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MT. PROSPECT CEMETERY

 Cemetery List Contributed by Gary L. Caldwell
Note: The entire Burial List Submitted by Gary L. Caldwell is not
to be reproduced for re-print without Mr. Caldwell's permission. 
However, researchers may copy the parts that pertain to their family history without need for further permission.

Read Mt. Prospect Cemetery Information Card

Mt. Prospect Cemetery Burials Information

Current through 9/2008
Mt. Prospect Cemetery Background Information from James A. Caldwell 
and submitted by his son, Gary L. Caldwell

My Association with Mt. Prospect Cemetery

My grandfather David Conger (DC) Miller was elected to the board in 1917 and served till his death in 1940. His four sons started working at Mt. Prospect in 1920 and worked there until 1931.

My father James M. Caldwell (son-in-law of D. C. Miller) started in 1931 and worked as Caretaker until his death in 1960. He died in his 85th year while working at the cemetery.

I started working with my father when I came back from the service in 1946. I served as caretaker from 1960 until 1965 with the help of my sons Gary and Larry.

When I was transferred to a new job location near Pittsburgh, Everett Carter was hired. He served until 1967. Elden Ahrns was hired in 1967 and served until 1972.  I served again from 1971 to 1974 when Ray Kaste was hired. Ray retired in 1986. I then served as Superintendent and Caretaker with the help of Ron Bell.  Don Bell and I worked with all the other Caretakers when they needed extra help.

In 1967 I was elected to the Board of the Association.  In 1968, I relieved Mr. White when he needed to go away.

In 1969, I was elected Superintendent. I am forever grateful to my wife Mabel for all her help on answering telephone calls, giving information on lot pricing, setting up appointments, taking information on burials and all the inconvenience to her that happened when I had to meet somebody or take care of a grave.

Some highlights of Mt. Prospect

The first building was erected in 1916 at a cost of around $300. An addition was added in 1938 and served until 1985 when a new building was built. The cistern was built in 1930. The first truck was a Model T bought in 1930 and used until 1938 when a Chevy truck was bought to haul dirt away from graves. In 1951 a Cub tractor was bought with a belly mower and trailer to mow grass and haul dirt away.

The first power mover was bought in 1929 from Harry white and it was a 36 inch cut with steel wheels.

In 1946, receipts were $1354, in 1992, receipts were $43,795.  The 1946 expenses were $1488 and in 1992 expenses were $32,231.  In 1946, there were 17 burials and in 1992, there were 45.

IN 1946 when I started, we were paid $16.50 for digging graves and $0.65 per hour for labor.

A new addition to the cemetery was purchased in 1949 and the first burial was in 1958 for Mrs. James McGugin.

IN 1957, we dug 7 graves within a week which was the most graves ever dug in the same period.

In 1959, I hired Herman Engle to dig graves with a back-hoe when my father was no longer able to help. In 1962, Paul Eberle replaced Herman Engle.

In 1974, we bought a power hammer to help in digging graves when the soil had a hard layer of rock.

Between 1972 and 1979, the roads in the Cemetery were paved.

Electricity so lights and alarms could be installed was brought into the Cemetery in 1976 following thefts of tractors on three different occasions. There has only been one break-in after the alarm was installed and nothing was stolen.

I have enjoyed my tenure with the Cemetery and working with all the board members. My main objective was to maintain the cemetery to the highest standard. I have received many thanks from the lot owners for the care that was given.

Yours Truly,

James A. Caldwell