Origins
At a council meeting on May 23, 1870, A.T. Franklin and William Seelen were appointed to investigate and report the most suitable ground for a city cemetery. The council then authorized purchase of 40 acres of land from Hunt, Godfrey and Porter on June 7, 1870. Lots were laid out on January 25, 1871, and W A. Whitney was elected sexton on July 15, 1871.