Oak Grove Cemetery at Delaware, Ohio 1850-51

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 1)

[corresponds to front cover of Oak Grove Cemetery 1850-51]

OAK GROVE CEMETERY.

At Delaware, Ohio.

1850-51.

1850-51

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English

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Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 2)

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Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 3)

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OAK GROVE CEMETERY, DELAWARE, OHIO.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 4)

[corresponds to unlabeled page 4 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

RULES AND REGULATIONS,

AND

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION,

OF

OAK GROVE CEMETERY,

AT

DELAWARE, OHIO:

WITH THE

DEDICATION CEREMONIES, ETC.

COLUMBUS:

PRINTED BY SCOTT & BASCOM.

1852.

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Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 5)

[corresponds to unlabeled page 5 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

COMPILED BY DR. R. HILLS,

PRESIDENT:

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES,

DECEMBER, 1850.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 6)

[corresponds to unlabeled page 6 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

OFFICERS.

R. HILLS, PRESIDENT.

C. PLATT, CLERK.

B. POWERS, TREASURER.

R. HILLS,

C. C CHAMBERLAIN,

B. POWERS,

JAS. EATON,

C. HILLS,

JAS. EATON, SURVEYOR.

D. F. McCULLLOUGH, AGENT.

SAMUEL PARKS, RESIDENT SUPERINTENDENT.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 7)

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Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 8)

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HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION.

ON June 20th, 1850, there appeared in the "Olentangy Gazette" of

that date, the following notice, the result of suggestions made at a re-

cent meeting of the Common Council of the town of Delaware:

BURIAL GROUND NOTICE.

The citizens of Delaware and vicinity are requested to meet at the Court

House, this evening, at 7 1-2 o'clock, to take into consideration the subject of

extending the limits of the present Burying Ground, and making a suitable fence

around the same; or of changing the location, if necesssary, and selecting a suit-

able place for a new one, as the present ground is nearly all occupied. It is hoped

that a subject, in which all must be interested, will ensure a general attendance of

the citizens.

This meeting was numerously attended; Mr. E. Moore acting as

Chairman, and Mr. C. C. Chamberlain as Secretary. After a general

interchange of opinion on the necessity of immediate action, Dr. R.

Hills moved that a committee of five be appointed, to inquire into the

propreity of enlarging the present Burying Ground, or of selecting a

new one, and report to an adjourned meeting. This motion was adopted,

and Dr. R. Hills, Benj. Powers, James Eaton, D. F. McCullough

and C. C. Chamberlain, were appointed to the committee.

At the adjourned meeting, held at the same place, on the evening of

June 29th, 1850, the committee, through their chairman, made a re-

port, of which the following is an abstract:

Your committee report, that, in regard to the present Burial Ground,

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 9)

[corresponds to page 6 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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the amount of land orginally appropriated--about two acres--has

long since been taken up; and that the extensions of Mr. C. C. Cham-

berlain, on the north, and Dr. Reuben Lamb, on the south--about two

acres more--are nearly all sold. They also find that one acre of

ground, belonging to the township, and lying separately from the other

by a few rods on the south, is now being used as a pasture in connec-

tion with other lands, the monuments being every one broken down,

and the inscriptions on nearly all completely effaced.

The other grounds are in miserable condition; the fences, partly

board, and party worn, are dilapidated; the monuments are some of

them broken and defaced, and nearly all leaning in different directions

and different degrees; many lots are found to be lapping on each other,

and the single carriage avenue or lane through the centre could hardly

be found without an expert surveyor, and hogs and cattle are permitted

to trample upon and uproot these "houses of the dead" to an extent

shameful to the living.

Two things are evidently essential to be done under this state of

things: the preservation and protection of the old ground, and the pur-

chase and appropriation of a new one. The duties of your committee

refer only to the latter.

An extension of the present ground was first considered; but what

was deemed an adequate amount of suitable ground could not be pro-

cured--only some eight or ten acres, with three or four of it useless,

and at an expense of $200 per acre.

The next consideration of the committee was, to ascertain if elsewhere

a tract of land could be procured, suitable, in all respects, for a Bury-

ing Ground of the character of modern rural cemeteries. After a tho-

rough examination in all directions, your committee are unanimous in

recommending for this purpose the purchase of the "Kilbourne Farm,"

a tract of fity acres lying south of the town, one mile distant. A por-

tion of this is cultivated, the remainder in a state of nature; the whole

undulating and varied in surface, with small rivulets meandering through

it. There is also a small frame house, a barn, well, and other improve-

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 10)

[corresponds to page 7 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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ments upon the property, and it is understood that it can be procured

for thirty dollars per acre. It is certain that no site as eligible as this,

in location, accessibility, distance, picturesque views, variety of surface,

and as appropriately timbered, can be procured at all.

