Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Buffalo Cemeteries, An Account of the Burial Places of Buffalo From the Earliest Times Read Before the Buffalo Historical Society, February 4, 1879 by WILLIAM HODGE Pub. Bigelow Brothers, Buffalo, N.Y.; 1879 [8-10] THE BLACK ROCK BURYING GROUND ------- When the lands comprising the South Village of Black Rock were sur- veyed in 1804 or 1805, there were two blocks, Nos. 41 and 42, appro- priated by the state for burial purposes. These, however, were found to be too low, and hence not suitable; many, therefore carried their dead even to the "Franklin Square" ground; and when Black Rock village was incorporated. Col. WILLIAM A. BIRD, in behalf of the corporation, procured the exchange of those two lots for one situated on higher ground; being lot No. 88 on North street, since known as the Black Rock Burying Ground. This lot was bounded by Jersey, Pennsylvania and Fourteenth streets, and the mile strip or what is now "The Avenue." When the "Guide Board Road" (now North street) was worked through, this lot was cut in twain, and a small triangle was left on the south side, in the old limits of Buffalo City. This small lot, by an arrangement with the Black Rock authorities, was used as a Potter's field for the unfortunates who died at the Poor-house ; this building being a little to the west of it, next to the church of the Holy Angels, and now used for the Parish School. In this little spot of ground have been doubtless laid without a pitying eye to weep over their wreck, or a friendly hand to raise a tablet to their memory, as noble persons as have ever existed; but poverty and misfortune blighted their prospects, and they became dependents on the bounty of their fellow-creatures. Many a time have I pondered over the unmarked hillocks here and thought what tales could be revealed were the history of the unknown and unnoted dead under my feet made up into a living record. But they were not permitted to rest in peace. The City of Buffalo a few years since fenced in the lot, and desecrated the spot by using it as a public pound. Could no other vacant place be found, that even a pauper might not be allowed to rest here without having his last hold on earth made the stamping place for vagrant cattle? The main lot was used for years by the inhabitants of Black Rock; but burials having been discontinued for some time, the land was conveyed to that noble institution the Charity Foundation of the Episcopal Church. As in the Franklin Square and North Street Public Cemeteries there were no private lots here, but places were assigned by the authorities. When the Forest Lawn Cemetery was established, in 1850, many fami- lies bought lots and removed their dead from this ground. Since then, in grading Rogers street many graves were dug up, and the bones col- lected and removed to Forest Lawn. And within the last few years, in grading "The Circle" which takes in most of this old burying ground, many more have been dug out and deposited there. More still remain which should be properly taken care of. Although I ever disapprove of the practice of our city rulers in disturbing and removing the bones from our old burying grounds, yet in this case it seems to be a matter of public necessity ; and as part have been removed they may as well all be. One grave in this spot was that of Capt. JAMES ROUGH, a man of some note in early days, but now nearly forgotten, who was buried here in 1828. This noble-hearted man was one of the captains who early sailed on our lakes. I believe he had no relatives in this country, but many true-hearted friends, who, after his checkered life was ended, buried his body with becoming honor and respect. One, a countryman of his, a Scotchman, the eccentric Major DONALD FRAZER, to express the esteem in which he was held by all, placed a stone at the head of his grave, on which was cut the following inscription and quaint epitaph: Here lies the body of CAPT. JAMES ROUGH, A Son of Auld Scotia, who died Dec. 4th, 1828, aged 60. A Highland man's son placed this stone in Remembrance of his Friend. Here, moored beneath this willow tree, Lies Honor. Worth, and Integrity, More I might add, but 'tis enough; 'Twas centered all in Honest ROUGH, With such as he where e'er he be, May I be saved or damn'd. Capt. ROUGH'S remains were removed by our honored townsman JOHN T. LACY, April 26th, 1869, to the lot in Forest Lawn, where those from the old burying ground of Franklin Square were placed. They now lie near the large monument in the center of this lot, by the side of Captain DOX, an officer in the United States Army during the war of 1812, and who was some years after (in 1822 I believe) appointed Collector of the Port of Buffalo. The exact time when burials began in this Black Rock burying ground, on North street, is not now certainly known. There were two families at least at Black Rock who buried on their own premises, those of Gen. PETER B. PORTER and ETHAN LUDLOW. The bodies of Gen. PORTER'S family were subsequently removed to Niagara Falls. The bodies of the family of Mr. LUDLOW, were removed to the "Mathews and Wilcox" burying ground on the hill, (see below, page II,) and subsequently to Forest Lawn. By some it is thought that burials began there soon after the war of 1812-15; others as late as 1826. But from what I can learn, the most reasonable conclusion is that there were some burials there as early as 1820 or soon after. Col. WILLIAM A. BIRD says, "probably as early as 1825 at least." CYRUS H. DEFOREST says, "I helped to bury a friend there in 1827, and there were quite a large number of graves there before that time." =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access the more of our information about Erie County, N.Y., by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/ny/erie/ ===========================================================================