Cedar Hill Cemetery in Princeton was full of young volunteers Thursday morning. The historic African-American section was receiving much-needed attention as the Caldwell County High School Football team alongside head coach Aaron McClung arrived early, shovels and wheelbarrows in hand, moving fill dirt and placing it around tombstones to combat and control erosion. Rick Morgan was on hand to oversee delivery as Morgan’s Funeral Home donated the use of their tractor and Gary Jackson gave his time operating the front-end loader moving fill dirt. Cedar Hill Cemetery’s Preservation Committee’s Carolyn Traum, Rick Blackburn, and Kevin Lane were on hand to help with the project, direct the athletes to the stones needing the most attention, and to teach and tell the history and stories of the residents buried there.
One such historic monument was placed by Anne McNary, in memory of 10 recipients of land, each given their own parcel of, at that time, virgin ground in an area eventually named for the man sitting at the top of Mr. McNary’s list of “most faithful”. As fate would have it, Bartley would be the namesake for their newly built community Bartlettsville. The ten names engraved on the stone serve as a permanent marker, featuring a historic list of the first 10 residents.
Committee members were grateful for all the hard work accomplished by the athletes and reminded other groups and organizations, that there is always a project and “to-do” list ready for volunteers. Anyone interested in donating time and a little elbow grease should contact Carolyn Traum, Kevin Lane, or Rick Blackburn for more information.
Those who prefer a monetary approach, or would like to look up a loved one or historical information, can purchase a hardback copy of Mrs. Carolyn Traum’s ongoing work of love, CEDAR HILL CEMETERY “The Beginnings” for a donation of $60.00, or more, to the Caldwell County Genealogy Society. The book includes a full index and maps of the documented sections. Books are available at the Glenn Martin Genealogy Research Center, Monday through Friday, 10 am-3 pm, or by calling (270)365-2884.
