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The Union Church Burial Place
An uninclosed burial-ground surrounded the old "Union Church" in Branchville;
as nearly as can be determined, it was first used about 1800. Over the graves originally
stood memorial stones, most of which have yielded to the ravages of time or been ruthlessly
destroyed by sacrilegious hands. It is probable that the individuals who gave the site for
the church also bestowed the ground for burial purposes. The following epitaphs are the only
ones that remained unimpaired.
"In memory of Hannah, wife of Job Cosad, who died March 2nd,1815, in the eighty-second
year of her age.
"Look on me, and you may see,
As I am now so you must be."
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"In memory of Hannah, wife of John Elliot, who died September 26th, 1813, aged thirty-
five years, seven months, and sixteen days. A good wife, a kind mother, and obedient
child."
"Sacred to the memory of Mr. John Elliot, who departed this life November 14th, 1833, aged
fifty-seven years, three months, and twenty-six days."
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Branchville Cemetery Association
This association was organized under an act of the State Legislature passed on
March 14, 1851, and the proceedings of the meeting held for the purpose of incorporation
were officially recorded Jan. 30, 1868.
At this meeting it was determined that a board of nine trustees should be elected, and the
following gentlemen were chosen:
First Class-Squire Dalrymple, Israel McDanolds, Martin Everitt.
Second Class-Nathan S. Roe, Virgil H. Crisman, John J. Coss.
Third Class-William McDanolds, J. L. Everitt, S.H. Stivers.
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Judge William McDanolds was chosen president of the association, and John L. Everitt secretary
and treasurer.
A committee was appointed to make an examination of grounds adjacent to Branchville with reference
to the selection of an advantageous site for the cemetery. Their report recommended the purchase of
land on the farm of Nathaniel Roe, and lying near what are known as the "Calamus Rocks." With a view
to the picturesque location of the latter point, they also recommended that a portion of it be included
in the purchase.
On Oct. 17,1868, the business details with Mr. Roe were consummated, and a deed was given by him for
14 acres, which included a tract of 3 acres embracing the "Calamus Rocks." The ground thus secured was
dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, Dec. 17, 1868. A set of by-laws was then adopted by the association,
which were printed and generally distributed. An executive committee was also appointed, consisting of the
president, Squire Dalrymple, and Martin R. Everitt. The price fixed by the trustees for lots was ten and
fifteen cents per square foot, to be governed by location, and this was to be modified on the application of
poor persons who desired ground within the limits on the cemetery.
A neat structure was erected at the entrance for accommodation of visitors and the convenience of the sexton,
and a ragged hedge formed a picturesque inclosure around the grounds.
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