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The Study and Documentation
of the
Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
Calvin McGrew Headstone 1893, Animas City Cemetery
Prepared for the State Historical Fund
Project Number 2012-M1-040
San Juan Mountains Association
The Study and Documentation
of the
Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
Prepared for the State Historical Fund
Project Number 2012-M1-040
Prepared by
Ruth E. Lambert, Ph.D.
San Juan Mountains Association
PO Box 2261
Durango, Colorado 81302
September 2014
This project is partially funded by a grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund
(Project Number 2012-M1-040). The opinions expressed in this report do not
necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the staff of the Colorado State
Historical Fund.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
iii
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1
Goals and Objectives........................................................................................ 2
Methods ............................................................................................................ 2
Historic Cemeteries ....................................................................................................... 4
Development of Cemeteries .............................................................................. 4
Cemeteries as Cultural Places ........................................................................... 6
Local Cemeteries ........................................................................................................... 8
Cemetery Documentation............................................................................................. 10
Project Goals and Objectives .......................................................................... 10
Project Methods ............................................................................................... 11
File Search ............................................................................................ 11
Documentation Procedures .................................................................. 11
Cemetery Data ...................................................................................... 12
Interviews ............................................................................................. 12
Project Participants............................................................................... 12
Educational Materials........................................................................... 13
Project Cemeteries ....................................................................................................... 14
Animas City Cemetery ..................................................................................... 14
Hermosa Cemetery ........................................................................................... 36
Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................................................ 55
References ................................................................................................................... 57
Appendix ................................................................................................................. After 58
Table One – List of All Properties Surveyed Organized by State Site
Number
Table Two – List of All Properties Surveyed Organized by Resource
Address
Sample Individual Grave Marker Form
Monument Types
Protocols for Cemetery Work
Back of Report
Animas City Cemetery Map
Hermosa Cemetery Map
Cemetery Data Disks
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
iv
List of Figures
Figure 1 Map of Animas City Cemetery ..................................................................... 17
List of Maps
Map 1 Animas City Cemetery ........................................................................... End of report
Map 2 Hermosa Cemetery ................................................................................. End of report
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
v
List of Tables
Table 1 Cemeteries in La Plata County ...................................................................... 8
Table 2 Project Objectives and Strategies .................................................................. 10
Table 3 Individuals Buried in Animas City Cemetery ............................................... 21
Table 4 Burial Frequency by Date Range .................................................................. 24
Table 5 Marker Type .................................................................................................. 26
Table 6 Marker Material Type ................................................................................... 26
Table 7 Marker Condition .......................................................................................... 28
Table 8 Priority of Treatment .................................................................................... 29
Table 9 Recommendations for Marker Treatment .................................................... 29
Table 10 Grave Enclosures at Animas City Cemetery ................................................ 30
Table 11 Early Residents of Hermosa Area ................................................................ 35
Table 12 Individuals Buried in Hermosa Cemetery .................................................... 42
Table 13 Burial Frequency by Date Range ................................................................. 46
Table 14 Marker Types .............................................................................................. 48
Table 15 Marker Material ........................................................................................... 49
Table 16 Marker Condition ......................................................................................... 51
Table 17 Priority of Treatment for Markers ................................................................ 53
Table 18 Recommendations for Marker Treatments .................................................. 53
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
vi
List of Photographs
Cover Photograph: Calvin McGrew Headstone at Animas City Cemetery, 1893
Photograph 1 Huguenot Church Burying Ground ..................................................... 4
Photograph 2 Cemetery at Dolores Mission, Purgatory River ................................... 5
Photograph 3 Riverside Cemetery, Denver ................................................................ 6
Photograph 4 Elco Cemetery, Rural La Plata County................................................ 9
Photograph 5 Volunteer Documenting Grave Enclosure ......................................... 13
Photograph 6 Lavender Family Headstone ............................................................... 15
Photograph 7 Archaeological Survey at Animas City Cemetery .............................. 19
Photograph 8 Remote Sensing Survey at Cemetery ................................................. 20
Photograph 9 Headstone Documentation At Animas City Cemetery ....................... 21
Photograph 10 McGrew Headstone ............................................................................ 25
Photograph 11 Military Headstone of Jesse Potts ....................................................... 25
Photograph 12 Fredricka E. Hafling Headstone ........................................................ 27
Photograph 13 ‘Empty’ Enclosure Prior to Stabilization ............................................ 30
Photograph 14 City Staff Mapping at Animas City Cemetery ................................... 31
Photograph 15 Stabilization at ‘Empty’ Enclosure ..................................................... 32
Photograph 16 Unstable Headstone and Collapsing Enclosure .................................. 33
Photograph 17 Hermosa School, prior to 1925 ........................................................... 37
Photograph 18 Hermosa Cemetery ............................................................................. 38
Photograph 19 Military Headstone of John W. Hammer, 1899 .................................. 39
Photograph 20 Hermosa Cemetery Burial Certificate ................................................ 40
Photograph 21 Animas Valley Grange Marker for Ethel Scott .................................. 41
Photograph 22 Gravestone of Mary Dalton ................................................................ 47
Photograph 23 Temporary Marker for Nevada Davis................................................. 48
Photograph 24 Thomas Family Marker ...................................................................... 50
Photograph 25 Detail of Mary Dalton Headstone ....................................................... 50
Photograph 26 Military Marker of Michael Dougherty .............................................. 52
Photograph 27 Collapsing Wooden Enclosure at Hammer Family Grave ................. 54
Photo Credits
Edward Mead: Photo 17
Riverside Cemetery: Photo 3
All other photos from project.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
vii
Acknowledgments
We thank all who helped with this project. Our sincere appreciation to those who
shared their interest in our history and particularly these historic cemeteries. This
project benefited by their interest and knowledge. A special thanks to the
cemetery caretakers for permission to visit and document the cemeteries. At the
Animas City Cemetery, thanks to Cathy Metz and Ron Moore for permission and
field assistance. For the Hermosa Cemetery, we thank the Hermosa Cemetery
Association and particularly Jim and Ed Mead for their assistance and interest in
the project. Without the support of these individuals, the cemetery documentation
would not have moved forward.
Thank you to the staff of the project partners. At the State Historical Fund, thanks
to Elizabeth Blackwell for her interest in the project and her suggestions and
guidance throughout. The La Plata County Historical Society has been a partner in
all aspects of this project. We thank the Society’s Animas Museum staff and
volunteers who assisted with many aspects of this project. Our gratitude to
Director Carolyn Bowra, Museum Assistant Kellie Cheever, Curator Jan Postler,
Interim Curator Susan H. Jones, former Museum Assistant Brianna McCormick,
and the Museum volunteers who assisted us behind the scenes.
This project would not have been completed without the field and other assistance
of workshop participants and volunteers. Their enthusiasm sustained them through
lectures and taxing field conditions. John and Linda McClleland photographed all
of the headstones at the Animas City Cemetery as a first step in documentation.
The Hands-On! workshops were focused on a particular cemetery, however many
participants worked at both cemeteries and continued working after the workshops
ended to complete documentation of the entire cemeteries. Our thanks to the
following participants for their help in documenting the cemeteries: Wendy Allen,
Marilyn Barnhart, Ann Felty, Susan H. Jones, Susanna Jones, Eilene Lyon,
Brianna McCormick, Ed Mead, Judy Mitz, Jana Newport, Ellen Noonan, Julie
Pickett, Rod Pickett, Naomi Riess, Steve Studebaker, Kendall Walden, and Lisa
Watters. A special thanks to Ed Mead for sharing historical cemetery records and
his historical knowledge and to Susan H. Jones for hours of database design and
input. At the San Juan Mountains Association, many thanks to our Board and staff
for their interest and support and especially to Executive Director Susan Bryson.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
viii
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
1
Introduction
The documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries was conducted as
History Hands-On! workshops that were part of a larger heritage education project
organized and directed by the San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) in
partnership with the La Plata County Historical Society (Society).1 Other activities
included in this education project were historical fieldtrips and history orientated
youth day camps. These activities were designed to provide participants with
increased knowledge about local history and the processes of historic preservation,
including information about building documentation, historical research, oral
histories, and cemetery documentation.
This project is a result of a previous County-wide historical survey completed in
2009 that produced an overview of County history and the documentation of 100
important buildings and structures that were representative of the County’s
history.2 During the survey project, considerable local interest in the La Plata
County history was generated. Other projects that developed from the large survey
included the study of rural country schools, and the documentation of four rural
ethnic cemeteries.3 The goal of the heritage education project was to continue local
historical interest and to acquaint residents and visitors with the diverse historical
resources that are close to home; the history in our own backyard. In addition, it
was hoped that the participants would increase their knowledge about local history
and the processes of historic preservation, cemetery documentation and historical
research.
The History-Hands On! workshops provided attendees with an opportunity to
participate in the preservation of important local resources. This project trained
participants in historic cemetery documentation at two local cemeteries; the 1877
Animas City Cemetery and the Hermosa Cemetery. These hands-on workshops
utilized documentation protocols developed under other SJMA cemetery
documentation projects. At the conclusion of the formal workshops, many
participants continued with the documentation for several more months. The
1 This project was partially funded by the History Colorado, State Historical Fund (SHF)
Project # 2012-M1-040. The opinions expressed in this report do not necessary reflect the
opinions and/or policies of the SHF or staff. Additional project support has been provided
by the La Plata County Historical Society, the City of Durango, the Hermosa Cemetery
Association, and the San Juan Mountains Association. 2 Seyfarth, Jill and Ruth Lambert. A Historic Resource Survey of 100 Sites in La Plata
County, Colorado.Project 2008-01-012. 2010. The San Juan Mountains Association and
Cultural Resource Planning conducted the project for La Plata County and the State
Historical Fund. 3 State Historical Fund Projects # 10-02-054 and # 2011-M1-040.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
2
documentation efforts exceeded the expectations and both cemeteries were
completed.
Two workshops were conducted. The first session involved marker re-recording at
the historic Animas City Cemetery, the oldest existing community cemetery in La
Plata County and the only remaining identified cemetery that pre-dates the
establishment of Durango. The cemetery was first studied under an archaeological
assessment (SHF # 2006-AS-006). Information gathered from that project,
including surface archaeological reconnaissance survey, remote sensing, archival,
genealogical research, and marker documentation, was used as base information
for this History Hands-On! project. This project re-record the markers at the
Animas City Cemetery using more detailed recording forms to update the field
information previously collected. The project participants learned about the
preservation issues and challenges at historic cemeteries and helped update
information based on the current conditions.
