By Courtney Yates
Title: GWC Memoranda Ledger, c. 1863-1897
Extent: 1.0 Boxes
Arrangement: Topical arrangment
Subjects: Brooklyn--New York, N.Y., Cemeteries--New York (State)--New York--History, Green-Wood Cemetery--New York, N.Y.
Languages: English
Transcribed section of hand written record log from 1863-1897 of various events at Green-Wood Cemetery including comings and goings of workers, trustees and elected officers. Mentions of salaries - increases, requests of denied increases, and the occasional workmen’s strike. Dates of new guide maps, rules + regulations and amendments to by-laws. Expansion and improvements of infrastructure like landscape grading, pipes and road work. Introduction of various plant and animal species and reports of extreme weather and natural damages to the cemetery. Visits to contemporary cemeteries like Mount Auburn and Woodlawn recorded, as well as acquisitions of land, offices and equipment for cemetery, the changing prices of vaults and burial lots. Interesting mention of bones, coins and military buttons from the Battle of Brooklyn found on Battle Hill in 1865. Additional folders with loose papers inserted into log book.
Handwriting fairly consistent but could be multiple authors, formatting, spacing and abbreviations of diary kept in typed transcription. The recording of date/events is occasionally unchronological - example pg 14. The begining of the book has an index of paths, avenues, hills, other eminences, dells, waters and lawns. The end of the book includes information about trustees ranging from 1838 to 1848
Brooklyn--New York, N.Y.
Cemeteries--New York (State)--New York--History
Green-Wood Cemetery--New York, N.Y.
1863
April 11 Advanced the prices of all lots
Above $150. From $20 to $50 per lot.
1864
March Advanced the prices again from
$20 to $100 per lot
May 20 The trustees visited the cemetery
officially today after a lunch
at Delmonico’s in William Street.
Trustees present Messers [?] Pierrepont,
White, Low, Green, Smith, Brevoort,
Prentice, Field, Asfinevall, Freeman
Beekman and Perry.
Guests invited and present,
Myers, Silliman, Henry, Dogherty,
Royal Phelps, Fred, DeSeyster, Mayor
Gunther, Bancroft, Barney, Clerves
John A.C. May, McCurdy and
Hamilton Mason [sp of some names?]
Invited but not present,
Gen. Dix, Chs. King, John J Bergen,
Chittenden, Gen Viele, Gen. J. Hofe,
A, St. Green, W. Kenble, J.J. Cisco
Mr. S. Bidivele, W, Curtis Moyers, J.W.
Gerand, Mayor Wood of MM + Gen Hamilton. [Sp of some names?]
1864
July 8 Increased wages of men 21 per day
July 18 City water let into the reservoir on
Account of the great drought.
Nov 8 Fire occurred today under the stair
way of the engine house garbage cans
ruining the platforms for trains, the
machine being uninjured. Supposed
to have been caused by spontaneous
combustion of oily waste rags.
1865
Feb 22 Again advanced the price of
lots (excepting the $150 lots) from 50
to $100 each.
Frank Scrimgeour [sp?] left January 25, 1865
John Batcheller came “ “
left March 15 “
Issac Boven came March 16 “
left March 24th “
George McKnell came March 25th “
August 10 New guide map is used
“ 29 Returned from a visit to Mount Auburn
and Forrest Hill Cemeteries near
Boston.
1865
Sept The bones of a person supposed to be
those [above ‘that’ crossed out] of a soldier engaged in the Battle
of Brooklyn in 177 [space left] were discovered
a little east of the chag [ ? ] of ground on
Battle Hill. Also about 100 feet distant,
part of a musket. Some years since
a piece of a musket was found
and on Battle Hill, a copper coin of
George the 2nd, and numbers of metal
military buttons.
1866
Feb 13 Mr. Granger reports as follows.
