Special Notes

There are some things researchers will want to know as they read through this book on Rose Hill Cemetery.  For instance, the cemetery has been laid out in a north to south formation.  In addition it has been laid out in such a way that its plan reflects what the cemetery will look like in the future.  Many blocks do not exist because they have not been created yet.  As a result you’ll find gaps in the block and lot numbering.  The sections will appear first, followed by the blocks.  Researchers will need to check the cemetery map for assistance.

Information was obtained in two ways.  First the cemetery records were transcribed to help locate, and identify the grave.  Second the grounds were surveyed and every grave visited.  During the survey any name spellings that differed from what was in the log were corrected to reflect what was on the marker.  When no marker was found the log information prevailed. The well kept cemetery records have most of the burial dates, along with the person’s age at the time of burial.  When no marker was found the burial date along with the person’s age has been taken from the cemetery records where available.  Each source of information has been identified by certain symbols.

Symbols used and their meaning:

The symbol “greater than”  >  identifies that there was additional information about the person on the stone.

On occasion the name was too long to fit within the format.  In this case the “greater than” > symbol  has been used indicating that there was more information on this individual.

The asterisk  *  has been used to show the marriage of two people shown on a double stone.  The asterisk and the information have been placed between the two individuals.  Marriage dates appearing on a stone were not recorded when one individual was still living.

There were occasions when the marriage information was found on one stone that was adjacent to, but separate from, the other person.  In this case the information has been shown as additional information on the individual’s marker where it appeared, identified by the “greater than” > symbol. 

The Roman brackets  [  ]  identify information from cemetery records.  In the death location it indicates the burial date.

Cursive brackets { } identify information contained in parenthesis on the monument. 

The quotation  marks “ ” are used as they appear on the stone.

Finally, I found it prudent to add notes of my own to enhance the readers knowledge of the individual interred here as well as help locate the grave.  These notes are in  parenthesis  (  ).

The researcher will find a variety of grave location identifying information.  For instance in most cases there will be the block number, identified by the capitol letter B with the number following it, and the lot number, identified by the capitol letter L with the number following it.  Within Sections B & C, as well as a few of the blocks, you will also see rows, identified by the capitol letter R.

This work has been done to preserve any historical information contained on markers within Rose Hill Cemetery.  Far too often information about our heritage is lost.  I have seen cemeteries dismantled and plowed over.  It is hoped this book will document the available information for future reference.

The reader should check the directional information at the beginning of a section or block.  This information will help in the location of the grave.  Rose Hill is a very large cemetery and I do not believe anyone could walk through it, and find a specific grave, in one day.  Most of the folks I have seen, searching for a grave, seemed to wander aimlessly for an hour or more without finding the grave.  Using every aid possible will help the researcher find the grave in question.

Occasionally the researcher may experience some confusion when one plot is occupied by two or three markers.  This happens when the individuals are infants, or have been cremated.  In addition some folks have chosen to be buried one on top of the other.  The markers are very near each other and are occasionally end to end.

One situation may confuse the researcher.  Military markers are most often placed at the foot of the grave giving the appearance of being in another row or lot. 

There is not a lot of history to impart, rather a few details will be offered.  The proper name of this cemetery is Rose Hill Park Cemetery.  It was opened in late 1939 or early 1940.  The purpose of opening this cemetery was because Cleburne Memorial was beginning to be filled.  The two cemeteries are just across the road from each other.  Cleburne Memorial is located north of Highway 4 while Rose Hill is almost directly across from it on the south side of Highway 4.  Rose Hill was allotted 70 acres of land for its development.  It currently has 40 acres occupied while 30 acres wait to be developed.

The location of this cemetery is simple to impart.  Simply find the 1100 block of Highway 67 which is also East Henderson in Cleburne.  At this intersection is Washington Street.  Turn south on Washington Street.  Cleburne Memorial Cemetery will be on the right just after crossing the rail road tracks.  Continue driving until Washington Street dead ends at Highway 4, which is also Second Street in Cleburne.  At the stop sign it will be obvious that all that is needed is to simply cross over Highway 4 into the main entrance of Rose Hill.

This cemetery is constantly changing.  Occasionally when a new grave is added a stone lying near the ground may be covered by dirt.  Often rain will make matters worse.  It takes sometimes two or three years for everything to settle down. While the city makes a valiant effort to maintain this cemetery, occasionally the markers lying close to the ground may be covered by dirt or natural growths, such as grass or ant beds, so be sure to look closely before deciding that the marker being searched for has not been covered up, especially if it is close to a new grave.

Every effort has been made to give the most accurate information.  However, as any other human being, sometimes I make mistakes.  My apologies go out to anyone who may find an error here, it was not intentional.

Good luck with your research.

Donna Brand