Session Two of the History-Hands-On! project applied the procedures and
techniques of cemetery documentation to the Hermosa Cemetery. The Hermosa
Cemetery was formally established in 1906, but burials date to the late 1880s and
1890s. Some headstone and family history information had been collected at the
Cemetery, and this project will supplement and update any existing information.
Goals and Objectives
The overarching goal of the History Hands-On! workshops was to raise awareness of,
appreciation for, and education about the value of historic cemeteries. With this
knowledge, the likelihood of the preservation of these special places is increased. To meet
this goal, the project’s objectives were 1) to introduce participants to procedures to fully
document cemeteries using consistent methods; and 2) to provide participants with hands-
on training in these documentation methods. Specifically, this project helped to preserve
historic information contained in the headstone inscriptions and iconography, cemetery
features, and context. It provided a basis for recommendations for future preservation
activities at the cemeteries.
Methods
To meet these objectives, participants attended in-class training sessions and then worked
on-site with a professional archaeologist to document the cemetery. Participants learned
and used procedures that included inscription recordation, headstone material and
condition analysis, grave mapping and spatial analysis, associated artifact analysis,
photography, and historic and genealogical research. These documentation practices
helped to standardize data collection. In addition, these data provided baseline
information for future cemetery work.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
3
This cemetery documentation is provided to the State Historical Fund, the Center of
Southwest Studies, the La Plata County Historical Society, the City of Durango, the
Hermosa Cemetery Association, and the Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio Libraries.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
4
Historic Cemeteries
Development of Cemeteries
Although traditions in countries differed, the earliest European American
cemeteries were formally established within church yards in the 17th
century.
These appeared as graveyards associated with churches along the eastern seaboard
of the United States. The graveyards tended to be adjacent to the churches and
were often surrounded by fencing to establish the boundaries. Although often
crowded, they tended to be somewhat formal in layout with artistic iconography.
Burials were generally restricted to church members.
Photo 1. Huguenot Church Burying Ground, ca. 1800. Charleston, S.C.
During the 17th
and 18th
centuries, city cemeteries were established. These were
not necessarily operated by churches and burials were not restricted to church
members and included residents of the town or city. These cemeteries tended to be
regular in design with minimal plantings and landscaping. Roadways were narrow
due to the lack of motorized vehicles during burials and/or grave visitation.
Potter’s Fields were included in cemeteries to bury the indigent with plain
markers.
Cemeteries were also developed on private land during the 17th
through the 21st
centuries. Family cemeteries were developed on family property with a variety of
markers that reflected social and economic status and/or religion. During the 17th
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
5
and 18th
centuries, slave cemeteries were located on plantations in the South. In
the West, rural cemeteries began in the 1830s as eastern populations moved west.
Rural cemeteries tended to be in picturesque locations with natural vegetation,
three-dimensional markers and located outside of town limits.4
Photo 2. Cemetery at the Dolores Mission, Purgatory River, ca. 1900
From the mid 19th
century to the mid 20th
century cemeteries became parks with
vast lawns. They were pastoral with some upright markers. Elaborate markers,
denoting family wealth and/or social status, were mixed with headstones that were
smaller without ornamentation. Memorial Parks evolved from park-like
cemeteries with in-ground markers, a few centralized or representative sculptures
promoting uniform maintenance and lawn care. Cemeteries became for-profit
entities with concerns dictated by the ease of maintenance and a loss of social
status with markers.
4 In Colorado, the first formal cemeteries were established in the 1850s along the eastern
slope of the Rocky Mountains, in the Denver area, and the San Luis Valley. The earliest
cemeteries in La Plata County are the Animas City Cemetery (1877) and the Parrott City
Cemetery (1876). The Parrott City Cemetery location is currently (2014) unknown and
the subject of a future SJMA research project.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
6
Photo 3. Riverside Cemetery, Denver. Ca. 1900
Cemeteries as Cultural Places
To understand past societies and groups, we study their material remains.
Prehistoric archaeologists combine the puzzle pieces of physical remains and data
to make inferences about the past while historical archaeologists combine the
physical properties of objects and artifacts and their context, with historical
documentation from records and oral accounts. In historical settings, these
remains come in many forms and may include remnants of buildings and roads,
tools, household and personal items, and written documents. Together these
elements provide information about the economy, society, religion, and politics of
the group.
Cemeteries and their artifacts can tell us about past life; they provide information at the
scale of the individual or family. Cemeteries can be an important clue to learning about
the past because they provide information on past activities, social relationships, religious
beliefs, health and disease, economics and technology. Headstones provide genealogical
information while marker iconography can indicate religious and social information.
Individual graves can provide information about social status and health; information from
several graves can provide data on the community population. The fabrication of
headstones relates information on technology, acquisition of the materials, and financial
abilities.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
7
In the West, rural cemeteries tended to be community cemeteries associated with towns or
settlements or small family plots on ranches or farms. In addition, some cemeteries were
associated with particular ethnic groups or churches. Together, these cemeteries played
an important role in the lives of the early settlers and allowed them to fulfill their burial
practices and religious customs as they honored their families and friends. The cemeteries
provided a mechanism to record testaments to loved ones, giving future generations an
intimate glimpse into their lives, personalities, and pasts.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
8
Local Cemeteries in La Plata County
Several cemeteries are located in La Plata County. These include cemeteries that
are abandoned, inactive and active. The earliest known cemetery is Parrott City
Cemetery (1876), however, its exact location has not been identified. Table 1 lists
the cemeteries.
Table 1. Cemeteries in La Plata County5
Name Location Dates of Use Status References6
Allison-Tiffany CR 329 1908 - Active 1,2,5
Animas City Durango 1877-1965 Inactive 1,2,6, 7, 8
Bayfield CR 501 1885- Active 1,2,3
Crestview CR 172 1925 - Active 1,2
Elco CR 213 1901- Active 1,2
Florida/Hood CR 225 1880- Active 1,2,6
Fort Lewis Hwy 140 1881-1891 Inactive 8
Greenmount Durango 1888- Active 1,2,3,6
Hay Gulch CR 120 1889-1926 Inactive 6
Hermosa Hwy 550 1889 - Active 1,2,3,6, 7
Hesperus Hwy 140 1881-1965 Inactive 1,2,3
Ignacio/Catholic Ignacio 1911- Active 1
Ignacio/Protest. Ignacio 1911- Active 1
Kline CR 119 1904- Active 1,2,3
La Boca Hwy 172 1899 - Active 1,2, 7
La Posta CR 213 1902- Active 1,2,3,6
Marvel CR 131 1907- Active 1,2,3
Oxford CR 311 1925-1978 Active 1,2
Red Mesa Hwy 140 1909 - Active 1,2,3
Rockwood CR 200 1890 - ? Inactive 1,7,8
Sheck Family CR 240 1910s Inactive 1, 7
Thompson Park CR 105 1896-1988 Inactive 1,2,6,7
Tiffany CR 326 1925 - Active 1,2,6,7
Ute/Ouray Mem Ignacio 1916- Active 1
5 This listing of cemeteries includes only community cemeteries and not private family
burial locations. 6 References include: 1) Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies, “Colorado Cemetery
Directory”, 1985; 2) Genealogical Research Society of the Four Corners, “La Plata
County Cemetery Index” 1997; 3) Tombstone Project, Colorado, U.S. Genealogical Web
site; 4) D. Ellis, Serious and Grave Plots, 2002; 5) Allison Tiffany Cemetery Committee,
Obituaries and Community History for the Allison-Tiffany Cemetery, 2011; 6) La Plata
County Historical Society, Animas Museum, Durango; 7) R. Lambert, San Juan
Mountains Association, on-going research 2013, 2014; and 8) M. Charles, Fort Lewis
College.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
9
Note: Unmarked/unknown cemeteries include:
Gold King Cemetery
Parrott City Cemetery
Two cemeteries were selected for this project; the Animas City Cemetery and the
Hermosa Cemetery. The cemeteries are small and they have no on-site caretakers.
The Animas City Cemetery is the oldest identified cemetery in La Plata County
(1877); the Hermosa Cemetery is located north of the historic settlement of
Hermosa in the upper Animas Valley and dates to the 1880s/1890s.
Photo 4. La Plata County Rural Elco Cemetery, 2013
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
10
Cemetery Documentation
This project results from previous historical work in the county, work at historic
cemeteries, and the interest and concern by community members on the
deterioration and loss of these special places.7
Project Goals and Objectives
As noted, the goal of this project is to increase awareness, appreciation, and
education about the value of historic cemeteries. To meet this goal, the project’s
objectives are the documentation of two cemeteries. This project incorporates
information collected from past cultural resource work and inventories to help
preserve historic information contained in the headstone inscriptions and
iconography, cemetery features, and context. Recommendations for future
preservation activities have been developed.
To meet these objectives, several procedures have been incorporated into this
project. Table 2 summarizes the objectives and the strategies to accomplish the
objectives.
Table 2. Project Objectives and Strategies
Objective Strategy
1) Document cemeteries to preserve
historic information
- Conduct field visits to cemeteries to
record graves
- Map cemeteries
- Obtain copies of historic photos
- Conduct historical research
- Photograph graves and cemeteries
2) Encourage preservation of cemetery
and the historic features
Document current condition of cemetery
Share project results with property
owners
Share preservation information &
resources with cemetery
caretakers/owners
3)Increase public interest and
knowledge about historic cemetery
documentation
Use trained volunteers to assist with
project
Provide education materials such as:
reports, maps, photographs
7 Seyfarth and Lambert, 2010. Also see “Final Archaeological Assessment Report of the
Animas City Cemetery, August 2008” by R. Lambert for the La Plata County Historical
Society. 2008.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
11
Project Methods
File Search
To achieve these goals and objectives, information was collected from a range of
sources. The sources included historical data from public and family archives and
organizational files. Searches were conducted at the State Archives, Center of
Southwest Studies Delaney Library, La Plata County Historical Society’s Animas
Museum, and La Plata County Assessors and land records. The holdings at the
Denver Public, Durango, Ignacio, Bayfield, Mancos, and Reed (Fort Lewis
College) Libraries were also consulted.
Documentation Procedures
To meet these objectives, cemetery information was collected from historical sources
(archives, obituaries, and other records). Information collected during archival and
historical research was incorporated into cemetery histories.
Field documentation included compiling information about the cemetery and the
documentation of the individual graves and features. To document the individual graves,
the project participants photographed the headstones, recorded the inscriptions and made a
sketch map of the grave. The graves were documented using the Individual Grave Marker
Form developed for this project. 8 A Marker Form was completed for each identified
grave, including graves without headstones and illegible headstones.