Your committee most decidedly recommend the establishment of a

Rural Cemetery, for these, among other reasons. It is in accordance

with man's nature, as well as the instinct of the age, to ornament and

beautify the sleeping places of the dead. We have all seen the evi-

dences of this propensity of the heart, in the turfing of the little hillock,

the planting of the rose, the ivy, the evergreen, and beautiful flowers,

over the spot where lies the well-remembered dead. With this feeling

so strongly implanted in our nature, it is difficult to understand why we

appropriate so sparingly of the surface of the earth for the purpose of

burial, and especially such public, naked and bleak spots as is custom-

ary. It was not always thus; for it was "the field of Ephron,...the

field and the cave which was therein, and all the trees which were in

the field, and those that were in all the borders round about," that the

affectionate heart of the old patriarch, Abraham, prompted him to seek

as a "burial place" for "Sarah, his wife." How strangely does this

Scriptural picture contrast with the burial places found all over the

country, without even an exception until recently !

It is the taste of most persons to visit the graves of the departed--

the places consecrated to memory--and the influence of such practice

is unquestionably felt in developing the better feelings of our nature,

in chastening the heart and softening down its rough asperities. Let

something, then, be done to make attractive these dwelling places of our

friends. Let the beauties of nature be fully opened and developed, and

combined with the skill of the sculpter, the genius of the architect, and

the taste of the florist, to beautify and adorn them. Let the invalid and

all others anticipating death, have no other thought than a burial in

some sweet, secluded spot, where the green lawn, the spreading oak and

bending elm, the cooling shade and rippling water, the rustling leaves

and the wild bird's song, and indeed, all the sweet voices of Nature,

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 11)

[corresponds to page 8 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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proclaim that this is her own beautiful home; and where there is a

stronger realization that God is near to us.

Your committee, therefore, recommend the adoption of some plan for

the purchase of the "Kilbourne Farm," and its improvement for the

purposes of a Rural Cemetery.

The Report and its recommendations were approved by the meeting,

and the same committee were further instructed to report a plan for the

organization of a Cemetery Association, to carry into effect the recom-

mendations just adopted.

On July 13th, 1850, articles of association were adopted and signed

by R. Hills, C. C. Chamberlain, D. F. McCullough, James Eaton, B.

Powers, T. W. Powell, R. N. Jones, Geo. F. Stayman, C. Hills, C.

Platt, E. Moore, S. Rheem, A. A. Welch, Hosea Williams and S. M.

Littell; and on August 10th, 1850, by Geo W. Campbell, Geo. Woods

Little, W. S. Little, M. L. Griffin, G. W. Stark, II. Van Horn, Asahel

Welch and S. Finch.

At this meeting, August 10, 1850, Dr. R. Hills, C. C. Chamberlain,

James Eaton, B. Powers and D. F. McCullough, were elected Trustees

of the Association, and C. Platt, Clerk.

This Board was subsequently further organized by the election of Dr.

R. Hills as President, and Benj. Powers as Treasurer.

A resolution was adopted to organize the Association under the gen-

eral act of the Legislature, chartering Cemetery Associations, dated

Feb. 24, 1848.

A Constitution and By-Laws were adopted. The land was pur-

chased of Mr. Kilbourne for the sum of $1,550. The Board decided

upon borrowing the sum necessary to meet the first payment of purchase

money, and with which to commence improvements. They also decided

to improve and dedicate only about thirty acres at present, it being the

northern portion of the tract.

R. Hills, T. W. Powell and Jas. Eaton, were appointed a committee

to lay out the grounds into sections, lots, carriage avenues, walks, &c.

With the assistance of other members of the Board, and other gen-

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 12)

[corresponds to page 9 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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tlemen and ladies of taste and judgment, this was done, and such other

important improvements made by the summer of 1851, that they were

considered in readiness for a formal dedication to the purpose designed.

The impressive ceremony of Dedication was held in the grove, in the

north-western portion of the grounds, at 10 o'clock on Thursday, July

20, 1851. The day was a beautiful one, and the concourse of citizens

large and attentive.

The first burial in the Cemetery was on the day of dedication, imme-

diately after the ceremonies of the occasion. An amiable old lady,

Mrs. McCracken, who had lived just her allotted time of threescore

years and ten, was thus fitly appointed by Providence to lead in this

place "the way of all flesh."

The exercises in the ceremony of Dedication were as follows:

INVOCATION.

By the Rev. H. VAN DEMAN, of the First Presbyterian Church.

SELECTED ODE.

Written by the late B. T. CUSHING, Esq., for the dedication of Green Lawn

Cemetery. Read by the Rev. Mr. HUGHS. Sung by a chori,

led by Mr. H. E. HOWARD.

Music--"The Grave of Bonaparte."

Sleep softly, ye greenwoods, with shadowy boughs;

Sleep softy! disturb not your solemn repose!

For ye bend in your beauty where shortly will wave

The flower of affection, reared over the grave!

Ye birds, whose clear anthems swell over the lea;

Ye insects, whose pipings come gladsome and free;

Ye winds of young summer, your music must blend

With the sighs of the mourner who weeps for his friend.

