USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > The Cincinnati cemetery of Spring Grove: report for 1857 > Part 4
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INTERMENTS IN VAULTS
The reflections which naturally suggest themselves in contemplating the wrecks of humanity which have occasionally been brought to light, are such as to lead us to ask-Of what possible use is a resistance to the laws of nature, which, when most successfully executed, can at best only preserve a defaced and degraded image of what was once perfect and beautiful ? Could we by any means arrest the progress of decay, so as to gather round us the dead of a hundred generations in a visible and tangible shape-could we fill our houses and our streets with mummies, what possible acquisition could be more useless-what custom could be more revolting ? For precisely the same reason, the subterranean vaults and the walls of brick which we construct to divide the clay of humanity from that of the rest of creation, and to preserve it separate for a time, as it were, for future inspection, are neither useful, gratifying, nor ulti- mately effectual. Could the individuals themselves, who are to be the subjects of this care, have power to regulate the officious zeal of their survivors, one of the last things they could reasonably desire, would be that the light should ever shine on their changed and crumbling relics.
"On the other hand, when nature is permitted to take her course- when the dead are committed to the earth under the open sky, to become early and peacefully blended with their original dust, no unpleasant asso- ciation remains. It would seem as if the forbidding and repulsive con- ditions which attend on decay were merged and lost in the surrounding harmonies of creation."-( Rural Cemeteries of America.)
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REGISTER OF INTEMOMNTO,
Orders are frequently sent out to the Cemetery desiring that graves should be opened adjoining or near the graves of persons previously interred, where the graves are not designated by stones or otherwise. It is impossible to comply with the directions given. I have, therefore, adopted a register, showing at a glance the name of the deceased, on whose lot interred, the number of lot and section, and also the exact pos- ition of the grave on the lot, which register is kept at the Cemetery, and is an interesting and useful record for future reference.
More than one interment, should never be made in the same Grave, unless at a great depth from the surface.
Mr. Walker, the author of the Modern Grave-Yards, observes, that "lay - ers of earth of several feet in depth can no more intercept the transmis- sion of gas into the atmosphere, than they can by their density prevent the infiltration of water. Then, indeed, if more than one coffin were allowed to be put in a single grave, and be as close as three or even four feet to the surface of the ground, it might be considered the crater of a volcano vomiting forth poison in the form of a column of gaseous mat- ter, which changing in direction with every change of the wind, would poison the atmosphere for many miles around, while the water of decom- position would poison the springs of the subsoil."
GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS.
With respect to the general improvement of lots, I am much gratified to be able to state, that the new mode of improving, without fencing, as suggested by our able Landscape Gardener, is now certainly appreciated by those wishing to improve their lots in strict harmony with the require- ments of a rural Cemetery ; and I am happy to see the prospect of & speedy change in the general taste of improvement in this particular. It must be gratifying to those who are anxious to dispense with the gloomy enclosures, to know that in the four months just past sixty lots have been sold, not one of which, I believe, will be disfigured by either stone, iron, or hedge fences, but will have neat corner stones to designate their boun- daries, and be planted with appropriate trees and shrubs.
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
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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.
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Astor, Loncx and Tiden Four diMens. 1905
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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 latter, 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
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how many lives have been sacrificed to this neglect in physical matters. The consequences of the neglect of moral precautions in mental education, are seen in the increasing numbers of suicides and 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, have ariser 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 former 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 forma, 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 froma such contemplations when we see only the gloom and sorrow connected
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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 it 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,
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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.
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC L'Y RARY Astor, Lerex ard Tiden Fou dres. 1905
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AHRGOTT & SURBRIGER Lith. Can. C.
WORTHINGTON'S VAULT.
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[ 45 ] ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LOT HOLDERS, OCT. 6, 1856.
CEMETERY OF SPRING GROVE.
Pursuant to public notice, the proprietors of the Cemetery of Spring Grove, met at the Merchants' Exchange, on Monday, October 6, 1856, at 3 o'clock, P. M., and organized their annual meeting by appointing Amos Moore, Chairman, and Flamen Ball, Secretary.
Mr. R. Buchanan, from the Board of Trustees, read the twefth annual report of the Board, and also the Financial report of the Secretary.
By these reports it was shown, that the condition of the Association was highly prosperous ; and its income for the last year, exceeded its expenditures ; and that the permanent funds, of which the interest is to be devoted to the improvement of the grounds, amounts to $12,800. It was also reported that the long expected lake, in the north west part of the grounds, is now to be constructed, and that 81,000 have been given towards its construction, by private munificence ; and that all the low grounds near the Railway, were to be improved and beautified by land- scape gardening.
