USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > The Cincinnati Cemetery of Spring Grove: reports forms, etc > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10
I certainly think it will only require a short time and very little argu- ment to convince all of the superiority of this method, and the utter use- lessness of all fences, which are both unsightly and inappropriate, and also expensive, not only in their first erection, but also in the constant want of repair and painting. The time is not far distant when we shall
[ 40 ]
see beautiful natural improvements where many of the fences now stand, as several fences have already been taken down, and others are ordered to be taken down.
It is in contemplation to commence immediately the formation of a Lake, covering about two acres at the head of the Main Avenue. This element of nature, whose works it is so desirable to imitate, has been much needed, and the completion of this improvement will do much toward making Spring Grove what it is destined to be, one of the most beautiful and lovely rural Cemeteries in the United States.
HENRY EARNSHAW, Superintendent.
SPRING GROVE CEMETERY, November 1, 1856.
JOHN GATES MONUMENT
[ 41 ]
Reflections.
Death is the simile of certainty, the model subject of belief. That it is to come to all, is the only subject in relation to the living, that admits of no discussion or doubt. Its period, however, is sufficiently uncertain, to produce effects very similar to those which would result from doubts of its certainty. It is feared by all alike, and this fear creates an anxiety in all minds, to look beyond the grave, and to enquire into the results of that immortality of the soul, the belief of which seems to be an innate idea, and which certainly is inferred from revelations, given us by our Creator.
But these revelations are in shadowy types, and in similes and symbols which excite continual mental research, and task the utmost powers of the mind to comprehend. The reason of this is, probably, that the education of the mind, and the extension of its powers-its expansion and strength, may be promoted by the exertions called forth by hope and fear, as the growth, the expansion and health of the body are promoted by exercise, by the labors necessary for obtaining the means of existence.
Hope and fear are as powerful stimulants to the mind, as hunger is to the body, and the results of the change which is heralded by death, constitute subjects for their continual exercise. That they may, by being over- wrought, cause the destruction of the powers of the mind, is another point of resemblance to our bodily powers. That the mind may be so judiciously exercised, as to increase its strength, or so injudiciously edu- cated, as to destroy its powers, is shown in the former case, by the won- derful progress of physical improvements in modern times, and in the Jatter, by the numerous cases of insanity continually occurring, and con- stantly increasing with the progress of civilization. This increase is not necessarily the concomitant of progress, but one of those evils which arise from a neglect of those safeguards and precautions which ought to accompany all the manifestations of progress. In physical development- such as steam, and its application to navigation and railroads, for instance-
6
[ 42 ]
how many lives have been sacrificed to this negles in physical matters. The consequences of the neglect of moral pre. u.f. in mental education, are seen in the in. r asing numbers of suicides 'a maniacs. We ought to be taught by these facts, that all possible measures of precaution should be adopted with every improvement, mental or physical.
Instead of studying to make every thing connected with death more repulsive than nature makes it, we ought to require her aid to soften and mitigate the dread and the sorrows which necessarily attend it.
It ought to be made one of the most important educators, not only of the heart, but also the mind, and to this end all the external matters neces- sarily attendent on it, ought to be as cheerful and beautiful as possible.
Some of the best, and some of the worst influences on the human char- acter, hav arisen from the desire to look beyond the grave. Thoughts and investigations, by which the mind is strengthened, and improved, have been excited, and the dread and fears by which it is weakened, have had most extensive influence. The practice in forzier times, of surrounding the graves with mournful images and emblems-of banishing beautiful, and establishing fearful, symbols-has given superstition power to raise up a ghastly brood of hideous, repulsive forms, which exert a most pernicious influence on the education which begins in the early periods of childhood and youth.
This influence may not be displayed in its worst form, but surely it is seen in its most absurd and ridiculous light, in the system lately brought up from the tomb, in which the progress of knowledge and civilization had laid it, of conducting researches concerning a future state by physi- cal operations performed by metaphysical agents. These agents with powers too limited to obtain influence over any but the weak, have, not- witstanding, much power for evil, but none for good, over many minds -- minds to the aid of which reason and common sense are not invoked.