2

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 13)

[corresponds to page 10 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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Ye groves and ye hillocks, how lovely ye lie,

Like a vision of beauty--a dream of the sky;

Yet here must we follow the loved ones away,

And here must our bodies commingle with clay!

Sleep softly, ye greenwoods, with shadowy boughs;

Sleep softly! disturb not your solemn repose!

For ye bend in your beauty where shortly will wave

The flower of affection, reared over the grave!

READING THE SCRIPTURES.

By the Rev. W. C. FRENCH, of the Episcopal Church, who selected the XXIIId

Chapter of Genesis.

PRAYER.

By the Rev. EDWARD THOMPSON, D.D., President of the Ohio Wesleyan

University.

ORIGINAL ODE.

Written by Mr. J. D. LARIMORE, and read by the Rev. AHAB JENKS.

"Put off thy shoes!" Unbare they head!

For where thou standest now

"Is Holy Ground"--a sepulcher.

With rev'rence lowly bow:

Speak low; nor let one sinful thought

Have access to thy breast.

Let peace breathe comfort to thy soul,

While in this place of rest.

Beneath these shades how sweet to sleep,

And know affection's care

Hath made this home, this resting place,

And laid our bodies there.

These evergreens shall emblems be

Of that bright state above,

Where truth and mercy concentrate

In one Eternal Love.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 14)

[corresponds to page 11 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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Great God of love! we dedicate

These hills and vales to Thee;

To hold thy dead, of every name--

"God's Acre" let this be.

And may the souls, whose bodies lie

Within this beauteous calm,

By nestling in the bosom of

The Heavenly Pascal Lamb!

PRELIMINARY ADDRESS.

By Dr. R. HILLS, President of the Association.

[This address was mostly a history of the Association, with a general

statement of the action of the Board of Trustees, past and prospective.

Of the past action a brief statement has already been given, and need

not be repeated. Of the latter, it alluded to certain improvements de-

cided upon, and in contemplation by the Board, among which was the

hedging of the grounds with the Osage Orange so far as practicable, a

nursery having been already started for that purpose. A section of

ground, something less than one acre, immediately adjoining the en-

trance, and upon the right of it, had been reserved, upon which to

erect a Gate Lodge, or residence for the superintendent of the grounds.

A circular spot of about 900 feet in circumference, on the highest sum-

mit of the Ground, and near the front--a most beautiful situation for

the purpose--had also been reserved upon which to erect a chapel--

probably at some distant period of time.

Allusion was also made to the general principles upon which the

Association was based, the provisions of the Charter, the Constitution

and By-Laws, and the impression corrected, that a few persons professed

to have receieved, to the effect that the Association was established in

part as a monetary speculation by a few individuals--the profits from

the sales of lots to accrue to them. This was clearly shown to be erro-

neous; that all purchasers of lots became part owners of the property,

endowed with all the rights and privileges of others, in proportion to

the extent of their purchase; that all profits must be applied to the pay-

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 15)

[corresponds to page 12 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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ment of the original purchase and the improvement and keeping of the

grounds, and not one cent, under any circumstances whatever, could

be appropriated to private purposes.

The address closed with an announcement, that preparations were

now completed for the sale of lots, and an appropriate allusion was

made to the first burial upon the grounds, which was to take place

on that same day.]

DEDICATORY ADDRESS,

By the Rev. F. MERRICK, Professor in the Ohio Wesleyan University.

"DUST THOU ART, AND UNTO DUST SHALT THOU RE-

TURN," was the fiat of Him with whom alone are the

issues from death, when the first human pair had by

transgression provoked his just displeasure. And from

the day the decree went forth even until now, death

has swayed his sceptre over the nations, and laid low

in the grave each succeeding generation. No age, no

circumstances have shielded from his remorseless blow.

The infant, sleeping upon its mother's breast, has

opened its eyes to close them in the sleep of the grave.

The bloom of health upon the cheek of youth has

faded, the strength of manhood bowed at the approach

of the destroyer, while old age has tottered on its way

to the tomb. The relations of parent and child, brother

and sister, husband and wife, friend and lover, have

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 16)

[corresponds to page 13 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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each been severed at a blow. Kings have laid aside

their robes of royalty, for the habiliments of the tomb;

and the beggar in his rags has been borne to his final

resting place. The warrior, death's most faithful ally,

has at last himself fallen before the mighty archer.

The student in his retirement, the man of business in

the public mart, the Christian in his closet, and the

sensualist in his place of debauch, has each met the

dread summons, and passed away. Amid the soft

zephyrs of spring, the sultry heats of summer, the decay

of autumn, and the frosts of winter, death alike has

reveled.

"Leaves have their times to fall,

And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath,

And stars to set : but all--

Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death!"

Since, therefore, death must pass upon all, it is meet

we should provide a suitable spot as the last resting

place for the mortal remains of ourselves and friends.