The documentation of the cemetery included assembling existing maps and photographs
of the cemetery and the completion of the Colorado Historical Society Office of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation’s forms. Previously, the cemetery map for the
Animas City Cemetery had been made by the City of Durango. The Hermosa Cemetery
map had been provided by the Hermosa Cemetery Association.
The cemetery documentation procedure followed the guidelines of the Colorado Historical
Society Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation’s Colorado Cultural Resource
Survey Manual. After the cemetery was visited and the field recording completed, the
Hermosa Cemetery (5LP10655) was recorded on the Colorado Historical Society
Colorado Cultural Resource Survey Management Data Form (#1400) and the Colorado
Cultural Resource Survey Historic Archaeology Component Form (#1402). The Hermosa
Cemetery had not been recorded prior to this project. Consequently, the above forms were
completed for this site. USGS topographic maps and aerial photographs were used to
define the project area. The Animas City Cemetery had previously been recorded and a
Revisitation Form (#1405) was completed. However, because there were many changes,
8 A copy of the Individual Grave Marker Form is included in the Appendix.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
12
new forms were prepared and submitted. Terms from the various lexicons were used
whenever possible. Past inventories were updated based on current field conditions.
The field visits to document the cemeteries were oriented to visible gravesites;
there was no attempt at subsurface investigations. However, the project director is
a trained field archaeologist and she used her field survey skills when documenting
and assessing the cemeteries.
Cemetery Data
Cemetery data collected during documentation is included with this report. These data are
summarized in this report. The complete files for all data are included on the CDs that
accompany this report. Included on the CD for each cemetery are: 1) a data file with all
information recorded for each grave at the cemetery; 2) the roster of cemetery burials; 3)
the grave photographs; and 4) the cemetery map. The original Individual Grave Marker
Forms, maps and cemetery maps are housed at the San Juan Mountains Association in
Durango.
Interviews
Some interviews were conducted for this project. Family members and
descendants and other knowledgeable persons were interviewed when possible.
Information provided by these individuals is cited within the report. Information
about the cemeteries was solicited from the public. Research flyers, newspaper
ads, and organizational newsletters were used to contact individuals and acquire
information. There was some success with these efforts.
Project Participants
To further the educational goals of this project, community members were trained
and supervised to assist with the project. Participants were recruited from
interested organizations and project partners via newsletters, a project brochure,
email lists, a public presentation, and public announcements. 15 volunteers
assisted with this project. Volunteers enrolled in a multi-day workshop for a
cemetery and attended an orientation lecture, participated in approximately 12
hours of in-field training and they were provided with a training handbook.9
Volunteers were required to adhere to project protocols that relate to respectful
visitation, site confidentiality, preparedness and safety.10
Volunteers assisted with
grave recordings, grave mapping, data base, photography and some historical
research. Evaluations were provided to the volunteers for future suggestions and
projects and the results were positive. At the conclusion of the multi-day hands-on
workshop, most volunteers continued with the cemetery documentation.
9 A copy of the History Hands-On! Cemetery Documentation Handbook, the volunteer
training handbook is available for review at the San Juan Mountains Association. 10
A copy of “Protocols for Cemetery Work” is included in the Appendix.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
13
Volunteers donated about 300 hours to this project over a period of about five
months.
Photo 5. Volunteer Documenting Grave Enclosure at Animas City Cemetery, 2012
Educational Materials
Several types of educational materials have resulted from this project. These
include public presentations about historic cemeteries; in-field cemetery
documentation; a training handbook; a project brochure highlighting the
cemeteries, the project and the results; cemetery data base; and the project report.
The cemetery documentation is compiled in this report it is provided to the State
Historical Fund, the Center of Southwest Studies, the La Plata County Historical Society,
La Plata County, the Hermosa Cemetery Association, the Southwest Colorado
Genealogical Society, and the Durango, and Bayfield Libraries.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
14
Project Cemeteries
Two cemeteries were selected for this project; the Animas City Cemetery and the
Hermosa Cemetery. The cemeteries are small and they have no on-site caretakers.
The Animas City Cemetery is the oldest identified cemetery in La Plata County
(1877); The Hermosa Cemetery is located north of the historic settlement of
Hermosa in the upper Animas Valley and dates to the 1880s/1890s.
The objective at the Animas City Cemetery is to update past documentation using
consistent data collection. At the Hermosa Cemetery, some past documentation has
occurred. This has been primarily genealogical. The objective of our workshop at
Hermosa is to fully document the cemetery. At both cemeteries, previous data will be
incorporated if consistent with this data collection.
Animas City Cemetery
The Animas City Cemetery is the oldest existing community cemetery in La Plata
County and the only identifiable cemetery that pre-dates the establishment of
Durango.11
The Animas City Cemetery was established to serve the new
community of Animas City founded in 1876.
Photo 6. Lavender Family Headstone, 1878
11
The Parrott City cemetery is believed to date from 1876 and the founding of Parrott
City as the first county seat of La Plata County. However, the cemetery is unmarked and
its exact location is unknown. Future work to locate the cemetery is planned.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
15
It is an important historic reminder of that early settlement. The first burials in the
cemetery are reported to be in 1877. Many long term La Plata County residents
have ancestors buried in this cemetery along side civil war veterans, infamous
local outlaws, and young children. The last burial was interred in 1960.
During the establishment and growth of Animas City, a plot of land was
designated that became known as the Animas City Cemetery. A common practice
for rural settlers was the burial of family members on their land. However, with
settlement in the growing Animas City, burial on in-town properties was not
possible and a cemetery was necessary. Early ownership records of the Cemetery
property begin in the late 1880s. From the time of the first burials until the record
of the first deed, the Cemetery land was probably unclaimed federal land. Other
cemeteries in existence during the time of the Animas City Cemetery were at
Parrott City (about 1876 to 1879) and at Fort Lewis (1880 to 1891). The Parrott
City cemetery was abandoned when Parrott City residents moved away and the
county seat was moved from Parrott City to Durango in 1881. The cemetery at
Fort Lewis was abandoned in 1891 when the military graves were moved to a fort
in Kansas. The Animas City Cemetery is the only cemetery that predates the
founding of Durango in 1881 and continued to be used. Recent research indicates
that a traveling pastor, James H. Tilghman and two others were buried in the
cemetery in 1877. 12
The first burial date on a headstone in Animas City Cemetery
is May 1, 1878 for Henry Lavender, an eight year old boy. This burial was
followed by several others with the 1880s representing the period of the most
burials. The last burial occurred in 1960.
Following the establishment of Durango in the early 1880s, there was community
interest in establishing another cemetery. This effort was initiated by the Masonic
Lodge that had a mandatory policy for lodge members to accompany the deceased
on foot to the cemetery, unless aged and infirmed. The Animas City Cemetery
was about 2 miles from the Temple and travel was arduous. In June 1885, a lodge
committee began looking for a closer location for burials and in 1887, the lodge
purchased 20 acres which later became present day Greenmount Cemetery. There
are three recorded Masonic burials in Animas City Cemetery prior to the first
Masonic burial at Greenmount Cemetery in 1888.
The establishment of Greenmount Cemetery signaled the decline of the Animas
City Cemetery. Greenmount Cemetery was closer to Durango, larger, and
ultimately managed by the new growing town of Durango. Burials in Animas City
Cemetery continued to decline and the last burial occurred in April 1960. In 1970,
the family moved that individual to Greenmount Cemetery. Today the Animas
City Cemetery appears as a gently sloping bench covered with sage, currant,
juniper, grasses, and pinyon. The occasional headstones are visible surrounded by
12
On-going research by genealogist Julie Pickett.
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vegetation, and the overall impression is that time and the community have
forgotten the cemetery.
Cemetery Ownership
Prior to 1985, the Animas City Cemetery was privately owned. The chain of
ownership begins in October 1888 with a land purchase under the Homestead Act
that included the cemetery parcel with a final patent date of 1890. Past owners
included the Folsom family, Austin C. Myers, Worthy C. Myers, Alonzo
Brinkerhoff, and the Turner family. The property was under Turner family
ownership in 1985, when ownership was transferred to the City of Durango.
The cemetery property was annexed into the City in June 2002 (Ordinance O-
2002-13). In 2004, the Cemetery was designated as a Historic Landmark on the
Durango’s Register of Historic Places (Ordinance O-2003-50). The cemetery was
placed on the Register because it was found to meet these criteria for historic
landmark significance: it was the site of historic events that had the effect upon
society; it exemplified cultural political, economic or social heritage of the
community; it is associated with a notable person; it enhances the sense of identify
of the community; it is in an established and familiar natural setting or visual
feature of the community; it represents a built environment of a group of people in
an era of history.
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Figure 1. Map of Animas City Cemetery Indicating Distribution of Graves, 2010
(Courtesy of City of Durango)
Previous Work at the Cemetery
Early Work
Community interest and concern for the preservation of Animas City Cemetery
began in the 1950s when members of the Sarah Platt Decker Chapter of the
Daughters of the American Revolution recorded some of the grave markers in the
Cemetery. In the 1970s, members of the La Plata County Historical Society
(LPCHS) and other community members expressed concerns with the City of
Durango about the condition and preservation of the Cemetery. Clean up efforts
and additional grave recording were conducted over several years. In 1985, a fire,
caused by children playing with matches, swept over the Cemetery and burned all
of the wooden markers that had remained at the Cemetery. Following the fire,
additional clean up and preservation efforts by the Historical Society, the Boy
Scouts, and community members occurred. Attempts at repairing some stones
were made during the Boy Scout project.
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In 2004, the ‘Friends of the Cemetery’ group was formed by the late Henry Ninde
to help preserve the Cemetery. The Friends group was a program of the LPCHS
and members helped conduct archival research, field recording of grave markers,
survey and inspection of Cemetery features, genealogical research and contact
with descendents, property clean up, and photography. Some marker photography
and documentation was conducted by the Friends, although methods appear to
have varied.
Colorado State Historical Fund Research
Archaeological Assessment – 2006
In 2006, an archaeological assessment was conducted to compile existing and new
information about the Cemetery. 13
The project partners included the La Plata
County Historical Society, the City of Durango, the San Juan Mountains
Association, and Fort Lewis College, Department of Anthropology. The goal of
the assessment was the comprehensive documentation of the Cemetery through
systematic on-site survey, non-invasive remote sensing subsurface survey,
mapping, records search, photography, genealogical research, and compilation of
other materials.
The data collected during this assessment provided new information, indicated
information deficiencies, suggested areas for future research and study, and made
management recommendations. 14
13
SHF grant # 2006-AS-006. 14
Final Archaeological Assessment Report of the Animas City Cemetery, 2008.
