fire Company own lots No. 6, 7, 8, and 9, in the center of section 30.
5. The Firemen's Benevolent Society occupy lots No. 267 and 276 in section 39.
6. The Children's Home Institute are the propri- etors of lot 73 in section 29 near the eastern boundary.
7. The Friends' Society of Cincinnati own the north-west corner of section 43.
8. The Episcopal Society of Christ Church own lots on section 39.
72
Spring Grove Cemetery.
9. The Cincinnati Orphan Asylum own a lot in the same section.
IO. The Grand Lodge of I. O. O. F. own the whole of section 50.
II. William Penn Lodge, No. 56, I. O. O. F. own lot 153 section 31.
12. Mohawk Lodge, No. 150, I. O. O. F. own lot 15 section 38.
13. Magnolia Lodge, No. 83, I. O. O. F. own lot 139 in section 35.
14. Fidelity Lodge, No. 171, I. O. O. F. occupy lot 60 in section 47.
SINGLE INTERMENTS.
THE larger portion of single graves are located on section 40 near the Winton road, on the eastern boun- dary of the cemetery.
This part of the grounds is particularly adapted for that purpose on account of the soil being almost exclusively pure white sand. In order to accommodate the poorer classes of citizens and strangers, that are unable to purchase family burial lots, the Board of Directors have fixed the price of these graves consider- ably lower than is the case where lots are procured. It
75
Care of the Grounds.
is, however, to be regretted that, on account of the numerous ornamental puerilities which have been placed over the graves by a mistaken kindness, and lack of taste, this part of the grounds has a somewhat crowded appearance, and costs the association a considerable amount of labor in keeping this otherwise beautiful location in order. The single graves for children are located on section 29, south of section 40. These graves are arranged in circles, but are also much disfig- ured with toys and other useless ornaments. There is also a double row of single graves located on the west- ern boundary of sections 30, 31, 41, and 48, some of which will have to be removed in order to connect the lately-purchased grounds (the Hill farm).
CARE OF THE GROUNDS.
THE present simple and highly appropriate plan of improvement will enable the corporation to keep the whole of the grounds, extensive as they are, in proper order without the assistance of lot-holders. Those, however, who wish to cultivate flowers, etc., may con- tract with any suitable person. In order to have no misunderstanding, they should be particular to specify what work they desire to have done, and contract for
74
Spring Grove Cemetery.
the same at a fixed price. If proprietors desire the perpetual care of their lots, such as cleaning monu- ments, when necessary, resodding lots, and taking some extra care in general, they had better make a contract to that effect with the corporation. This is fast be- coming a favorite method with owners of lots in most of the principal cemeteries in the country, and should be resorted to by all who can spare a sum, the interest of which is sufficient for that purpose. "Let us then employ some of the superfluous wealth, now often expended in luxury worse than useless, in rendering the place where our beloved friends repose attractive and consoling at once to the eye and the heart, not only for the present but also for the future."
FORM OF CONTRACT.
When money is deposited with the association, the interest of which is to be applied to keeping lots in perpetual order :
$
This Agreement, made this day of ........
A. D. 18 .............. , between
of the one part, and the Board of Directors of the Pro- prietors of the Cemetery of Spring Grove, in the county of Hamilton and state of Ohio, of the other part,
Witnesseth, That the said
deposited with the Proprietors of the Cemetery of Spring Grove the sum of dollars, in
75
Form of Contract.
consideration of which the said Proprietors, for them- selves and their successors, do hereby agree to receive and hold the said sum in trust forever, and invest the same with other funds of like character, and apply the income therefrom, from time to time, under the direction of the Board of Directors, to the repair and preservation of any tomb or monument, or for plant- ing and cultivating trees and shrubs upon or in lot No .. in section No. in the said Cemetery of Spring Grove, and the surplus, if any, at the end of each year, is to remain as a sinking fund, to be applied solely and exclusively to the repair and keeping in order said lot No. in section No.
Provided, however, that the said Directors shall never be responsible for their conduct in the discharge of such trust except for good faith and such reasonable diligence as may be required of mere gratuitous agents ; and provided, further, that the said Directors shall, in no case, be obliged to make any separate investment of the sum so given, and that the average income derived from all funds of the like nature belonging to the cor- poration, shall be divided annually and carried propor- tionally to the credit of each lot entitled thereto.
In witness whereof, The said
hereunto set . hand, and the said Proprietors of the Cemetery of Spring Grove have hereunto set their corporate seal, together with the signature of their President, this day of A. D. 18.
[Signatures.]
76
Spring Grove Cemetery.
FORM OF DEED.
CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP.
The Proprietors of the Cemetery of Spring Grove hereby certify that. of.
the owner of lot No .................... in section. on the plat of said cemetery grounds, in the county of Hamilton and state of Ohio, containing. square feet, for which said paid the sum of.
dollars, and the said heirs and assigns are entitled to the use of said lot in fee simple, for the purpose of sepulture alone, subject to the provisions of the Charter passed at the Forty-third session of the General Assembly of Ohio, January 21, 1845, entitled "An Act to incorporate the Proprietors of the Ceme- tery of Spring Grove."
