USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > The Cincinnati cemetery of Spring Grove: report for 1857 > Part 7
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regard the spot where the remains of such an one lie, as sacred above all other places.
Amongst the most ancient nations, the custom prevailed of selecting suitable places for general interment. The burial ground of the ancient Egyptians was situated beyond the lake of Acherusia, which signified the last condition of man. Those only whose lives had been exemplary, were admitted to sepulture in that place. "The Cemetery was a large plain, surrounded by trees, and intersected by canals, to which was given the appellation Elisicens, meaning rest." From the name of this Ceme- tery, the approaches to it, and the rejection and deposit of the unworthy, originated the Greek fables of the Lake Acheron, Charon, his boat, his ferry money, and the Elysian fields.
The ancient Germans buried their dead in groves consecrated by their priests. The Romans, in the earliest times, buried their dead in public places. In the flourishing periods of the Republic, afterwards, they burned the dead body and buried its ashes in an urn. This practice was changed, and after the introduction of Christianity, chapels were erected over the dead. "The early Christian martyrs were buried in caverns, which, by degrees, were enlarged to spacious vaults, that were called chambers of repose. The Emperor Constantine directed his sepulchre to be erected in the Church of the Apostles at Constantinople, of which he was the founder. This influenced the Bishops and others to have their remains deposited in the vaults of churches; but this practice was found inconvenient and unhealthy to the living, and was necessarily abandoned. The Cemetery in Naples, near Bologna, at Pisa, is distin- guished for the beauty of its form and architecture. It is four hundred and ninety feet long, one hundred and seventy wide, and sixty feet high ; cloistered round the four sides, and contains fifty ship-loads of earth which the Pisans brought from Jerusalem.
The Greeks constructed their tombs outside the walls of their cities, with the exception of those raised to distinguished personages. This was also the practice of the Romans. Mrs. GRAY's tour to the supulchres of Etruria, is full of interest. The Moravian brothers form their burial place into a garden, and call it "friedhof, or field of peace." In some parts of Germany, every grave is covered with a bed of flowers, which the relations of the deceased water from a fountain dug for the purpose. The Turks beautify and adorn their places of burial, by winding avenues and the shades of the cypress.
The Pere la Chaise of Paris, where the dead of many generations repose, is, perhaps, the most interesting object to be seen in that great
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city. The simplicity and mournful aspect of its monuments, the variety and beauty of its flowers, its serpentine walks and beautiful shrubbery, its chapel and other improvements, draw hundreds of daily visitors. In England, of late years, public attention has been directed to the con- struction of Cemeteries, and many have been established. And in our own country, Mount Auburn, Greenwood, and other places, consecrated to the generations that are passing away, create a deep interest in all who visit them.
This rapid and imperfect sketch shows the working of the human mind on this solemn and impressive subject. We seldom see a house devoted to the worship of God in our own country, which has not in its neighborhood, and often in the same enclosure, a repository for the dead. But these are more or less neglected. In their plan they are too con- tracted, and there is a want of that system, accommodation, and taste, suited to the solemnity of such places.
In the selection of the ground for this Cemetery, no pains have been spared. It is recommended by its sequestered and beautifully elevated and undulating position ; by the aged forest which covers it, and the dry and sandy quality of its soil. This home of the dead should be conse- crated and adorned by the symbols of mourning, combined with those of hope. Nature, in all her luxuriance, should be here preserved, and so cultivated as to expand her wildest beauties. These trees should be pro- tected, and the lesser forest growths that we see; the grape vine and the wild flower, in all their variety, should be nurtured and preserved.
The monuments may be left to the taste, the affection, and the piety of bereaved friends. But all ostentation should be avoided. Simplicity is the language of nature, and best comports with the resting place of the dead. Avenues are necessary, and some have already been constructed for carriage ways, but they should not be too much multiplied. The more private walks should be serpentine, and so made, that the trees, the shrubs and the vines, shall cover the solemn foot-steps of the stricken in heart. The ground should be surrounded by a wall, or fence, which cannot easily be crossed-and on certain days no visitors should be admitted except those who have an interest in the ground, and come to mourn and weep over the graves of the departed. Thus prepared, this beautiful and appropriate ground will become a place of general resort, and of great moral improvement.