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Photo 7. Archaeological Survey at Animas City Cemetery, 2007
Historical research indicated that there were more individuals interred in the
Cemetery than was previously thought. Although it has been known that all the
buried individuals do not have extant headstones, the compilation of these data
indicated that several more individuals were buried in the Cemetery. Past
estimates of burials at the Cemetery have been approximately 108 individuals.
New research indicated that at least 148 individuals were buried at the Cemetery
and that there may be a minimum of 20 additional burials not recorded as yet.15
In
addition, many of these burials were children. The burial census data indicate that
17% of all burials (25 of 148) at the Cemetery were children less than 5 years of
age. Burials of children 10 years and younger (34 of 148) constitute 23% of the
total burials at the Cemetery. The number of child burials at the Cemetery had not
been recognized before. Research continues on the roster of buried individuals.
The subsurface data indicated that there are several areas where unmarked graves
are present based on the orientation, spacing and size of subsurface anomalies.
These data compliment the historical research conducted for this project. While
the subsurface data can not be absolutely verified without excavation, the data
from this study are strongly suggestive of these graves. It is hoped that additional
15
Julie Pickett genealogical research.
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research may help to identify some of these individuals. Genealogical research
and contacts with descendents may provide the best avenue to locate additional
information.
Photo 8. Remote Sensing Survey at Cemetery, 2007.
The compilation of surface information from the archaeological survey confirmed
77 grave stone recordings that had been collected prior to the assessment. When
these data were collected, the condition of the markers was noted. The majority of
the markers were in poor condition and there were several that require
stabilization. The categorization of the headstones by condition provided one
method of prioritizing necessary work for their repair and preservation.
History Hands-On! Workshops - 2012
The most intensive and extensive documentation has occurred through the History
Hands-On! component of the Heritage Education project (2012-M1-040).
Volunteers were educated and trained during the lecture and in field recording.
Each volunteer received about 15 hours of education during the workshop. At the
conclusion of the workshop, volunteers continued to work with other SJMA
trained cemetery volunteers to complete the full cemetery documentation at both
the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries.
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Photo 9. Headstone Documentation at Animas City Cemetery, 2012.
Summary of Burial Data
Seventy-three markers/graves were identified and recorded at the Cemetery. Most
of these graves included formal markers, although several graves are marked by
boulders or shaped stones. Thirteen graves are the burial sites of unknown
individuals and 22 markers represent the burial of more than one individual. Table
3 lists the individuals that are reported buried in the cemetery based on field
observations. A map of the Cemetery is included with this report. In total, 84
individuals are believed to be buried in the Cemetery based on field reporting.
However, on-going research into other burial records, obituaries, and descendant
interviews indicates many more individuals are likely buried at the Cemetery. 16
Table 3. Individuals Buried at Animas City Cemetery
Number Name Date of
Birth
Year of
Birth
Date
of Death
Year of
Death
Age at
Death
1 Nelson Ackerman 8-Aug 1878 23-May 1881 3
16
Julie Picket, personal communication, 2012.
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2 Mabel Barrie 2-Apr 1881 17-Oct 1881 0
3 James Barrie 24-Apr 1837 30-Oct 1891 54
4 R.W. Belmear 25-Mar 1827 26-Aug 1879 52
5 Richard R. Bridgeland 1833 10-Jul 1881 48
6 Hugh "Jacob" Emmett
Casey
13-May 1837 20-Mar 1879 42
7 James Clements 1841 16-Jun 1883 42
8 Clifford Culver 1876 10-Dec 1880 4
8a Albert Culver 1878
9 Culver Infant & Children 3-Dec 1881
10 Daniel Culver 1837 11-Dec 1881 44
11 Bessie Culver Dale 1874 1941 67
12 Melanie Faigle 1836 29-Sep 1882 46
13 Washington Findley 1833 19-May 1883 50
14 Stephen Emott Firebaugh 4-Nov 1882 19-Mar 1900 18
15 Pearl Firebaugh 2-Dec 1895 9-Dec 1895 0
15a Dora E. Firebaugh 19-Sep 1885 3-Jan 1899 14
16 Charles Bailey Folsom 1822 20-May 1903 81
17 Frances Mary Cowdy
Folsom
1860 12-Apr 1919 59
18 Monty Lee Folsom 10-Nov 1954 10-Nov 1954 0
19 Emily Pratt Folsom 1829 16-Apr 1899 70
20 William Henry Charles
Folsom Sr
13-Sep 1857 18-May 1945 88
21 Wadene Folsom Conway 5-Feb 1927 14-Jan 1955 28
22 Unknown
23 Sarah Moore Freed 19-Jan 1828 19-May 1888 60
24 Amanda Fulcher 1823 1911 88
25 John W. Fulcher Jan 1852 27-May 1886 34
26 Sarah Galloway 9-Jan 1881 18-May 1882 1
27 Mary (Rowley) Garbanati 17-Aug 1853 21-Mar 1892 39
28 George Wilson Hafling 4-May 1841 16-Jan 1906 65
29 Louisa C. Hafling 24-Jun 1899 10-May 1900 1
30 Rosa Belle Hafling 30-Mar 1881 11-Jul 1883 2
31 Sylvia L. Hafling 16-Jun 1872 17-Oct 1889 17
32 Fredricka E. Hafling 17-Feb 1842 27-Dec 1890 48
33 Martin L. Heck 1847 3-Apr 1886 39
34 Edmund M. Hopson 1837 18-Nov 1880 43
62 Infant & children of C.S.
& L.J. Triplett
35 Mary Ellen Jimerfield 27-Mar 1883 Unknow
n
1942 59
35a Thomas Jimerfield 21-Sep 1863 3-May 1928 65
36 Riley Lambert 16-Nov 1852 28-Nov 1883 31
37 Henry Lavender 29-Nov 1875 1-May 1878 3
37a Ellen Lavender Sept or
Oct?
1836 5-Feb 1884 48
37b Orvil Lavender
1877 16-Aug 1889 12
38 Calvin L. McGrew 20-Oct 1825 4-Nov 1893 68
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39 John Miller 24-Jun 1833 7-Oct 1889 56
40 Mary E. Miller 10-Oct 1857 8-Apr 1887 30
41 Albert K. Nail 1861 18-Aug 1891 30
42 Andrew Nichols 2-Apr 1902 8-Nov 1920 18
43 Agnes M. Nichols 14-Oct 1897 26-Nov 1905 8
43a William E. Nichols 7-Feb 1909 6-Jan 1913 4
44 Samuel T. Nichols 13-Sep 1846 8-Sep 1906 60
45 Rosa Parker 2-May 1876 2-Jul 1880 4
46 George Washington
Pinyan
1852 24-Jan 1886 34
47 Robert H. Pinyan 1885 17-Dec 1902 17
48 Jesse Potts 1842 29-Jun 1887 45
49 Hulda Rohrig 12-Jun 1877 17-Jan 1881 4
49a Darla Rohrig 24-Jun 1881 24-Jun 1881 0
49b Bertha Rohrig 18-Nov 1856 7-Jun 1881 25
50 Lyletha Savage 14-Jun 1877 29-Nov 1880 3
50a Inez Savage 31-Dec 1887 6-Jun 1891 4
51 Louisa Christiane Schnee 26-Oct 1854 17-Feb 1883 29
51a Robert Schnee 8-Feb 1883 3-Apr 1883 0
52 Rebecca Elizabeth
Samuels Scott
11-Mar 1796 18-Jul 1882 86
53 Robert John Sisley 18-Nov 1890 21-Sep 1900 10
54 Alfred James Turner 10-Aug 1874 23-Dec 1904 30
55 Emma E. Turner 27-Apr 1897 8-Apr 1901 4
56 Emma S & John Turner 1850 1894 44
56a John Turner March 1836 20-May 1902 66
57 Little Kate Westcott 14-Aug 1868 19-Sep 1881 13
58 Anna 'Maria' Will 16-Dec 1831 17-Sep 1893 62
58a Hermann Will 30-Jan 1873 13-Sep 1878 5
59 Mina Will 19-Jun 1870 14-Aug 1945 75
60 Franz 'Francis' Joseph
Will
27-Mar 1827 23-Apr 1912 85
61 George Napoleon Woods 1848 23-Jun 1882 34
63 Unknown-'empty'
enclosure, Wickline?
64 Unknown - Hafling #2
65 Unknown - Hafling #3
66 Unknown - Hafling #1
67 Unknown - Triplett #1
68 Unknown - Triplett #2
69 Unknown Stockton #1
70 Unknown Stockton #2
71 Unknown- Lambert #1
72 Unknown - Freed #1
73 Unknown - Freed #2
74 Unknown - Freed #3
75 Isaac Stockton 29-Feb 1852 27-Sep 1881 29
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A review of the known death dates for individuals buried in the cemetery indicates
that the most active period was the early period of the Cemetery establishment in
1877 to the early 1900s. The establishment of Greenmount Cemetery in 1888
likely reduced the number of burials at the Cemetery. The last burial is reported to
have been Reverend Folsum who was disinterred in 1970 and reburied in
Greenmount Cemetery.
Table 4. Burial Frequency by Date Range 17
Marker Types 18
Marker types at the cemetery are varied with a wide range of types. The most
common types of markers were a die on base and a die in socket marker. Equally
prevalent were temporary markers. Fieldstone/boulders and Civil War government
markers were also recorded. Less common, but numerous, were plaque type and
temporary markers.
17
Only burials with known death dates are included in this table. 18
See “Monument Types” in the Appendix for images of marker types.
Decade
of Burial
Number
of Burials
1870-1879 4
1880-1889 34
1890-1899 11
1900-1909 11
1910-1919 3
1920-1929 2
1930-1939 0
1940-1949 4
1950-1959 2
1960-1969 1
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Photo 10. McGrew Gravestone, Die on Base Marker type
Photo 11. Military Headstone of Jesse Potts
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Table 5 provides information on the marker types identified during field recording.
Table 5. Marker Types
Marker Type Number Percentage
Headstone/Tablet 6 8
Die on Base 12 17
Die in socket 11 16
Obelisk 1 1
Sculpture 1 1
Pedestal w/urn 4 5
Pedestal w/vaulted top 5 7
Raised top 6 8
Government- Civil War 6 8
Plaque 3 4
Pulpit 1 1
Fieldstone/boulder 5 7
Temporary 12 17
Total 73 100%
Marker Materials
The majority of the inscribed headstones in the cemetery were made of marble and
granite followed by sandstone and concrete markers.
Table 6. Marker Material 19
Marble 38
Granite 13
Sandstone 8
Wood 0
Iron 0
Bronze 2
Fieldstone 5
Concrete 9
Painted 0
Temporary-Tin 6
Temporary-
other metal
4
19
More than one material type may be present on a headstone.
