The Elm Grove Cemetery began in 1883, with the burial of little
Cecil Hyde. There were no fences, and the location was
covered with trees and bushes. A spot about 20 x 20 feet was
cleared for the grave. The second burial was that of Grandpa
Franks, the grandfather of Popcorm and Joe Harper.
The Cemetery was worked by community workings once or twice each
year until 1895, when it was decided to have it worked by contract.
There was a meeting called in June of that year, and a contract
was let at $49.50. “Uncle Jim” Johnson was awarded
the contract.
The first to serve on the committee were: Bud Jeter, Cal
Orman and Pleas Hyde. The Cemetery has been kept
and worked in this manner until the present.
The first memorial services were held June 20, 1900, and they
have been held semi-annually ever since. They are held in June
and November of each year.
The land for the cemetery has been received by donations over
the years. In 1886, A. G. and Mary Hyde deeded 5-1/2 acres
of land to the community for school, church and cemetery purposes.
In 1900, T. H. Hardin deeded 2 acres of land to the Elm
Grove Church-Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist and Christian denominations.
This land is across the road from the cemetery land. A new church
was built at this location in 1900.
The Elm Grove School was consolidated with Harper School and
moved to another place. The old church and school building that
stood on the cemetery property was torn down in 1906.
In 1973, The Tombstone Inscriptions of Elm Grove Cemetery”
was published. The work of copying the inscriptions was done
by Mai Boatwright. Mrs. J. Cullene Gibbs financed
the printing costs. Mrs. Gibbs also had a licensed surveyor
plot the cemetery, number the graves and identify each marked
grave on the plat. This was done in 1969. The plat hangs in the
Elm Grove Church.
In 1974, the Elm Grove Cemetery Trust was formed. A tax number
with the I. R. S. qualifies gifts to the cemetery to be tax deductible.
It was voted to level all graves and sod the cemetery because
the ground was washing badly and no vegetation had ever been
allowed to grow in the cemetery. The markers were aligned to
make mowing easier.
An Historical Marker Commemorating 100 years was dedicated at
Elm Grove Cemetery November 6, 1983. Andrew Gibbs, director
of the Elm Grove Cemetery Association was instrumental in getting
the marker placed at the cemetery entrance.
Mr. B. Hyde had the contract for working the cemetery
for many years back in the days when the work was done with a
horse and plow and hoe. It has been said that he knew the location
and the name of the person buried in every grave in the cemetery.
The people of Elm Grove and Roddy Community have always felt
that it is the duty of all to see that the cemetery is maintained
properly.
Location of Elm Grove Cemetery: From 198 take County Road 2721
at Roddy. (2721 turns left then back right) Follow 2721 until
it intersects with 2708. The cemetery is on 2708.
From FM 47, take county road 2711 about 3/4 mile from 198. Follow
2711 until it runs into 2708 at the Church and Cemetery.
History of Elm Grove Cemetery
Betty Pickens Phillips