There is no language which reaches the heart with such power and effect as that which proceeds from the graves of those we loved. No unhallowed curiosity could enter so sacred a place as this shall become.
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No heart can look upon it and be unmoved. The visitor will feel that he is in the territory of death. Nature within it may wear a cheerful aspect, and the songsters of the wood may be heard; but the memorials of the grave will be present whichever way the eye shall be turned, and this will sadden the heart. It cannot but lead to the following deep and sol- emn reflection : Here is the end of mortality. In a short time, I too, must become a co-tenant in this domain, and visitors will look upon my grave as I now look upon the graves of others. How such an assur- ance must chasten the heart. If this indeed be so, why should I cherish an unholy ambition for fame, or seek to accumulate wealth by doubtful means ? Why should I endeavor by injustice to enrich myself at the ex- pense of my neighbor, seeing the time of enjoyment is so short, and the end of my career is so certain ? I see it, and I feel it. This voice' from the tomb reaches my heart ?
But there is something beyond what I see. This territory lies on the confines of eternity. It can scarcely be said to belong to earth. The dead inhabit it. But their spirits are not in these graves. They live in eternity ;- that changeless state of existence, which lies but a step beyond the ground on which I now stand. Many of these bodies rest in hope of a blissful immortality ; but others may have no such hope.
No one could enter upon this ground, consecrated as it is, and improved as it will be in years to come, and not indulge in a train of reflection somewhat similar to this. And under such circumstances, no one could leave this place without being made better than when he entered it. Such will be the moral effect of the consecration and improvement of this place. And I now-in the presence of you all-DEDICATE THIS GROUND-not to the living-BUT TO THE DEAD ! The trust shall endure, until time shall be no longer.
This will indeed be the place of tears, and of many sorrows. It is now consecrated as such. How solemn is this moment !- how impres- sive ! Many a Rachel will here mourn, and refuse to be comforted. Could I see and portray in the line of centuries, the broken hearted, who shall come here to give utterance to their sighs and their prayers, it would present an accumulation of sorrow too heavy to be borne. But, thanks be to God ? we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. Well did the great Apostle of the Gentiles say, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, of all men we are the most miserable." There is hope in the grave. "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption,
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and this mortal must put on immortality. Then shall death be swallowed up in victory."
And is this destiny ours !- It is. That voice which came down from Heaven has so declared, and we believe it. Wonderful, surpassingly wonderful, revelation ! Our life, though it be but a span, and may be full of trouble, yet it leads to this great destiny. In this view, how noble is man ! He lives forever ! What are the factitious distinctions of earth in comparison with this ! What the rank and power of the mightiest potentate, the greatest warrior, the wisest statesman, the most eloquent orator ! How insignificant all those great and rare qualities which sway senates and empires ; which explore the boundaries of human knowledge, and teach us the deep things of nature! All these are lighter than air, when weighed against the mighty, the overwhelming fact of man's immortality.
The good man may, like Abraham, weep and mourn the loss of beloved friends, but he does not despond. He has hope in their death. He fol- lows them beyond the grave, and he looks to a re-union in Heaven. He can view the memorials of the dead with sorrow, as connected with the past, and with resignation and hope as regards the future. He is instructed and consoled. He will find these lonely walks favored above the common walks of life. They will teach the truest wisdom. Here he will learn what he is, whither he is going, and the vanity of all things earthly.
Had the grave never been penetrated by hope ; if the empire of dark- ness covered all beyond it, and there was no eternity for man, the ap- proach of that endless, starless, moonless night, would fill us with wild- ness and shudderings of despair. In the language of desperation, we should say to our Creator, why hast thou formed and fashioned us as we are ? Why hast thou made this beautiful and sublime garniture of the universe ?- these numberless systems which perform their revolutions through infinite space ? Why enable us to calculate their courses and revolutions, and to understand the laws of nature ? Why this capacity for knowledge, this mental power, this reach of thought- and why-O, why ! this longing for immortality ? Why all this, if we open our eyes for a few days at most, to gaze upon the wonderful scene, and then close them forever ? But, blessed be God, life and immortality are brought to light by the Gospel. " We see in part, and we know in part; but the time will come when we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known."