The lessons taught by such a seminary of instruction as Spring Grove will never sink, even a weak mind, so low as to become a victim of those modern revivals of ancient superstitions, which, transparent though they be, in their demonstrations, have those influences over many that super- stition has obtained in all ages of the world.
Nothing is so universally exciting as those subjects, whatever they may be, that awaken thoughts of death and a future life. To search out all the hidden mysteries connected with them is a universal desire, and to give this desire a profitable direction must be a portion of all pro- fitable education. But we feel impelled to turn our thoughts aside from such contemplations when we see only the gloom and sorrow connected
*LIBRAR
OF
CONGRE
3 HL
S
Fold-out Placeholder
This fold-out is being digitized, and will be inserted at a future date.
[ 43 ]
with the grave-when nothing beautiful, but on the contrary, things revolting to our taste and feelings (as in the case of desecrated, neglected grave yards, ) are presented as its concomitants. But the kindly affec- tions, and the pious thoughts awakened by the sight of such a Ceme- tery as Spring Grove, are aids in the education of the heart, of which it is a misfortune to any community to be deprived.
The tendency to atheism arising from mental indolence, or the dread of accountability in a future state-the desire to free the evil passions from restraint-is that rebellion of an evil heart which it should be an object of education to subdue. The atheist assumes to discard all belief, and to limit his mental, to as narrow limits as his physical, researches,-to desire no higher education than that which will give him a knowledge of the external forms of matter, and thus to lessen, instead of increasing as he ought, the difference between himself and the higher classes of infe- rior animals. He sinks himself to their level in order to relieve himself from the fear of future accountability.
The mind cannot be educated, expanded and improved by those to whom this life is " the be-all and the end-all here " and hereafter. To such the sole rule of life will be, " let us eat and drink for to-morrow we die." The stimulants which the mere living in a Christian community must give to youthful minds soon lose their influence ; and when the atheists' powers of vicious indulgence fail, he dies like those to whose level he has endeavored to descend.
As much has been revealed in regard to a future state as is profita- ble for doctrine, for instruction, and reproof. But instructions which are profitable may be made repulsive. And to guard against this evil the silent, educational lectures of Spring Grove will be made as attractive as external beauty can make them, and there will be found not only a Cem- etery for the dead, but a seminary of instruction for the living in bright contrast to the repulsive grave yards of our ancestors.
Nature is an educator of the heart. She employs a faculty of teachers so attractive and lovely that their teachings will retain their influence during life, to soften its griefs and mitigate its sorrows-to direct its aspir- ations and restrain its errors.
In each of her departments the voices of her instructors-voices not always heard but always felt-fall, like " the gentle dew from Heaven " upon the soul to refresh it when weary, and to stimulate its upward growth towards the skies.
From earth lessons of love, of gentleness, and of purity are given- in their silent language-by the majestic trees-by the humble shrubs,
[ 44 ]
and by those children of beauty, the flowers of the field, adorned with every lovely tint of color that sun-light can paint on their petals; and looking up with their bright confiding eyes to Heaven for those influences on which their lives and growth depend.
From the air come forth in the joyous notes of the beautiful and ever cheerful birds, songs of praise and thanksgiving to their Maker, which in strains of melody give lessons to the soul, teaching it to soar upwards, like them, towards the skies, in its aspirations for higher knowledge and brighter lights.
From the waters, whether calm and placid in their quiet beauty, or leaping and dancing among their rocky mates with sportive cheerful voices, ascend lessons of instruction to the docile heart and vigilant understanding ; while from the Heavens above, the many-changing clouds rolling across the deep blue above them by day, and by night the bright-eyed stars looking down from above in silent watchfulness of the deeds done in the hours due to rest, warn and instruct-enlighten and direct-the erring-the lost-wanderer among the dangerous wilds of infidelity and skepticism, and exhort him to look up on high for his guides.
Nature's teachers are never wearied-never discouraged. By incessant, though gentle operations, they change the rocks of the heart to fertile soil, in which the seeds they sow will grow up and flourish, yielding blossoms of hope and fruits of righteousness.
HOSEA.
R.HOSEA'S FAMILY MONUMENT
[ 45 | Reports for 1856.