I say suitable spot, for since death is an event of so

much interest, it cannot be a matter of indifference

where rest the sleeping dead. But to select and pre-

pare such a spot is no easy task. He who attempts it,

should have correct views of life, death, and immortal-

ity. He should know what it is to shed the tear of

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 17)

[corresponds to page 14 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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affection upon the grave of the departed, and rejoice

in the hopes which spring immortal from its dust.

With such views and feelings, he will blend the joy-

ous and the sad; for death must ever be regarded as a

sad event.

"Yea, though promises and hopes strive to cheat its sadness:

Full of grief, though faith herself is strong to speed the soul;

For the partner of its toil is left behind, to endure the ordeal of change."

Men have, indeed, in all ages labored hard to disarm

death of his terrors. They have greeted his approach

with songs, have decked his victims with flowers, and

filled their resting place with cheerful light. Poesy

has sung of the quiet of the grave, and satirized the fear

of death; while philsophy has recommended a cheer-

ful submission to the unavoidable decision of fate.

"Still death is terrible--the tear,

The groan, the knell, the pall, the bier,

And all we know, or dream, or fear

Of agony, are his."

And the grave--where the eye, the cheek, and the

lip of beauty fade, and where the lovely form moulders

back to dust--tell me not it has no gloom, nor forbid

the falling tear. Hence, thou cold philosopher and

dreamy poet, until ye have learned the language of

nature, and then ye will bid me stand with the Saviour

beside a brother's grave and weep. And, but for the

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 18)

[corresponds to page 15 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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light of revelation, well might I there stand and refuse

to be comforted. But thanks be to God, through

whose word "life and immortality are brought to

light." "Thy daed men shall live; together with my

dead body shall they arise," is its glorious announce-

ment. Yes, the grave shall unloose its prisoner, and

the ocean's depth uncover the sleeper upon its coral

bed. To those who sleep in Christ, there comes a morn

of gladness,--

"When love's soft dew o'er every eye

Shall shed its mildest rays,

And the long silent dust shall burst

With shouts of endless praise."

Then should the place of sepulture have its lonely

glen and sunny hill-side. There should fall the shade

of the cypress, the laurel, and the willow; and there,

too, should bloom the amaranth, the lily, and the rose.

How well adapted is this spot to the use to which

we this day dedicate it--

"Midst holy prayers, and generous grief, and consecrating blessings,"

I need not say. All must feel that, when completed,

it will harmonize sweetly with the feelings of the

hopeful mourner. Henceforth be it sacred as a place

of burial for the dead; not consecrated to bless their

sleeping dust, or open to their spirits the portals of the

skies; but as a place where their bodies may, in undis-

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 19)

[corresponds to page 16 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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turbed repose, rest until the last trump shall bid them

rise.

Here bring your dead, and bury them from your

sight. Here let the father and the mother sleep, and

by their side their children. In some sequestered spot,

where bloom the sweetest, loveliest flowers, find a rest-

ing place for her, to whom, next to God, thou gavest

thy heart's best love--thy wife; and on her grave

sprinkle the green locust leaves; and when thy race is

run, lay thee down by her side to rest. Where the

myrtle and the thyme shed their perfume, bury thy

sister; and beneath the oak, around which the wood-

bine twines, let the manly form of thy brother find

repose. In some soft shade make the grave for thy

infant, and on it plant the violet.

If monumental marble tell who and where the

sleeper is, let chaste simplicity give it form and make

the record. Oh, it is a sad thing to see the pride and

vanity of the living finding expression upon the same

stone which records the humiliating victory of the grave.

But not alone to the dead be this place given. Let

the living come hither also--the aged, to see that

between them and the grave there is but a step--the

young, to be reminded that they too must die--the

sad and desponding, to learn that a living man should

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 20)

[corresponds to page 17 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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not complain--the thoughtless and the gay, to check

the exuberance of their mirth--the man of business,

to see an end of all his cares--the idle, to learn the

value of time. Here let the infidel come, and see how

dark and gloomy is the grave into which the light of

revelation shines not; and here let the Christian come,

and with an apostle sing, "Oh death, where is thy

sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be

to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord

Jesus Christ." Here let all come and gain pricelss

lessons of wisdom. But let none rush rudely within

these sacred enclosures--these precincts of the dead.

Along these avenues let the wheel roll slowly, and the

foot fall lightly. Let not the loud voice disturb the

meditations of the thoughtful, nor the merry peal break

harshly upon the ear of the grief stricken mourner.

Be still, commune with thine own heart, and receive

instruction.

How much of interest will centre in these grounds!

Human dust will here mingle with its native elements.

Sighs from bleeding hearts will rise upon the evening

breeze, and prayers salute the opening day. Every sod

will be watered with the tears of affection, and every

spot be made sacred with hallowed memories. And,

3

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 21)

[corresponds to page 18 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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methinks the wings of ministering angels will rustle

among these overhanging boughs, as they watch with

sleepless eye the graves of the heirs of salvation, and

strengthen the hearts of the disconsolate mourners.

