From H. W. Beckwith's History of Vigo County, 1880
Page 52-53
The first burial-ground was on the square east of Sixth street, between Ohio and
Main. Curtis Gilbert afterward built his dwelling on the site (Rem. still standing). The
second burial-ground was on an out-lot, north of the town, on the hill overlooking the
river, west of Water street. Many good people were buried here. It was in what was called
the "Old Indian Orchard". The third was on Third street, north
of the town, on land which in my early childhood was an Indian corn-field. A lone grave,
surrounded by a picket fence, was on the west side of Seventh street, near the end of
Walnut street. The man buried there was Mr. Davenport. I never knew anything of him.
Page 65
The "Old Indian Orchard". This locality deserves more than
a passing notice. As has been stated, it was for many years used for a burying-ground by
the earlier settlers; in fact, until the opening of the city cemetery for use, about 1889.
All that now remains of this once beautiful place is the enclosure just south of the
Vandalia railroad track, on the river bank. A few grave-stones still remain. These stones
are of a red and gray sandstone. There are some locust trees which bear marks of
considerable age; also a few large black oaks are found, while some trees of younger
growth are springing up on the slope toward the river. The situation overlooks the Wabash,
and before the ruthless hand of improvement invaded the spot, must have been of surpassing
loveliness. No wonder the eye of those "children of nature" - the wild Indians -
was captivated by the scene. But three or four graves remain; most of the bodies
originally buried here have been removed to the city cemetery. The Vandalia railroad is
cut through the hill or mound, and the old canal bed is on the west side.
Note: See the Indian legend of the Indian Orchard on pages 66-75.
Page 151
Woodlawn Cemetery is situated in the northern part of the city, on
Sec. 16. The original purchase was made by the city in 139, and contained about sixteen
acres. About as much more was afterward purchased, and nearly the entire tract is included
in the present inclosure. The first burial was made here about 1840. When the canal was
dug through the old burial-ground at Indian Orchard most of the bodies
buried there were removed to the new ground. Mr. H. D. Milns, who came to Terre Haute in
1833, was superintendent of this cemetery for about twenty years, counting from 1842. Mr.
Milns says that in the course of the first ten years he buried 1,427 persons, digging
every grave himself. Until within a year or two the place was called the "City"
cemetery; since then it has borne its present name, "Woodlawn". The
methods of reports, etc., devised by Mr. Milns, are still used.
The Catholic graveyard is north of Woodlawn, and in the same inclosure. The Hebrew cemetery is immediately west of Woodlawn.
About two miles out of the city is, or was, a cemetery called the "Lone Tree". These, including those previously mentioned, are believed to be all the burial-places in Harrison township.