Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1880-03-04
Sexton for the Cemetery.

future Rose Hill Cemetery Cal
become the pride of our tow
and vicinity. 1t is already appa
rent that no site could have beel
selected that combines so man,
attractions from the finger of ma
Iture. Under the management
|of the association the ground
have been substantially enclosed
with stone, beautifully and per
manentiy laid off and marked
and by the judicious expenditur,
of their limited means it ever
now wears the impress of artistic
elegance and refined taste. The
achievements in this respect, 81
far, have been the fruits rather
of. the enterprise, # not sacri.
fce, of the few of our citizens
and without the aid of the many
Whatever may be the differences
among men in general matters of
public concern, there is always
a melancholy interest in oul
common buIying ground that is
peculiarly common to all. And
howeyercallou we may often be-
come to the ordinary affairs of
life, We never forget associations
hallowed by death, nor stand
without yeneration at the grave.
But as much as can be said
for the accomplishment Of the
dart, still there is much to be
done. In this communication /
desire simply to call attention to
a few suggestions in hope that
action may be induced looking
to the further protection and "a
dornment of the cemetery.
There should be sexton resi-
dent upon the grounds. The
grass, the streets, the walks, the
shrubbery, the fences all should
have his daily care, watchfulness,
and protection. After each bu-
rial the surplus fresh earth, rock,
and debris removed, the marks
OF the mortar-bed obliterated and
the unsightly prints Of woe
smoothed over from the eye of
affection and bereavement. We
all know that these things are not
done, always.
How can this be? / suggest:
Let a cottage be constructed near
the gate for a sexton-neat and
nice. Repair that dilapidated
but magnificent cistern, and af-
ford him three hundred and fifty
barrels of water caught from his
cottage roof; make him a flower
pit; erect a neat and tasty green
house; give to the sexton the
exclusive privilege of all the
grave digging, masonry, &C.,
connected Herewith, at charges
restricted and regulated by the
Association. Allow him to cul-
tivate and sell flowers, decorate
&c, under his own con-
tracts. For this home and these
benefits exact and require of
him III return the services before
and all that could be
desired would follow and be per-
petuated. A sexton could thus
be sustained handsomely, and the
sepultures of our dear departed
blossom as the rose.
The Cemetery Association, we
are told, have about $50 on hand
which they are anxious to use to
this end if enough additional can
be raised to perfect the scheme.
1t will doubtless require $500 to
81, 200. Shall it be done? The
speediest, the most feasible, prac-
ticable, and certainly the most
plan for raising the de
sired money is by taxation. In
this way all contribute according
to their wealth. Let the Mayor
anG Aldermen submit the ques-
ton to the voters of the corpora
ton, and see if they will vote an
additional tax of Is or Is cents
on the 500 for this laudable
purpose. In justice to- all con-
cerned, it might further be sug-
gested that every cent of tax
paid by the colored portion of
the population be expended Oh
the colored cemetery in such way
as their Association might de-
termine.
Will not the ladies Of the town
take this to heart? It's general
results, if successful, would be
most happy and comforting to
them-like setting perpetual ro-
SEES round the resting place of
their dead. j. II. 3. 4