But not thus always. An end shall come. A last

funeral procession shall slowly wind along these ave-

nues, a last tear be dropped, a last sigh heard; and

then a change shall pass over the sleepers here. At "the

voice of the archangel and the trump of God," they

shall awake, and come forth, some to everlasting life,

and some, it is to be feared, to shame and everlasting

contempt.

Be it ours, having served our generation according

to the will of God, to fall asleep in Jesus, and here rest

until time shall be no more; and then to be found

numbered among those who share a part in the first

resurrection.

ORIGINAL ODE.

Written by Dr. R. HILLS, and read by Rev. Dr. WARNER.

Music--"Pilgrim Fathers."

Where towering oaks arise,

And graceful elm trees bend,

Where cooling shades and sunny skies

Their loveliest beauties blend,

Where deep and winding aisles

Invite us oft to tread,

Where nature wears its sweetest smiles--

There we would rest when dead.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 22)

[page 22]

[corresponds to page 19 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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Not in the hum of earth,

Where the busy pave is trod,

Can highest, holiest thoughts have birth,

Or man commune with God.

'Tis in a spot like this,

Where God's impress is felt,

That visions of eternal bliss

Will wayward natures melt.

Bring hither then the dead!

These groves to them are given:

A home to those who souls are led

To sweeter homes in Heaven.

Fond memories soon will bring

Affection's tributes here;

For human hearts will ever cling

To those they once held dear.

Oh, cherish then the spot

Where loved ones sweetly rest,

And where the stricken mourner's thought

Upheaves the aching breast!

Aye, call it "Holy Ground,"

Where man should lightly tread--

Jehovah's presence here is found:

'Tis sacred to the dead!

BENEDICTION.

By the Rev. H. E. PILCHER.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 23)

[corresponds to unlabeled page 20 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

THE CHARTER,

OR

GENERAL LAW INCORPORATING CEMETERY ASSOCIATIONS, PASSED

FEB. 24, 1848, AND ADOPTED BY THIS ASSOCIATION.

SEC. 1--Details how organizations may be formed,

and what officers they shall have.

SEC. 2--Prescribes the duties of the Clerk of the

Association and the County Recorder, in perfecting the

organization of the Association.

SEC. 3--Gives perpetual succession to the Trustees,

and empowers them to make contracts; to sue and be

sued.

SEC. 4--Authorizes the Association to prescribe

terms on which members may be admitted, the number

of Trustees and other officers, time and manner of elec-

tions and meetings, and passage of By-Laws.

SEC. 5 "Such Association shall be authorized to

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 24)

[corresponds to page 21 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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purchase, or to take by gift, or devise, and hold land,

exempt from execution and from any appropriation to

public purposes, for the sole purposes of a Cemetery,

not exceeding one hundred acres, which shall be

exempt from taxation, if used exclusively for burial

purposes, and in no wise with a view to profit. After

paying for such land, all the future receipts and in-

come of such Association, whether from the sale of lots,

from donations, or otherwise, shall be applied exclu-

sively to laying out, preserving, protecting and embel-

lishing the Cemetery and the avenues leading thereto,

and the erection of such building or buildings as may

be necessary for the cemetery purposes, and to paying

the necessary expenses of the Association. No debts

shall be contracted in anticipation of future receipts,

except for originally purchasing, laying out, enclosing

and embellishing the grounds and avenues, for which a

debt may be contracted not exceeding ten thousand

dollars in the whole, to be paid out of future receipts;

and such Association shall have power to adopt such

rules and regulations as they shall deem expedient for

disposing of and conveying burial lots."

SEC. 6--Exempts burial lots from taxation, execu-

tion, or any process whatever.

SEC. 7--Provides that a plat of the ground and

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 25)

[corresponds to page 22 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

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lots shall be made and recorded; gives power to in-

close, improve and adorn the grounds and avenues, and

to erect buildings; power to prescribe rules to lot-

holders for inclosing and adorning lots, and erecting

monuments thereon, and prohibiting whatever they

deem improper; and provides for an Annual Exhibit

of the affairs of the Association.

SEC. 8. "Any person who shall wilfully destroy, mu-

tilate, deface, injure or remove any tomb, monument

or gravestone, or other structure placed in any cemetery;

or any fence, railing, or other work for the protection

or ornament of a cemetery or tomb, monument or grave-

stone, or other structure aforesaid, or of any cemetery

lot within a cemetery, or shall wilfully destroy, cut,

break or injure, any tree, shrub or plant, within the

limits of a cemetery, shall be deemed guilty of a mis-

demeanor, and shall, upon conviction thereof before any

court of competent jurisdiction, be punished by a fine

of not less than five dollars, nor more than five hun-

dred dollars, and by imprisonment in the county jail

for a term of not less than one, nor more than thirty

days, according to the nature and aggravation of the

offence; and such offender shall also be liable in an

action of trespass in the name of the said Association,

to pay all such damages as have been occasioned by

his unlawful act or acts; which money, when recovered,

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 26)

[corresponds to page 23 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

23

shall be applied to the reparation and restoration of the

property destroyed or injured as above; and in all pro-

secutions and suits under this act, members of the As-

sociation shall be competent witnesses."