“We experienced the greatest flood
yesterday that I ever saw, the
water in the lake (Sylvan Water)
rose 18 inches in an hour and a half
I certainly thought [‘thought’ inserted] that I should have the
Engine House full. In Deep
Wood Dell the water stands half
way up the doors of Mr.Crosby’s
vault”
March 1 Opening graves and vaults
and graves in Public Lots
charged one dollar extra on
and after this date.
1866 More than 600 iron guide posts
Have been placed in the ground
this year.
Interments 18 July 67 and on 19th 73 [?]
1869
May 6 Charles De Groff came
7 George MacKnell left
June 12 Charles de Groff left
June 14 Thomas H. Muir came
1873
May 3 Two policemen entered upon duty
1875
March Reduced wages of men to 15 cents per
hour.
Introduction of “Ridgewood” water
April 12 Commenced laying sewer pipes.
22 Steam Roller arrived
May 4 Roller commenced work
John C. Green died.
/// [crossed out]/// wages of men reduced to 15 cents per hour /////
1876
April 17 Steam Roller commenced
During this year were introduced
Cast iron stakes for boundaries to lots,
Iron numbers for graves in Public Lots,
Iron posts for Public Lots,
Iron fenders for avenues,
Iron tanks for watering avenues,
Iron posts and chains for steep paths,
Portable Iron Water Closets.
Drinking Fountain , Northern Entrance.
///[crossed out]/// The Park Carriages commenced entering ////
Stone wall at Sylvan Water removed.
Stone wall built on Fifth Avenue.
Eastern Entrance Buildings commenced.
Publication of new Rules + Regulations.
Destruction of moles commenced.
1877
Jany. 24 Standing Committee resolved to meet once a month
Feby. 5 Contract signed for Park Carriages service.
“ 13 Death of Cyrus P. Smith
April Introduction of wagon for rubbish.
June 13 Henry Sanger elected a Trustee in place of C.P. Smith
B.D. Silliman elected a member of Standing Com –
mittee in place of C.P. Smith.
“ 15 Death of J.W. Beekman
August Scrimshaw concrete work commenced by our men
Sept. 8 Issue of circular containing rules for improve-
ment of lots.
Novem. 2 Hurricane
Completion of Eastern Entrance Buildings
1878
March 13 B.D. Silliman resigned from the Standing Com-
mittee and Henry Sanger was elected in his place.
May 10 Trustees visited the Cemetery.
June 12 Royal Phelps was elected in place of J.W. Beekman
July 9 Death of Russell Stebbins.
November Completion of widening and resurfacing
the avenues.
Completion of Sewerage.
Completion of iron fence on 7th ave.
“ “ wooden fence on 7th + 8th aves.
Dec. 11 Election of Gerard Beekman in place of
Russell Stebbins. Also the re-election of
A.A. Low, B.D. Silliman, H.E. Pierrepont
and J.A. Perry. And for Stdg. Com. Robert Ray, A.
M. White, Henry Sanger, Gerard Beekman + A.A. Low.
Completion of wall at Eastern Entrance and
Pavement of 25th St.
1879
March 4 Section 12 of By – Laws altered
“ 11 Robert Ray died.
“ 19 F.H. Wolcott elected in place of Mr. Ray
April 7 T.H. Muir’s salary raised from $1000 to $1200.
“ 7 Four lots voted to the Brooklyn City Hospital
May 12 Pliny Freeman died.
September 20 C.M. Perry came on as private assistant to the Comptroller.
November 13 First telephone communication to Cemetery.
December 10 Monument + lots voted to family of Mayor Douglass.
During this year the following improvements
were made.
Railway car or platform in Receiving Tomb.
Addition to stable at Northern Entrance.
Renovation of Tower at Western “
New stable and shed at “ “
Steam Roller altered.
Iron Girders placed under Pumping Engine
Grading of vicinity of Ocean Hill completed.
1880
January 5 Resolution passed prohibiting the interment of
Brute animals in the Cemetery.
