For more info on burials in this cemetery, please visit: https://eastauroracemetery.wordpress.com/
CAPT CO K, 6 IOWA INF
Wilson Dennison was living with his parents Nathaniel and Eleanor Dennison in Aurora, IL. Source: 1850 US Census. He died of typhoid fever 14 Sep 1861 in Burlington, Iowa while serving in the Civil War. Source: U.S., Registers of Deaths of Volunteers, 1861-1865, Ancestry.com
"There have also been placed in this cemetery many fine military tombstones in memory of our brave boys who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country and whose bodies have been brought here. These comprise the names of Capt. A. P. Moffatt, Capt. Wilson Deniston, Lieut. E.M. Emerson, Corporal William P. Blakeslee and Privates Charles Tittsworth, F. Hoff, Albert Mosely and J.C. Coggswell. Source: NOW and THEN - Before the Tardy Bell Rings - by "Lutz" White, the Aurora Beacon News, Sunday, July 10, 1932 . The entire article can be read below:
THE CEMETERY
"I like that ancient Saxon phrase which calls the burial ground 'God's Acre'! It is just; it consecrates each grave within its walls and breathes a benison o'er the sleeping dust." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
OUR CEMETERIES IN 1865
Browsing thru the old and faded scrap book of the pioneer Airs family of Sugar Grove, the contents of which date back to civil war days we came upon a most fascinating article, taken from a local newspaper, written in meditation on the Aurora cemeteries as they were at the close of the war.
The clipping pasted in this venerable scrap book is evidently from an Aurora paper, but bears not the date or the name of the writer. However from incidents and facts recorded we are enabled to definitely place the date as the spring of 1865.
This interesting meditative description includes a mention of the first La Salle street cemetery, the historic Root street and the West Aurora burial grounds; and a prospectus of the Spring Lake cemetery, which was just then being landscaped in preparation for the sale of lots.
THE AUTHOR UNKNOWN
The article was undoubtedly (judging from the use of the editorial "we") from the pen of one of our prominent newspaper men of that period, among whom were Agustus Harmon, Thomas E. Hill, George S. Bangs, J. W. Randall, Dudley Randall, O. B. Knickerbocker, J. H. Hodder and James Shaw.
In reading this paper, bear in mind that it was written in 1865. The nine soldiers mentioned were killed or died in service; later there were to be 18 more comrades to join them in the old Root street cemetery. This "God's Acre" attained its greatest beauty during the seventies. The majestic monument to Aurora's first postmaster, Burr Winton, now standing, was not to set until his death over 20 years later. Many of our pioneers were not to be laid to rest until some years later.
Following is the article we found in the aged Airs scrap book
VISITING GOD'S ACRE
There is not far away from us a little city so quiet and lonely that some seem not to care that they never enter it, and yet there is much of beauty and adoration within its borders for a great many of the best and truest among us have gone there to dwell - it is the City of the Dead. Last week we paid a visit to our cemeteries.
THE LA SALLE STREET CEMETERY
(Editor's note: In the reminiscence to follow the writer recalls the first little cemetery at what is now the southeast corner of La Salle and Benton streets, platted and given to the "McCarty Mill's" settlement about 1836, by the McCarty brothers.)
"Twenty years ago, the writer of this, in boyish thoughtlessness, wandered thru the old burying-ground, a little southwest of the Methodist church. It was a small plot of ground scarcely larger that a comfortably sized dwelling lot, very prettily shaded with small native oaks, but with no other ornaments than a few heaps of grassy mold and an occasional slab of stone or plain marble, bearing the simple inscription –'in memory of', etc.
But the old burial ground has long since disappeared; those who were laid there have been removed or their bodies have mingled with the earth."
THE GROUND TOO SMALL
"As the first mentioned ground was too small, so the next (Root street cemetery) has already proved to be – in fact it is now in a thickly built portion of the city. The one on the west side of the river (West Aurora cemetery) laid out still later, although yet removed from the crowded walks of life, is also too small, and should be enlarged, at last, as early as possible."
ROOT STREET CEMETERY
"We approach by a narrow lane and as we ascend the steps to enter, the white tops of the monuments and tombstones gleam thickly amid the surrounding foliage, presenting an attractive picture.
Almost the first step at the right we observe, enshrouded with lilacs, four marble slabs bearing the epitaphs of the Dr. Eastman family, five in number (Sec. 3, lot 11); a little farther are those of William R. Parker and four daughters (Sec. 3 lot 33) and to the east the two wives (Phoebe Stolp and Emily (?)) and three children (Marion, Eddie and Sarah Jane) of Samuel McCarty (Sec. 3 lot 5), over one of which reads, 'Our Dear Little Eddie - Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven'."
