The old City Cemetery on High Street is the most historic cemetery in Logan County. Henry Clay Ragland and many other of the town’s early prominent citizens are buried here. No one knows who and when the first person was buried here. So it’s hard to determine its age but it’s probably as old as the town itself. The Logan Courthouse Village was first established as Lawnsville in 1827. Anthony Lawson acquired a track of land containing the cemetery in 1842. His wife, Ann Lawson was murdered by slaves in 1847 and was buried here. The name of the cemetery when Ann Lawson was buried has yet to be ascertained. When the town was first incorporated in 1852 as Aracoma, the cemetery became known as the Aracoma Cemetery (See comment below). The Aracoma name was changed to Logan in 1907 and sometime after that the cemetery was called the Logan Cemetery, the Logan City Cemetery and now it’s referred to as the the Old City Cemetery. Despite its long history and the prominent citizens buried here, the cemetery has a long history of neglect.
The Graves of Our Dead
Logan County Banner, March 31, 1898
We are told that the best evidence of our civilization is the manner in which we care for the graves of our dead. The savage, for a little time, bewailes [sic] the departed loved one, but marks his resting place with no stone, and never revisits the place which of all others should be the most hallowed. Civilized men, while bowing with resignation to the stern decree, which for a time severs the tenderest ties, never loses the hold upon the silken cord of memory, marks with monuments of stone, tree or flowers the graves of those he loved, and visits ever and anon their sacred urn. How is it with us of Logan county? How treat we the graves of our dead? Our cemetery here at Aracoma is sadly neglected. A few of the graves are cared for, but the great majority have been so neglected, that it is impossible to locate the graves of many who died even within the last decade. Just across the river from this place is the old Dingess burying ground, where the ashes of Peter Dingess, one of the fathers of Logan county and several of his children, as well as many others of the old pioners [sic] rest, which is in a sad and dilapidated condition. The fathers, mothers, wives and children of some of our wealthiest and most respected citizens sleep within its narrow confines. Their graves were once marked with respectable headstone, but today, the fences around it are destroyed, stock wanders over the sunken graves and the headstones are thrown down and broken. Something should be done to restore these graves, and that something should be done at once. Here in our cemetery at Aracoma, the authorities of the town should take hold of the matter, and see the cemetery is at least kept clean and under fence. Either our citizens or the town council should act at once.
*Credit and thanks to Brandon Ray Kirk for searching through the Logan County Banner microfilm at the WV State Archives in Charleston to find the above article.
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The gallery below shows some of the headstones easily photographed without having to dig through the heavy brush and briars. Everyone is welcome to share any additional images or information about this cemetery. If you would like to share a photo, please send it to the admin at loganwv.us@gmail.com.
Old City Cemetery
C & O Depot, Logan, W. Va. Postmarked Logan, Jan. 3, 1914. The City Cemetery can be seen in background.
C & O Depot, Logan, W. Va. Postmarked Logan, Jan. 3, 1914. The City Cemetery can be seen in background.
The Logan Banner, August 1, 1949 - Henry Clay Ragland Grave Marker. Clipping courtesy of Robert McCormack.
The Logan Banner, August 1, 1949 - Henry Clay Ragland Grave Marker. Clipping courtesy of Robert McCormack.
Graydon Hansel Cooper March 20, 1906 - June 10, 1906 Son of I.E. & Maggie Cooper
Graydon Hansel Cooper March 20, 1906 - June 10, 1906 Son of I.E. & Maggie Cooper
James Bilton Buskirk Feb. 22, 1853 - Jul. 2, 1902
James Bilton Buskirk Feb. 22, 1853 - Jul. 2, 1902
Buskirk Family Plot
Buskirk Family Plot
Buskirk and Ragland
Buskirk and Ragland
“Ann Lawson, wife of Anthony Lawson, of Logan County, VA., who was born in the parish of Longhorsby, in the county Northumberland, England on the 17th day of March A.D. 1783. Murdered on the night of the 17th of December, 1847 by two of her slaves.” Anthony Lawson donated the land for the courthouse. Anthony Lawson III died in 1846 of cholera at the age of 67.