Under such a glorious prospect it becomes us to meet with proper for- titude, those events which are incident to our being, and which cannot
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be avoided. We endure affliction, knowing it is good to be afflicted. And we are assured that suffering here, is no evidence of the displeasure of Heaven. HE chastens those whom he loves. We then take courage and bear ourselves firmly under the ills of life. That which may mar our present peace, and threaten to destroy it, may be a blessing in disguise. A voice from the grave may be necessary, to show us our danger and duty. However mixed the cup may be, we must drink it, and learn sub- mission.
History is said to teach by example; but there are no events so im- pressively taught, as when we call them to remembrance, standing at the grave of the actor. His race is run. His character, for good or for evil, is now fixed and unalterable. If distinguished for eminent public services, in the field or in the senate, as a statesman, jurist, or orator, we are reminded of these high qualities whilst we gaze upon his tomb. And we feel an earnest desire to emulate his virtues and avoid his vices. Such incidents contribute largely to the formation of character. They awaken within us a mighty impulse for action, and from the grave, this impulse can only tend to a virtuous course of action. Who could stand at the grave of WASHINGTON, and not love his country, and desire to imi- tate the virtues of its most honored son ?
Within a century to come, what diversity of character will meet within this field of death ! Here may be interred the mighty dead, who, in life, made a deep and lasting impression on the age in which they lived-who lived more for the world and their country, than themselves. These be- ing honored in life, will be honored in death, by the grateful sense of their country. And every one who passes by will pause to read the inscriptions on their tombs, A great majority will not be thus known to fame. But they will not be the less dear to their kindred and friends, who will cherish a remembrance of their virtues. Humble many of them may have been in the circles of life, but their ashes will rest in peace : and the triumph of a dying hour, as recorded on their grave stones, will carry conviction to many a heart. And here and there will be found an inscription, on the grave of one who called sinners to repentance, and who has gone to his reward. Here, too, the widow will find a sepulture ; and, also, the heart-broken and disconsolate one, who may have borne up against the tide of adversity, until nature became exhausted and death was welcomed as a deliverer. The rich and the poor-all ranks and con- ditions, will here find a resting place. Here all will occupy the same level. There are no distinctions in the grave. Death is the great level- Jer of mankind. Artificial grades, or positions in society, do not attract
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his notice, much less his respect. His decrees are inexorable and unap- pealable.
Standing at the goal of human probation, it may be fit to pause, and consider the career that here closes. It is short, but it is full of inci- dents. However diversified are the pursuits, the professions and condi- tions of men ; they are all characterized by a restless anxiety and fond- ness of change. And this is as clearly indicated in the humblest walk's of life, as in the highest. There is always an object to be obtained, which, in the prospective, promises much enjoyment, but in the posses- sion gives but little. The mind is again in pursuit of a future good, with as sanguine hopes, as if another disappointment were impossible. It, however, comes as before : and again, other objects are pursued with un- abated confidence. This is the history of our species. All are deluded by the anticipation, and disappointed in the enjoyment, but the pursuit is unceasing.
The day laborer has his object in view, the possession of which is, to add to his comfort and happiness, and the comfort and happiness of his family. It may be articles of food, of clothing, or some other thing for domestic use. This would be a small object in the estimation of others, but it is a matter of importance to him. The same principle operates upon the man who struggles for the ascendency, in any of the great lines of human action. His hopes are ardently enlisted, and he desires this or that position or object, to consummate his happiness. His aspirations are the same, except in degree, as those of the day laborer. They are, in fact, both day laborers. Alike in their pursuits, they are alike in their disappointments. During this action, time moves onward with a steady and an unchanging progress. Day and night succeed each other, and so do weeks, and months, and years. And during all this hurry and tur- moil, we are strangely prone to forget that we are mortal. Death, which is ever approaching us from the first breath we draw, is seldom anticipa- ted. This, to a rational being, would seem to be impossible; but it is true. Death, which should seldom be out of our thoughts, seems scarcely ever to be in them. We endeavor to cover it from our view, by a thousand interesting objects, which attach us more strongly to life. Our friends fall on the right hand and on the left, and yet we think ourselves secure. We fortify this belief by many reasons, every one of which is fallacious. But death must come at last, whether we are prepared for it or unprepared.