REV. D. P. BAILEY
"Near this, beneath a pretty marble stone, surmounted by the emblems of various orders, lie the remains of the beloved pastor of the Universalist society of Aurora, Rev. D. P. Bailey (Sec. 3 lot 53); and to the north of it are those of Dr. N. Hard (father of Dr. A. Hard) wife and four children." (Sec. 3 lot 36)
OUR PIONEERS
"'Death loves a shining mark', we thought as we observed so many gifted and noble minds reposing within this narrow space.
A little to the east are also the resting places of George F. Buck (Sec 2 lot 38, Edwin Lillie (Sec 2 lot 48), and several other of our once prominent citizens. Before we reach these we pass a large slab, which reads, 'Marilla, wife of Isaac S. Fitch: died June 23, 1863, aged 66 years.' (Sec. 3 Lot 52)
Within 22 feet of this decaying body like the remains of William Brown, her husband; also five children and four grandchildren. (Sec. 3 lot 37) In this group, coupled with little Willie's inscription are the lines: "The flower that blooms the brightest is doomed the first to fade; The form that moved the lightest in earth is soonest laid."
Deep hid among the lilacs, close by, was another inscribed to a daughter: "This lovely bud, so young and fair. Called hence by early doom, just came to show how sweet a flower in Paradise could bloom."
"We are among the buds and blossoms now, which are tenderly watched, were cut down and transplanted here to bud and bloom in Paradise."
"Little Roxolener and John William lie here.' (Possibly children of Lelan and Mary William)
"We lay them in the silent tomb, sweet blossoms of a day; we just began to view their bloom when they were called away."
"Also another read: "Our darling Lillie, God kissed her sweet spirit away.'
"There was various others inscribed, but none so beautifully touching as the following:
"Thru the dim valley, hand in hand, three little wanderers, precious band, went singing o'er the shining sand, journeying on, to the pleasant land."
MANY CHILDREN
"The cold winds seem to have swept bitterly thru the narrow paths that lead us to the eastward, for the little marble stones rise more thickly and scattered blossoms-lying here beneath our sight-told how the slender stems of life had become broken and where the hearts affections dwelt. Here were four little sisters, side by side; close by them another row of three, and also another of the same number, over which the line, "The fairest flowers are gathered early."
"CONY AND GARRISON"
"Cony and Garrison", two little boys who were drowned in each other's embrace, have this appropriated inscription: "Sleep gentle boys, in union blest the waves that closed you o'er and bore you to your Heavenly rest shall never reach you more."Sons of Dr. J. A. Brooks and L. Huntoon, respectively (Sec 1 lot 47)
"Nearby were a number of other little graves, handsomely set around with flowers, and containing finely carved stones, tenderly inscribed. One of these tells us that, "Our little Emma wanted to be an angel." "Another reads: "This little bud, for earth too fair as gone to Heaven to blossom there." "And another reads, 'She has left us, Lena May.' "Death nipped the bud before its bloom and laid it in the silent tomb.'
THE ANGELS AND CHILD
"Somewhere here we observed a finely carved block of pure marble, representing figures of angles, bending over a sleeping child, who held in its hands a bunch of fresh apple blossoms, placed there probably by an affectionate mother or sister.
SOLDIERS WHO DIED IN SERVICE
"There have also been placed in this cemetery many fine military tombstones in memory of our brave boys who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country and whose bodies have been brought here. These comprise the names of Capt. A. P. Moffatt, Capt. Wilson Deniston, Lieut. E.M. Emerson, Corporal William P. Blakeslee and Privates Charles Tittsworth, F. Hoff, Albert Mosely and J.C. Coggswell.
COLONEL SILAS MILLER
"Near the entrance, however, temporarily repose the remains of another, whose monument can never record in fitting characters the brave deeds he performed, nor the glory and honor he won while sacrificing his life for his country. Affection will ever linger around this grave of Colonel Silas Miller."
"Editor's note: This article was evidently written in 1865, just prior to the opening of Spring Lake cemetery. At that time a monument to the memory of Colonel Miller was being cut by Terry and Stickle, to be the first placed in the new cemetery when completed. Until that time the remains of Colonel Miller were "temporarily" interred in the Root Street cemetery.)
"The finished hand, of our sculptors (Messrs. Terry & Stickle and J. M. Andrus in particular) is doing all that art can do to perfect and adorn these grounds and render attractive the sacred spot, where our dead repose."