March 3 Jas. M. Brown elected in place of Pliny Freeman.
“ Sections 9 and 14 of by-Laws amended.
April -- New bell placed at Shelter House.
May 3 Petition of Workmen for 25 cents [symbol for cents] pr. Day increase of wages
refused by the Committee.
“ Gate at Ocean Hill opened on Sundays.
June 9 Mr. A.M. White appointed President, pro term. During
absence of Messers Pierrepont and Low.
September Monument erected to Major Douglass.
“ 30 Fire in Engine House.
October 4 T.H. Muir’s salary increased from $1200 to $1500.
November Inventory taken of the number of Grave-stones,
Monuments and vaults.
1880
December 13 Re-election of Messers Prentice, Brevoort, Wolcott,
Sanger and Brown, and for Standing Com-
mittee, Messers White, Sanger, Beekman and Low.
Destruction of the army worm by the sparrows
during the summer.
Completion of grading by 37th st.
Repair of building adjoining tower at W. Entrance.
New Stable at W. Entrance.
Building of Visitors’ Room and rebuilding of
Costello’s house at 9th Ave. Entrance.
Laying of 5000 ft of pipe and setting of 20 hydrants
and 13 Basins.
Painting of iron fence on 5th Ave + 23rd St + 7th Ave.
Setting of 52 iron fenders.
Rain gauge placed at 9th ave Entrance.
1881
/// crossed out in red -
June 12 Commenced mixing Scrimshaw with machine ///
February 7 C.M Perry appointed by Standing Committee as
Assistant to Comptroller, with salary of $1500 from Jan. 1
March 13 Death of John H. Prentice.
“ 16 Election of Jas. R. Taylor in place of J.H. Prentice.
May 4 Wages of workmen advanced from 12 ½ to 25 cents
per hour, and some retained at 12 ½ cents.
June 6 meetings of Committee suspended July + August.
“ 500 ft of water pipe destroyed by lightening.
July 140 “ “ “ “ “ “ “
August 26 Death of J.A. Perry.
September 3 C.M. Perry appointed as Acting Comptroller by the
President in the absence of other members of the Board.
October 3 A.M. White elected Chairman of Standing
Committee. The President’s action appointing
C.M. Perry Acting Compt. Confirmed by the Committee.
1881
October 31 Special Board Meeting. Action of the Com-
mittee concerning the appointment of C.M. Perry
as Acting Comptroller approved. Question of the
Comptrollership referred to the Committee for a
report at next meeting.
November 28 Grave diggers prohibited from riding on carriages.
“$100 Reward” notices posted about the Grounds.
100 Dogwood trees planted.
Introduction of gray squirrel.
New Duplex Pump placed on Engine House.
Plumbing at Supt. of Workmen’s house.
Repairs of J.G. Granger Jr’s house.
July Issue of New “Rules + Regulations.”
October 13 Elm trees planted at Northern Entrance.
November Storm Porch built at Northern Entrance Office.
1882
February 6 Standing Committee resolved to recommend to
the board the appointment of Chas. M. Perry as Secre-
tary and Comptroller.
March 1 Revision and amendment of By-Laws.
C. M. Perry elected a Trustee in place of J.A. Perry,
And also appointed Secretary and Comptroller.
April 3 Presentation of Comptroller’s first regular monthly report.
May 1 Purchase of the Welsh burying ground+ c authorized
Perquisites withdrawn from Superintendents.
Salary of Thos Marchant raised from $1350. To $1500.
June 7 Appointment of a Committee by the Board for erection
of a monument to J.A. Perry, and selection of a site for same.
June 12 First used of the Scrimshaw mixing machine.
“ 19 Removal of Lodge from S. Entrance to Ocean Hill gate.
Septem. 13 Comptroller visited Mt. Auburn + Forrest Hills Cemeteries.
October 14 Comptroller visited Mt. Hope Cemetery at Rochester, Oak –
Wood at Syracuse and Rural at Albany.
