The former Lincoln Cemetery in Carlisle is now called Memorial Park.  For many years after the Civil War, Lincoln Cemetery was the most significant graveyard in town holding former veterans of the United States Colored Troops (USCT).  In the 1970s, however, the mostly abandoned cemetery became the target of an urban redevelopment project.  Today, all that remains to commemorate those soldiers –whose remains are still in the ground underneath the park– is a plaque and a series of wayside markers.   Below you will find five short newspaper articles from the nineteenth century, documenting various burials at Lincoln Cemetery, including the Henry W. Spradley, whose remarkable story has been turned into the subject of a short documentary film, “Henry W. Spradley, Citizen,” which is freely available at the House Divided Project’s YouTube channel.

Carlisle Herald May 25, 1882	Carlisle Herald June 8, 1882	Carlisle Herald Sept. 25, 1895	Carlisle Herald April 12, 1897	Carlisle Herald Nov. 26, 1900

Source Citation

“John Peck Dead,” Carlisle (PA) Herald, September 25, 1895, p. 4: 2.

Transcription

John Peck.

John Peck, an aged colored citizen, died at his home, in West Chapel alley, this morning at 2 o’clock from dropsy. He was aged 64 years and is survived by seven children. The deceased was a member of the Pomfret Street A. M. E. Church and was a highly respected colored man, who came to Carlisle during the war. Funeral tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Source Citation

“Alexander Washington,” Carlisle (PA) Herald, November 26, 1900, p. 4: 1.

Transcription

Alexander Washington.

Alexander Washington, colored, aged 64 years, died at 5 o’clock on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 22, in Harrisburg from pleurisy. He was born in Perry county and lived here for some years. About three years ago he removed to Harrisburg where he engaged in trucking. He was a member of the [Seiblestown?] Mission in Harrisburg.

His wife and the following children survive: George, Frederick, Md.; Andrew, Carlisle; Mrs Annie Lee, Trenton, N J ; David, Harrisburg ; Mrs Mary Johnson, Mr Geo Johnson, Carlisle ; Solomon, Harrisburg. One brother resides in the west. The remains were brought here today on the noon train today and services were held from his son’s residence, West Locust avenue, at 3 o’clock, Rev Mr. Scott, of Harrisburg, officiating. Internment was made in the North Pitt street graveyard.

Source Citation

“Without Headstones,” Carlisle (PA) Herald, June 8, 1882, p. 3: 2.

Transcription

Without Headstones.

We understand that there are quite a number of soldiers buried in our cemeteries who are yet without tombstones. We trust their friends or comrades will see to it at once that stones will be placed over their remains. The Government furnishes them free of charge, so that there is no possible excuse, except negligence or indifference.

Source Citation

“Headstones Arrived,” Carlisle (PA) Herald, May 25, 1882, p. 3: 2.

Transcription

Headstones Arrived.

Some time since we announced that Postmaster Meloy had ordered a number of headstones for the graves of soldiers buried in our cemeteries. They arrived on Monday, and are being placed in position. Others will be ordered as the names are handed in. Mr. [Moloy?] is certainly deserving of thanks for taking this matter in hand and giving his time gratuitously.