(Transcribed by Cathy Truesdale with added lot numbers. 7 Mar 2022)
CAPT CO K, 6 IOWA INF
Wilson Dennison was living with his parents Nathaniel and Eleanor Dennison in Aurora, IL. Source: 1850 US Census. He died of typhoid fever 14 Sep 1861 in Burlington, Iowa while serving in the Civil War. Source: U.S., Registers of Deaths of Volunteers, 1861-1865, Ancestry.com
"There have also been placed in this cemetery many fine military tombstones in memory of our brave boys who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country and whose bodies have been brought here. These comprise the names of Capt. A. P. Moffatt, Capt. Wilson Deniston, Lieut. E.M. Emerson, Corporal William P. Blakeslee and Privates Charles Tittsworth, F. Hoff, Albert Mosely and J.C. Coggswell. Source: NOW and THEN - Before the Tardy Bell Rings - by "Lutz" White, the Aurora Beacon News, Sunday, July 10, 1932 . The entire article can be read below:
THE CEMETERY
"I like that ancient Saxon phrase which calls the burial ground 'God's Acre'! It is just; it consecrates each grave within its walls and breathes a benison o'er the sleeping dust." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
OUR CEMETERIES IN 1865
Browsing thru the old and faded scrap book of the pioneer Airs family of Sugar Grove, the contents of which date back to civil war days we came upon a most fascinating article, taken from a local newspaper, written in meditation on the Aurora cemeteries as they were at the close of the war.
The clipping pasted in this venerable scrap book is evidently from an Aurora paper, but bears not the date or the name of the writer. However from incidents and facts recorded we are enabled to definitely place the date as the spring of 1865.
This interesting meditative description includes a mention of the first La Salle street cemetery, the historic Root street and the West Aurora burial grounds; and a prospectus of the Spring Lake cemetery, which was just then being landscaped in preparation for the sale of lots.
THE AUTHOR UNKNOWN
The article was undoubtedly (judging from the use of the editorial "we") from the pen of one of our prominent newspaper men of that period, among whom were Agustus Harmon, Thomas E. Hill, George S. Bangs, J. W. Randall, Dudley Randall, O. B. Knickerbocker, J. H. Hodder and James Shaw.
In reading this paper, bear in mind that it was written in 1865. The nine soldiers mentioned were killed or died in service; later there were to be 18 more comrades to join them in the old Root street cemetery. This "God's Acre" attained its greatest beauty during the seventies. The majestic monument to Aurora's first postmaster, Burr Winton, now standing, was not to set until his death over 20 years later. Many of our pioneers were not to be laid to rest until some years later.
Following is the article we found in the aged Airs scrap book
VISITING GOD'S ACRE
There is not far away from us a little city so quiet and lonely that some seem not to care that they never enter it, and yet there is much of beauty and adoration within its borders for a great many of the best and truest among us have gone there to dwell - it is the City of the Dead. Last week we paid a visit to our cemeteries.
THE LA SALLE STREET CEMETERY
(Editor's note: In the reminiscence to follow the writer recalls the first little cemetery at what is now the southeast corner of La Salle and Benton streets, platted and given to the "McCarty Mill's" settlement about 1836, by the McCarty brothers.)
"Twenty years ago, the writer of this, in boyish thoughtlessness, wandered thru the old burying-ground, a little southwest of the Methodist church. It was a small plot of ground scarcely larger that a comfortably sized dwelling lot, very prettily shaded with small native oaks, but with no other ornaments than a few heaps of grassy mold and an occasional slab of stone or plain marble, bearing the simple inscription –'in memory of', etc.
But the old burial ground has long since disappeared; those who were laid there have been removed or their bodies have mingled with the earth."
THE GROUND TOO SMALL
"As the first mentioned ground was too small, so the next (Root street cemetery) has already proved to be – in fact it is now in a thickly built portion of the city. The one on the west side of the river (West Aurora cemetery) laid out still later, although yet removed from the crowded walks of life, is also too small, and should be enlarged, at last, as early as possible."
ROOT STREET CEMETERY
"We approach by a narrow lane and as we ascend the steps to enter, the white tops of the monuments and tombstones gleam thickly amid the surrounding foliage, presenting an attractive picture.
Almost the first step at the right we observe, enshrouded with lilacs, four marble slabs bearing the epitaphs of the Dr. Eastman family, five in number (Sec. 3, lot 11); a little farther are those of William R. Parker and four daughters (Sec. 3 lot 33) and to the east the two wives (Phoebe Stolp and Emily (?)) and three children (Marion, Eddie and Sarah Jane) of Samuel McCarty (Sec. 3 lot 5), over one of which reads, 'Our Dear Little Eddie - Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven'."
