An old fashioned “Dinner on the Grounds” will celebrate the conclusion of the 50th Annual Meeting of the Cleveland Cemetery Association on April 28, 2012. The meeting will convene at 10:00 am in the cemetery chapel.
The Cleveland Cemetery is located in Coleman County on FM 1176 approximately 6.5 miles southeast of Santa Anna and 6 miles north of Trickham. Land for the cemetery was donated by John J. Cupps in 1901 near the Niwot community. Prior to its establishment, local deceased were interred in either the Trickham or Santa Anna cemeteries. Recently discovered was the grave of the daughter of O.R. Smith, dated 1891.
In years prior to the organization of the association, all maintenance was performed by volunteers. In the early 1960s, community residents R.W. Cupps, Darrell Cupps, Bruce Hibbetts, D.S. Baugh, and Charlie Fleming determined there was a need for perpetual care. At the initial meeting, officers elected were D.S. Baugh, president, Charlie Fleming, 1st vice-president, R.W. Cupps, 2nd vice-president, and Lucille Genz Blanton, secretary-treasurer. One of the early activities of the group was to provide small gravestones for formerly unmarked graves.
The association continues to operate on voluntary contributions. In 1982, the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church donated its church building to the association for use as a chapel and community center. The L.V. Cupps estate donated additional land. Recent improvements include remodeling of the chapel building and the building of a new fence. Carl Langford of Santa Anna has provided the association with a data base of those buried.
Everyone whose ancestors are interred in the cemetery is encouraged to support the association. Addresses of extended family members are needed for the data base. Memorials/honorariums are accepted and can be mailed to P.O. Box 722, Santa Anna, Texas 76878. Current officers are Bob Reese, president, Raymond Cupps, 1st vice-president, Earnest Covey, 2nd vice-president, and Janice Fellers, secretary-treasurer.
All descendents are asked to circle April 28th on their calendars and come and join in this celebration. Drinks and paper goods will be provided.