It is here, at the end of this career, and here only, that we can make a just estimate of life. When an individual starts in this race, everything
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before him bas a pleasing and satisfying aspect. The way is gilded by all the beauties of nature, and all the pleasures of hope. No clouds, nor darkness rest on the future. But at every step, he finds the object of his pursuit eludes his grasp, or brings with its possession disappointment. And thus he toils onward, seeking enjoyment from the world, and find- ing none that fills his hopes, until he is in the vale of life. And having come to the close of life's journey, he is brought to contemplate the place set apart for his last home. A grave is now all that the world can give him.
From this point in his history, he looks back on the past, and how changed is the picture ! The gilded scene has vanished. Its beauty and satisfying nature disappeared as it was approached. The distance at which it was at first viewed, gave a deceptive brilliancy to the prospect. But, having realized it, he now knows how to appreciate its value. In the world, he has found ingratitude, deceit, and selfishness. Neither wealth, nor popularity, nor eminent station, caused that restless principle within to be at ease. And, with the wise man, he is ready to say, "van- ity of vanities ! all is vanity !" And now, on the verge of death, he casts a long, troubled, and anxious look beyond the grave. But having been engrossed with the scene through which he has passed, down to this closing hour of life, he sees nothing cheering in the future. The black- ness of darkness rests upon it. And yet he is conscious that that future is his, and that it is of an endless duration. All his life long, he has been grasping at shadows; and now all before him is substantial and un- changing. This new view has broken upon him with the suddenness and force of a thunderbolt ! And now there is no time for reflection. Death is at hand ! he feels his cold embrace !
We should learn instruction from the past, the present, and the future, from the lives, the deaths, and the graves of others. The events of this day should teach us a lesson, never to be forgotten." They should come up in our memory, to influence our conduct. We should think of them when we lie down at night, and when we rise up in the morning. Here, in this consecrated ground, the dead shall repose until the last hour of re- corded time. And many of us shall be among these dead.
These trees, which have withstood the storms of many years, shall fall into decay and disappear, and others which shall succeed them shall also fall, and their successors, again and again. Spring, with its fragrant and blooming flowers; the deeper and richer foliage of summer ; the yel- low leaf of autumn, and the leafless trees of winter, shall here succeed each other, the long line of centuries. The cold winds of winter, and the refreshing breeze of summer, will pass over this ground and its silent
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inhabitants. Nature will move onward, governed by its established laws, until that point in the world's history shall be reached, when time shall end. And then, at the sound of the trump of the Archangel, the dead shall rise from their graves, and both small and great shall come to judg- ment. The bodies here deposited shall rise, and mingle in the general throng of mortals. The most obscure will not be overlooked; nor will the most distinguished on earth escape the scrutiny. Caesar and Lazarus, Bonaparte, and the humblest slave, will stand alike before the judge. And every one shall be judged, according to the deeds done in the body.
This scene is too sublime for human conception. It is too mighty ! The history of the world here closes. The final destiny of all who have lived upon it, is pronounced. God, our Creator, is the judge. For the first time, the incorruptible body opens its eyes upon eternity. And who can comprehend eternity ! We can only measure duration by the pro- gress of time. But time is no longer ! Its vicissitudes are closed for- ever. All things are ended that have an end-all things that remain, remain forever. There is a progress in happiness, and a progress in misery ; but the states of happiness and misery are unchangeable. The seal of eternity is impressed upon everything.