REV. D. P. BAILEY
"Near this, beneath a pretty marble stone, surmounted by the emblems of various orders, lie the remains of the beloved pastor of the Universalist society of Aurora, Rev. D. P. Bailey (Sec. 3 lot 53); and to the north of it are those of Dr. N. Hard (father of Dr. A. Hard) wife and four children." (Sec. 3 lot 36)
OUR PIONEERS
"'Death loves a shining mark', we thought as we observed so many gifted and noble minds reposing within this narrow space.
A little to the east are also the resting places of George F. Buck (Sec 2 lot 38, Edwin Lillie (Sec 2 lot 48), and several other of our once prominent citizens. Before we reach these we pass a large slab, which reads, 'Marilla, wife of Isaac S. Fitch: died June 23, 1863, aged 66 years.' (Sec. 3 Lot 52)
Within 22 feet of this decaying body like the remains of William Brown, her husband; also five children and four grandchildren. (Sec. 3 lot 37) In this group, coupled with little Willie's inscription are the lines: "The flower that blooms the brightest is doomed the first to fade; The form that moved the lightest in earth is soonest laid."
Deep hid among the lilacs, close by, was another inscribed to a daughter: "This lovely bud, so young and fair. Called hence by early doom, just came to show how sweet a flower in Paradise could bloom."
"We are among the buds and blossoms now, which are tenderly watched, were cut down and transplanted here to bud and bloom in Paradise."
"Little Roxolener and John William lie here.' (Possibly children of Lelan and Mary William)
"We lay them in the silent tomb, sweet blossoms of a day; we just began to view their bloom when they were called away."
"Also another read: "Our darling Lillie, God kissed her sweet spirit away.'
"There was various others inscribed, but none so beautifully touching as the following:
"Thru the dim valley, hand in hand, three little wanderers, precious band, went singing o'er the shining sand, journeying on, to the pleasant land."
MANY CHILDREN
"The cold winds seem to have swept bitterly thru the narrow paths that lead us to the eastward, for the little marble stones rise more thickly and scattered blossoms-lying here beneath our sight-told how the slender stems of life had become broken and where the hearts affections dwelt. Here were four little sisters, side by side; close by them another row of three, and also another of the same number, over which the line, "The fairest flowers are gathered early."
"CONY AND GARRISON"
"Cony and Garrison", two little boys who were drowned in each other's embrace, have this appropriated inscription: "Sleep gentle boys, in union blest the waves that closed you o'er and bore you to your Heavenly rest shall never reach you more."Sons of Dr. J. A. Brooks and L. Huntoon, respectively (Sec 1 lot 47)
"Nearby were a number of other little graves, handsomely set around with flowers, and containing finely carved stones, tenderly inscribed. One of these tells us that, "Our little Emma wanted to be an angel." "Another reads: "This little bud, for earth too fair as gone to Heaven to blossom there." "And another reads, 'She has left us, Lena May.' "Death nipped the bud before its bloom and laid it in the silent tomb.'
THE ANGELS AND CHILD
"Somewhere here we observed a finely carved block of pure marble, representing figures of angles, bending over a sleeping child, who held in its hands a bunch of fresh apple blossoms, placed there probably by an affectionate mother or sister.
SOLDIERS WHO DIED IN SERVICE
"There have also been placed in this cemetery many fine military tombstones in memory of our brave boys who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country and whose bodies have been brought here. These comprise the names of Capt. A. P. Moffatt, Capt. Wilson Deniston, Lieut. E.M. Emerson, Corporal William P. Blakeslee and Privates Charles Tittsworth, F. Hoff, Albert Mosely and J.C. Coggswell.
COLONEL SILAS MILLER
"Near the entrance, however, temporarily repose the remains of another, whose monument can never record in fitting characters the brave deeds he performed, nor the glory and honor he won while sacrificing his life for his country. Affection will ever linger around this grave of Colonel Silas Miller."
"Editor's note: This article was evidently written in 1865, just prior to the opening of Spring Lake cemetery. At that time a monument to the memory of Colonel Miller was being cut by Terry and Stickle, to be the first placed in the new cemetery when completed. Until that time the remains of Colonel Miller were "temporarily" interred in the Root Street cemetery.)
"The finished hand, of our sculptors (Messrs. Terry & Stickle and J. M. Andrus in particular) is doing all that art can do to perfect and adorn these grounds and render attractive the sacred spot, where our dead repose."
