SPECIAL NOTICE:
Attention Dr. Jeffery Davis, according to our legal council, the next time you announce at a public meeting, or in writing that the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization is a racist organization. You will find yourself in court!
Merry Christmas A.D. 2019
And
Happy New Year A.D. 2020
The CHCO Christmas Wreath sale is now on until December 20, 2019. Real Christmas wreaths placed on a tripod will be delivered to any gravesite in Allegany County, MD. The price is $25.00 per wreath. To order please call 240-362-7961.
The CHCO Christmas Social and annual meeting will be held on Saturday December 28 at 2:00 PM at the CHCO Headquarters located at 400 S. Allegany Street, Cumberland. Members should bring a covered dish.
Cumberland Times-News
December 23, 2019
December 2019
The CHCO President Ed Taylor, Jr. placed a Christmas poinsettia at the grave of Mel Collins located in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery at Rocky Gap, east of Cumberland. Mel served as the CHCO Vice President from 1996 until his death in April 2019.
Fall 2019
The CHCO added the Maryland state flag to the flag display at the Historic Pollock Cemetery, located south of Cumberland at Mexico Farms. Buried at this site are Confederate heroes James and Sallie Pollock. ( See the Adopted page on the website for more info on the Pollock Cemetery). The Maryland Botony Cross on the state flag was worn on the uniforms of the Maryland Confederate Soldiers. Pictured are the U.S. flag, the MD state flag, the third national flag of the Confederate States of America, and the CHCO flag.
Cumberland Times-News
November 12, 2019
Mineral Daily News Tribune
November 5, 2019
On All Souls Day November 2, 2019 the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization held a memorial and restoration unveiling of the Carpenter Mausoleum located in Rose Hill Cemetery on Fayette St., Cumberland. The CHCO has worked to restore the structure for several months. The Carpenters were the founders of nearby Carpendale, WV. Dr. George Carpenter was a well-known medical doctor and during the Civil War he was a Captain in the 1st Virginia Calvary of the Confederate States of America.
CHCO President Ed Taylor,Jr. opens the ceremony
Ken Winters of the Rose Hill Cemetery Committee addresses the guests
James and Chassidy Ali unveil the mausoleum
Sons of Confederate Veterans Leo “Buddy” Rowan, Brian Grant, and CHCO 1st V.P. Chester Dale Burgess fired a three gun salute
Members and Guests
New CHCO Plaques inside of the tomb
CHCO Plaques on outside of the Mausoleum
Cumberland Times – News October 31, 2019
Barbara Ellen Sieg (Becker)
Thursday, September 10th, 1936 – Thursday, October 24th, 2019
Obituary
Barbara Ellen Sieg, (nee Becker), age 83, of Ellicott City, Maryland, died Thursday October 24, 2019 at Carroll County Hospital.
She was born on 10 September 1936 in Washington, D.C., the daughter of the late William Carl Becker and the late Ednabelle (Talbot) Becker.
She attended Goucher College, earned a B.A. degree from Duke University, and a M.A. in Journalism from American University. She was a passionate defender of Maryland burial sites and was the founding member of the Whipps Garden Cemetery on Saint Johns Lane in Ellicott City. She loved gardening and animals– particularly dogs; she was also an accomplished pianist whose skilled playing of Chopin’s Heroic Polonaise pleased all listeners. She was devoted to her husband of 53 years, John, and leaves behind her loving family; sons Bill and Justin; step-sons John Jr., Patrick, and Christopher; grandchildren Avery, Max, Colby, Brandon, Drew, Emily, Robert, Erica, Stephan, Stewart, and Katie; great-grandchildren Leona and Mallory.
Barbara Ellen Sieg (Becker)
Cumberland Times-News October 10, 2019
Cumberland Times-News August 24, 2019
Cumberland Times-News August 15, 2019
Cemetery Tourists
In early August, Michael, Jessica, Liam, and Caleb Taylor from Springfield, VT visited the CHCO Designated & Protected Gravesites in the S.S. Peter & Paul and Rose Hill Cemeteries.
Cumberland Times-News July 11, 2019
Click To Zoom Image
On Thursday July 4, 2019 the CHCO held their annual event at the CHCO Headquarters to honor the American Revolutionary War dead. The well-attended event included several speakers and the reading of the Captain David Lynn Plaque. The plaque was installed on the 1801 columns in front of the headquarters in 2008 by the CHCO. After the plaque reading, members and guests traveled to Rose Hill Cemetery on Fayette Street. Wreathes were placed on the Lynn gravesite and Thomas Beall’s grave. Thomas Beall was the Founder of Cumberland. CHCO members Francis “Champ” Zumbrun and Dennis Bittinger planted a “Liberty Tree” at the Thomas Beall gravesite.