“Ann Lawson, wife of Anthony Lawson, of Logan County, VA., who was born in the parish of Longhorsby, in the county Northumberland, England on the 17th day of March A.D. 1783. Murdered on the night of the 17th of December, 1847 by two of her slaves.” Anthony Lawson donated the land for the courthouse. Anthony Lawson III died in 1846 of cholera at the age of 67.
Alonzo Aldredge
Alonzo Aldredge
Alice B. Aldredge
Alice B. Aldredge
Henry Clay Ragland May 7, 1844 - May 1, 1911
Henry Clay Ragland May 7, 1844 - May 1, 1911
George Avis April 22, 1818 - Aug. 17, 1862
George Avis April 22, 1818 - Aug. 17, 1862
Joseph Neal Coalmer Died: May 25, 1928 Pvt. 1st Class, 150th Infantry, 38th Division
Joseph Neal Coalmer Died: May 25, 1928 Pvt. 1st Class, 150th Infantry, 38th Division
J. O. McKnight April 2, 1879 - Sept. 6, 1929
J. O. McKnight April 2, 1879 - Sept. 6, 1929
Hudson
Hudson
Henry and Louisa Ragland
Henry and Louisa Ragland
H. G. McKnight Oct. 30, 1852 - June 4, 1911
H. G. McKnight Oct. 30, 1852 - June 4, 1911
Vandalized Ragland Monument
Vandalized Ragland Monument
Urias Van Buskirk Jan. 18, 1831 - Feb. 18, 1888
Urias Van Buskirk Jan. 18, 1831 - Feb. 18, 1888
Tayor Buskirk Apr. 7, 1895 - Jul. 18, 1895
Tayor Buskirk Apr. 7, 1895 - Jul. 18, 1895
S. Aldredge Note: First initial of name missing. Jan. 20, 1850 - Aug. 4, 1887
S. Aldredge Note: First initial of name missing. Jan. 20, 1850 - Aug. 4, 1887
Nancy A. Coalmer April 8, 1861 - April 4, 1915
Nancy A. Coalmer April 8, 1861 - April 4, 1915
Mullins Monument
Mullins Monument
Mollie Lewis Buskirk Nov. 17, 1874 - June 2, 1896
Mollie Lewis Buskirk Nov. 17, 1874 - June 2, 1896
Mattie Ragland Buskirk April 2, 1891 - Sept. 14, 1903
Mattie Ragland Buskirk April 2, 1891 - Sept. 14, 1903
M. B. Mullins 1848 - 1906
M. B. Mullins 1848 - 1906
Lunsford
Lunsford
This is possibly the grave of William R. Aldredge who died 5 Dec 1873. This was the only record found for a William Aldredge.
This is possibly the grave of William R. Aldredge who died 5 Dec 1873. This was the only record found for a William Aldredge.
Logan Democrat, 28 September 1911 - Edward Bittle Conley (03 Sep 1872 - 26 Sep 1911), husband of Mary Elizabeth Whitman (1879-1966). Clipping courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
Logan Democrat, 28 September 1911 - Edward Bittle Conley (03 Sep 1872 - 26 Sep 1911), husband of Mary Elizabeth Whitman (1879-1966). Clipping courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
Clipping courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
Clipping courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk.
Logan Democrat, 23 January 1913, Russell Bilton Buskirk Burned to Death. Clipping courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk
Logan Democrat, 23 January 1913, Russell Bilton Buskirk Burned to Death. Clipping courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk
Old City Cemetery List of Graves (Page 1 of 2) courtesy of Bobbie Henthorn Spiers.
Old City Cemetery List of Graves (Page 1 of 2) courtesy of Bobbie Henthorn Spiers.
Old City Cemetery List of Graves (Page 2 of 2) courtesy of Bobbie Henthorn Spiers.
Old City Cemetery List of Graves (Page 2 of 2) courtesy of Bobbie Henthorn Spiers.
My great uncle Dewey Linville is buried in the City Cemetery I found his headstone (broken) but you can still read the name I saved the picture of his headstone years ago. His father was Wm Walter Linville (Lincoln Co.) & his mother was Leatha Ann Harless.
Nancy A Coalmer and Joseph Coalmer are my relatives…….Wm. A. Coalmer is also buried there. They were my mother’s parents and brother. Lived on Dingess Street.