(Transcribed by Cathy Truesdale with added lot numbers. 7 Mar 2022)
For more info on burials in this cemetery, please visit: https://eastauroracemetery.wordpress.com/
CAPT CO K, 6 IOWA INF
Wilson Dennison was living with his parents Nathaniel and Eleanor Dennison in Aurora, IL. Source: 1850 US Census. He died of typhoid fever 14 Sep 1861 in Burlington, Iowa while serving in the Civil War. Source: U.S., Registers of Deaths of Volunteers, 1861-1865, Ancestry.com
"There have also been placed in this cemetery many fine military tombstones in memory of our brave boys who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country and whose bodies have been brought here. These comprise the names of Capt. A. P. Moffatt, Capt. Wilson Deniston, Lieut. E.M. Emerson, Corporal William P. Blakeslee and Privates Charles Tittsworth, F. Hoff, Albert Mosely and J.C. Coggswell. Source: NOW and THEN - Before the Tardy Bell Rings - by "Lutz" White, the Aurora Beacon News, Sunday, July 10, 1932 . The entire article can be read below:
THE CEMETERY
"I like that ancient Saxon phrase which calls the burial ground 'God's Acre'! It is just; it consecrates each grave within its walls and breathes a benison o'er the sleeping dust." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
OUR CEMETERIES IN 1865
Browsing thru the old and faded scrap book of the pioneer Airs family of Sugar Grove, the contents of which date back to civil war days we came upon a most fascinating article, taken from a local newspaper, written in meditation on the Aurora cemeteries as they were at the close of the war.
The clipping pasted in this venerable scrap book is evidently from an Aurora paper, but bears not the date or the name of the writer. However from incidents and facts recorded we are enabled to definitely place the date as the spring of 1865.
This interesting meditative description includes a mention of the first La Salle street cemetery, the historic Root street and the West Aurora burial grounds; and a prospectus of the Spring Lake cemetery, which was just then being landscaped in preparation for the sale of lots.
THE AUTHOR UNKNOWN
The article was undoubtedly (judging from the use of the editorial "we") from the pen of one of our prominent newspaper men of that period, among whom were Agustus Harmon, Thomas E. Hill, George S. Bangs, J. W. Randall, Dudley Randall, O. B. Knickerbocker, J. H. Hodder and James Shaw.
In reading this paper, bear in mind that it was written in 1865. The nine soldiers mentioned were killed or died in service; later there were to be 18 more comrades to join them in the old Root street cemetery. This "God's Acre" attained its greatest beauty during the seventies. The majestic monument to Aurora's first postmaster, Burr Winton, now standing, was not to set until his death over 20 years later. Many of our pioneers were not to be laid to rest until some years later.
Following is the article we found in the aged Airs scrap book
VISITING GOD'S ACRE
There is not far away from us a little city so quiet and lonely that some seem not to care that they never enter it, and yet there is much of beauty and adoration within its borders for a great many of the best and truest among us have gone there to dwell - it is the City of the Dead. Last week we paid a visit to our cemeteries.
THE LA SALLE STREET CEMETERY
(Editor's note: In the reminiscence to follow the writer recalls the first little cemetery at what is now the southeast corner of La Salle and Benton streets, platted and given to the "McCarty Mill's" settlement about 1836, by the McCarty brothers.)
"Twenty years ago, the writer of this, in boyish thoughtlessness, wandered thru the old burying-ground, a little southwest of the Methodist church. It was a small plot of ground scarcely larger that a comfortably sized dwelling lot, very prettily shaded with small native oaks, but with no other ornaments than a few heaps of grassy mold and an occasional slab of stone or plain marble, bearing the simple inscription –'in memory of', etc.
But the old burial ground has long since disappeared; those who were laid there have been removed or their bodies have mingled with the earth."
THE GROUND TOO SMALL
"As the first mentioned ground was too small, so the next (Root street cemetery) has already proved to be – in fact it is now in a thickly built portion of the city. The one on the west side of the river (West Aurora cemetery) laid out still later, although yet removed from the crowded walks of life, is also too small, and should be enlarged, at last, as early as possible."
ROOT STREET CEMETERY
"We approach by a narrow lane and as we ascend the steps to enter, the white tops of the monuments and tombstones gleam thickly amid the surrounding foliage, presenting an attractive picture.
Almost the first step at the right we observe, enshrouded with lilacs, four marble slabs bearing the epitaphs of the Dr. Eastman family, five in number (Sec. 3, lot 11); a little farther are those of William R. Parker and four daughters (Sec. 3 lot 33) and to the east the two wives (Phoebe Stolp and Emily (?)) and three children (Marion, Eddie and Sarah Jane) of Samuel McCarty (Sec. 3 lot 5), over one of which reads, 'Our Dear Little Eddie - Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven'."