SEC. 9--Asserts that the General Assembly reserves

the right to tax such property at any time hereafter.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 27)

[corresponds to unlabeled page 24 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

CONSTITUTION.

ART. I--NAME.

This Association shall be styled "The Oak Grove

Cemetery."

ART. II--MEMBERSHIP.

Any person, or association of persons, may become a

member by the payment of ten dollars into the Treasu-

ry, which may be applied on the payment of lot or lots

purchased.

ART. III--PRIVILEGES.

Members shall be entitled to one vote for each and

every ten dollars paid into the Treasury, which vote

may also be given either in person or by proxy, if au-

thorized in writing.

ART. IV--TRUSTEES.

The business of the Association shall be transacted

by a Board of five Trustees, who shall be Stockholders

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 28)

[corresponds to page 25 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

25

of the Association. A regular meeting of the Associa-

tion shall be held on the first Monday of January an-

nually.

ART. V--VACANCY.

Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Trustees, or

the Clerkship, may be filled by the remaining Trustees.

ART. VI--ALTERING AND AMENDING

This Constitution may be altered or amended by a

vote of two-thirds of the members present, in person or

by proxy, at any regular annual meeting. Thirty days'

notice shall be given of such intention to alter or amend,

by publishing it in one or more newspapers of the

town.

4

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 29)

[corresponds to page 26 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

BY-LAWS.

SEC. 1. The members of the Association shall, on

the first Monday in January next, elect five Trustees

and one Clerk. Three of the Trustees so chosen shall

serve one year and until their successors are elected,

and the other two, two years and until their successors

are elected; and they shall draw lots, unless they

otherwise agree, which shall go out first; and the

places of those whose terms expire shall be filled by an

election to be held annually, on the first Monday in

January of every year thereafter--the term of office to

be two years. The Clerk elected next January shall

serve one year and until his successor shall be chosen,

and a Clerk shall be elected every year thereafter at

the annual election.

SEC. 2. The Trustees shall select by ballot from

their own body a President and a Treasurer, who shall

serve for one year and until their successors are elected.

SEC. 3. The President shall preside at all meetings

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 30)

[corresponds to page 27 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

27

of the Board of Trustees and of the Association, and

shall call meetings of the Board whenever he may deem

it necessary, or when requested to do so by any two

members thereof. He shall also sign officially all deeds,

conveyances, agreements, and all other important docu-

ments. In his absence at meetings the office may be

filled pro tem.

SEC. 4. The Clerk shall keep the Minutes of the

Board and of the Association, shall have custody of

all the books, papers, accounts, with the seal, and all

other personal property of the Association, except when

otherwise provided for. He shall also collect all moneys

due to the Association, and pay over the same imme-

diately to the Treasurer, and shall give bond in the

sum of one thousand dollars, with security approved

by the Board, for the faithful discharge of his duties,

which bond shall be kept by the Treasurer. He shall

also countersign officially all deeds, conveyances, and

other important documents, and also sign all orders on

the treasury. He shall give notice of all special meet0

ings of the Trustees, and all meetings of the Associa-

tion, and shall perform such other duties as the Board

may from time to time direct.

SEC. 5. The Treasurer shall receive all the funds

of the Association, and deposit them in Bank, or other-

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 31)

[corresponds to page 28 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

28

wise keep them, as may be directed by the Board, and

shall pay the same out only on the check of the Clerk.

He shall give bond with approved security, in the sum

of two thousand dollars, for the faithful performance of

his duty. The Clerk and Treasurer shall each render

an account of the financial condition of the Association

at the annual meeting, and at such other times as may

be required by the Board of Trustees.

SEC. 6. All accounts or claims against the Associ-

ation shall be first approved by the Board of Trustees,

or a committee thereof, in writing, before they can be

allowed, and shall then be paid in an order drawn by

the Clerk upon the Treasurer.

SEC. 7. There shall be a meeting of the Board of

Trustees on the first Thursday evening of each month,

and at such other times as may be determined by ad-

journment, or by the call of the President.

SEC. 8. All agents and servants of the Corporation

shall be appointed for such periods as may suit the

pleasure and convenience of the Board of Trustees.

SEC. 9. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or

repealed at any regular meeting of the Board of Trus-

tees, by the vote of a majority thereof, after such repeal,

amendment or alteration shall have been proposed at,

and entered on the minutes of the previous meeting.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 32)

[corresponds to unlabeled page 29 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

RULES FOR PROPRIETORS OF LOTS.

1. No person shall have any use of, or title to a lot,

until the same is paid for; and if not paid for within

ten days from the date of selection or purchase, the

selection shall be forfeited.