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Marker Inscriptions and Iconography
All of the inscriptions on the markers at the Animas City Cemetery were in
English. There was a Latin phrase included on the Woodmen of the World
headstone.20
Decorative motifs on the headstones were varied and included
botanical, religious, landscapes, fraternal (Masonic), Woodmen of the World, and
military themes. Examples included willows, daisies and leaves, praying hands,
angels, lambs, stylized flowers and leaves, Masonic symbols, and Civil War
military shields (Photo 12).
Photo 12. Fredricka E. Hafling Gravestone with Weeping Willow, 2012
Marker Condition
Sixty-eight markers were evaluated for condition during this project. Temporary
markers were not included in the assessment. The evaluated markers included
20
The Latin phrase Dum Tacit Chamat is located below the Woodmen of the World Seal
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markers of named graves and headstones that were illegible. The condition of
each marker was evaluated when recorded. The stones were studied for evidence
of several possible conditions such as chipping, erosion, displacement, cracks and
breaks, and soiling/growths (usually lichen). Several of these conditions existed on
a single stones. Although 25 of the 68 markers were considered ‘sound’ most of
the markers exhibited several problems. The most serious include fallen, broken
and severely cracked or chipped markers. Table 7 lists the condition observed
during recordation. Percentages are based on the number of stones exhibiting a
specific condition for the evaluated markers.
Table 7. Marker Condition
Condition Number Percentage
Sound 25 37
Chipped 29 43
Cracked 16 24
Crumbled 9 13
Eroded 17 25
Tilted 17 25
Fallen 10 15
Broken 21 31
Sunken 4 6
Displaced 12 18
Stained 7 10
Rusted 4 6
Soiled/Biological Growth 38 56
Repaired 4 6
Marker Priority for Treatment
Markers were evaluated for the priority of treatment based on the observed
condition(s). Priority was low, medium, or high and based on the totality of
conditions recorded by the field worker. The majority of the markers were judged
to be ‘low priority based on their current condition, however some exhibited
serious conditions that make their treatment a higher priority. Table 8 provides
information on the priority for treatment.
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Table 8. Priority of Treatment for Markers
Priority Number Percentage
High 14 21
Medium 4 6
Low 50 73
Sixty-eight markers were evaluated and 14 were considered ‘high’ priority,
including one marker that needs critical attention due to weathering and erosion.
Four markers were evaluated as ‘medium’ priority and 50 markers were
considered low priority, although periodic monitoring of all markers is
recommended. Of the high priority markers, several serious problems were
evident. These include fallen and very unstable stones that could fall at any time.
Many markers are broken into several pieces and their integrity has been
compromised. Prompt attention to address these conditions is strongly
recommended. Table 9 lists these markers and the recommendations for treatment.
Table 9. Recommendations for Marker Treatments
Grave
Number
Priority
Condition
Recommendation
8 High/Critical Stone needs to be put upright immediately due to
water erosion and loss of inscription
1 High Stone needs to be re-set and cleaned
12 High Broken, remove old improper repairs and re-set
25 High Repair and re-set urn on top
26 High Re-assemble pieces on backing to retain
remaining integrity and inscription
31 High Fallen stone, re-set and stabilize
34 High Re-assemble broken stone and re-set
36 High Repair and re-set urn on top
41 High Re-set stone; attempt to fully repair (WOW stone)
44 High Stone very unstable; needs to be re-set
49 High Broken stone, re-assemble & needs to be re-set
58 High Fallen stone, needs to be re-assembled & re-set
4 High Broken fallen stone, needs to be re-set & off
ground due to water erosion & loss of inscription
9 High Broken stone, re-assemble & re-set
55 Medium Stone needs to be straightened & stabilized
52 Medium Broken stone, needs to be re-set
37 Medium Repair and re-set urn on top
15 Medium Level & stabilize, remove lichen to retain
inscription
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Grave Enclosures
Six grave enclosures are present at the Cemetery. These surround graves and are
constructed of various materials. One enclosure, the ‘empty’ enclosure contains
one unmarked grave. On-going research strongly suggests that it is the burial site
of Sarah Wickline. The enclosures are listed in Table 10.
Table 10. Grave Enclosures at Animas City Cemetery
Enclosure Description
Turner Constructed of pipe with concrete bases as
corner posts
Riley Lambert Woven Wire with decorative floral ornaments,
wire gate
Sarah Freed Scored cut sandstone posts and iron pipe; chain
closure
Fulcher Iron pipe with twisted wire between pipes,
decorative posts
‘Empty’[Wickline] Earliest hand-forged decorative iron work
known in Durango. Decorative scrolls on upper
edge, wire gate
Firebaugh Scored cut sandstone posts with iron pipes, no
entrance
All of the enclosures required stabilization and some minor repairs. These tasks
were accomplished in December 2012 (see below).
Photo 13. ‘Empty’ Enclosure Prior to Stabilization, 2010.
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On-Going Preservation And Educational Activities
Efforts for cemetery documentation are on-going. In 2011, all headstones were re-
photographed, providing valuable data on the condition of the stones. The City
developed a map of the cemetery that is being reviewed prior to finalization.
Genealogical research on veteran burials and pioneer families continues. The
genealogist has continued to work with twenty families to gather additional
information.
Photo 14. City Staff Mapping Cemetery, 2010.
In December 2012, minor stabilization was conducted by the Friends with
assistance from City personnel at the six cemetery grave enclosures shown in
Table 10. The treatments for these enclosures were necessary for the stabilization
of the structures through the winter. These treatments were minor, temporary,
reversible and sensitive to the historic nature of the enclosures and the cemetery.
The treatments consisted of replacing critical missing or broken bolts, installation
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of temporary posts and some wiring for stability. The removal of vegetation was
critical for the integrity of all of the enclosures.
Photo 15. Stabilization Work at ‘Empty’ Enclosure, December 2012.
Summary
The Animas City Cemetery is the earliest identified cemetery in La Plata County.
The cemetery has been inactive since 1966 and has received sporadic attention
from community groups and, for the last twenty years, the La Plata County
Historical Society. Inventories and recordings have been undertaken by groups and
individuals over the last several years, each documenting the on-going
deterioration of the cemetery. Most recently, some temporary stabilization to the
six enclosures has been accomplished, however, the lack of regular maintenance is
evident in the fallen, unstable and deteriorated gravestones.
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Photo 16. Unstable Headstone and Collapsing Enclosure, December 2012
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Hermosa
The settlement of Hermosa is located about 12 miles north of Durango in the
verdant north Animas Valley. The San Juan Mountains and Animas Valley were
visited by the Baker Party in 1860/1861 as a result of the lure of mineral wealth,
stimulated by gold discoveries in the Denver area and California. In spring of
1860, a party under the leadership of Charles Baker explored the Silverton area for
minerals. Placer gold discoveries were made and many miners flocked to the area.
The placer gold recovery techniques were not sufficient for the numerous miners
and some people moved south to establish the first Animas City in 1861 in the
north Animas Valley approximately 18 miles north of present-day Durango.
With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, many miners left the area to later return in the
early 1870s. However, the influx of miners during this time was slowed by the federal
government’s discouragement of settlement due to the protests of the Ute Indians and their
claims of trespass. The land was a part of the traditional Ute homeland and was not open
for non-Indian settlement under the terms of the treaty of 1868.
However, the regional and national interest in mineral mining continued to grow and
conflicts arose. The US government attempted to resolve the problems through
negotiations that resulted in the Brunot Agreement. Under the terms of the Agreement the
Utes ceded some of their traditional lands to the US Government in exchange for hunting
rights and annual payments.
The opening of these lands was highly anticipated after Ute ratification of the Agreement
in September 1873, and settlers were anxiously awaiting the right to legally mine and
homestead in the territory. With the congressional ratification of the Brunot Agreement in
April 1874, settlement boomed as mining areas and mountain valleys were open for legal
use and settlement. 21
As a result, several small settlements were soon established in the
San Juan Mountain mining areas and throughout the Animas Valley. Silverton (1875),
Howardsville (1874), Hermosa (1873/74), the second Animas City (1875) and Rockwood
(1875) were established. Mining activities were expanded and supplies and materials
were needed in the mining towns and the Animas Valley provided food, supplies and later
coal for mining towns and operations. Transportation was by trails and roads, toll roads,
and in 1882, by train from Durango to Silverton.
The Hermosa settlement is situated west of the confluence of the Hermosa Creek and the
Animas River; it may be the earliest permanent settlement in the north Animas Valley.
Scattered references indicate that settlers were establishing farms and homesteads as early
as 1873, in anticipation of legal settlement and later to provide food supplies to the mining
region. Some documents reference ‘deeds’ for farm lands for John Dunn, Andy
21
A. Nossaman. Many More Mountains Volume 1. Denver, Colorado: Sundance
Publishing 2006.
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Richardson, and Billy Quinn. In addition, there are references to a Hermosa Townsite,
although to date no plat map has been located in existing records. 22
Records indicate that
the first settlers in the valley were concentrated in the Hermosa area and numbered fifteen
in July 1875. Table 11 lists the early residents. 23
Table 11. Early Residents of Hermosa Area
Name Date of Arrival Comments/occupation
Seth Sackett 1874 Returning member of Baker Party
Hugh Lambert & sons 1874 Farmers-Settled Waterfall Ranch
Candacy Lambert 1874 First white woman
Frank & Rufina Trimble 1874 Operated Trimble Hot Springs
Charles “Al” Trippe 1875 Operated Hermosa general store
Andrew A. Fuller 1875 Hermosa Postmaster (1876)
John Thomas 1875 Rancher
Andrew Johnson 1875 Miner
Hans Aspaas Up to 1875 Rancher
Edward Harris Up to 1876 Deputy Sheriff (murdered 1876)
Dana Hersey 1875 Sheep ranch
Wake Catlett 1875 Farmer
Alfred Shepard 1875 Employed by Hersey
William Webb & wife 1875 Farmers -east of Animas River
Richard & Cyrus Gaines 1875 Farmers & Ranchers
Carl Stebbins 1875 Rancher
Pinkerton Family 1875 Ranch at Pinkerton Springs
Benedito Martinez 1875 Earliest ‘Mexican’ at Hermosa
Augustine Roberts 1875 Farmer & grist mill owner
Martha Roberts 1875 Second white woman
John Paterson Lamb 1876 Farmer
Thomas A. Kerr 1876 Millwright
John Sullivan 1876 Alfalfa farmer
C. E & Mary Dudley 1877 Fruit orchards growers
Hight family 1877 Farmer & school teacher
Henry & Mary Hathway 1874-1877? Farmers
Ervin Mead 1878 Farmer
William Girardin 1879 Farmer
David Duffield 1879 Farmer
Charles Idle 1879 Farmer
Milton Schaeffer 1879 Farmer
Daniel Wallace 1879 Farmer
22
A. Nossaman, 2006, pg. 151. 23
M. Roberts. 1936, “Pioneering on the Hermosa”. In Pioneers of the San Juan Country.
Daughters of the American Revoluntion, Sarah Platt Deckerr Chapter. Reprint of
Volumes I-IV in One Edition, Bountiful, Utah: Family History Publishers, 1998.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
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Records indicate that the small settlement and surrounding farms were well established
and beginning to produce crops by the 1874 fall election when records indicate that 20
votes were cast by males in the area. This provides the only known record of valley
residents in 1874.24
In 1877 or 1878, F.M. Goodykoontz was commissioned to record
male residents in La Plata County for possible military conscription. This report provides
additional information about residents in the Hermosa area. 25
By spring 1875, the farms in the area were beginning to supply food to Silverton. Trade
supplies were arriving from T. D. Burns stores in Tierra Amarilla and were delivered to
Trimble’s hot springs. The Trimbles had established a small boarding house and way
station on their property at the hot springs and this was likely the point of distribution of
the goods from the New Mexico territory. These trade activities may have been stimulated
by the family connections of Rufina Gallegos Burns Trimble, daughter of T.D. Burns. 26
The commerce with Tierra Amarilla may predate the establishment of C.A. Trippe’s
general store at Hermosa in 1875.
