Big Pine Cemetery District

Big Pine Cemetery District. . , The Big Pine Crocker Cemetery site was first used by pioneer families as early as the late 1860s. The earliest dated surviving headstone is that of Henry W. from 1875. Other undated headstones may be from earlier burials. Research continues on the early burials at this site. , , This five acre parcel was considered one of the most verdant in the Big Pine area. It is fed by the waters of Big Pine Creek and has an unsurpassed view of Palisade Glacier. For the token sum of five dollars in gold, James C. Crocker and Edwin M. Crocker deeded the property to Oliver Allerton, Alice Ober, and B.W. Thomas for the town of Big Pine on May 2, 1892. All three of these original cemetery trustees are buried here. , , Interments in the Crocker Cemetery represent a cross section of Big Pine's population and history. They include Native Americans, miners, ranchers, shopkeepers, victims of the 1918 influenza epidemic, major figures from the Los Angeles and Owens Valley Water Wars, and everyday folks - all of whom shaped Big Pine. Additionally, there are over 200 veterans from the Mexican War of 18 12, the Civil War, world war one, world war two, Korea, Vietnam, and from more recent conflicts. , , The cemetery was administered by local citizen-trustees until 1930, when the Big Pine Cemetery District, a State of California Special District of the County of Inyo, was formed. It is currently administered by a five member Board of Trustees appointed by the Board of Supervisors of Inyo County as an Endowment Care cemetery. It is subject to the provisions of the California Health and Safety Code. , , The District's second property, the Woodman of the World Cemetery, was first used as a burial site when the water table was so high at the Crocker Cemetery that graves could not be dug without collapsing and filling with water. The earliest known burials at Woodman Cemetery date from around 1917. Research continues on early burials at this site. , , Many of the early wooden markers and crosses have been lost to the elements, which has resulted in over 100 unmarked graves. Simple markers bearing the message "Unknown But Not Forgotten" accompanied by a forget-me-not flower are placed on the graves of the unknown. When research is able to identify an unmarked burial, a marker containing the deceased's name, birth date, birth place, and death date is provided by the District. , , The photos in the center of this sign are of early or unique headstones and markers in Crocker Cemetery. , No. 1 - The earliest dated headstone in Crocker Cemetery belonging to Henry Washington Grover, who died in 1875 at 16 days old. , No. 2 - An example of the early wooden grave marker. There is still some lettering visible on this example, which memorializes Arthur Maxwell Stout, who died at four months old. , No. 3 - The granite log on top of the headstone is typical of a Woodman of the World design. It was provided by the insurance company to members at the time of death. , No. 4 - This ornate marker is made of metal and has withstood the elements better than most wood and stone markers. Many fine examples can be found throughout Crocker Cemetery. , No. 5 - A drawing of a late 1800s hearse, the type of which would have been used throughout the Owens Valley for funerals. , No. 6 - This hand-carved headstone is one of several found in the Crocker Cemetery. This picture depicts the deceased with his mining equipment. , No. 7 - A five-pointed star marks the graves of veterans of the Civil War. The letters GAR stand for the Grand Army of the Republic. , No. 8 - An example of a laser engraved headstone that captures the beauty of an Owens Valley Paiute toni.