The recommendations for the improvement, contained in the following report of the President, have been adopted, and they are made, or in progress.
The state of the funds, as given in the Secretary's report, it will be understood, have been materially modified by the purchase of the addi- tional ground previously mentioned, and by other circumstances of minor importance. The proportion of sales to the current expenses, continues to keep the treasury in a healthy state, leaving no doubt that it will be in a condition to meet all demands which may arise from carrying into effect all the plans of the Board.
The Reports of the Secretary will be interesting, not only to the mem- bers of the Association, but also to others, to whom they will give useful information relative to the most suitable methods of conducting the affairs of similar institutions. The records which are intended to be commenced and permanently kept, such as the times of setting out the trees, and other plants, the periods of their flowering in each year, and the meteorological records, generally, will possess a continually increasing value.
In this country, where the march of improvement is as relentless and unsparing as the march of barbarian armies over a conquered country, it is a matter of great importance, and of equal difficulty, to find a place where any thing can be considered safe from the derangements which are caused by our continual improvements.
With us, death only can be considered a permanent institution ; and even its sanctity can not preserve the fields devoted to its service, from desecration. The bones of our pioneers cannot be allowed to rest in peace; and civilized society is as remorseless and unsparing in its attacks upon their mouldering remains as those of their savage enemies were upon their efforts to bring these fair and fertile regions into their present rich and flour- ishing situation. The extraordinary precautions, however, which have been taken to guard Spring Grove, are considered sufficiently conserva- tive, to inspire confidence, and to render it a safer place for such records as ought to be preserved and continued indefinitely, than any of our other institutions. Its bulwarks are believed to be impregnable, and its protec- tion is a guarantee of safety to the records of the living, as well as to the bones of the dead.
[ 46 ]
TWELFTH , ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE TRUSTEES
TO THE LOT OWNERS, IN THE
Cemetery of Spring Grove.
OFFICE OF THE CEMETERY OF SPRING GROVE, -
Cincinnati, October 6th, 1856.
The Trustees have the pleasure to present in the following Report, a highly favorable and prosperous condition of the Cemetery. Since the last Annual Report, the Receipts have exceeded the Expenditures about $10,800. $5000 of this amount has been invested in Bonds, secured by mortgage on real estate, at 10 per cent. interest, as part of the perma- nent fund, the remainder, abont $5,800 in cash, is reserved to pay for improvements. This fund now amounts to $12,800, in Stocks and Bonds, besides some $6,000 in Real Estate, unsold, being a part of the legacy of the late Charles E. Williams.
The trust fund being the amount already appropriated by individuals, to keep their lots in good order, amounting to $800-has also been inves- ted in Bonds and Mortgage, at 10 per cent.
The general improvements made to the grounds during the past year, have been appropriate and beautiful ; and the Trustees congratulate the proprietors in having secured for the Cemetery, the valuable services of Mr. Strauch, whose great experience and good taste as a Landscape Gar- dener, must eventually make Spring Grove a place of sepulture, unsur- passed by any in the Union.
The expenditures to keep the grounds in order, have been less during the past year, than in years previous, because the improvements heretofore made, had been done with a view to decrease labor and expense in future years.
S.WIGGINS
WIGGINS
. .
SAMI WIGGINS VAULT
[ 47 ]
To curtail expenses, the Trustees combined the offices of Superinten- dent and Surveyor in one person-Mr. Henry Earnshaw-which will probably save $1,000 per annum, until the survey of the whole plat is completed.
In July last, the price of lots was advanced from 20 to 25 cents per square foot-this advance was not made without due consideration ; after corresponding with the officers of most of the large Cemeteries in the United States, and ascertaining that our price was much lower than the average. The result of this advance, was the sale of a large number of lots, previous to the first of July-which placed the Cemetery in ample funds for immediate improvements. It is by no means the wish of the Trustees, to ever raise the price of lots to extravagant rates, but on the contrary, to keep them so low that all classes may be enabled to inter in Spring Grove Cemetery-as an instance, it may be stated, that in the sections allowed for single interments, the ground is sold at a less price than when sold in lots. The Cemetery of Spring Grove was established solely for the purpose of Public good-no one was to make money out of it. In conducting its affairs, the Trustees have had a single eye to this object, and have managed according to their best judgment, to carry out the views of their founders.