1882
October 19 Superintendence of Avenues and gutters given to Mr. Wells.
Also on November 1st the superintendence of mowing.
October 27 Ground broken for foundation of monument to Comptroller.
“ 30 T.H. Muir’s salary raised to $1800. from Oct. 1st.
November 13 Petitioned Common Council for closing of 8th Ave.
“ 17 J. Thomas Sturgis employed @ $25. per month.
December 6 Election of five Trustees, viz. Messers Royal Phelps, Benj. H.
Field, A.W. Benson, A.M. White + J.W.C. Leveridge.
“ 13 Re-election of Offices and of Standing Committee.
8 Comptroller visited Woodlawn Cemetery.
April Police force enlarged.
May 128 trees planted.
Steps built to public lots.
Rear entrance made to cellar at N. Entrance.
Employment of painters.
Erection of fence on 20th st + 9th ave.
3 New wagons built. New Guide Map.
New manure yard fenced in + graded.
First saving of leaves for manure.
Destruction of rabbits commenced.
1883
January 8 Mr. Ges. Granger’s resignation accepted and the position
of Consulting Landscape Gardener offered him at a
salary of $150.00 per month which he accepted.
February 28 J. Thomas Sturgis’ wages advanced to $35 pr. Month.
March 31 J. Granger’s wages advanced to $100 pr. Month from Mch. 1.
“ 21 By-Laws amended.
“ 29 Final legal opinions received maintaining the right
of The Green-Wood Cemetery to aquire land.
April 3 Adjustment of the Blade Crusher suit.
“ 10 Two lots bought of Mr. A.M. White on 24th st.
“ 11 Death of Mr. Fred’k H. Wolcott.
“ 20 Bought brown horse for $350 + sold old horse for $50.
“ 26 “ two black horses for $650. + sold “Dan” for $100.
May -- Removed 13 Silver Maples at Northern Entrance.
“ 22 Planted Spruce Hedge around Cemetery.
“ 21 Heavy rain-fall at night – 2.41 inches.
“ 26 Lot bought of W.M. Dunigan [sp?] on 21st st. near 10th ave.
1883
June 1 First use of new Carry-all.
“ 8 Memorial Monument to J.A. Perry set up.
“ “ Visit of Trustees to the Cemetery.
“ “ First attempted robbery of a vault. (Thomas Vault.)
July 15 New Victoria carriage.
“ Drainage on Fir Ave. from Sassafras completed.
“ 2 Two lots bought of D. L. Jones on 10th ave.
August Path to Main Entrance from 5th ave widened.
“ Fountain for drinking placed at Eastern Entrance.
September 10 R.A. Johnson came at $35. Pr. Month
Trial of Air Treatment of lakes.
New “Rules + Regulations” (of July 1, 1883) out.
October 600 ft. of water pipe laid on Fir Ave. from Grape [sp?] Avenue to
Praire Path.
December 5 Mr. Ges. M. Miller elected in place of Mr. Wolcott.
December Carp placed in lakes.
“ Wages of R.A. Johnson raised to $40. From Dec. 1.
“ 24 Workmen’s Strike for 9 hours.
1884
///crossed out///
///December 24 Workmen’s Strike for 9 hours///
March 5 Engaged new offices at No. 1 Broadway.
April 13 Planted 23 Elm trees on 7th Ave.
“ 4 Moved to new offices.
“ 15 Mr. Scrimgeour’s horse “Dixie” died.
“ 2 Paid for D.L. Jones’ Cemetery + the Larkin lots.
“ 29 Planted new Spruce Hedge of larger trees.
May 9 Visited Buffalo Cemetery.
“ 13 Paid for the Marteuse land.
June -- J.T. Sturgis left.
July 30 Royal Phelps died.
“ Well boring experiments by Andrews + Co.
