The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1879-10-08
AMONG THE ToMBs.
A VISIT TO THE CATHOLIC GEM
ETERY IN PINEVILLE.

WHAT A DEMOCRAT REPORTER SAW
WHILE THERE. SKETCHES,
INSCRIPTIONS,
This Cemetery is located on the first
highland that oyerlooks the river, and
is the oldest of the burial places at
this point; here rest many of those
who, in the long ago, played their
parts in the drama of life, and who, in
the natural order of things have given
place to others.
Until within the last few years, this
Cemetery has been without an enclo-
sure, save such as individuals have had
erected around their immediate lots,
and in consequence many Of the older
tombs have been greatly defaced, and
in many instances overturned and al
most destroyed; but, thanks to a few
public-spirited citizens, who took the
matter in hand, a substantial fence
now surrounds the grounds, which for
so many years had been q favorite
pasture field for stock of oil kinds.
just inside the gate stands the Sex
toms cottage, small frame building,
erected BY the ''Rapides Cemetery As
sociation," and occupied by Mr.. Lein,
who oficiates in that capacity. He
has had charge of the Cemetery since
1875, and in addition to his ordinary
duties has done much towards its inn
provement.
On last Sunday this reporter stroll
ling among the tombs which are scat
tered over an area of some seven acres,
made note of some of the oldest
Near the entrance, to tho left, are the
tombs of Enemnnd Meuillion, and his
wife, Jennette Meullion. This vener-
able couple, who had attained the ad-
vanced age Of 50 years and II days,
and 50 years and six months, respect
lively, have been tenants of this solita-
~ abode, the one for more than 60
years. the other for nearly half q CEN
tury. Enemund MeulliOn was q ma
tive of Normandy, and emigrated to
Louisiana in 1881, when it belonged to
France. The distinguished comman-
der Of the famed Washington Artille-
~, of New Orleans, Colonel William
Miller Owen, is q great grandson aud
ore of his nearest direct descendants.
Near these are the tombs of Pierre
Baltic, and of his wife, Magdelaine
Emeline Lacour, the ancestors Of the
numerous and we'll known family of
that name, resident in this Parrish.
Passing from these, We next stood by
the graves of John Baptiste Heno and
William Frederick Dent, who, just if
|ty years ago, passed to that realm
where sooner or later all must join
them. In this quarter, also, are the
tombs Of George Rich, John NJ. Jet,
and his wife, Tabitha J; Of John Brown
and Augusta Baltic. But high above
all towers the granite monument, erec-
ted to the memory Of Joshua r. Mead,
and his wife, Lucy w. Lewis, aud to
their children. The stone is from u
quarry near his birthplace, in his lived
New England, and commentaries in
its substance the State which gave him
birth, New Hampshire. Very near
this last is all enclosure containing IL
single grave-that of a child, which
attracted more than u passing notice.
Upon the newly-made vault stood
vases Of fresh flowers, and the evident
cafe ane scrupulous neatness Of the
surroundings betokenel tho loving
hearts which, in the lapse of time, for
gets not the darling one who sleeps be-
meath. just across the road aud Oppo-
site this, stands marble monument,
to the memory of William Stoddard
Johnston, only son of Josiah Stoddard
Johnston, who died September Goth,
1880, aged "a years-at the time Par
ISL Judge of Rapides. 1t is worthy oi
note that this remarkable young man
was made Parish Judge before he wa,
q years of age; by special act Of the
Legislature he was emancipated to
AXE him eligible. A beautiful in.
scription to his memory is engraved
upon his monument. Within q few
feet lies monument, which has fal.
len, which marks the grave of Johr
w. Frost, young lawyer, journals
and rising statesman, who was killed
in a duel with DR.. Hunt, in 1851, AMI
within few days of the time at which
he was to have been married. A slal
to the memory of Miriam Ravenscaml
Hyams, daughter of Henry NJ. an,
Laura s. Hyams, who died March lst
1874, a victim Of the awful disastss oc
casioned by the collision Of the stea
mers Buckeye and DeSoto, will recall
even at this distance of time, recollec
tons of terrible catastrophe.