On motion of Mr. Ball, the following resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That the reports just read, be accepted ; and that the same, together with a list of the names of all lot owners, and also a copy of the acts of incorporation and of all the rules and by-laws, be printed in pamphlet form, for circulation, and that 2,500 copies thereof, be printed.
On motion, it was resolved to proceed to the election of three trustees, in the place of Robert Buchanan, Andrew H. Ernst, and William Neff, whose term of service this day expires, and the same gentlemen were nominated for re-election.
The chair appointed John C. Thorp and William Price, M. D., tellers, and the members prepared their ballots. After receiving and counting the ballots, it was ascertained that Messrs. R. Buchanan, A. H. Ernst, and William Neff, received a majority of all the votes cast, and the chair declared that those gentlemen were duly elected Trustees for the next . three years.
On motion of Mr. Ball, it was
Resolved, That the thanks of the proprietors be, and the same are here- by cordially tendered to the Board of Trustees for the faithful and satis- factory manner in which they have performed the arduous duties which have devolved upon them.
On motion of Mr. Thorp, the Association adjourned.
AMOS MOORE, Chairman.
FLAMEN BALL, Secretary.
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[ 46 ] 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.
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With us, death can only 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 upor, 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 asafer 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 gurrantee of safety to the records of the living, as well as to the bones of the dead.
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EDWIN D.SEP.29.57 A. 8 YEARS ADtuJE JAN.2.57 A. 1 YEAR.
DR.WALKER
ADDIE. EDDIE.
ZERGOTT A FORBRIGER Lith.Oin.O.
J. P. WALKER'S FAMILY MONUMENT.
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC L'E. ARY Astor, Lenex and inden Four d.Tens. 1905
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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. 85000 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 86,000 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 8800- 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.
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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.
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIETAGY
Astor, Lenex arc Tiden Four c ." -- s. 1905
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CATH
€ RINE
WIFE OF JOHN C. NORRIS. BORN NOV. 12. 1806. DIED
NOV. 8. 1849
60RN
WHANILININ
KERGOTT & FORBRIGERLith.din.O.
JOHN C. NORRIS' FAMILY MONUMENT.
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Secretary's Report.
OCTOBER 1, 1856.
To the Board of Directors of the Cemetery of Spring Grove :
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith furnish you with the Annual Report of the Financial Condition of the Cemetery, and of such other items as may be of general interest :
FINANCES.
Cash on hand September 30, 1855,
$691.54
RECEIPTS.
Received from the sale of Lots,
$16,353.20
Interments, .
4,432.68
Rent of Cottages,
290.50
Sale of Wood,.
307.25
.€
Sale of Hay and Grass,
312.25
Sale of a Horse,
100.00
Dividend on Railroad Stock, ..
159.50
" Williams' Legacy,
2,400.16
" Interest on Loan,
134.86
Total receipts,
$24,490.40
$25,181.94
EXPENDITURES.
Paid for Labor on Interments, ..
$1,899.46
Free Stone for "
401.20
Lumber and Nails for Interments, ...
83.67
Lime and Cement "
...
90.50
" Labor on Grounds and all other pur- poses, .
6,595.48
Amount Carried Forward, 7
$9,070.31
$2,474.83
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Amount Brought Forward, .. Paid Salary of D. Delany, Superintendent, ...
675.00
H. Earnshaw,
216.66
" A. Strauch, Landscape Gar- dener,. .
708.33
816.67
Paid Salary of C. Davenport, Secretary, ..... " a Messenger, one year's service, 100.50 =
$2,517.16
Paid for Trees and Shrubs,
$520.86
Tools and Repairing,
112.19
Paving Stone,
103.62
Blacksmithing,
55.48
Oats and Corn for Horses,.
161.17
Pumps, Hose, and Plumbing, . . .
84.30
Repairing Vault, Gate, and Fence, ..
43.80
" Hardware, Rope, and Canvas, ......
37.91
Tax on Town Lots and Personal Pro- perty,.
17.57
Toll on Turnpike,
8.02
Stone for Gutter on Winton Road, ..
274.37
Subscription to
375.00
Sprinkling Turnpike,
25.00
Dodsworth Note, protested, .
299.49
Lot 7, Section 52, refunded,
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