12 April 2013

Dear Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery,

We had a delightful day at the cemetery Friday. The sun was out, and the temperature outside perfect for hard work. Due to recent heavy winds, we arrived to numerous downed trees and branches (first two attachments). Also, with spring comes weeds, and our paths were obscured by grasses in numerous places requiring hard hoeing to remove. Seven us gathered at the cemetery and cleared the debris and paths (attachments 3-5).

The cemetery is still blooming. Although the daffodils are finished, the vinca, lilies, miner's lettuce, and forget-me-knots are putting on a lovely show (attachments 3, 6-7). If you get the chance to come by, the cemetery is at its best now.

Brad Davall has kindly been researching newspaper archives as well as the OLeary funeral home records for references to Spring Hill. The OLeary records came up with 2 additional Spring Hill burials - Darsey E Barnes died Jan 13 1919 aged 44y, and Sadie Cheney died January 22 1896. I will be adding both to our official Spring Hill list of burials. I have no other information on Darsey Barnes, but Sadie Cheney was the daughter of Edmund Cheney. Edmund was listed on the DAR survey of Spring Hill Cemetery.

Brad found the following newspaper accounts of Sadie,

Sad Death at Bodega.
Miss Sadie Scheney (Cheney) died at her home in Bodega Tuesday night of consumption after a lingering illness. She was one of the most popular school teachers in Sonoma County and by her gentle disposition she had greatly endeared herself to all with whom she was thrown in contact and her sad death has pierced with sorrow the hearts of her countless friends. The funeral will take place Friday and the remains will be laid in their last resting place at the Spring Hill Cemetery.
Sebastopol Times January 22, 1896

And a further tribute to Sadie from the then editor of the Press Democrat:

"A Tribute.
Editor Democrat: Though some time has elapsed since the demise of Sadie C. Cheney, I would feel derelict in not paying one of the many tributes to her memory. But barely crossed the threshold of life, in the noble profession she assumed she was devoid of artifice but a natural to a general consciousness of her power. Graduating from Professor McMeans' college she obtained the highest possible grade as a teacher in Sonoma and Marin counties, her services being asked by the trustees of Ocean View, Duncan's, Markham's, Franklin, Occidental and Esterra districts. So common with many, she never took advantage of the possibilities to prostitute revered institutions with the heterogenous class which at times comprised her pupils, but with sympathy for them which at times necessitated evolving order from chaos, she inculcated the precepts of the"Man of Galilee" in perfect accord with those of every creed who loved her for her gentleness and considerateness of youth. Her labors in her self-imposed mission were of love, and not of necessity, as the Cheney ranch is ideal in all that is requisite in a homestead. The good she has done will remain with us, and not be hidden by the grave. M. Bodega, Feg. 8.
Press Democrat February 15, 1896

My thanks to Brad for all his research, and for giving insight into another of Spring Hill's inhabitants. And thanks to Regional Parks for continuing to support our efforts and to those who joined me at the cemetery for the workday.

Our next workday is scheduled for Friday, June 21st. Please mark your calendars and come and join us if you can.

Best Regards,

Sue

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