.
There is no deed on record for this cemetery, although the property is mapped and on record in the Logan Assessor’s office as “City Cemetery”. It is a one acre piece of property with a great deal of history. About half of the cemetery is covered in brush. Records show Mamie Thurman’s father to be buried at Aracoma Cemetery. If so, he’s in the brush. Soon I will be asking Logan County Commission to look into using non-violent inmates to clear the cemetery as it is not Logan City government’s responsibility and Henry Clay Ragland’s will only calls for his family plot to be taken care of by the Baptist church. I can find no record of burial plots, but there must be somewhere. One might be interested to know there was a cemetery beside of what is now Honaker Funeral Home………..many years ago.
whoops. I meant to say, that I entered this cemetery on findagrave.com after visiting Logan. I’m working on changing the name at findagrave, but it’s not as simple as I first thought. I think I’ll have to go to the moderator of the site and make a request.
I’m so glad that this cemetery is getting attention. I am descended from the Buskirk family, and entered this cemetery after visiting Logan a few years ago. I think I found the name “City Cemetery” from mapquest or google maps. Since then, in my genealogy research, I’ve found H.C. Ragland’s will, in which he calls this “Aracoma Cemetery.” He also bequeathed, upon his death, his home to his wife Louisa Goins Buskirk Ragland. Upon her death, the house and property were to go to the Aracoma Baptist Church, to use the house as a parsonage, and property proceeds for upkeep of the cemetery.
My Grandparents and Uncle are buried at the City Cemetery. William A. Coalmer,
Nancy A. Coalmer and Joe Coalmer. W. A. died and was buried on 3/4/1909 and
Nancy A. 4/4 1915. Uncle Joe I do not have his dates. The graves are down by the
wall in front of the cemetery. I was born and raised in Logan and played in the cemetery. We lived on Dingess Street my maiden name is Chafin. Thank all doing wonderfull things with all the W.Va. web..
w
I’m still looking for the name of the cemetery on High Street in the city of Logan WV. I remember it as a kid, living at 16 High Street. We lived where the big stone wall is/was. Maude and Hershel Williamson lived behind us and the White/Bennett’s lived on the other side.
I know it was there, we used to play hide and seek.
Hello was told that the First Baptist Church was the over the up keep of the cemetery ‘Going to call tomorrow to see what i can find out . Seems no one knows this . Sure would love to find my uncle Kernney Henderson’s marker or grave He was buried there around 1930- 32. Does anyone have a map of the burial plots? Would be nice to get a reply thanks Barbara
My uncle Kernie Henderson is buried there, I tried finding his grave with no avail. I was in Logan last summer my sister and i with our cousin who’s the granddaughter of K Henderson. What we found there was very sad. I would love to help in some way , Can you end me information ? Thanks
Thanks, for the City Cemetery pics. I dont remember where, but I read that the head of the Chambers clan is buried there. The Rum Creek Chambers and the Burgess’ intermarried, and some are buried in the City cemetery.
hi… i dont know if anyone has seen this, but in the first photo here, the ragland site.
to the left of that is a wall and weeds on top.. that is a family plot site, the gate to it is one the left side facing city view.. i tried to get in it but it is full of tall weeds.. i could not see a name on any of the stones,, the one to the right just inside the gate just says baby.. the gate is very nice and well made…
A group of are going out Saturday and working on those weeds and to get the photos and information of all the stones to add to http://www.findagrave.com/.
Tenna could you please send your phone number to me .I would love to find more information out here . I don’t know if you remember me i am Larry Randan’s sister thinking you may him . Thanks so much mrmrst1963@aol.com
My great uncle Dewey Linville is buried in the City Cemetery I found his headstone (broken) but you can still read the name I saved the picture of his headstone years ago. His father was Wm Walter Linville (Lincoln Co.) & his mother was Leatha Ann Harless.
Kathy, Leathe Harless is buried in Man Cemetery which is on this website.
I would love to try and help with the preservation of our old cemeteries.
Nancy A Coalmer and Joseph Coalmer are my relatives…….Wm. A. Coalmer is also buried there. They were my mother’s parents and brother. Lived on Dingess Street.
.
I saw some WARD stones there, and Iwondered if there was a connection
to the naming of Ward Rock Mountain?