In testimony whereof, The said Proprietors of the Cemetery of Spring Grove have caused these presents to be signed by their President and countersigned by their Secretary, and their corporate seal to be hereunto affixed this day of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and. President.
Secretary.
77
Order.
FORM OF ORDER.
PREPARING GRAVE FOR INTERMENT,
Cemetery of Spring Grove Office, Cincinnati, 18
To the Sexton of the
CEMETERY OF SPRING GROVE.
Please prepare a.
..... grave
for
on
lot
Sec. No.
Lot No.
Interment on
at
o'clock .M.
1
LENGTH.
WIDTH.
HEIGHT.
Size of Coffin,
do. Box,
...
..
Secretary.
78
Spring Grove Cemetery.
PRIVATE VAULT PERMIT.
Spring Grove Cemetery Office, Cincinnati, 18 ..
To the Sexton of the
CEMETERY OF SPRING GROVE.
Please deposit the remains of ..
in
vault
Sec. No.
Lot No.
Deposit on
at. o'clock M.
Secretary.
79
Burial Statistics.
STATISTICS (BURIAL).
CEMETERY OF SPRING GROVE.
No.
Name of Deceased.
Place of Nativity
Late Residence
Date of Birth
Date of Decease
Date of Interment
Disease. .....
Parents' Names
In whose Lot interred
Sec.
Lot.
LENGTH.
WIDTH.
HEIGHT.
Size of.
Name of Undertaker
Removed from
Permit obtained by
Place of Death
Single, Married, or Widowed Occupation
Direct or indirect cause of Death Color
80
Spring Grove Cemetery.
FORM OF ORDER.
APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTING FOUNDATIONS AND SETTING CORNERSTONES, ETC.
18 No .........
To the Sexton of the
CEMETERY OF SPRING GROVE.
Please
on Lot No.
Sec. No. .belonging to
Secretary.
81
Order.
FORM OF RDER.
DEPOSIT OF REMAINS IN PUBLIC VAULT. Spring Grove Cemetery Office, Cincinnati, 18
To the Sexton of the
CEMETERY OF SPRING GROVE.
You will please deposit in the
Public Vault,
the remains of .. until you have an order for their removal.
Secretary.
82
RECORD OF INTERMENTS, SPRING GROVE CEMETERY,
No.
Name of Deceased.
Place of Birth.
Late Residence.
Date of Birth.
Date of De- cease.
Date of Interment.
Disease. Kindred. Sec.Lot. Undertaker. Remarks.
"The Record of Interments" has an Index, a separate volume, where the names are alphabetically arranged, and numbered to correspond with the numbers in the first column in this book.
"The List of Proprietors" is a book containing the names of the lot-holders, alphabetically arranged, with an additional column for the No. of the deed, and serves as an index to the "Lot Book," and to the "Deed Book."
Spring Grove Cemetery.
RECORD OF LOTS IN THE CEMETERY OF SPRING GROVE.
Sec. No. 39.
Length of Sides.
Diagonals from
Segments.
Station.
Bearing and Distance from Base Line.
NO. OF LOT.
Names of Proprietors.
N. W. S. W. S. E. N. E.
WEST to EAST:
NORTH to SOUTH.
Chor.
Vers. Sin.
No.
Which runs N. 21° 15' W.
Feet. Inch.
To Corner of Lot.
Line.
Conc.
Conv.
I
41.5 29.1
8.4 31.4
34.6
36.6
41.5
13.6
108
S. 81º 38' W.
91.2
N. W.
1000
REGISTER OF DEEDS.
NAME.
DATE.
NO. DEED.
NO. SEC.
NO. LOT.
AREA.
PRICE.
REC. PAGE.
RECEIPT.
AREA.
Lots-Deeds.
83
84
Spring Grove Cemetery.
INCORPORATION OF SPRING GROVE CEMETERY AND LAWS RELATING TO CEMETERIES.
An Act to incorporate the Proprietors of the Cemetery of Spring Grove.
SECTION I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That from the time this act shall take effect, WILLIAM NEFF, DAVID LORING, R. BU- CHANAN, THOMAS H. MINOR, JOHN C. WRIGHT, A. HARKNESS, PETER NEFF, TIMOTHY WALKER, DANIEL H. HORNE, JOHN BAILEY, and [here follow all the names of the subscribers to the cemetery grounds,] and their asso- ciates and successors, be, and they are hereby, consti- tuted a body corporate, under the name of "The Proprietors of the Cemetery of Spring Grove," by which they shall have power to contract and be con- tracted with, sue and be sued, have and use a corporate seal, make and alter by-laws, and do all other acts and things necessary and proper for effecting the object of their incorporation, which is to provide a place of repose for the dead.
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