History of the North Graveyard
expenditures of $50 for repairing the fence and
replanting trees. This report also stated that "Nearly all the lots in the
Grave yard have been disposed of - some are not yet paid for but the
collection will be made shortly."11In
light of all the deeds recorded for lots in later years, it is difficult
to explain the statement that nearly all of the lots were disposed of.
Nevertheless, based on this report the city council a short time later
ordered the purchase of the land which became the city's second graveyard,
on the present Livingston Avenue. When the new graveyard was opened it was
designated the South Graveyard and the older site became the North
Graveyard.
The appointments of sextons were made,
along with those of other city officers, each April after the municipal
elections had been held. John 0. Jones continued as sexton until 1837,
when John Copcut was appointed; he served until 1841. Jones was again
sexton from 1841 until 1843, when he was succeeded by Titus Richards. In
1844 James McDonald, who had served as sexton of the South Graveyard, was
appointed sexton of the North Graveyard; he was reappointed each year from
1844 until the graveyard was closed.12
Another graveyard attendant was installed
in 1839. The city council minutes of February 11 mention "reports of the
graves in the old Grave yard having been frequently opened and the bodies
stolen lately." A watchman was to be appointed by council to prevent such
occurrences.13
Robert McCoy made another report as
graveyard superintendent, apparently his first since 1838, on April 3,
1845. According to this report, the graveyard was a money-making
proposition for the City in the early years, as it also proved to be at
its end in the 1870's.
To the Honerable the City Council of Columbus.
The Superintendent of the North Graveyard reports that he has sold all the lots in said Graveyard, and has collected all the money, except for two lots and he believes that will not be lost; Ground has been paid for out of the proceeds of the sales, with good board fence with Cedar posts put up in front, and a rail fence at the back and trees planted two or three times in the lot, and a
road made from the City to the
middle gate; he has also paid into the City Treasury one hundred dollars as will appear by the books of 1842
or 1843. he has now on hand one hundred
and four dollars & 88 cents. He would remark to the Council that the fences at the north and
south sides of the ground are so bad
that the Cattle and hogs cannot be kept out, if the Council think best he will send for Cedar posts and have a
good board fence made as soon as they
can be brought from the lake. Respectfully submitted, R. W. McCoy, Supt.14
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