The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1915-07-15
About Skowhegan Cemeteries

The north cemetery, occupying a
plot of land bout 10 rods east OF Madl-
son Ave, has no record at the Somer-
set Registry of Deeds when or oil
whom 1t was purchased. 1t is 1T
lie less than three acres in extent
The earliest stones would indicate
that II commenced to be used for
burial purposes about the year 1873.
very few of the lots have vacant
spaces in them but it is practically
all utilized and can be depended upon
very little for future burials.
The south cemetery, which at the
time of its purchase was referred to
as the New Burying Ground seems
to have been established in 1920.
There is on record deed from Isaac
Farrar to the Town of Skowhegan,
under date of Sept 90, 1926. The
land conveyed was 140 square rods,
and the price named in the deed is
$500. On the same date there is
another conveyance from Judah Nc
Clellan to the Town of Skowhegan OF
IS SQUARE rods, for which the town
seems to have paid $1,000. Those
having charge of the matter took
pains to state in the deed that the
land was bought for the purpose OF
making the burylng ground square.
1t will be noted that MI. Farrar re-
ceiyed for his rs of an acre, $500,
while Mr.. Mcclellan seems to have
driven shrewder trade, getting
$1,000 for only quarter of an acre.
This same Judah Mcclellan was again
the grantor on May I. 1857, deciding
~ acres of land to enlarge the
towns previous purchase and receiy-
ing therefor, $4,000 On Feb 2Sth,
1881. Charles f. Mcclellan, Trustee
for the Judah Mcclellan estate, sold
two acres more to the town for
$4,000 an acre. Jan. Is, 1884, the
cemetery was further enlarged by a
purchase of two acres, lac rods, from
the Mcclellan Estate, for which
$29125 was paid and on April 25,
1859 more land was bought, the sum
paid being $17075. but the extent of
the purchase being omitted from the
deed. 1t appears however that the
prices for the additions made in 1881,
1884. 1859 was 10000 per acre This
cemetery at present extends from
Main St. to Mcclellan St, with di-
mansions of 11x22 rods and an area
of not far from IL acres. The oldest
stones bear date of 1921. There are
but a very few unoccupied lots re-
naming in the south cemetery Sex
ton ]. B. Avore estimates that 5000
interments have been made since the
South Cemetery was established In
1920.
The Skowhegan Cemetery Assocla-
ton organized In 1906 owns ia
acres Just to the north and adjoining
the south cemetery. This has been
carefully surveyed. and about half OF
IL graded aud laid out in lots. These
lots, which are 9xl0 feet. have been
offered to the public at $4,000 per
single lot or $4,000 for a double lot
Eight double lots and two single lots
have been purchased by skowhegan
people aud something like ID inter
ments have already been made there
In. This area would provide for
skow hegan's needs for perhaps 30
years. assuming that the town would
not increase In population more
rapidly In the future than In the past
Away back In the Sos certain SHOW
hogan citizens. amonk whom the lats
oliver Walker asems 10 have been tbs
most promlseni. ieok steps 10 sscurs
additional burial ground The prop
ositioa Was bsfors the town tor sev'
srnl years Ia succession bat sas ael
lt.vorsely acted upea anti isie Tbs
paFshas~ Anally made was ~hA, Il
nov known a. the rarkmaa Isill lot
lrAs srAntor was l."aaaer , rea1sF