2. No transfer of any lot will be permitted, without

the consent of the Board of Trustees.

3. No tree or shrub shall be removed from any lot,

or any material alteration made in its surface, without

the consent of the Board.

[NOTE.--The propriety of this rule is evident; for though

the lot itself might be improved, yet great injury might accrue

to the adjoining lots, or to the beauty and interest of the entire

grounds.]

4. All enclosures of lots must be placed on the lot

itself, and must never exceed three and a half feet in

height. No description of wooden fence or enclosure

will be permitted; nor close walls of brick or stone;

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 33)

[corresponds to page 30 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

30

except as foundations for enclosures, of twelve inches

or less in height.

[NOTE.--Everything erected of wood is quickly perishable, and

soon assumes that dilapidated condition of which every common

grave yard has many examples, as perfect eye-sores. Better, a

great deal, that there be no enclosed lots; especially as the entire

grounds are to be well protected. The Board desire in the very

start to suppress and prevent these destructives of beauty. Much

more beautiful, more permanent, and far cheaper enclosures can

be made of little hedges of some favorite shrub, either deciduous

or evergreen. Or expensive ones may be made of stone and iron,

of chains, of wire, &c. The Board, through their officers, will

be able and willing to furnish suggestions upon these subjects to

those desiring them.]

5. Two or more lots may be included in one en-

closure, by arrangement between owners.

[NOTE.--The cost of enclosing will thus be cheapened, and the

general good effect in appearance will oftentimes be increased.

Relatives and neighbors might often be induced to make their

selections of lots with this view.]

6.Proprietors of lots may improve and adorn their

lots, and the adjoining borders, with trees, shrubs,

plants, hedges, &c.; but all such improvements must

have the sanction of the Board of Trustees or their

agents.

[NOTE.--The Board wishes to encourage, to the fullest extent,

displays of individual taste and judgment, but must see that the

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 34)

[corresponds to page 31 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

31

general interest of the entire Association is not marred and in-

jured by that which is improper.]

7. Proprietors of lots may build any suitable monu-

ment or monuments thereon, provided that no slab-

stone placed upright shall be more than two and a half

feet in height, and it is recommended that they be

placed so as to face the avenues.

[NOTE.--The Board are sensible that they will come in con-

flict with past custom and practice in this rule more than in any

other. One intention is, to do away entirely with the ordinary

thin slab head-stone, as a monument which, though well enough

in a crowded, old fashioned grave-yard, with its military style of

order and precision, is entire unsuited to the character of a

rural, picturesque Cemetery. This can only be appreciated fully

by those who have seen the latter; and time will be requisite to

reconcile the minds of many to the requirements of the rule. But

eventually all will acknowledge the propriety of the restriction.

The position of the stone, and impliedly that of the grave, is also

of importance. That graves should be dug at a uniform point of

the compass, and the head-stones and monuments be placed cor-

respondingly, without reference to the locality and direction of

avenues, is incompatible with the general design and object; and

the idea of a rural Cemetery might as well be abandoned, if this

were permitted. The Board will be provided with plans and de-

signs of monuments with which to aid persons in deciding with

true taste and judgment before any outlay. A plan has recently

been introduced of erecting what is termed a "family monument,"

to be placed in the centre or front of the lot, to contain the re-

cords for those buried around, and blank spaces for additional

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 35)

[corresponds to page 32 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

32

ones. This would be in many instances a cheaper plan to

have a stone or monument for each, and would contribute much

more to the beauty and embellishment of the grounds.]

8. All plans of enclosures, monuments, vaults,

tombs, or other structures, shall be submitted to and

approved by the Board of Trustees, or their appointed

officers, before they can be erected; and if any monu-

ment, railing, or other structure, any inscription, any

tree, shrub, or plant, or any portion thereof, shall be

decided, by four-fifths of the Board of Trustees, to be

offensive, improper, or in any way injurious to the

general interests of the Association, they shall have

power, and it shall be their duty to change or remove

the same.

9. All materials for improvements shall be depos-

ited under the direction of the Superintendent, and

shall not remain longer than necessary; and all rub-

bish shall be removed by the proprietor without delay.

10. Vaults or tombs will be permitted, provided

they are under ground, except the entrance; are built

of durable materials, in a substantial manner, and are

provided with two tight stone or metal doors, one within

the other, and kept securely fastened.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 36)

[corresponds to page 33 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

33

11. All lots must be kept in the neatest order, by

the owners thereof.

[NOTE.--It is the intention of the Board to have every thing

kept neatly and in order, having a resident Superintendent for

that purpose; but it is expected that every lot owner, while living

and a resident with us, will have an interest in personally attend-

ing to its condition.]

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 37)

[corresponds to unlabeled page 34 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

RULES RESPECTING BURIALS.

1. All burials in private lots will be restricted to

the proprietor's family and relatives, unless by special

permission of the Board of Trustees.

2. All graves will be opened and filled by the

Superintendent or his assistants.

