{"id":1031,"date":"2024-09-11T22:32:16","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T22:32:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialmogul.us\/RyeValleyHistory\/?p=1031"},"modified":"2024-09-14T00:43:03","modified_gmt":"2024-09-14T00:43:03","slug":"the-connection-between-the-morgan-cemetery-and-ridgelawn-cemetery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialmogul.us\/RyeValleyHistory\/the-connection-between-the-morgan-cemetery-and-ridgelawn-cemetery\/","title":{"rendered":"The Connection Between The Morgan Cemetery and Ridgelawn Cemetery"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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In the charming community of Teas, a very old and historic cemetery stands quietly on a hilltop, enveloped by the tranquil beauty of farmland and lush pastures. It silently surveys the small community from its elevated perch. If you’re not from the area, you might not even notice it, as it’s nestled away from the usual routes and seldom frequented these days. For those who know where to look, the taller gravestones rise against the distant horizon, meeting the skyline.<\/p>

\"\"Nestled off the beaten path, Morgan Cemetery<\/a> is a hidden gem,\u00a0 albeit somewhat challenging, location for those who wish to pay their respects. The cemetery, with its tranquil setting, might escape the notice of those who aren’t specifically searching for it. Yet, it holds a wealth of local history, serving as a final resting place for many early Teas, Sugar Grove and Rye Valley residents, including several members of the Calhoun family. (Article about the Morgan Cemetery coming soon.)<\/p>

Morgan Cemetery\u2019s seclusion adds to its charm but also presents practical challenges. Its inaccessibility makes it a place that requires intention and effort to visit, which perhaps contributes to the depth of its historical significance for those who do make the journey. You can hike up the hill but beware of the bull. The best way up is a 4 wheel drive with the permission of the farmer.<\/p>

As the communities of Teas and Sugar Grove grew, so did the need for a more accessible cemetery. Enter Ridgelawn Cemetery<\/a>\u2014a project that came to fruition with the purchase of land from one of the Calhoun brothers, either Emory or Ellis (I’m not sure which at this time but will update when I get that information).<\/em> This acquisition marked a significant shift, not just in terms of land ownership but in how the community would manage its historical and memorial locations. This new location provided much easier access to the burial sites of loved ones. This purchase took place sometime in the 50s along with the building of the new Wharf Hill UMC<\/a> building.\u00a0 There was a little known fact about the transaction of this land. It contained a small separate parcel located in the top corner where the Calhouns would make a family cemetery of their own which would later become part of Ridgelawn Cemetery. It is within this general area that our story focuses.<\/p>

Several graves in this area of the cemetery are of notable interest, including those of James Thompson Calhoun<\/a>, \"\", and George Washington Calhoun<\/a>. These graves were originally part of the Morgan Cemetery before being relocated to Ridgelawn Cemetery by one of the Calhoun brothers for easier access and maintenance. As Ridgelawn Cemetery was established in the1950s, this section was incorporated into the larger cemetery and is now managed by Wharf Hill UMC. We have found death certificates for two of the relocated individuals that list their original interments as “Teas” and “Morgan.” Unfortunately, we were unable to locate information for the third grave.<\/p>

The gravestones, many of which are from the early 20th century, stand as poignant reminders of a bygone era. They bridge the gap between Morgan Cemetery\u2019s historical significance and Ridgelawn Cemetery\u2019s modern role. For visitors, this family plot at Ridgelawn offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the passage of time and the ways in which communities adapt while maintaining their historical roots.<\/p>

As you visit Ridgelawn Cemetery and stand before the Calhoun family plot, it\u2019s important to consider the journey these stones have made. From the secluded, picturesque Morgan Cemetery atop the hill to their new home in a more accessible location, these gravestones serve as a physical manifestation of the family\u2019s enduring presence and the community\u2019s commitment to preserving its history. These stones are among the oldest in the Ridgelawn Cemetery.<\/p>

While Morgan Cemetery may be difficult to access, its hidden nature adds to its mystique and historical charm. It stands as a testament to the past, reflecting an earlier chapter of community history. Ridgelawn Cemetery, with its modern amenities and enhanced accessibility, offers a space where history and the present intersect, ensuring that all residents are honored and memorialized.<\/p>

In navigating these spaces, we connect with the stories and lives of those who came before us, bridging eras and maintaining a continuity that enriches our understanding of both local history and the evolving landscape of community memory. Cemeteries are a very important part of local histories across the planet and can serve as information sources for many purposes.\u00a0 With this in mine, I was thrilled to find out that Elizabeth UMC<\/a> recently took on care of the Morgan Cemetery which will most assuredly preserve it for many generations to come.<\/p>

If you would like to see the Morgan Cemetery on the horizon, stand with your back facing the mill and look straight across the way up on the ridge in the distance. You should see the tall Williams stone and a few others against the sky. (The Williams stone is the tall one on the left side of the featured image. )

Nancy Calhoun Contributed the following on this<\/strong><\/em> post:<\/strong> I understand that my great uncle, Ellis Calhoun, was instrumental in establishing Ridgelawn and in moving family graves. My grandfather, Emory Calhoun, was the oldest Calhoun brother in the family of James Thompson \u201cThomp\u201d and Sarah Elizabeth \u201cSally\u201d Blankenbeckler Calhoun. He moved to Oklahoma in 1909 with his wife, Sarah Cathrine \u201cKate\u201d Scott and their newborn son, Howard Calhoun. He made yearly visits \u201chome\u201d and stayed involved in various matters, including church. My great uncle, Ted Calhoun, gave us a tour of the new cemetery when we visited in the 60s. He related how a younger brother died young and had a coffin with a glass top. When it was dug up for the move, a perfect little soldier was visible under the glass since he had been buried in a military uniform. As they watch, he turned to dust and disappeared.
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