Farming activities continued during the late 1870s in Hermosa; John Sullivan
experimented with cultivation of alfafa on his homestead, C. E. Dudley established an
orchard in the warm air drainage along Hermosa Creek, and Gus Roberts developed a grist
mill for graham flour. 27
In July 1876, a post office was established and operated by
Andrew Fuller out of Trippe’s general store.
In April 1876, a tragedy shook the Hermosa area with the shooting of the Deputy Sheriff,
Edward Harris by farmer Hugh Lambert. The event began with the diversion of water
from Lambert’s land by neighbor John Lamb. This resulted in threats to Lamb and a
warrant issued for Lambert. The warrant was served by Harris and a posse. Gun fire
broke out and the Deputy Sheriff was shot by Lambert. Lambert was arrested, charged
and found guilty in a trial held at Lake City. He was sentenced to serve a sentence in the
Colorado Penitentiary in Canon City but he was later pardoned by Governor Routt.28
The
Lamberts later left the valley selling the Waterfall Ranch to Thomas Wigglesworth, the
surveyor for the Rio Grande Southern Railroad.
Less dramatic community developments included the continuation of hay, produce, and
fruit production in the area, the establishment of the first log school at Trimble in 1879
and the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad planning activities and construction camp in
24
A. Nossaman, 2006, pg 204. 25
F.M. Goodykoontz, “ Goodykoontz Survey of Old La Plata County in 1877 or 1878”, in
Great Sage Plain To Timberline “Our Pioneer History”. Montezuma County Historical
Society. Volume 11, 2010. Pgs. 30-38. 26
F. L. Swadesh, Los Primeros Pobladores: Hispanic Americans of the Ute Frontier.
Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame Press. 1974. Pgs. 82-85. 27
M. Roberts, 1936. 28
A. Nossaman, 2006, pgs. 305-306.
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1880/1881. In summer of 1882, Mr. Hight petitioned for a school in Hermosa to be held
in a vacant railroad building. This was the first of three schools in Hermosa.
About 1890, Richard Gaines gave land for the Hermosa School. The one room wood
frame school was built on the Gaines ranch and accommodated grades one through eight.
In 1925, a second room was added and grades nine and ten were taught. The school
closed in 1948 when it was consolidated with the Durango school system.
Photo 17. Hermosa School, prior to 1925 (Photo courtesy of Ed Mead).
In 1906, Richard Gaines sold land for the Hermosa Cemetery to a newly formed cemetery
association. Although this is the beginning of the formal cemetery, it is reported that
several individuals were likely buried at this location as early as the 1880s.29
The history
of the Cemetery is discussed in the following section.
Today, Hermosa is a picturesque small settlement surrounded by farm lands and some
new homes. Many of the early pioneer homes are still evident and there are several
orchards that remain. Descendants of early pioneers continue to live in the area.
29
Ed Mead, personal communication, August 2012.
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Hermosa Cemetery The Hermosa Cemetery is located about one mile north of the Hermosa settlement.
The cemetery is located on the west side of Highway 550 that runs between
Durango and Silverton. The cemetery parcel is about 2.5 acres and is a rectangle
that is oriented north/south. The northwest portion of the parcel has a diagonal
northeast/southwest boundary making it an incomplete rectangle. The cemetery
slopes to the southeast and pinyon, juniper, and oak are found on the site. There
are designated dirt roads that run north/south and east/west throughout the parcel.
The cemetery is still in use and visitors are frequently present. The cemetery was
fenced in 1995 and access is via a gate at the southeast corner.
Photo 18. Hermosa Cemetery, 2012
The Hermosa Cemetery is located on land first homesteaded by the Richard
Gaines family in 1881. In November 1906, Richard Gaines sold the land to the
Hermosa Cemetery Association to establish as a formal cemetery, although burials
had occurred prior to the formal designation.30
The earliest headstone in the
30
Quit Claim Deed from Richard Gaines to the Hermosa Cemetery Association,
Reception # 49535, La Plata County Records.
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Cemetery is John Hammer (1899) a Civil War Veteran. However, the Association
believes that the first burial at the Cemetery was Mrs. Mary Dudley, the first wife
of Charles Dudley. She died sometime between 1886 and 1888, but there is no
headstone. Charles Dudley’s obituary (1920) says that he is buried next to her. 31
The Cemetery is still active and tended by the Association.
Photo 19. Military Headstone of John W. Hammer, 1899.
The Hermosa Cemetery Association was formed in 1906 to care for the Cemetery.
The Articles of Association were filed in 1906 listing three trustees, J. L. Day,
R.E. Gaines and Charles Idle. The Association holds annual meetings and
continues to sell cemetery certificates for burial. The certificates owners are
authorized to bury within a specific Block and Lot, however the certificates are not
deeds to land ownership of the lot. The first certificate was issued to R.E. Gaines
on January 1, 1917. 32
31
Durango Evening Herald. Friday, September 10, 1920, page 6. 32
Ed Mead, a trustee of the Association has graciously provided copies of the cemetery
quit claim deed, Articles of Association, meeting minutes, and Cemetery Certificates.
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Photo 20. Hermosa Cemetery Certificate. (Courtesy of Ed Mead)
The Association minutes indicate that the cemetery plots were staked and mapped
at various times in the past. In 1956, the cemetery entrance was changed from the
east side directly off the highway, to the current southeast corner. The changes
were likely prompted by the increased use and widening of the highway. In spring
1958, the Animas Grange conducted a project to mark several of the graves in the
cemetery. 33
The new markers were constructed of cement with a copper
nameplate, usually with both first and last names. The locations and identification
for the new headstones were provided by knowledgeable individuals from the
Association working with the Grange volunteers. 34
These headstones are still
present today (Photo 21).
33
Durango Herald-News, April 1958. 34
Ed Mead personal communication, August 2012.
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Photo 21. Animas Valley Grange Marker for Ethel Scott. Bronze Name Plate on
Concrete Base, Installed Spring 1959.
Some documentation has occurred at the Hermosa Cemetery. This includes
selected photography and genealogical information about some of the buried
individuals.35
The documentation collected for this project supplements and
updates the existing information with the addition of archaeological, contextual,
headstone recordation, photographic, and mapping data. A copy of the collected
data for this project is included with this report. The original data field forms are
housed at the San Juan Mountains Association.
Summary of Burial Data
One hundred seventy-eight markers/graves were identified in the Cemetery. Most
of these graves included markers, although a few did not have markers but were
determined to be graves based on the appearance of the ground. Table 12 lists the
individuals that are reported buried in the cemetery based on field observations
and a list of burials provided by the Hermosa Cemetery Association. The block
35
La Plata County Historical Society, Animas Museum records.
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and lots are shown below. Within the lots, individual plots are indicated. A map
of the Cemetery is included with this report. In total, 181 individuals appear to be
buried in the Cemetery based on field observations and burial records. With one
exception (Oscar Ernest Day), these data are reported through 2012. It should be
noted that the Cemetery is still in use and there may be a very few more recent
burials.
Table 12. Individuals Buried in Hermosa Cemetery 36
NBN BBlock, Lot, &
PlotPP Plot
Name
Date of
Birth
Year of
Birth
Date of
Death
Year of
Death
01-01-01 Leo T. Offutt 8-Aug 1907 14-Nov 1974
01-01-02 Unknown
01-02-01 Ruth Thelma Offutt 22-Dec 1908 5-Jun 1996
01-02-02 Walter Floyd Offutt 2-Jun 1904 15-Jan 1980
01-02-03 Mary E. Offutt 16-Nov 1874 26-Jul 1946
01-02-04 Dona Mae Offutt 1926 1972
01-03-01 Kathryn Erler 22-Apr 1908 16-Apr 1998
01-03-02 Richard E. Gaines 1848 1919
01-03-03 Cora D. Gaines 1852 1936
01-03-04 Roderick E. Gaines 1883 1934
01-03-05 C. Millicent Gaines 1897 1935
01-03-06 Gaines, Charlie 11-Mar 1927 13-Mar 2011
01-03-06a Gaines, Ivy 26-Feb 1929
01-04-01 M.J. "Marcie" Gaines 1951 1973
01-04-02 CM Gaines 1895 1969
01-04-02a Julia Gaines 1892 1981
01-04-03 Chester Williams 19-Oct 1880 21-Jun 1911
01-05-01 Myrtle M. Billings 1877 1958
01-05-01a Edward Billings 1871 1954
01-05-02 Anna C. Billings 1848 1919
01-05-03 Edward Williams 8-Jan 1854 8-Aug 1915
01-05-03 Julia Ann Williams 18-Jul 1856 28-Oct 1930
01-05-04 Herbert Williams 1885 1944
01-05-05 Charles E. Williams 1882 1955
01-06-01 Billings, Herbert 1909 1980
01-06-01a Billings, Emily 1909 2001
01-07-01 Robert Lee Mead 18-May 1912 28-Sep 1993
01-07-01a Anna Tushar Mead 31-Dec 1916 15-Jul 1990
01-11-01 Eleanor Schenfeld 5-Jun 1906 4-Jul 1980
01-14-01 Lois E. Munson Hood 11-Sep 1919 12-Feb 2012
01-14-02 John W. "Jack" Hood 4-Sep 1918 26-Dec 1995
01-15-01 Richard R Albrecht 3-May 1920 27-Nov 1992
01-15-01a Eileen L Albrecht 28-May 1923
36
These data are assembled from the Association’s list of burials in the cemetery
and field recording conducted in 2012.
