Little Known Gems

Collected by K. L. Thames, Post Historian, Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438

The Cut Tree Monument

The cut tree monuments were erected by the Woodmen of the World (WOW), a fraternal insurance company founded in 1883. Early WOW certificates provided for a death and monument benefit. Gravestones were originally furnished to members free of charge and later were offered only to those who purchased a $100 rider to their certificates. WOW monuments vary greatly in size and shape. Some resemble a tree stump, others a stack of cut wood. There are elaborate hand-carved monuments and simple stone markers. All of the markers bear the logo of the WOW, with the society’s motto “Dum, Tacet Clamat” which in Latin means “Though silent, he speaks”. Other symbolisms include the tree stump itself with its cut-off branches, indicating ended life, clinging ivy for steadfastness, memory and faithfulness and the lily at the bottom signifying life sprung anew – eternal life. Many of the monuments stand four to five feet high. In the 1920’s the WOW stopped providing stone markers when the cost became prohibitive. For many years after that, members and lodges arranged for markers and monuments on their own. There are numerous conventional style monuments that bear the WOW logo in the cemetery. Impressive cut tree and stacked log monuments may be found in Sections 1, 2 and 3.

Carillon Bell Tower

The beautiful carillon bell tower was donated to Cedarvale Cemetery through the benevolence of Mr. William H. Frontz, Jr. and his wife Jeanette in 1996 in memory of their beloved children Leigh Ann (6-1-1975 / 4-14-1990) and William Wesley (3-9-1978 / 3-16-1996).

The tower is forty feet in height and the state-of-the-art control system has a 99-year clock that automatically adjusts for seasonal time changes, a battery back-up and is programmable. It can be remotely controlled from anywhere in the cemetery.

Oldest Marked Grave

The oldest marked grave at Cedarvale Cemetery belongs to John Lawson Matthews, who was born July 21, 1890, and died August 25, 1891, at the age of 1 year, 1 month and 4 days. He was the son of Sallie Lawson Matthews (b 3 -13 -1867 d 5 – 8 – 1953) and Jesse Matthews (b 4 – 13 – 1864 d 11 – 12 – 1930). They are buried next to him in Section 4A, Block 142. Master Matthews was buried at another location* and then moved at an unknown date to Cedarvale Cemetery after it was established in 1896.

*It is most likely John Lawson was originally buried in the family plot at the Caney-Matthews Cemetery east of Bay City, and when Judge Matthews died and was buried at Cedarvale the family moved his remains be near his family.

Confederate Group Marker

A group marker was dedicated on May 3rd, 1997, for nine Confederate soldiers who are buried in lost graves at Cedarvale Cemetery. They are Lieutenant Archelaus C. Craft who died in 1912, and Privates Evander Hubbard, died 1903; George W. Lewis, died 1903; William R. Lewis, died 1903; Felding S. Presley, died 1911; John W. Roach, died 1902; H. L. Wilson, died 1919; Fountain Winston, died 1902 and William O. Woffard, died 1903. On the back of the marker is written: Confederate Soldiers from Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas and Virginia whose final resting places in this cemetery are known but to God. A cast iron Confederate Cross of Honor was placed at the foot of the grave. The property was donated by Kenneth L. Thames and gift deeded to the E. S. Rugeley Chapter No. 542, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Bay City, Texas.

Highest Military Award

Master Sergeant Mike C. Pena, born November 6, 1924, died September 5, 1950, in Korea. MSGT Pena was attached to the 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was cited for leading a counterattack on September 4, 1950, near Waegwan, Korea, that regained lost positions. When ammunition ran low, he ordered his men back, then alone covered their withdrawal with a machine gun. He held off attacking “Reds” until early the next morning when his position was overrun, and he was killed. He was posthumously awarded the U. S. Army Distinguished Service Cross for his gallantry. On March 18, 2014, this award was superseded, and MSGT Pena was awarded the Medal of Honor. He is buried in Cedarvale Cemetery, Section 8, Block 25.

Mr. Hartman A. Soli, born June 14, 1919, died October 9, 2000. Lt. Hartman Soli was attached to Air Group 7 aboard the USS Hancock CV-19 during WWII. He piloted a Grumman Hellcat. He was credited with shooting down two Japanese aircraft. During the second battle of the Philippine Sea, he damaged a Japanese cruiser with rocket hits and 50 caliber machine gun fire. In addition, he helped destroy two cargo ships and a destroyer escort and participated in numerous attacks on such targets as Nausei Shoto, the Philippines, Formosa and the China Sea area. He flew a total of 42 combat sorties. He was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism and two Air Medals in June 1945. He and his wife, Fay, are buried at Cedarvale Cemetery, Section 9, Block 7.

Davy Crockett’s Grandson

Mr. David Thomas Crockett’s (1849 – 1918) father was Robert Patton Crockett, son of David (Davy) D. Crockett and Elizabeth (Patton) Crockett. His Grandfather, David D. Crockett was a former Tennessee legislator and US Congressman who came to Texas to help fight for Texas independence. He was killed at the battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836. David Thomas and his wife Sanfran Cisco Crockett are buried at Cedarvale Cemetery Section 2, Block 60.