Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-05-12

roundings. SOLID, compaci, ancient cay,
il lies snugly nestled on the bosom OF
strikingly picturesque and at the same
time romantically beautiful landscape.
A new, a varied, an interesting view Of
mingled hill and dell, of farm and cottage,
meets the eve at very short intervals IN
every direction around the city. ALI
strangers notice with pleasure aud delight
this admirable location of our city, and it
has much to do with producing the very
favorable opinion which they seem 50 uni-
formly to carry away With them of the
capital of Tennessee.
Among the noteworthy features in the
vicinity Of Nashville is one of 10 recent
origin as hardly 10 be known 10 many OF
onr people, and yet 40 eligibly situated, so
admirably conducted, and so firmly estab-
| lished, as to make il certain always to be
the delight, the pride, the sacred care of
coming generations. We refer to the
beautiful and classic rural cemetery which
lies Immediately under our eyes as we look
southeastward from the Capitol or other
elevated situation in the central portion of
Nashville, and is only q short mile from
our city limits in that direction.
A fortunate contingent combination of
interests a few years since led three or four
pubic-spirited landowners between the
Lebanon and Buchanan Mill tnrnpikes TO
unite their farms for the purpose of
establishing a cemetery which should be to
our growing city what Mount Auburn is to
Boston, Laurelhill to Philadelphia, Green
wood 10 New York, or Mount Hope to
Rochester. They procured most liberal
charter from the State government confer
ring every power and exemption and privi-
lege; and then placed the enterprise in the
hands of several old andinfuential citizens.
The result produced in a few years seems
magical We have been very forcibly inn
pressed with the magnitude and value Of
this result during recent visit on oneof
these lovely, enchanting May mornings.
The Mount Olivet Cemetery Company
has been organized only about eleven years.
During FIVE years of this short period, the
cemetery grounds were peculiarly exposed
to the troubles of war. Vigilance and close
attention prevented any great damage; and
now, as the visitor slowly winds his way
up the principal avenue, the steep slopes,
the deep depressions, the magnificent oaks,
the handsome vaults the varied and beauti-
ful monuments, bring wildly before him
Mount Auburn, Mount Hope, or that gem
of all cemeteries near Georgetown, d. G.
On reaching the summit Of the hill, which
is a miniature plateau with very deep soil,
a wide and rich landscape greets the eye,
extending for miles in every direction, and
embracing the city as only one constituent
in the view. Here we are compelled to
realize the peculiar good fortune of the
company in procuring hundred and five
acres so near the city, and combining in so
eminent degree all the requisites, material
and aesthetic, for truly rural cemetery.
This large tract of land of course is not
all as yet improved. That portion fronting
| the Lebanon turnpike makes the COM
| mencement of the great work, and enables
us now to Judge of what the whole will be-
beautifully planned and richly ornament
| ed Park, the last resting place Of the dead,
the continual resort of the living. As fast
| as needed, new avenues and walks are con-
structed and new lots offered to the public.
At the present rate of demand, it will not
be long ere the entire domain is laid out
and improved. In addition to the many
lots taken because of recent death, two per-
| petually increasing causes of interments
| will bring this about. The old city ceme-
terry is too much crowded, and must soon
be closed. Many parties, looking to the
inevitable fact of that time-honored sleep
ing ground of the dead being surrounded
by busy city, have purchased lots at Mount
Olivet, and are removing sacred relics and
memorials thither. Many Others are taking
steps toward the same end. Again, there
are throughout the ancient and wealthy
county of Davidson large number of pri-
vRte or family burying grounds where re-
pose the dust of three generations. Not a
few of the proprietors of these isolated
cemeteries are becoming aware that it is
infinitely safer and better every way to have
the remains of their ancestors and children
reposing undisiurbed forever under the care
of perpetual and responsible company,
than in situations where inevitably neglect
and final dissertation must ensue. A pri-
vate burying ground in Davidson county
will soon be an anomaly, and Mount Olivet
will be recognized as a boon not merely to
the city but to the whole country.
Looking more infinitely at the work ac-
complished here-nominally in ten, really
in FIVE years-we cannot but be surprised
at the large number of tasteful and richly
beautiful monuments, and at the highly or
namented character of the grounds On all
sides eyergreens, and shrubs and green
heritage meet the view, intermingled with
vault and obelisk, and monumental mar
BILE of endlessly varied design.
To afford the reader an idea of the wealth
and care and fond affection already Law
ished, and always hereafter to be lavished
on this sacred hill, we will mention mere
ly a monument or two, erected within a
few weeks past, and which in any cemetery
in the world would attract attention as be-
ing splendid and tasteful tributes of atfec-
ton to departed worth and loveliness.
Prominent amongst the number, for beau
ty and chasteness of design, stands the mon
ument just erected by DIR. j. L. Stephens in
memory of his wife, one of Nashvilles most
lovely, gifted, and highly respected daugh-
tiers. The style of architecture is similar to
that erected TO Sir Walter Scot: at Edin-
burgh, Scotland. 1t is about % feet from the
base TO the top; near the centre of the
monument is a life-size figure of Hope, cut
in Florence from the purest Italian marble
The architectural taste and beauty of the
entire structure at once arrests the atten'
ton and admiration of the visitor. This
is probably the finest monument in tbs
State, and cost near ten Thousand dollars.
Another recent monument which at
tracted cur attention is that to Mrs. Anna
Maria Wilkin and her three children, who
; fell victims TO the fearful pestilence Of last
September. 1t consists of a marble obelisk
resting upon granite pedestal and sur
mounted by beautiful statue of the Ange
" with the last trump. At the head of each
grave is placed rich Etruscan marble
urn or vase. The whole effect is strikingly
beautiful and appropriate.
Not far OF, is a noble monument to the
memory Of Luke Lee, who died while {
student at Bethany College. This is com
posed of a Quincy granite base and a shaft
of Italian marble bearing full-sized fig
ure Of Hope II is a splendid tribute o
parental affection TO a son Of remarkable
promise and excellence of character.
Many others are equally interesting
We have selected the above as being th
most recent, and as showing how rapid.
Mount Olivet is being enriched by work
3 of art commemorative of the dead, which
have tendency to elevate, refine and civ
ilize the living
!. A visit to this lovely retreat, when on
has time TO ramble through its many MAJ