August 8 Visited Philadelphia about Stone Crusher.
or 504
“ 18 Bought 540 bushels of Wood Ashes @ 13 cents
[symbol for cents].
“ 20 Sold Mr. Granger’s old house.
Sept. 1 J.T. Sturgis returned.
“ 29 Visited Laurel Hill Cemetery.
1884
October 2 New Stone Crusher + Engine arrived.
“ 2 Bought Black + Bay horses “Dandy” + “Diamond” for
$525 each and sold two “Dandy” = “Frank” for $150
“ 20 Eight Avenue finally closed.
November Steam Roller + Crusher House completed.
“ First test of strata for Tube Well.
December 1 Election of E.L. Bayies in place of Royal Phelps.
“ “ “ J.W. Gilbert in place of J.C. Brevoort, resigned.
“ Comptroller’s salary raised.
1885
Jany. 13 New Catalogue of Properties issued.
“ Commenced boring 1st well.
Feby. 16 Severe rain-storm.
“ 24 Finished test of 4th well.
April 18 First public meeting of Investigating Commission.
“ 25 Last “ “ “ “ “
May 18 Chats [sp?] Carmen came.
“ “ Hedge of California Privet planted.
“ 15 Larkin house removed.
June 5 Commenced laying brick for Engine House.
“ 10 Mr. Scrimgrour [sp?] died
August 5 First trial of new Engine + wells.
“ 19 Second “ “ “ “ “ “
“ 20 Southern Entrance Cottage burned
Decem. 7 New Reservoir authorized.
1886
Jany 4 New Reservoir commenced. Finished Sept. 25th.
March 15 Mr. Sanger died.
“ 17 Mr. Miller appointed on Standing Committee.
April 21 Wages of grave diggers advanced to 16 cents [symbol for cents] an hour
“ 24 Work on N.E. Buildings. Waterproofing. to Sept. 2nd.
May New jet in Sylvan Water.
June 2 J.J. Pierrepont elected Trustee in place of Mr. Sanger
“ S.E. Cottage commenced
“ 10 Trustees’ visit to Cemetery
Sept. 2 Jets placed in Dale Water.
October 12 Rental of 333 west 23rd property.
December Renewal of Contract for Carriage Services authorized.
“ 26 Stable at Northern Entrance burned.
1887
Mch. 2 Comptroller granted leave of absence for 2 months in summer.
Mch. 5 Grave diggers applied for increase of wages and refused by the
President in a letter to Mr. Marchant.
April 1 Engaged Edward Parr as Foreman of Stables.
May 16 Ordered 50 tons unleached ashes.
June 4 Trustees visit to Cemetery.
Auxiliary Pump connected with wells.
New Car for Receiving Tomb.
Waterproofed Receiving Tomb.
1888
March 28 H.E. Pierrepont died.
“ 21 Grave diggers applied for an increase of wages.
April 4 A.A. Low elected President.
“ 6 Dell Water overflowed.
“ 9 Grave digger’s application refused.
November Dell Water drain laid.
1889
January 14 New form of Trust Recipt adopted.
April 1 Removal of N.Y. Office to 26 Broadway.
Gate house moved at 9th Ave.
May Engine House waterproofed.
June 12 Trustees’ visit to Cemetery.
December 27 Death of Mr. A.W. Benson
1890
March 5 Mr [?] Cary Sanger elected in place of A.W. Benson.
April 17 New Steam Roller completed.
May 15 Trustees visit to Cemetery (Wednesday)
July 19 James M. Brown died.
Decem. 1 Frederic A. Ward elected in place of Mr. Brown.
1891
Jany 7 Election of President + Vice President. Messrs. Gilbert + Leveridge.
“ J.T. Sturgis left.
May 14 Trustees visit to Cemetery. Messrs. Gilbert, Field, Beekman
+ Baylies.
Standing [inserted in]
June 8 Prices on lots advanced by ^ Committee.
“ 25 New Circular of prices authorized + prices of graves and
Recving Tomb advanced, to take effect July 15th.