3. Application must in all cases be made to the

clerk, or, in his absence, to some member of the Board,

for an order to the Superintendent to open the grave.

The size of the coffin, the lot, and the precise place

thereon for the grave, must be designated in the appli-

cation, and in the order. No order will be issued

without the required fee, and the Superintendent will

in no case act, without the required order.

4. A statement shall also be made, in all cases, to

the clerk, for the purpose of record, of the name of the

deceased, the age, place of nativity, residence, occupa-

tion, parentage, disease, date of death, and any other

important matter.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 38)

[corresponds to page 35 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

35

5. All graves shall be at least five feet deep, when

the coffin is four feet and upwards in length, and all

others shall be at least four feet deep, except those for

infants under one year of age, which need not exceed

three and a half feet.

6. The surface of the ground over graves should

always be kept nearly level, or nearly in its natural

shape, and not raised into unsightly mounds.

[NOTE.--The practice of raising mounds on the surface of the

earth, of the form of the grave, was intended to meet the subse-

quent sinking of the earth; but this equally unsightly appearance

will always be promptly remedied by the Superintendent. These

coffin-shaped hillocks do not harmonize with the spirit that should

prevail in such a place--the Spirit of Nature, in all her simpli-

city, beauty and purity. One means of preventing the sinking of

the earth, is to have the lower part of the grave built up with

durable brick, and covered with thin slabs of stone, instead of

using boards, as is customary, which must in a little time give

way and thus occassion the sinking.]

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 39)

[corresponds to unlabeled page 36 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

THE WANDERER'S HOME.

A portion of the ground is set apart to be separately

enclosed, having a Senior and a Junior Department,

termed the WANDERER'S HOME, where paupers and

friendless strangers may have burial, under the follow-

ing prescribed

REGULATIONS.

1. The graves shall be opened in regular rows,

succeeding one another in order of date, and at uniform

distances.

2. A head-stone shall be erected at each of the

several graves, of uniform size and character, two feet

high, fourteen inches wide, and two inches thick, with

a plain inscription of the name, age, and time of death

of the deceased.

3. The same fees for opening and closing the grave

shall be paid as in other cases, with one dollar addi-

tional for the use and care of the ground; which fees,

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 40)

[corresponds to page 37 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

37

together with the cost of the head-stone, shall be paid

as other funeral expenses, and before the burial.

[NOTE.--This arrangement secures to all, however poor, not

only a decent burial, but a substantial, though plain, monumental

record. And as this department must necessarily remain under

the exclusive control of the Board, there is a reasonable certainty

of its receiving perpetual care and attention. The cost of the

stone cannot be definitely given, as it must necessarily vary; but

it can unquestionably be obtained under a general arrangement

of the Board at a much less price than by individuals. Where

other resources are insufficient, it is expected that the legal pro-

visions for the poor will be made applicable to this, as for other

purposes.]

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 41)

[corresponds to unlabeled page 38 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

REQUISITE FEES.

For opening and closing graves 5 feet deep, - - $2 00

" " " " " 4 " " - - - 1 50

" " " " " 3 1/2 " " - - - 1 00

For each deed of lot and its record, - - - - - 50

" " transfer of lot " " " - - - - - - 2 00

RULES FOR VISITORS.

1. No horses or carriages will be admitted on the

Sabbath, except on occasion of burials.

2. No riding or driving will be allowed faster than

four miles an hour.

3. No persons will be admitted with fire-arms.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 42)

[corresponds to page 39 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

39

4. Horses must never be fastened to trees, shrub-

bery, or enclosures of lots, and must never be left

unfastened.

5. All persons are prohibited from picking either

wild or cultivated flowers, injurying any tree, shrub, or

plant, entering any enclosure without leave, writing or

marking upon, defacing, or in any way injurying any

monument, vault, railing, or other structure.

6. No person will be permitted to disturb the quiet,

or good order of the place in any way, and all propri-

eties due to its sacred character should be observed,

and will be required on all occasions.

[NOTE.--As a matter of general interest, we state, that the

entire grounds intended for that purpose, have been surveyed into

burial lots, varying in size from a few feet, to six or seven hun-

dred in superficial surface--the average being about four hundred

square feet. The total number of lots is about one thousand.

They have also been appraised at rates varying from one to six

cents per square foot--the average being about four cents. So

that lots vary in appraised value from $3 up to $30 or $40.

There are many very pleasant small lots to be found, for sums

varying from $5 to $10. So that any and every person may

command a situation here, that could obtain one any where else.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 43)

[corresponds to page 40 of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

40

It is not inteneded, however, that this appraisement shall be per-

petual, nor will it probably remain longer than circumstances

demand an expeditious sale of lots.]

CORRECTION.--In the Preliminary Address, page 11, middle

of the page, instead of 900, read 450.

Rules and Regulations and Articles of Association of Oak Grove Cemetery (p. 44)

[corresponds to back cover of Oak Grove Cemetery booklet]

[back cover blank]