Recently, a number of people made and placed some headstones on some
graves in the Swilling Cemetery at the Stone House in Black Canyon City, Arizona. Involved were: Joyce Du Shane, Bob Nilles, Bob & Susan Marley, Bruce Colbert and myself (Neal Du Shane). The work involved clearing the area where the headstones were to be placed, leveling the ground, and setting the stones.
A Wall next to the grave sites
The two graves here are of Colonel Jacob Snively, born 1809 and died in 1871, and of Matilda Swilling, born 1867 and died October 19, 1875. Matilda was only eight years old. Note that this girl is not to be confused with the Matilda Adeline Swilling who was three years old and possibly buried in the Gillette Cemetery. Matilda Adeline was the second Matilda born to Jack and Trinidad Swilling. No documentation exists regarding the burial location of Matilda Adeline.
The stones were hand-made from cement. All agreed this saga has been put to rest and these markers will help preserve Pioneer History. This is a project of the Arizona Pioneer Cemetery Restoration Project (APCRP).
The actual work was completed on December 4, 2006.
Bruce Colbert, Bob Nilles and Neal DuShane
"Thanks go out to Gary and Beckie Grant to helped build the forms, provide time and materials, plus helped create these headstones. And thanks to the staff that helped place them today. It was a fun and rewarding event." -- Neal Du Shane
Click on the photos to see a larger version of the image.
Bob Nilles and Neal Du Shane
Bob Nilles and Bruce Colbert
working on Matilda Swilling's Headstone
Bob Nilles, Neal Du Shane, Bob Marley, Bruce Colbert, working on Jacob Snively's headstone.
Bob Nilles, Neal Du Shane, Bob Marley, Bruce Colbert, working on Jacob Snively's headstone.
Colonel Jacob Snively's new headstone.
Matilda Swilling's new headstone.
Preparing Matilda's headstone.
Preparing Matilda's headstone.
Webization by Kermit Kittleson, 12-10-06