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01-16-01 Vicky L. Wertz 20-Oct 1950 17-Nov 2000
01-16-02 Samual Gene Albrecht 2-Aug 1980 5-Dec 1980
03-20-01 William Reed 1850 11-Apr 1924
03-20-02 Ethel Scott 1902 28-Jun 1903
03-23-01 John W. Hammer 1899
03-23-02 Mary Hammer 1841 1930
03-23-03 Clara Embling
03-24-01 Theodore Grabowsky 23-Sep 1889 4-Aug 1966
03-24-01a Nettie Grabowsky 7-Aug 1891 24Jul 1983
03-25-01 Frona C. Burns 1889 16-Apr 1946
03-26-01 Mark E. Thomas 10-Feb 1903 9-Dec 1978
03-26-01a Billie Thomas 28-Sep 1908 3-May 1981
03-27-01 James J. Duffield
04-32-01 Jeanette Dalton 1896 1983
04-32-01a Ted Dalton 1905 1966
04-32-02 O.W. Dalton 18-Jan 1895 21-Sep 1956
04-32-03 Mary L. Dalton 21-Jun 1878 31-Jan 1918
04-32-04 Carl William Dalton 13-Feb 1902 1-Apr 1902
04-31-01 William Teel 1897 1918
04-29-01 Joseph P. Bedes 3-Mar 1920 11-Sep 1991
04-29-01a Beatrice J. Bedes 17-Jun 1934 12-Jul 2007
05-34-01 Jesse Allan Bryce 6-May 1926 2-Feb 1999
05-35-01 Archie McTagart 1861 20-Dec 1918
05-36-01 Georgia Grabowsky 1933 1933
05-36-02 Andrew J. Buchanan 1861 2-Aug 1931
05-36-03 Clara E. Buchanan 8-Sep 1865 17-Apr 1907
05-36-04 Irma Buchanan 19-Aug 1904 1-Sep 1906
05-38-01 Theodore Leroy Cooper 26-Sep 1902 11-Dec 1992
05-38-01a Geneva Eva Cooper 14-Nov 1904 13-Sep 1992
05-39-01 Walter L. Reeder 14-Feb 1927 1-Mar 2001
05-39-01a Leonore L. Reeder 11-Oct 1926 25-Sep 2006
08-45-02 Deanna J. Mize 15-Mar 1941 18-Jan 2004
02-45-02 Inez M. Johnson 1917 1994
08-45-03 Roy W. Johnson 1913 1997
08-47-01 Adrian Locke 30-Nov 1895 7-Dec 1984
08-47-01a Catherine Locke 9-Mar 1902 18-Sep 1995
08-49-01 Kenneth Ivor Periman 6-May 1925 27-Apr 1991
08-50-01 R. A. Craig 16-Jan 1830 14-Jan 1900
08-50-02 Unknown [Marion Craig?]
08-51-01 Baldwin [Frank?] 10-Nov 1926
08-51-02 Marion S.Baldwin 1862 1905
08-51-03 Dorinda Jane Craig Baldwin 1863 1927
08-51-04 Robert Bruce Baldwin 1889 1917
08-51-05 Herbert S. Craig 1883 1943
08-51-06 Edith Baldwin [ and infants
Thelma & Eva ?]
1892 1907
08-52-01 Bruce Baldwin
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09-53-01 Frank Deputy 1850 9-Feb 1920
09-53-02 James Moore
09-53-03 Al Brown 1918
09-53-01E Gabriel G. Love 1857 27-Oct 1918
09-53-02E Nina C. Tyler 1890 12-Feb 1920
09-54-01 James L. Day 1844 7- Sep 1916
09-54-02 Elenor B. Day 1850 13-Dec 1917
09-54-03 Orpha Marie Day 25-Oct 1919 10-Aug 2009
09-54-03 Oscar Ernest Day 21-Jul 1919 2014
09-54-1E Ole O. Brooten 1830 1916
09-54-02E Webster Downing 1862 24-Oct 1946
09-54-03a Debbie Rummel 28-May 1957 2-May 1960
09-55-01 Harriett Idle 1859 1916
09-55-02 Charley Idle 1839 1922
09-55-01Eb William Earle Kerr 2-Oct 1910 21-Nov 1913
09-56-01W Donnie Dalton&Louise Miller 3-Feb 1929 27-Feb 2004
09-56-02W Pearl C. Dalton 10-Mar 1906 7-Apr 1957
09-56-03W Glenn Dalton 17-Nov 1899 8-Jun 1976
09-56-01E Joe W. Wallace 1898 1935
09-56-02E Zelma Wallace 1903 1971
09-57-01E Dorothy M. Sweat 13-Apr 1927 4-Aug 1982
09-57-02E William Wallace Lines 8-Jul 1932 13-Jan 1997
09-57-03 Alma G. McMahon 18-Mar 1937 18-Jan 1998
09-57-04E Birdie A. Williams 1907 1970
09-57-05E William E. Lines 1904 1939
09-54-06E Bessie W. Lines 1882 10-Dec 1943
09-57-07E Robert J. Lines 1935 1943
10-58-01 Nevada Davis 1878 1953
10-58-02 Albert Davis 1866 1940
10-58-03 Leroy & Davis Children 26-Nov 1902
10-62-01 Grace Rushling 19-Jul 1918 29-Aug 1996
10-36-1 Chuck Norris Blair 14-Jul 1918 19-Dec 2008
10-36-2 Helene Kralicek Blair 12-May 1917 8-Feb 2004
10-63-4 Bob Blair 16-Oct 1951
10-63-5 Patricia Blair 26-May 1954 1-Nov 2007
12-68-01W Mercedes Schultz Mayer 2-May 1917 26-Oct 2005
12-68-02W Fritz Rapczinski 5-Dec 1891 1-Nov 1980
12-68-03W Albert Mayer 7-Nov 1888 3-Jul 1976
12-68-04W Unknown
12-69-01W Albert Joseph Mayer 19-Mar 1915 12-Mar 2008
13-72-F-E Arvella Higby 15-Feb 1931
13-72-F-E John Higby 30-Oct 1928 3-Nov 2006
13-72-B-W Arthur August Albrecht 2-Aug 1922 16-Oct 2011
13-73-01E Melvin Brazier 1891 12-Feb 1902
13-73-02E Martin Brazier 1900 27-Aug 1902
13-73-03E Thomas Brazier 1903 30-Nov 1903
13-73-04E Unknown
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13-73-01W John "PA" Peterson 2-Dec 1943 28-Jul 2012
13-74-01 Jesse C. Dickinson 30-Jul 1901 13-Jul 1975
13-74-02 Luella P. Dickinson 2-Apr 1902 18-Oct 1981
13-76-02W Michael O. Roberts 1952 1972
13-77-01E John Wesley Evans 1913 25-Dec 1917
13-77-02E Sarah Chivington Pollock
Girardin
1844 1900
13-77-03E [Sarah?] Garardin [sp] 23-May 1916
13-77-04E William. B Garardin [sp] 1841 1917
14-78-01W Robert Dale Farley 25-Nov 1933
14-78-02W Unknown [Genty Buskirk?]
14-78-03W Unknown [Buskirk?]
14-78-04W Unknown
14-78-05W Unknown
14-78-06W Nancy Daugherty
14-78-07W Sergt. Mich Dougherty
14-78-08W James P. St Clair 1855 24-Feb 1931
14-79-01E Truman Edward Mahon 1863 7-Nov 1915
14-79-01W Kenneth F. Wilkin 25-Sep 1903 12-Dec 1906
14-80-01W B. Lane Crue III 7-Oct 1946 1-Sep 2010
14-80-01E [Malyon Crue Family]
Marie Catherine Crue
30-Dec 1904 - 3-Mar 1999
14-81-01E Leeanna Byrd 6-Nov 1936 12-Oct 1939
14-81-02E Unknown [“Mann”?]
14-81-03E Lois Byrd 1925 1926
14-81-04E Ben Byrd 1897 1973
14-81-04Ea Neva Byrd 1898 1972
14-81-05E Jewel Leeson 1923 1982
14-81-05Ea Curry[Lenore?] Leeson 1931
14-81-01W unknown #1 [Richard Paul
Scribner?]
12-Jun 1927
14-81-02W unknown #2 [“Mann?”]
14-81-03-W Heath L. Rybacki 12-Jul 1984 23-Mar 1985
14-82-01E Jim "John" Boyd Stolworthy 13-Dec 1934 28-Feb 2007
14-82-02E Larry Dean Clark 1940 22-Jul 1942
14-82-03E Donna Jean Clark 1939 24-May 1939
14-82-04E Clinton Clifford Lemon 1916 25-Mar 1921
14-82-05E John Norman Stolworthy 19-May 1961 4-Oct 1977
14-82-06E Jodie Slack 1879 1971
14-82-06Ea Elsie Slack 1891 1963
14-82-07E Newton Slack 1852 16-Dec 1938
14-82-01W Barbara Ann Stolworthy 18-Jul 1935 7-Aug 2010
14-82-02W Norman Bryan Woods 5-Oct 1939 23-Feb 1963
14-82-03W Louella May Woods 1930 1931
14-82-04W Myrtle Iris Slack 1915 3-Sep 1922
15-83-01E Lawrence Cohen 17-Sep 1943 2-Aug 2010
15-84-01SE Nellie Lawson 1841 14-Aug 1924
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15-84-01W Michael Patrick Howley 8-Mar 1954 4-Jun 1972
15-84-02W Patrick Howley 9-Sep 1928 7-Jun 1983
15-84-02Wa Eddie Howley 25-Nov 1928
15-84-03W William Beggrow 8-Jun 1926
15-84-03Wa Jeanette Beggrow 12-Feb 1920 24-Jun 1989
15-86-01W Charles A. Dudley
16-93-01 Unknown [Mary Dudley?] 1886-
1888?
A review of the known death dates for individuals buried in the cemetery indicates
that the most active period was the early decades of use from the late 1880/1890s
through the 1940s. Following a period of fewer burials during the 1950s and
1960s, relatively consistent use has persisted from the 1970s through present.
These data may reflect the aging and burial of early pioneer family members
during the beginning of the 20th
century and later the burial of descendants of those
families.
