The first slate of officers included William Lee as President, Wilson Thomas, Vice President, George VanSyckle, Treasurer and Aaron Stover, Secretary. The first trustees were, Henry Johnson, Hiram A. Williams, Wilson Thomas, Nelson Runkle, George Carpenter, Joseph Everitt, Hamilton Forman, Thomas P. Forman and William Lee. One of the first acts of the trustees was to purchase 23 acres of land from George VanSyckle for $700; followed by laying out of plots and employing Jacob Cooley as the first superintendent who got paid from $3 to $6 for the digging of a grave opening.

Mr. Lee’s presidency ended when George Carpenter was elected to that office in 1860. Mr. Carpenter continued in that office until his death in 1875 when Wilson Thomas succeeded him. Mr. Thomas filled the office until 1904 when A. S. Eckel was elected a president. Mr. Eckel’s leadership continued for 33 years followed by that of John C. Stem whose service ended in 1955. In that year his son H. D. Stem was elected as president who in turn continued in the office until his death in 1978.

Not alone have the presidents of the Association offered their leadership for lengthy periods of time, but so have other officers and associates. Edward Thomas was the Treasurer of the Association for 31 years ending in 1896. Robert T. Carl served in the same capacity for 23 years ending with his death in 1966. *** ADD INFO TO THIS… Barbara, Dawn and especially Alvin – 50th year in 2022 as Groundkeeper!

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