REV. D. P. BAILEY
"Near this, beneath a pretty marble stone, surmounted by the emblems of various orders, lie the remains of the beloved pastor of the Universalist society of Aurora, Rev. D. P. Bailey (Sec. 3 lot 53); and to the north of it are those of Dr. N. Hard (father of Dr. A. Hard) wife and four children." (Sec. 3 lot 36)
OUR PIONEERS
"'Death loves a shining mark', we thought as we observed so many gifted and noble minds reposing within this narrow space.
A little to the east are also the resting places of George F. Buck (Sec 2 lot 38, Edwin Lillie (Sec 2 lot 48), and several other of our once prominent citizens. Before we reach these we pass a large slab, which reads, 'Marilla, wife of Isaac S. Fitch: died June 23, 1863, aged 66 years.' (Sec. 3 Lot 52)
Within 22 feet of this decaying body like the remains of William Brown, her husband; also five children and four grandchildren. (Sec. 3 lot 37) In this group, coupled with little Willie's inscription are the lines: "The flower that blooms the brightest is doomed the first to fade; The form that moved the lightest in earth is soonest laid."
Deep hid among the lilacs, close by, was another inscribed to a daughter: "This lovely bud, so young and fair. Called hence by early doom, just came to show how sweet a flower in Paradise could bloom."
"We are among the buds and blossoms now, which are tenderly watched, were cut down and transplanted here to bud and bloom in Paradise."
"Little Roxolener and John William lie here.' (Possibly children of Lelan and Mary William)
"We lay them in the silent tomb, sweet blossoms of a day; we just began to view their bloom when they were called away."
"Also another read: "Our darling Lillie, God kissed her sweet spirit away.'
"There was various others inscribed, but none so beautifully touching as the following:
"Thru the dim valley, hand in hand, three little wanderers, precious band, went singing o'er the shining sand, journeying on, to the pleasant land."
MANY CHILDREN
"The cold winds seem to have swept bitterly thru the narrow paths that lead us to the eastward, for the little marble stones rise more thickly and scattered blossoms-lying here beneath our sight-told how the slender stems of life had become broken and where the hearts affections dwelt. Here were four little sisters, side by side; close by them another row of three, and also another of the same number, over which the line, "The fairest flowers are gathered early."
"CONY AND GARRISON"
"Cony and Garrison", two little boys who were drowned in each other's embrace, have this appropriated inscription: "Sleep gentle boys, in union blest the waves that closed you o'er and bore you to your Heavenly rest shall never reach you more."Sons of Dr. J. A. Brooks and L. Huntoon, respectively (Sec 1 lot 47)
"Nearby were a number of other little graves, handsomely set around with flowers, and containing finely carved stones, tenderly inscribed. One of these tells us that, "Our little Emma wanted to be an angel." "Another reads: "This little bud, for earth too fair as gone to Heaven to blossom there." "And another reads, 'She has left us, Lena May.' "Death nipped the bud before its bloom and laid it in the silent tomb.'
THE ANGELS AND CHILD
"Somewhere here we observed a finely carved block of pure marble, representing figures of angles, bending over a sleeping child, who held in its hands a bunch of fresh apple blossoms, placed there probably by an affectionate mother or sister.
SOLDIERS WHO DIED IN SERVICE
"There have also been placed in this cemetery many fine military tombstones in memory of our brave boys who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country and whose bodies have been brought here. These comprise the names of Capt. A. P. Moffatt, Capt. Wilson Deniston, Lieut. E.M. Emerson, Corporal William P. Blakeslee and Privates Charles Tittsworth, F. Hoff, Albert Mosely and J.C. Coggswell.
COLONEL SILAS MILLER
"Near the entrance, however, temporarily repose the remains of another, whose monument can never record in fitting characters the brave deeds he performed, nor the glory and honor he won while sacrificing his life for his country. Affection will ever linger around this grave of Colonel Silas Miller."
"Editor's note: This article was evidently written in 1865, just prior to the opening of Spring Lake cemetery. At that time a monument to the memory of Colonel Miller was being cut by Terry and Stickle, to be the first placed in the new cemetery when completed. Until that time the remains of Colonel Miller were "temporarily" interred in the Root Street cemetery.)
"The finished hand, of our sculptors (Messrs. Terry & Stickle and J. M. Andrus in particular) is doing all that art can do to perfect and adorn these grounds and render attractive the sacred spot, where our dead repose."
