Saturday Paul and I went on a carriage ride and tour of the Old Gray Cemetery. The first burial was in 1851. The citizens of the community wanted a park style cemetery, all in vogue in England, a place of bautiful trees, walk ways, and away from the city. Couples would go on strolls here, families would have picnics, and everyone would enjoy the fountain, trees, and flowers. Many famous and infamous former citizens now permanently visit Old Gray. In the carriage ride, you pass by stones with familiar names that now grace buildings, roads, communities, or businesses in East TN. Stones range from simple to tall and graceful. We spied two celtic crosses, the stumps of woodsmens, angels, and a curious cube balanced on one corner. We strolled down the main street of Old Gray and were welcomed by many residents, ready to introduce themselves. Tennessee William's father was first to meet us, showing us where his mother was buried and letting it be known that it was only because he was not getting along with his wife that his final resting place was in Knoxville. A Bohemian band told how the Mother was a hardworking single Mom that loved all her family but was unhappy with her drinking son. He complained that he thought it wasnt fair that he didnt get his own gravesite, but had to be buried above his Mom because he was a pauper. A korean veteran told of his love of his wife and country. He was the first American killed in action in the Korean War, being shot down on his 26 mission. A well dressed Civil War widow complained that her murdered Union husband forgot to mention that he had another wife. She and the first wife fougnt for his pension for two years. The Army would not release her husbands body into either wife's custody so no one is sure where he is buried. She named her son after his father and made a name for herself and prospered. The other wife was given the pension but faded into history. Many other residents gladly welcomed all the visitors. The beautiful ladies in the photograph watched over the event.
