Dear Editor
My great grandmother, Inez Hall Sweet, was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery “west of Carthage” in 1871.
When inquiring in the city and county offices, the library and with Park Cemetery, I was unable to find anyone who knew where Woodlawn Cemetery was located.
I would have given up seeking Woodlawn, except for the fact that I have two affidavits from 1910, signed by two Carthage residents, stating that Inez Sweet was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery “west of Carthage.”
One day while visiting St. Luke’s Nursing Home, I asked a group of residents if they knew where Woodlawn Cemetery was located. A gentleman spoke up and said sure, he knew where it was. It was on the north side of Oak Hill Cemetery. I drove out there and, sure enough, there was a small area covered with grass, weeds and vines with a few grave stones scattered around. I have since heard that it may have been a paupers’ cemetery.
My great grandmother may or may not have a tombstone, but I have been unable to run across it in the weeds and debris covering the area.
Is there no Cemetery Association or Historical group interested in maintaining this cemetery?
Even a potters’ field deserves the respect of the living. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has any input on this cemetery at Bpbean@juno.com.
Bill Bean
Bella Vista, Ark.