(Transcribed by Cathy Truesdale with added lot numbers. 7 Mar 2022)
CAPT CO K, 6 IOWA INF
Wilson Dennison was living with his parents Nathaniel and Eleanor Dennison in Aurora, IL. Source: 1850 US Census. He died of typhoid fever 14 Sep 1861 in Burlington, Iowa while serving in the Civil War. Source: U.S., Registers of Deaths of Volunteers, 1861-1865, Ancestry.com
"There have also been placed in this cemetery many fine military tombstones in memory of our brave boys who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country and whose bodies have been brought here. These comprise the names of Capt. A. P. Moffatt, Capt. Wilson Deniston, Lieut. E.M. Emerson, Corporal William P. Blakeslee and Privates Charles Tittsworth, F. Hoff, Albert Mosely and J.C. Coggswell. Source: NOW and THEN - Before the Tardy Bell Rings - by "Lutz" White, the Aurora Beacon News, Sunday, July 10, 1932 . The entire article can be read below:
THE CEMETERY
"I like that ancient Saxon phrase which calls the burial ground 'God's Acre'! It is just; it consecrates each grave within its walls and breathes a benison o'er the sleeping dust." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
OUR CEMETERIES IN 1865
Browsing thru the old and faded scrap book of the pioneer Airs family of Sugar Grove, the contents of which date back to civil war days we came upon a most fascinating article, taken from a local newspaper, written in meditation on the Aurora cemeteries as they were at the close of the war.
The clipping pasted in this venerable scrap book is evidently from an Aurora paper, but bears not the date or the name of the writer. However from incidents and facts recorded we are enabled to definitely place the date as the spring of 1865.
This interesting meditative description includes a mention of the first La Salle street cemetery, the historic Root street and the West Aurora burial grounds; and a prospectus of the Spring Lake cemetery, which was just then being landscaped in preparation for the sale of lots.
THE AUTHOR UNKNOWN
The article was undoubtedly (judging from the use of the editorial "we") from the pen of one of our prominent newspaper men of that period, among whom were Agustus Harmon, Thomas E. Hill, George S. Bangs, J. W. Randall, Dudley Randall, O. B. Knickerbocker, J. H. Hodder and James Shaw.
In reading this paper, bear in mind that it was written in 1865. The nine soldiers mentioned were killed or died in service; later there were to be 18 more comrades to join them in the old Root street cemetery. This "God's Acre" attained its greatest beauty during the seventies. The majestic monument to Aurora's first postmaster, Burr Winton, now standing, was not to set until his death over 20 years later. Many of our pioneers were not to be laid to rest until some years later.
Following is the article we found in the aged Airs scrap book
VISITING GOD'S ACRE
There is not far away from us a little city so quiet and lonely that some seem not to care that they never enter it, and yet there is much of beauty and adoration within its borders for a great many of the best and truest among us have gone there to dwell - it is the City of the Dead. Last week we paid a visit to our cemeteries.
THE LA SALLE STREET CEMETERY
(Editor's note: In the reminiscence to follow the writer recalls the first little cemetery at what is now the southeast corner of La Salle and Benton streets, platted and given to the "McCarty Mill's" settlement about 1836, by the McCarty brothers.)
"Twenty years ago, the writer of this, in boyish thoughtlessness, wandered thru the old burying-ground, a little southwest of the Methodist church. It was a small plot of ground scarcely larger that a comfortably sized dwelling lot, very prettily shaded with small native oaks, but with no other ornaments than a few heaps of grassy mold and an occasional slab of stone or plain marble, bearing the simple inscription –'in memory of', etc.
But the old burial ground has long since disappeared; those who were laid there have been removed or their bodies have mingled with the earth."
THE GROUND TOO SMALL
"As the first mentioned ground was too small, so the next (Root street cemetery) has already proved to be – in fact it is now in a thickly built portion of the city. The one on the west side of the river (West Aurora cemetery) laid out still later, although yet removed from the crowded walks of life, is also too small, and should be enlarged, at last, as early as possible."
ROOT STREET CEMETERY
"We approach by a narrow lane and as we ascend the steps to enter, the white tops of the monuments and tombstones gleam thickly amid the surrounding foliage, presenting an attractive picture.
Almost the first step at the right we observe, enshrouded with lilacs, four marble slabs bearing the epitaphs of the Dr. Eastman family, five in number (Sec. 3, lot 11); a little farther are those of William R. Parker and four daughters (Sec. 3 lot 33) and to the east the two wives (Phoebe Stolp and Emily (?)) and three children (Marion, Eddie and Sarah Jane) of Samuel McCarty (Sec. 3 lot 5), over one of which reads, 'Our Dear Little Eddie - Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven'."
