The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-05-16
THE DEER LODGE CEMETERY.
Its History and Some Matters Demanding
Attention.

In the early day the dead of Deer Lodge,
and in fact those of the entire county gener-
ally, were inferred on the plateau near where
the Catholic church now stands. As the viii
lage grew and time elapsed il became appar-
emit the town would encroach upon and psss
the limits Of the primal burying place. We
| hink it was in 1872 that this fact resulted in
action establishing the present cemetery
west of town. Mr.. Ed. ii. Irvine, on condi-
| ton that it should be properly enclosed and
maintained as a public cemetery, proposed
to convey to Trustees in Trust ten acres Of
ground for that purpose, and the generous
proffer was accepted at . public meeting
called to take action in the matter. Messrs.
Peter Walton, Addison Smith and Rev Il.
DeRyckers were the committee designated
to carry the purpose into effect. The convey
ance was executed to the County Commits
sioners as Trustees in Trust, the lot surveyed
and enclosed, and laid of into tracts respect
lively for the county, Protestants, Roman
Catholics and civic societies. 1t is an admir-
able location and very favorable except in
that the formation generally being a species
of cement and gravel, overlaid with but
little soil, it will be difficult to grow trees in
the higher portions.
The enclosure has stood comparatively
well. Twelve years is a considerable period
for an ordinary board fence to stand here ex-
posed to the heavy winds. 1t has become
uusubstantial. The posts have rotted and 1t
is continually blowing down. Mr.. Foster,
without compensation, has endeavored to
keep it in tolerable repair, but for portions
Of it to DO down now is matter of frequent
occurrence, and cattle as frequently trespass
and tramp upon the graves Of our dead 1t
is necessary to have a new fence, and while
ID IL being fenced The enclosure should be ex-
tended, even II the land has to be purchased,
to the foot Of the hill on the north. Fenced
at the crest of the bluff, the snow drifts
form just at the steep approach, and the very
place where horses become fractions, "a
horse seems to have predisposition to be
fractions at funoraD is just at the gate on
the hillside, where they are most difficult to
manage. Our attention has been called to |
the matter. On inquiry we learn that the |
original COMMITTEES considers its existence
expired by performance Of the duties assign
ed to it. Subsequently another committee, |
some three years ago, raised $50, which |
amount was mainly expended in an attempt |
TO grow Eastern shade trees-a desirable |
thing to do, but wholly unsuccessful. The |
existence Of this committee was also termi. |
mated by the collection and expenditure of |
the money.
1t appears, therefore, as nearly AZ we can
that tho title to the cemetery vests
in the County Commissioners in trust, and
that there is no subordinate authority exist
Ing to do what is absolutely necessary should
be done without further delay. 1t is not nee
sssary here to speak of the xffectionate de-
votion demonstrated by many residents here
and else where to the memory of their loved
and lost ONES resting in those hallowed and
rapidly filling grounds. Many who are able
are expending considerable sums in substan-
sial and tasteful enclosures and mar bles, and
many through winters storm and sum-
ner's heat, let not the weeks 20 by without
DIT repeated pilgrimages to the little mounds
where affection has reared its sacred and
'ternal shrines. Yet while loving hands lay
,haplets and devoted care is expended in
seeping green the graves of the dead, the
matter of maintaining the enclos-
Ire has been neglected from the fact of there
BEING Ito one whose special duty it is to look
lfter it, We believe, after inquiry, the mi
iation should be taken by the County CON-
nissioners appointing a committee and in
resting them with authority to act. 1t il not
sked that there be any appropriation of
county funds, although one-fourth Of the
rounds are set apart for the county, but the
tile vesting in the Commissioners, the ap-
continent OF a committee should properly
10 made by them. We solicit their attention
this at their next meeting, and have no
oubt that a well selected committee will
eceivs ample funds for the purpose by CON.
ribution.
In speaking of the practical details, we
nay say that cedar posts can now be obtain
d, and Mr.. Bonner, we believe, offers TO
oliver the quantity desired at cost. Many
the boards are yet serviceable. By using
edar posts, and three or four strands Of wire
nth top boards, permanent fence that will
OF be strained in heavy winds can be con-
tructed at reasonable expense, while stiles
convenient points would permit ingress
nd egress more readily than at present. And
$ there are, perhaps, many non-residents
Tho would wish to contribute to the proper
are OF the grounds where their dead, rs well
} ours, lie buried, we offer freely the servi-
Is of the NEW NORTH WEST In any manner g
can be made available by those who are {
to have charge of the matter.
ct IL be attended to promptly and well.
Grand Army OF the Republic