The immediate improvements now contemplated, are a Lake to receive the waters from the fine springs at the foot of the first rising grounds- and the tasteful landscape adornment of the flat land north of and adjoin- ing the Railroad-each of these will add new beauties to the Cemetery.
By the liberality of some of the lot owners, about $1,000 has been subscribed as contributions towards making the lake, this will insure its immediate commencement, and pay half its estimated cost. The Report of the Secretary explains in detail, the Financial condition of the Associ- ation. Three Directors have this day to be elected, as the term of ser- vice of W. Neff. A. H. Ernst, and R. Buchanan, have expired.
R. BUCHANAN,
President.
[ 48 ]
REPORT
OF THE
Committee on Hedging.
The following report was laid before the Board, approved, and ordered to be recorded. The faithful, persevering attention and labors of this Committee, were duly appreciated by the Board, and a vote of thanks was passed unanimously.
REPORT, &c.
At an early period after the organization of the Spring Grove Ceme- tery, its enclosure became a matter of serious consideration. Iron rail- ing, stone wall, and board fence, were each suggested, but the funds at the command of the Board, at that time, were too limited to authorize the adoption of either. Finally, on motion of our excellent colleague, (now no longer with us, ) William Neff, Esq., it was resolved that the grounds be enclosed with an Osage Orange hedge, and that a committee of one be appointed to carry this resolution into effect, and that the under- signed be that committee.
With little practical knowledge (especially with this new plant, ) this responsibility was assumed with reluctance and hesitation. The duty, however, promptly commenced by procuring the seeds, growing the plants and preparing the border for their reception in the hedge row, in the following spring, from the seed bed.
The distance of the plants from each other, and the proper mode of training, were (in the absence of practical experience, ) subjects which
-
GEORGE HETZEL
born
HéFebr. 1790 Died :24Aug lass
JOHN HETZEL born 15Febr 1827 Died 5 June 1858
[ 49 ]
admitted much latitude of opinion, and your committee was in conse- quence, often subjected to severe criticisms on the mode adopted. Steadi- ness of purpose, and perseverance, have, however, triumphed over obstacles which, at times, seemed unsurmountable, so that now, a hedge encloses the grounds, that is generally admitted to be a beautiful ornament and a secure protection against man and beast.
The hedge more recently planted along the Railroad, and that on the south side of the road, in front of the Cemetery, have been trained some- what differently, and on a better plan than the first. These are in a most perfect condition, though not fully grown to the requisite height.
Although it is doubtless true, that more time has been consumed in per- fecting this hedge, (and this, too, at an increased cost) for want of that experimental knowledge gained in the process of planting and training, than would now be necessary for a similar one, yet it has cost far less than either of the other modes of inclosure, and it is certainly much more appropriate for such a place, and believed to be a better protection.
Having thus briefly stated the rise and progress, with the present con- dition of the hedging in and around this beautiful resting place of those who have ceased from their labors on earth, your committee considers it a proper time to ask the Board for a full and careful examination of it, and an expression of their opinions on the same : That this opinion be made a matter of record on the minutes, and that your committee be released from the further special care of the hedge, by placing the same under the care of the Landscape Gardener.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
A. H. ERNST,
Committee.
In compliance with the above request, the Board met upon the ground, examined carefully the hedging, and highly approved of it in its present state, and unanimously passed a vote of thanks to Mr. Ernst, for his faith- ful discharge of his duties as a committee. They also acceded to his wish, that the hedge be placed under the charge of the Landscape Gar- dener, with a request that Mr. Ernst will continue a general supervision of the same.
7
[ 50 ] Visitors.
1. Each member of the corporation is entitled to a ticket of admis- sion for his or her family, and shall have the privilege of introducing strangers. 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 " Lot, or on the Lot of a proprietor.
2. All Proprietors of Lots are requested to present their tickets of admission at the gate before entering the grounds.
3. 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 Sec- retary, at the office of the Association, or of the President, or any of the Directors.