Table 13. Burial Frequency by Date Range 37
Decade of
Burial
Number of
Burials
Pre 1900 2
1900-1909 12
1910-1919 17
1920-1929 9
1930-1939 14
1940-1949 10
1950-1959 6
1960-1969 6
1970-1979 16
1980-1989 15
1990-1999 17
2000-2009 15
2010-2019 8
Total 147
Unknown 34
Marker Types 38
Marker types at the cemetery are varied with a wide range of types. The most
common types of markers were a die on base and a raised top. Less common, but
numerous, were plaque type and temporary markers.
37
Only burials with known death dates are included in this table. 38
See “Monument Types” in the Appendix for images of marker types.
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Photo 22. Gravestone of Mary Dalton, Die on Base Marker Type. Note elaborate
iconography and associated urns, 2012.
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Photo 23. Temporary Mortuary Marker for Nevada Davis with Planted Iris.
Table 14 provides information on the marker types identified during field
recording.
Table 14. Marker Types
Marker Type Number Percentage
Headstone/Tablet 2 1
Die on Base 56 32
Die in socket 2 1
Obelisk 0 -
Pedestal w/urn 0 -
Pedestal w/vaulted top 0 -
Raised top 34 19
Lawn Type 2 1
Government- Civil War 4 2
Government- General 3 2
Plaque 15 9
Pulpit 0 -
Die, base & cap 0 -
Cross 4 2
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Fieldstone/boulder 10 6
Sculpture 2 1
Temporary 12 7
Other – Grange Marker 26 15
Other – Mortuary Marker 4 2
Total 176 100%
Marker Materials
The majority of the inscribed headstones in the cemetery were made of granite
followed by concrete markers with metal name plates. The Animas Valley Grange
markers were a combination of a bronze name plate mounted on a concrete base
(see Photo 21).
Table 15. Marker Material 39
Marble 7
Granite 90
Sandstone 7
Wood 2
Iron 0
Bronze 16
Fieldstone 9
Concrete 28
Painted 0
Other 2
--Boulders 2
--Animas Grange Markers 26
Marker Inscriptions and Iconography
With one recent exception, the inscriptions on the markers at the Hermosa
Cemetery were all in English. The exception was a Hebrew phrase on the
gravestone of Lawrence Cohen (2010). Decorative motifs on the headstones were
39
More than one material type may be present on a headstone.
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varied and included botanical, religious, landscapes, fraternal and military
themes. Examples included willows, daisies and leaves, praying hands, angels,
interlocking wedding rings, Teddy bears, Masonic symbols, and military shields.
Photos 24 and 25 provide some examples.
Photo 24. Thomas Family Marker with Western Landscape Iconography, 2012.
Photo 25. Detail of Mary Dalton Headstone with Dove and Leaves.
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Marker Condition
One hundred seventy-eight markers were evaluated for condition during this
project. These include markers of named graves and headstones that were
illegible. The condition of each marker was evaluated when recorded. The stones
were studied for evidence of several possible conditions such as chipping, erosion,
displacement, cracks and breaks, and soiling/growths (usually lichen). Several of
these conditions existed on several stones. Overall most of the markers in the
cemetery are in fairly good condition. The most common problem issues were
soiled markers (generally with lichen), chipped and displaced headstones (sunken
and tilted). The generally good condition of the markers as a whole is likely a
reflection of the on-going maintenance and care provided by the Cemetery
Association and families of the buried individuals. Table 16 lists the condition
observed during recordation. Percentages are based on the number of stones
exhibiting a specific condition for the evaluated markers. No fallen or repaired
stones were observed.
Table 16. Marker Condition
Condition Number Percentage40
Sound 114 64%
Chipped 9 5%
Cracked 3 2%
Crumbled 2 1%
Eroded 3 2%
Tilted 3 2%
Broken 2 1%
Sunken 3 2%
Stained 1 1%
Rusted 1 1%
Soiled/Biological
Growth
66 37%
Other41 24 13%
40
Percentages are based on the number of stones exhibiting a specific condition for the
178 markers evaluated. 41
The ‘other’ category included several conditions that were noted only once. These
included soil on base, glass cover broken, stone slightly offset, west side chipped, lichen
on north and west sides; photo removed after 1995, concrete base crumbled, soiled
concrete base, top chipped, "1829" scratched on bottom of plaque, die sound but base
cracked, left upper corner base crumbled, base crumbling, stake rusted, wreath at top may
be missing, paper inscription deteriorated, cement grave covering cracked, concrete grave
covering cracked, no name plate, base soiled, glass has slipped down & paper label
illegible, and glass is broken and missing.
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Marker Priority for Treatment
Markers were evaluated for the priority of treatment based on the observed
condition(s). Priority was low, medium, or high and based on the totality of
conditions recorded by the field worker. The vast majority of the markers were
judged to be ‘low priority based on their current condition.
Photo 26. Lichen on Marble Military Marker of Michael Dougherty
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Table 17 provides information on the priority for treatment for markers.
Table 17. Priority of Treatment for Markers
Priority Number Percentage
High 1 Less than 1%
Medium 11 6
Low 144 81
No Treatment 22 12
One enclosure surrounding a marker was considered ‘high’ priority and it is in
immediate need of stabilization or it will collapse. Eleven markers were evaluated
as ‘medium’ priority indicating problems including potential marker
destabilization, lichen deteriorating gravestones and inscriptions, and deteriorating
stone bases. One hundred and sixty-six markers were considered ‘low’ priority
or not in need of treatment. Table 18 lists these markers and the recommendations
for treatment.
Table 18. Recommendations for Marker Treatments
Grave
Number
Priority
Condition
Recommendation
03-23-03 High Enclosure collapsing, stabilize immediately
03-23-01 Medium Remove lichen, monitor chip on front of stone
01-04-03 Medium Clean, stabilize base
05-05-03S Medium Repair main body before displacement
01-11-01 Medium Cover paper inscription with clear coating
03-20-02 Medium Remove lichen from name plate
08-51-05 Medium Trim lilac bush away from headstone
08-52-01 Medium Remove lichen from marble military headstone
09-53-02 Medium Sunken stone, stabilize; remove lichen
09-57-06 E Medium Repair crumbled base to stabilize
14-78-07W Medium Remove lichen from marble military headstone
14-79-01W Medium Stabilize base
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Photo 27. Collapsing Wooden Enclosure around Clara Embling Grave, 2012.
Summary
In summary, the Hermosa Cemetery represents a view of early life in the north
Animas Valley and the settlement of pioneer families in the area. The Cemetery
continues these traditions with the more recent burials of residents and pioneer
descendants. Many of the markers document the short lives of the children of
pioneer families and the heartache that must have accompanied the loss of these
beloved young ones.
The Hermosa Cemetery Association and family members of the interred continue
to maintain and care for the graves in the cemetery. About ninety-five percent of
the markers require minimal if any treatment for preservation, an indication of the
continuing attention that the cemetery receives.
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The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
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Conclusions and Recommendations
The goal of this project was to involve the community in the preservation of our
historic resources through their involvement and participation in the preservation
process. Two History Hands-On! Workshops were developed and implemented to
train interested volunteers and to document two historic cemeteries in the Durango
area. The Animas City Cemetery predates the founding of Durango and was in use
from 1877 to the last burial in 1966. The Hermosa Cemetery is located about 12
miles from Durango in the small rural settlement of Hermosa and was formally
begun in 1906, although there is information suggesting burials as early as the late
1880s. The Cemetery is still in use today.
Workshop participants spent many hours recording cemetery graves. At the
Animas City Cemetery, individuals updated past documentation in a standardized
manner. This effort offered the opportunity to compare changes in the condition
of the cemetery headstones and features. The documentation accomplished under
this project will provide the basis for future preservation and educational efforts at
the Cemetery. The next steps include developing a plan for the marker treatments
identified and recommended in this report.
At the Hermosa Cemetery, documentation for this project provides a baseline for
future monitoring and maintenance by the Hermosa Cemetery Association.
Although some research on buried individuals had been done in the past, this
project represents the first comprehensive effort to record all the burials at the
cemetery.
The recordation at these cemeteries indicates that the condition of many of the
markers at the Animas City Cemetery is serious and treatments of high and
medium priority gravestones should be accomplished as soon as possible. At the
Hermosa Cemetery, more of the markers are in better condition, likely due to the
on-going monitoring and attention provided by the Hermosa Cemetery Association
and family members of the buried individuals. Several recommendations follow to
maximize the utility of this project and to help preserve the cemeteries.
Recommendations
There are several recommendations that result from the documentation conducted
during this project. These are offered with the desire that the cemeteries and their
unique attributes are preserved for future generations.
1) The City of Durango and the Hermosa Cemetery Association should
address high and medium treatment priority markers and the conditions
identified during documentation. These markers exhibit instability,
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
56
destructive lichen growth, and other deteriorating conditions. At the
Animas City Cemetery, severe stone instability has been noted and these
stones could fall at any time, possibly causing injury. The San Juan
Mountains Association is prepared to assist in efforts to obtain professional
assistance, necessary volunteer labor, and to help seek funds if needed.
2) The cemetery caretakers should establish a plan to monitor the cemetery
and the marker conditions. Fortunately, very little vandalism has been
noted at Animas City Cemetery and none at Hermosa Cemetery. Periodic
systematic monitoring would assist in the on-going maintenance of the
cemetery. The extensive photographs of the cemeteries and graves
generated for this project provide a baseline for monitoring change in the
condition of the stones and the cemetery.
3) The Hermosa Cemetery Association is encouraged to nominate the
cemetery for listing on the La Plata County Register of Historic Places.
Although the Animas City Cemetery is listed as a Historic Landmark on
the Durango City Register of Historic Places, listing on the County’s
Register is encouraged. The San Juan Mountains Association is prepared
to assist with this process.
4) The cemetery caretakers are encouraged to work with local historical
groups such as the La Plata County Historical Society’s Friends of the
Cemetery, the Southwest Colorado Genealogical Society and other
interested individuals and organizations to expand the network of local
avocational preservationists. Local pioneer families and descendants of
buried individuals are especially encouraged to share information to
increase our knowledge of these special places. The San Juan Mountains
Association is prepared to help assist in the initiation these efforts.
The cemeteries studied during this project are unique places that represent our
early heritage and contribute to our collective history. Hopefully, the information
gained during this project and the involvement of participants in the educational
and documentation processes will aid in the cemetery preservation.
Heritage Educations: Preserving Our Past
The Study and Documentation of the Animas City and Hermosa Cemeteries
SHF # 2012-M1-040
57
References
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Ellis, Darrel. Serious and Grave Plots. Fifth Raccoon Publishing, Mancos, CO. 2002.
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Goodykoontz, F.M. “ Goodykoontz Survey of Old La Plata County in 1877 or
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