REV. D. P. BAILEY
"Near this, beneath a pretty marble stone, surmounted by the emblems of various orders, lie the remains of the beloved pastor of the Universalist society of Aurora, Rev. D. P. Bailey (Sec. 3 lot 53); and to the north of it are those of Dr. N. Hard (father of Dr. A. Hard) wife and four children." (Sec. 3 lot 36)
OUR PIONEERS
"'Death loves a shining mark', we thought as we observed so many gifted and noble minds reposing within this narrow space.
A little to the east are also the resting places of George F. Buck (Sec 2 lot 38, Edwin Lillie (Sec 2 lot 48), and several other of our once prominent citizens. Before we reach these we pass a large slab, which reads, 'Marilla, wife of Isaac S. Fitch: died June 23, 1863, aged 66 years.' (Sec. 3 Lot 52)
Within 22 feet of this decaying body like the remains of William Brown, her husband; also five children and four grandchildren. (Sec. 3 lot 37) In this group, coupled with little Willie's inscription are the lines: "The flower that blooms the brightest is doomed the first to fade; The form that moved the lightest in earth is soonest laid."
Deep hid among the lilacs, close by, was another inscribed to a daughter: "This lovely bud, so young and fair. Called hence by early doom, just came to show how sweet a flower in Paradise could bloom."
"We are among the buds and blossoms now, which are tenderly watched, were cut down and transplanted here to bud and bloom in Paradise."
"Little Roxolener and John William lie here.' (Possibly children of Lelan and Mary William)
"We lay them in the silent tomb, sweet blossoms of a day; we just began to view their bloom when they were called away."
"Also another read: "Our darling Lillie, God kissed her sweet spirit away.'
"There was various others inscribed, but none so beautifully touching as the following:
"Thru the dim valley, hand in hand, three little wanderers, precious band, went singing o'er the shining sand, journeying on, to the pleasant land."
MANY CHILDREN
"The cold winds seem to have swept bitterly thru the narrow paths that lead us to the eastward, for the little marble stones rise more thickly and scattered blossoms-lying here beneath our sight-told how the slender stems of life had become broken and where the hearts affections dwelt. Here were four little sisters, side by side; close by them another row of three, and also another of the same number, over which the line, "The fairest flowers are gathered early."
"CONY AND GARRISON"
"Cony and Garrison", two little boys who were drowned in each other's embrace, have this appropriated inscription: "Sleep gentle boys, in union blest the waves that closed you o'er and bore you to your Heavenly rest shall never reach you more."Sons of Dr. J. A. Brooks and L. Huntoon, respectively (Sec 1 lot 47)
"Nearby were a number of other little graves, handsomely set around with flowers, and containing finely carved stones, tenderly inscribed. One of these tells us that, "Our little Emma wanted to be an angel." "Another reads: "This little bud, for earth too fair as gone to Heaven to blossom there." "And another reads, 'She has left us, Lena May.' "Death nipped the bud before its bloom and laid it in the silent tomb.'
THE ANGELS AND CHILD
"Somewhere here we observed a finely carved block of pure marble, representing figures of angles, bending over a sleeping child, who held in its hands a bunch of fresh apple blossoms, placed there probably by an affectionate mother or sister.
SOLDIERS WHO DIED IN SERVICE
"There have also been placed in this cemetery many fine military tombstones in memory of our brave boys who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country and whose bodies have been brought here. These comprise the names of Capt. A. P. Moffatt, Capt. Wilson Deniston, Lieut. E.M. Emerson, Corporal William P. Blakeslee and Privates Charles Tittsworth, F. Hoff, Albert Mosely and J.C. Coggswell.
COLONEL SILAS MILLER
"Near the entrance, however, temporarily repose the remains of another, whose monument can never record in fitting characters the brave deeds he performed, nor the glory and honor he won while sacrificing his life for his country. Affection will ever linger around this grave of Colonel Silas Miller."
"Editor's note: This article was evidently written in 1865, just prior to the opening of Spring Lake cemetery. At that time a monument to the memory of Colonel Miller was being cut by Terry and Stickle, to be the first placed in the new cemetery when completed. Until that time the remains of Colonel Miller were "temporarily" interred in the Root Street cemetery.)
"The finished hand, of our sculptors (Messrs. Terry & Stickle and J. M. Andrus in particular) is doing all that art can do to perfect and adorn these grounds and render attractive the sacred spot, where our dead repose."
(Transcribed by Cathy Truesdale with added lot numbers. 7 Mar 2022)
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