Notices of same sent July 2nd.
21st St. closed + single graves dug.
Omitted salting gutters.
No ashes used this year.
July 21 Cut off Brooklyn Water Supply.
Fritschler + Selle erected shed at 5th Ave. gate.
Dec. 23 Drain from Meadow Water completed.
“ 28 Meadow Water emptied.
1892
Feby. 6 Final removal of mud from Meadow Water.
April Visitors’ House at 8th Ave. removed to 9th Ave.
July 6 New Pumping Engine received
Grading of 34th St.
June Revision of prices for lots in certain parts of Cemetery.
September Subdivision of lots reconveyed to Cemetery allowed.
December Mr. Wells notified of his discharge as Sup’t and
Mr. Cushman appointed in his place as of Jany. 1/93
System of Interment Register changed.
1893
Jany 7 Death of Mr. Low
Feby 13 Enlargement of Officer Building authorized.
“ New Paint Shop.
Mch 1 Election of Mr. A. Augustus Low.
“ 13 Schrimshaw plant authorized.
May 8 Purchase of Hart property authorized.
Assessments paid for paving 5th Ave.
Death of Mr. Field + election of Mr. Legget.
September Claim of Mrs. Hiers settled
1170 feet of iron fence erected in 20th st. + 7th ave.
Shot guns for police.
December 11th Adoption of revised rules for Gardeners + Builders
Bank of earth completed at 20th St. + 9th Ave. + hedges
Balance of hedges enclosing lots removed.
1894
May 1 Offices removed to 257 B’way.
March Storage Building erected.
May Stone Crusher (“ 20th Century”) set up.
June First grading + seeding of “Meadow Water” ground.
“ Grading at 34th St. completed.
September Costello’s house moved to 9th Ave.
“ 1394 feet of boundary fence erected to Gravesend Ave.
November 12 Filling up of Almond Water authorized
“ New 8” well.
December 10 Purchase of Henchel property on 36th St. authorized
-------------------------------------------
First use of prepared fertilizer.
Continued grading of Dell + completion of Magnolia Ave.
Iron enclosures removed without consent.
Bank on 20th St. completed.
1895
March 6 Mr. McCoy taken ill
May 1 Meeting of Trustees at Cemetery and inspection of grounds.
New Stone Crusher.
Hedges plants + trees from Boulon.
Henchel property exchange effected.
Grading of Mt. Washington completed.
Boundary fence erecfted on Gravesend and Ft. Hamilton
Aves. (on Court yard line) + also on 34th + 36th + 4th
Avenue.
October New Steam Roller.
Nov. 1 Horse shoeing + wagon repairing begun by Cemetery.
1896
May Stable at 5th ave Entrance enlarged.
March 5 Act signed authorizing Cem’y to purchase + sell land.
June 1 Numbered bronze markers for lots.
“ 15 Sewer outlets closed on Ft. Hamilton Ave.
“ 29 First uniforms for grave diggers
“ 8 Prices of lots in certain sections advanced
July 22 New mixer for asphalt plant.
August 11 Death of John W.C. Leveridge
Sept 29 Iron boundary fence on 37th St. completed.
October 1 Removal of Townsend Tomb by Cemetery.
“ Over 900 trees set out.
December 2 Election of Chas. De Rhum jr. as Trustee and J.J. Pierre-
pont as Vice President.
“ Filling of Almond Water practically completed.
1897
Jany 10 Telephone system completed.
“ Workmen received badges.
July Bought grave at 10th + Travesend [sp??] avenues.
“ Bought 1 lot from Prittladds [sp??] + 3 from Mr. White on 24th St.
Lots in groups offered for sale.
New Heating plant for asphalt.
Oct. 19 First work on cement gutter.
Trees + shrubs set out
November New steam roller
December Purchase of Mr. White’s lots on %th Ave +
24th St. authorized.
