The History of Stroud Cemetery

Submitted by: Sherry Springer

© Lincoln County Oklahoma History

The History of Stroud Cemetery

Stroud Cemetery is divided into two sections by a north-south road. On the east side is the older part, set aside by Mr. T. B. Rigney from his claim after the death of a baby. Later the land was platted and the lots sold for one dollar each. The earliest marked grave in this portion of the cemetery is that of Sadie Brace whose death is recorded on her headstone as January 5, 1892.

Mr. D. B. Garriott bought the Rigney farm in the spring of 1901. It was the wish of Mr. Garriott to sell enough lots to the citizens of the vicinity to fence and otherwise beautify the burying ground. However, Mr. Garriott's brother in law, J. W. Donaldson, bought the cemetery in January of 1902, and it was his plans to beautify it and keep it up as it should be.

In February of 1902, the city council purchased five acres on the west side of the road from Mr. Bud Long. The council agreed to pay $500.00 for this land and they were immediately objects of reprimand for their extravagance. However the transaction was completed and the west portion of the cemetery was acquired.

In July of 1912, the council purchased the old cemetery from J. W. Donaldson, with the exception of the one acre Rigney Cemetery, which had been designated as a neighbor or public cemetery. By 1912, there was no person left in charge of this acre and an appeal was made to those who had lots in the area to turn them over to the city so that all the east side could be fenced and cared for as one cemetery.

D. L. Updegraff had been placed in charge of the cemeteries in 1904. Ed F. Gardner was appointed sexton in 1916, C. L. Wood in 1927, W. T. Ward in 1931 and J. R. Dixon in 1933. Mr. Dixon served in that capacity until 1978. In February of 1979, Harry Flatt was appointed to care for the cemetery.

A ten acre tract was added in 1917, and there were times when the community was called upon to help with keeping the cemetery free from weeds and other unsightly objects. The business houses would close for a half day and everyone helped. However, care of individual lots were the responsibility of owners.

John Dixon was a sexton dedicated to improving the appearance of the cemeteries. He kept records of the new cemetery while trying to establish those of the east side, as none were available and perhaps had been lost.

A flag plaza was built in 1977 by the American Legion and flags are flown there on Memorial Day.

© Lincoln County Oklahoma History page 236.