There is no deed on record for this cemetery, although the property is mapped and on record in the Logan Assessor’s office as “City Cemetery”. It is a one acre piece of property with a great deal of history. About half of the cemetery is covered in brush. Records show Mamie Thurman’s father to be buried at Aracoma Cemetery. If so, he’s in the brush. Soon I will be asking Logan County Commission to look into using non-violent inmates to clear the cemetery as it is not Logan City government’s responsibility and Henry Clay Ragland’s will only calls for his family plot to be taken care of by the Baptist church. I can find no record of burial plots, but there must be somewhere. One might be interested to know there was a cemetery beside of what is now Honaker Funeral Home………..many years ago.
Thank you!
whoops. I meant to say, that I entered this cemetery on findagrave.com after visiting Logan. I’m working on changing the name at findagrave, but it’s not as simple as I first thought. I think I’ll have to go to the moderator of the site and make a request.
I’m so glad that this cemetery is getting attention. I am descended from the Buskirk family, and entered this cemetery after visiting Logan a few years ago. I think I found the name “City Cemetery” from mapquest or google maps. Since then, in my genealogy research, I’ve found H.C. Ragland’s will, in which he calls this “Aracoma Cemetery.” He also bequeathed, upon his death, his home to his wife Louisa Goins Buskirk Ragland. Upon her death, the house and property were to go to the Aracoma Baptist Church, to use the house as a parsonage, and property proceeds for upkeep of the cemetery.
I’m so happy I’ve found out the name of this cemetery. It’s bothered me for years. It was almost in our yard.
We used to play there occasionally, but the weed and snakes were pretty bad in the summer.
I remember Claude and Jean White had the twin of Bill White buried there. That would have been about 1942-43. It was around the time I was born.
My Grandparents and Uncle are buried at the City Cemetery. William A. Coalmer,
Nancy A. Coalmer and Joe Coalmer. W. A. died and was buried on 3/4/1909 and
Nancy A. 4/4 1915. Uncle Joe I do not have his dates. The graves are down by the
wall in front of the cemetery. I was born and raised in Logan and played in the cemetery. We lived on Dingess Street my maiden name is Chafin. Thank all doing wonderfull things with all the W.Va. web..
w
I’m still looking for the name of the cemetery on High Street in the city of Logan WV. I remember it as a kid, living at 16 High Street. We lived where the big stone wall is/was. Maude and Hershel Williamson lived behind us and the White/Bennett’s lived on the other side.
I know it was there, we used to play hide and seek.
the name is City Cemetery I have never known it by any other name.
Hello was told that the First Baptist Church was the over the up keep of the cemetery ‘Going to call tomorrow to see what i can find out . Seems no one knows this . Sure would love to find my uncle Kernney Henderson’s marker or grave He was buried there around 1930- 32. Does anyone have a map of the burial plots? Would be nice to get a reply thanks Barbara
Who owns this cemetery does anyone know? If so please post it here . Thanks
Henderson ,Hicks , are some of my family . They both are old family from Logan ,
Barbara Randant Thomas
My uncle Kernie Henderson is buried there, I tried finding his grave with no avail. I was in Logan last summer my sister and i with our cousin who’s the granddaughter of K Henderson. What we found there was very sad. I would love to help in some way , Can you end me information ? Thanks
Thanks, for the City Cemetery pics. I dont remember where, but I read that the head of the Chambers clan is buried there. The Rum Creek Chambers and the Burgess’ intermarried, and some are buried in the City cemetery.
hi… i dont know if anyone has seen this, but in the first photo here, the ragland site.
to the left of that is a wall and weeds on top.. that is a family plot site, the gate to it is one the left side facing city view.. i tried to get in it but it is full of tall weeds.. i could not see a name on any of the stones,, the one to the right just inside the gate just says baby.. the gate is very nice and well made…
A group of are going out Saturday and working on those weeds and to get the photos and information of all the stones to add to http://www.findagrave.com/.
Tenna could you please send your phone number to me .I would love to find more information out here . I don’t know if you remember me i am Larry Randan’s sister thinking you may him . Thanks so much
mrmrst1963@aol.com
my email address is ldy_dragonflys@yahoo.com