City of Norfolk Cemeteries , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Elmwood Cemetery
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
1. Elmwood Cemetery Marker.
Elmwood Cemetery was established in 1853 to ease the overcrowded conditions in the less than 30-year old Cedar Grove Cemetery, which lay across Smith’s Creek from the 50-acre parcel that would become Elmwood. The two cemeteries were connected by a bridge until the creek and nearby marshes were eventually filled in.Elmwood’s romantic landscaping and elaborate monuments and statuary are characteristic of the Victorian era. Of note is the Recording Angel watching over Euphania Couper’s grave, designed and executed by her internationally acclaimed sculptor son William Couper, a Norfolk native.
John Core’s ornate mausoleum is an architectural masterpiece. Core left detailed instructions in his 1910 will, designating $100,000 for a mausoleum and $5,000 to employ “two of the best lawyers” to defend the will against challengers. The bronze sculptures flanking the mausoleum’s entrance are the work of New York sculptor Edward Field Sanford.
Elmwood’s thoroughfares, originally paved with oyster shells, form a cross. Grassy carriage paths laid out in a grid pattern enable families to drive directly to their plots to tend
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
2. Elmwood Cemetery marker, facing north.
The John Core mausoleum is visible in the background (left).
this page online
Erected by City of Norfolk.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 36° 51.555′ N, 76° 16.888′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in City of Norfolk Cemeteries. Marker is on East Princess Anne Road west of Smith Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 238 E Princess Anne Rd, Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cedar Grove Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Elmwood Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); West Point Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named West Point Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); West Point Monument (approx. ¼ mile away); West Point Monument at Elmwood Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); United Order of Tents (approx. ¼ mile away); Ella J. Baker (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.
Also see . . . Elmwood Cemetery - City of Norfolk, Virginia - Official Website. (Submitted on July 5, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia.)
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
3. Elmwood Cemetery marker, facing west along E. Princess Anne Road.
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
4. Exhibit A: Detail of William Couper (1853-1942) photo.
It is courtesy of Greta Elena Couper.
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
5. Exhibit B: Detail of an Elmwood Cemetery painting.
The heading on this painting is: "View of Elmwood Cemetery. Norfolk, Va." It is ca. 1920 and courtesy of Norfolk Public Library.
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
6. Exhibit C: Recording Angel statue.
Inscribed on the base is: Euphania M. Couper was the wife of John D. Couper and youngest daughter of Thomas M.(?) and Mary Cowling of Nansemond County. She was born October 5, 1822 and died September 25, 1895.
Photographed By Don Morfe, March 18, 2000
7. William Carr-Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient
Photo of his private and MOH marker. See caption on prior photo for his MOH details.
Photographed By Don Morfe, March 8, 2000
8. William Carr-Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient
He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Lot 39. He GPS coordinates are N36.8602 and
W76.2819. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: CARR, WILLIAM M.
• Rank and organization: Master-at-Arms, U.S. Navy
• G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864
Citation: On board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Carr performed his duties with skill and courage throughout the prolonged battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the successful attacks carried out on Fort Morgan.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. This page has been viewed 279 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 5, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. 7, 8. submitted on July 10, 2018, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
