Photo: The plaque has been placed at the entrance of the cemetery. In photo are: Mayor Kathy Ray and Commissioners Sam Tharpe, John Etheridge and Jackie Jones. Shannon McFarlin photo.
By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was an historic day for an historic place as Maplewood Cemetery was officially marked as an historic site Saturday by the Charles Barham Chapter of the Colonial Dames XVII Century.
The ceremony was attended by family members of many of those buried in the cemetery, a contingent of city of Paris officials, and state and local Colonial Dames officials. Boy Scout Troop 22 posted and retired the colors. A reception was held after the ceremony at the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center.
Maplewood Cemetery is the final resting place of many local veterans from early wars to the present, physicians, teachers, peace officers and others. Not to mention Governor Thomas Rye, who served as Tennessee Governor during WWI.
The land for the cemetery was originally owned by the Jernigan Family and although the exact date for te opening of the cemetery is not know, it is believed to be in the 1890s. In 1919, Joel Porter deeded land to the trustees of Maplewood to serve as an addition. The extension to Maplewood was opened for interments in 1934.
Emcee Suzanne Richter noted that Maplewood, with its ornamental sculptures and monuments, “is a place we’ve always loved.” Maplewood also represents the 21st historical site to be marked by the Paris chapter over its 39 year history.
Richter commended the city of Paris for the job it has done over the years in keeping the cemetery maintained as a “beautiful, peaceful” resting place.
In her remarks, Mary Ann Claxton of the local chapter, said “Nationally, there is not another chapter that has marked more” historical sites. Such marking ceremonies are important “because the heritage is preserved for future generations.”
Local citizens are recognized specifically on the plaque that was placed at the cemetery’s entrance and those listed include: Gov. Rye; Judge Ardell Cole, Fire Jumper Robert Bennett, Ruby Krider, Christine Reynolds, Eula Love, Dr. W.G. Rhea Sr., Pearl Routon, Dr. Henrietta Veltman, Mitchum Warren, Dr. Jim Williams and 20 mayors of the city of Paris and Henry County.
Mayor Kathy Ray accepted the marker on behalf of the city. “We’re proud and honored to accept this in recognition of Maplewood Cemetery as an historic site.”