4. None but Lot holders can be admitted on Sundays and holidays.
5. Tickets are not transferable.
6. No children will be admitted, unless attended by some person who will be responsible for their conduct.
7. No riding will be allowed faster than a walk or slow trot.
8. Horses must not be left, unless fastened where places are prepared for the purpose.
9. Persons with refreshments will not be admitted. No smoking will be allowed : nor will persons with fire arms or dogs be admitted within the enclosure.
10. No omnibus will be admitted within the enclosure.
11. All persons are prohibited from plucking any flowers, either wild or cultivated, breaking or injuring any tree, plant or shrub, or entering any individual's enclosure, without leave, or in any way injuring any Monument, Vault, Railing, or other structure.
12. No person will be permitted to disturb the quiet, or good order of the place, in any way.
13. No money shall be paid to the attendants on the gate or grounds.
It is of the utmost importance that there should be a strict observance of all the proprieties due the place, whether embraced within these regula- tions or not, as no impropriety will be permitted to pass unnoticed.
All well-disposed persons will confer a favor by informing the Super- intendent of any breach of these rules, that may come under their notice.
HARKNESS,
HARKNESS MONUMENT
[ 5] ]
Interments.
1. Whenever an interment is to be made, timely notice thereof must be given at the office of the Cemetery, and a permit obtained therefor, specifying the name of the person to be interred, the size of the coffin, and in whose lot to be interred.
2. The person applying for the permit must be able to give the fol- lowing particulars :
Name of Deceased ; Place of Nativity ; Late Residence ; Date of Birth ; Date of Decease ; Date of Interment; Disease; Names of Pa- rents (or kindred) ; in whose Lot Interred ; Name of Undertaker, and size of Coffin.
3. All interments will be subject to the following charges, which must be paid to the Secretary on obtaining the permit :
For opening and closing a grave under 4 feet in length, $1.50
66
from 4 to 5 feet in length, . 2.00
" 5 feet long and upwards,. ... For opening and closing a grave 5 feet long and upwards, when the coffin is enclosed in a case, 3.00
2.50
For opening and closing any tomb or vault for the purpose of
interment,
1.00
BRICK GRAVES.
From 2 to 3 feet in length, (inside, ) $4.50
3 to 4
6.00
4 to 5 66 7.50
5 to 6
9.00
6 to 7
10.00
6 to 7 66
when coffin is in a case, .
10.50
BOXES OR CASES.
Four feet or less in length, . $1.50
From 4 to 5} feet in length 1.75
From 5% to 6}, .. 2.00
From 62 and upwards, 2.50
[ 52 ]
PUBLIC VAULT.
The charges for the public vault are as follows, which are to be paid on obtaining a permit from the Secretary.
For receiving and discharging each body, $1,00.
For the use of the vault for persons 15 years of age and over, per month, $1,50.
For persons under 15 years of age, per month, 50 cents. And the price of a single interment lot and grave, must be paid for, (except by lot-holders ) which, however-will be deducted from the price of a family lot, if one shall be purchased, before the interment is made.
When bodies are deposited in the Vault, and removed to other Ceme- teries or Burying Grounds, double the above amounts will be charged.
SINGLE GRAVES.
Where a single grave only is wanted, the following prices are charged, (payable on obtaining the permit from the Secretary, ) 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
66 from 4 to 5 feet in length, . 7.00
5 feet long and upwards, 8.00
Should any person who has purchased a single grave, wish at any time thereafter, to purchase a lot, the body will be removed from the single grave to such lot, without any additional charge therefor.
Price of Lots, twenty-five cents per square foot.
INGALS BE
FAMILY MONUMENT OF L.D. INGALSBE by J.C. BATTERSON Hartford. Conn
[ 53 ]
Rules and Regulations
FOR PROPRIETORS OF LOTS.
1. All interments in lots shall be restricted to the members of the family and relations of the Proprietor thereof ; except special permission to the contrary, be obtained in writing, from the Secretary.
2. All enclosures of lots must be placed on the lot itself, and if a railing, or post and chains, must not exceed 30 inches in height, the gates of which must swing into the lot, unless impracticable ; and, if a hedge, must not exceed four feet in height ; no stone or brick wall, or wooden fence, can be erected as an enclosure of lots.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.