There is no subject which does not sink into nothingness, when com- pared to man's probation and final destiny. To close our eyes and hearts to this subject, or to pass it over lightly, is no mark of wisdom. It should. receive the profound attention of every one, as the most absorbing mat- ter which can occupy the human mind. It embraces all that is lovely in life, and all that is desirable in eternity. All the duties we owe to soci- ety, to ourselves, and to our country, are better discharged by a deep and practical acquaintance with our obligations to our Creator. This know- ledge, properly used, will shed a steady and an increasing light on the path of duty.
If thus armed against the sorrows of life, we shall not shrink from death. Whether his mandate shall come at the hour of midnight, or at the dawn of morning, we shall receive it with resignation and hope.
Our last earthly home, we have here selected ; and how small is the possession !- a few feet of ground ! This is all we can occupy, and it is all we can claim of earth. But we look for a better inheritance. The Savior has sanctified the grave, and broken its chains. He rose from its dominion, and we shall rise from its darkness and power. And if we shall have filled up the measure of our duty in this life-in these bodies, made incorruptible and spiritual, we shall realize a glorious immortality
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in Heaven. It is only through the dark and lonely grave, that we can hope to attain a bliss so unspeakable and inconceivable.
This hope should cheer us through the journey of life, whether the way shall be smooth or rugged. It should support us under the heaviest and deepest calamities to which we are exposed. Under its influence, we should view the grave as the opening portal of Heaven. It was the full. enjoyment of this hope, which enabled Paul to say, in view of martyr- dom, "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith : Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteous- ness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day : and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
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Recapitulaion of Statistics.
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AORES.
OOBT.
Quantity of Ground in the first Purchase, 166
Cost,
.17,227
Quantity in second Purchase
40
Cost, ..
4,284
Quantity in third Purchase, 60
Cost,
826,424
Quantity not devoted to Cemetery purposes, between the Hamilton Road and Mill Creek, 14
Total Acres, 280
Total Cost,
847,935
Amount of Reserved Fund, for keeping the ground in repair, invested in last purchase. 816,059 61
The two last additions not yet surveyed.
The first interment was made September 1, 1845. The number of interments made to September 30, 1856, were 5,267.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES,
From the Commencement of the Cemetery of Spring Grove, in 1844, to September 30, 1856.
RECEIPTS.
Received from the Sale of Lots, . $128,892 49
Interments & Improving Lots, 36,716 83
.
" Rent of Cottages, and Sale of Wood and Hay,.
7,273 84
Williams Legacy,.
6,013 86
Dividends on R. R. Stock ... 1,342 60
in trust, for keeping Lots in order, 800 00 8181,039 62
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EXPENDITURES.
Paid for Cemetery grounds,
$21,411 35
" Fences, ..
1,673 50
" Viaduct and Sewer,
6,703 11
" Vault,.
873 64
" Buildings,
2,051 66
" Cottages,
3,448 80
" Implements,
1,491 48
" Office Furniture, . .
953 39
" Planting and Seeding,
1,378 92
" Interments,
28,522 71
" Labor, ..
52,531 69
" Expenses, including, Survey, Sala- ries, Office Rent, Stationery, Repairs, Teams, Materials, Bowl- dering, &c.,
44,807 05
" " R. R. Stock, .
1,710 00
Cash Loaned, Reserved Fund, .. .. Cash on hand,
7,600 00
5,882 32 $181,039 62
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ANDREW JAMES
NICHOLAS PATTERSON
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Names of Proprietors,
JULY 81, 1857.
A.
BEO. LOT.
SEC. LOT.
Abrams, Wm. H.
77
11
Applegate, John W. 54 102 +
Ablamowicz, Dominic 42
58
Allen, Henry
41
68
Allgaier, Sebastian A. 51
87
Andrew, Peter
39 14
Adams, John
46
63 W. + Andrews, Alex. H.
67
20
Adams, William
30 118
Athearn, Jane
52 177 }
Allan, George
46 139
Anderson, Mrs. Julia 49, 95, 96
Ashcraft, S. S.
52 169 }
Anderson, James E. 31 316
Aszmann, Henry F.
36 13
Acheson, John
31 265 4
Allen, Marston
35 153
Allen, David
31 241
Ames, Daniel
54 104
Allen, David P.
31 241
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