Pictured below: July 4th Ceremony at Rose Hill Cemetery. Captain David Lynn’s gravesite, Thomas Beall’s gravesite (the Founder of Cumberland), and the Liberty Tree.
This poem was written and read during the July 4th event at the CHCO Headquarters by Cumberland City Councilman Eugene Frazier.
Eugene Frazier
July 4, 2018
Freedom
Today’s the day that we were set free
From the grip of England’s tyranny
It took years to prove that they were wrong
Freedom was won because we were strong
They’re called patriots, those that fought hard
And the war was fought in our back yard
They all knew with this fight impending
Freedom was how this war was ending
All were heroes who fought in this war
To prove America was much more
They all knew for freedom to begin
Lives would end for what they believed in
None hesitated and gave their all
They raised our flag, freedom wouldn’t fall
Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to years
And through it all there were many tears
Then one day the war came to an end
And now our enemy is our friend
Freedom’s ours because we insisted
And it’s due to all who enlisted
Centuries later our country’s blessed
And as countries go it is the best
America is home of the free
And that includes all of you and me
Cumberland Times-News June 28, 2019
Cumberland Times-News June 6, 2019
A special thank you to local Historian Al Feldstein for the photos and info for this event.
U.S.C.T. – MEMORIAL DAY 2019: On Sunday, May 26, 2019 the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization (CHCO) held its Annual Memorial Day Service. This year the service was conducted at the historic Sumner Cemetery, the purpose being to honor the six (6) Union soldiers who served in the United States Colored Troops (USCT).
Speakers included Pastor Lisa Boone of the McKendree United Methodist Church, CHCO President Ed Taylor, Jr., and Delegate Mike McKay. An honored guest at this Memorial Day Service was Tom Riford, an Assistant Secretary for the Maryland Department of Commerce.
Taps was presented by Dale Burgess of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 13 and a presentation of arms was given by Buddy Rowan and Brian Grant of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Also remembered during the event were the Reverend Alfred Deas, Jr., the former pastor of the Cumberland A.M.E. Church who was an active participant in past CHCO memorial ceremonies, and Mel Collins, long-time officer of the CHCO. Both men were veterans and both passed away during the past year. Christine Peck was acknowledged for her long-time efforts in maintaining the ceremony. Other supporters and those who have led the effort over the years to maintain the cemetery and organize these programs were also recognized.
Cumberland Times-News – May 23, 2019
Cumberland Times-News – May 23, 2019
Cumberland Times-News May 1, 2019
On Saturday April 27, 2019 the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization held a monument unveiling ceremony at Rose Hill Cemetery located on Fayette St., Cumberland for Confederate Soldier Sprigg Lynn. Lynn was a member of McNeill’s Rangers and was the grandson of American Revolutionary War Captain David Lynn. The Lynn family were the founders of the cemetery.
Confederate Soldier Sprigg Lynn monument. Rose Hill Cemetery, Cumberland, MD.
CHCO member Judy Haines places a memorial floral cross.
Firing of a three gun salute.
Vice President I Chester Dale Burgess gives the opening prayer.
Ryliegh Taylor unveils the monument as her uncle CHCO President Ed Taylor, Jr. looks on.
Leo “Buddy” Rowan and grandson Brian Grant.
CHCO members attending the event.
Editorial
Cumberland Times-News April 17, 2019
We note with sadness and respect the death of our old friend Mel Collins of Cumberland. (See obituary, April 16 Times-News, Page 5A.) Nobody else has been a more prolific writer of letters to the editor of the Times-News.
His writings and decades-long, multifaceted community involvement demonstrated an appreciation of our local history and concern for our future.
Here is one of his submissions that received our Letter of the Week award. It reflects his feelings for the city and county he loved: “Heritage Days bring memories of yesteryear when Allegany County was a vibrant part of Maryland. Mount Savage was the industrial center and should be Maryland’s ‘Williamsburg,’ but neglect won out.
“Cumberland was the transportation center with the National Road, railroads, canal, trails, byways, interstate bus system, active airport and streetcars, while Lonaconing was the coal empire center of commerce.
“Frostburg was the educational center and had direct passenger rail service to Chicago or Baltimore via the Chicago Express. Clarysville, today, has an original part of the National Road. Cumberland had the magnificent Queen City Hotel-Station gracing its skyline and an early monastery.
“The area had several world headquarters such as Kelly-Springfield Tire Company, the Luke paper mill, Footer Dye Works, among others.
“Our cultural experience included horse racing, an amusement park, parades and a ball park, to mention a few, plus theaters and drive-ins.
“Our history has been colorful and in 1923 we were considered one of America’s historic towns.
“By not using our culture and history, think of all the thousands of dollars overlooked by not putting our history to work.”
Cumberland Times-News April 16, 2019
Casket of our Vice President, Mel Collins, in the Chapel of Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery, located east of Cumberland, MD.
Cumberland, MD – Melvin “Mel” Woodrow Collins, 92, of Cumberland, MD, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center.
Born December 13, 1926, in Cumberland, MD, Mel was the son of the late Howard Raymond Collins and Effie Mae (Weimer) Collins. He was also preceded in death by two brothers: Dale and Merle Collins; and was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Mel was a United States Naval Veteran. He attended a private college in Illinois, received a scholarship to the University of Georgia, and studied Tropical Botany at the University of Miami, FL. Mel taught Hotel Corporation and then worked in the airline industry for over 35 years. His ambition was to see the world and that he did having been around the world twice by the time he finished college. Mel’s greatest thrill was the safaris he did in Africa; however, his biggest interest in travel was in Tibet, Mongolia, China, and the Middle East.
Mel participated in many historic preservation activities throughout the world and railroad history. Locally, he was a member of the Preservation Society of Allegany County, the Cumberland Historical Cemetery Organization, serving as Vice President since 1996, and the local chapter of the National Railroad historic Society. Mel spent nearly 35 years in Costa Rica raising farm animals with the Juan Artavia Family Ranch.
A Committal Service will be conducted at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery at Rocky Gap on Friday, April 19, 2019, at 1:00 P.M., Ed Taylor Jr., and Pastor Michael Mudge officiating.
Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Post #13 Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cumberland Historical Cemetery Organization, 400 Allegany Street, Cumberland, MD 21502; or, the Allegany County Animal Shelter, Post Office Box #566, Cumberland, MD 21501.
Cumberland Times-News March 25, 2019
Cumberland Times-News February 18, 2019
Sumner Cemetery remembered during Black History Month
First African-American graveyard in Allegany County, final resting place for Union soldiers, had been neglected
CUMBERLAND – The Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization is celebrating Black History Month by honoring the bygone souls and supporters of Sumner Cemetery, Allegany County’s first black graveyard.
The cemetery is located between Baltimore Avenue and Yale Street behind the Trinity Lutheran, St. Luke’s Lutheran and Greenmount cemeteries.
The once-neglected cemetery dates back to the 18th century, although many of the records, including burial information and grave markers, have been lost to history. It is estimated that 75 percent of the graves at Sumner are unmarked.
Numerous African-Americans and extended family members are buried at Sumner. It is also the location of six graves of black Union soldiers who were members of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War.
Known as the 30th Regiment of the USCT, the unit was formed in February 1964. The soldiers fought in the Wilderness Campaign and saw action at Petersburg, Virginia. The six members buried at Sumner include Frank Taylor, Abraham Craig, Thomas Lindsey, Thomas Simpson, David Kinner and Sam Parry.
By the 1980s, the graves of the union soldiers, like many in Sumner Cemetery, were buried under feet of brush, vines and shrubs.
Although local citizens attempted to maintain the cemetery at different times over the years, it fell into a state of neglect. Area residents, including Virginia Williams, Christine Trimble, Bob Lytle and John Cooper, all now deceased, helped to maintain the cemetery.
Jacqueline Cooper and Susan Jones of Cumberland are currently involved in the effort to maintain it.
By the 1980s, the graves of the union soldiers, like many in Sumner Cemetery, were buried under feet of brush, vines and shrubs.
Although local citizens attempted to maintain the cemetery at different times over the years, it fell into a state of neglect. Area residents, including Virginia Williams, Christine Trimble, Bob Lytle and John Cooper, all now deceased, helped to maintain the cemetery.
Jacqueline Cooper and Susan Jones of Cumberland are currently involved in the effort to maintain it.
Jones said records are few but some facts are known.
She said the cemetery was named after Charles Sumner in March 1884 when the property was deeded to the black community of Allegany County with the officers listed as William H. Campbell, George Jackson and Peter Fagan, who were called the Sons of Sumner Cemetery. The men helped maintain the cemetery and were later buried there, according to Jones.
Cooper said it is important to take care of the cemetery.
“It reflects on our past,” said Cooper. “My ancestors are here. If they had not been through everything and enduring what they did, I would not be here today. I want to continue that and I have perpetuated that thought within my family so the dream lives on.”
The cemetery received a boost in 1990 when it was adopted by the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization.
Established in 1983, the group has adopted numerous cemeteries and have funded cleanups, as well as plaques and monuments, for many of the sites.
“In 1990, Virginia Williams contacted me about Sumner and asked about us getting involved in restoring it,” said Edward Taylor Jr., the group’s president. “We went there and when I saw it, the whole cemetery was literally covered with growth. My jaw about dropped to the floor. I wasn’t going to take it. It was just too much to take on.”
Taylor said CHCO staff convinced him restoring the cemetery was the right thing to do. Sumner Cemetery contains little flat terrain; most is situated on a hillside. The majority of the graves, some of them containing multiple family members, are not marked. Often, a depression in the ground is all that exists.
“If everyone there had a tombstone that hill would be covered,” Taylor said. “We organized several cleanups. We had volunteers from AME Metropolitan, McKendree United Methodist, Ebenezer Baptist and kids from the boys forestry camps, but we were getting nowhere. We didn’t make headway; it was thick growth with terrible thorns clear to the top of the hills. We had to get gasoline and burn the growth. It was unreal.”
Cooper helped to clear the cemetery. “We came out here, Ed and all of us, on our hands and knees,” she said. “We were unveiling tombs, rolling up stones, painting the benches, it was a labor of love but it was hard work.”
Taylor said they were able to identify several unmarked graves, including the grave of Critty Powell, a freed slave.
Cooper said it was Christine Trimble who helped find the Union soldiers’ graves, which were under several feet of growth high on the hill.
The CHCO funded monuments for the gravesites of the six solders, which were erected in 1991. Taylor said the monuments are the first in Maryland for any black Civil War soldier.
Still, many graves remained unmarked. Others buried at Sumner include Private Fulton J. Myers, who died in 1918, and Cooper’s great grandfather, Maj. Thomas Lee Sr.
Lee, a boxer, was a wellknown porter at the Fort Cumberland Hotel. He was killed in a semifinal boxing match in Wheeling, West Virginia, by John Holmes, also of Cumberland.
“They brought him back here to be buried,” Cooper said. “My grandmother said he was buried on the knoll. We have searched high and low. We would love to put a marker on his grave.”
The cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Currently, the Metropolitan AME and McKendree United Methodist churches own the land and provide upkeep.
“I want my children and the young children and adults in the community to know that there is something here for them and it represents them,” said Jones.
The CHCO holds an annual service at the site of the Union soldiers’ graves on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at 2 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
For more info on the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization and Sumner Cemetery, visit www.chco. info.
Greg Larry/Times-News
Follow staff writer Greg Larry on Twitter @GregLarryCTN
On Saturday February 9, 2019 the CHCO held a memorial service for their first deceased member, Thelma K. Roberts, who died February 9, 1989. The Holy rosary was prayed at the Roberts Designated and Protected gravesite. The gravesite is located in the Rest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, off of Cash Valley Road, LaVale, MD.
OLDTOWN — Wilda Antoinette “Toni” McLaughlin, 84, of Oldtown, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, at the Lions Center for Rehabilitation.
Born on Dec. 23, 1934, in Hopewell, Va., she was the daughter of the late Robert Hieskel and Ruth (Hilderbrand) Scott Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William J. McLaughlin Sr.; sisters, Phyllis Malamis and husband, James, and Annie Dixon and husband, Harold; and brothers, Robert H. Scott Jr., and wife, Margaret, and Samuel E. Scott and wife, Rebecca.
Toni attended Hopewell High School in Hopewell, Va., and was a 1953 graduate of Oldtown High School. In the late 1970s, Toni received an Associate’s degree in mental health. She was a member of the Oldtown School Parent and Teacher Organization. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, crocheting, quilting, canning, and repairing dolls. Toni was also part of a reading program that helped students improve their reading skills.
She is survived by her sons, William J. McLaughlin and wife, Georgene, Oldtown, and Mark R. McLaughlin and wife, Sandra, Oldtown; grandchildren, Jessica Diane Jennings and husband, Ken, William G. McLaughlin, James P. McLaughlin, and Sarah D. Siciliano and husband, Michael; great-grandchildren, Clayton, Daniel, Lucas, Leo, Malakyte, Connor and Isa; and special nephews, Robert Malamis and wife, Tessy, Oldtown, and H. W. Dixon and wife, Barbara, Cary, N.C.
Family and friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave., Cumberland, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Funeral services will immediately follow on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at 6 p.m. with Pastor Steve Nelson officiating.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.ScarpelliFH. com.
Wilda McLaughlin has been a CHCO member since 1995. She will be sadly missed and we ask God to have mercy on her Soul, as we ask Him for all of our deceased members. Amen.