Cemeteries: Melton Cemetery, Winn Parish, LA Submitted by: Grady L. McFarland, 379 Packton-Alex Rd,Winnfield,La 71483 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.org/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** From: Personal records/censuses, records/interviews of Johnnie E. Moore & B.E. Melton, records of M. Wayne Melton and records of Winn Parish, La. Melton Cemetery (Revision) Note: Listing of burial plots has been changed to show family kinship of persons buried to make searches easier / more informative for website visitors. Following is a history of the Melton Cemetery, from pre-1860 days to present. Attached is a roster of grave markers current through 8/09/1999. For further background information, refer to Ben Elbert "Walker" Melton Family and Johnnie E. Moore Family articles in Winn Parish Archives. The Melton Cemetery is located in the SE - SW of Sec 17-T10N-R2W Winn Parish West of US HWY 167 next to Parish Road 428. Earliest settler was Austin Jefferson Melton, who emigrated from Georgia about 1850. He and his brother, Madison McKinney Melton, returned to the Sec 17 area on 2/15/1858. Madison farmed/lived in Sec 17 until his death in 1895, and had extensive property holdings in other sections. US land records note Jeff obtaining (7/02/1860) 158.68 ac in the SE/4 of 18-10-2 just west of cemetery. James Edgar got title (10/10/1896) to 159.64 ac in the NW/SE of 20-10-2 just south of cemetery. No US records have been found for Madison. Madison's succession was probated/divided on 2/17/1896 by John D. Moore, Tutor as noted in Book E, Page 667, Winn Parish Records. Lot description does not specify which of his surviving heirs got the Sec 17 property that the Melton Cemetery is located upon. It is known that James Edgar Melton, his son, built a church adjacent to the present cemetery location. Prior to 3/26/1935, Grant Timber & Mfg Co. had obtained all land in Sec. 17 (less E/2 of NE/4) and cut the timber. Cemetery remained in constant usage during this period. On 3/26/1935 the USFS bought the land from Grant Timber as part of Kisatchie National Forest acquisition as noted in Book 44, Page 413. The sale was not appealed within a ten year prescribe period to protest the inclusion of cemetery property in the transfer deed, and appeal rights to retain ownership were lost. Mr. George M. Tannehill, Winn District Ranger - USFS intervened on behalf of the Melton Family and arranged a property lease from the USFS. On 4/14/1948, Mrs. Mollie Melton Stephens ( daughter of Elbert M. Melton), got a 99 year lease from the USFS for three acres for the Melton Church and Cemetery as noted in Book 66, Page 166. Property remained under the direct ownership of Kisatchie National Forest. From 1974 on, repeated efforts were made by Johnnie E. Moore to get the ownership of the cemetery property resolved. Howard Wilson, USFS RPLS #322 made an initial Certificate of Survey of the cemetery on 9/19/1974 for a three acre tract. On 6/12/1975, he made a revised Plat of Survey showing changes necessitated (33') from USFS resurveys of Sec 17 South line. These were the final survey notations. On 7/06/1983, US Senator Russell B. Long was in the area to view tornado damage from 5/19/1983 storms to Winn Parish timberlands. He was asked by Mr. Johnnie E. Moore for assistance in getting land title problems of the Melton and Tyson Cemeteries resolved. Sen. Long's grand-parents are buried in the Tyson Cemetery. Upon his return to Washington, Senator Long exercised his immense governmental influence for direct cabinet level US Department of Agriculture intervention in getting the cemetery property transferred back to local ownership. Letter of 6/05/1984 from Max Peterson, Chief of US Forest Service - Washington, DC to Senator Russell Long: " This is a status report on your request of 5/23/1984 on the status of--- Melton family's efforts to acquire title to the site of the Melton Cemetery -". " Kisatchie supervisors are preparing the transfer." On 5/27/1984, an affadavit was prepared at Winnfield and signed by Judge Hiram Wright. Petionners/signers were Johnnie E. Moore, age 78, Katie Moore, age 91 and Lee J Melton, age 86. It stated that: "Melton Cemetery was recognized as such prior to Jan. 13, 1887. This fact is known because Mrs. Sarah Melton Moore was buried there in January, 1887 -- grave has a marker - Cemetery was fenced before/around 1900 - family members have been buried there since 1887." This affadavit was sent to Senator Long for transmittal to Chief - USFS. On 8/28/1984, letter from USDA Chief Legal Counsel to USFS Director of Land: " It is agreed that a quitclaim deed should be issued to the Melton Cemetery Fund ---- Board of Directors -- or Johnnie E. Moore, Chairman" Charter of Melton Cemetery Fund: legal papers drawn up and filed with State of Louisiana, Secretary of State. Recorded 10/15/1984. Filing fees paid by Johnnie E. Moore and Lee J. Melton. Officers: Sec/Tres: M.Wayne Melton: Directors: J.E.Moore, W.H. Melton, Ernest Melton, Ernest Melton,Jr Mrs. Woodrow Melton, Heflin Nugent and Mrs. Tom Hale. On 11/05/1984, the Atlanta, Ga regional office of the USFS filed a quitclaim deed transferring ownership in perpetuity from the United States of America - USFS to the Melton Cemetery Fund for three acres of property - the present Cemetery location. Title deed also notes that the property was included by mistake in the purchase from Grant Timber & Mfg Co on 3/26/1935. It released and returned cemetery property to the Melton Cemetery Fund. Filed & recorded 12/12/1984 in Book 164, Page 216. The transfer of property was greatly facilitated by the efforts of Kenneth Crawford (now retired)-Ranger/Winn District and Robert Joslin - Pineville Supervisor; Kisatchie National Forest - USFS. Major financial contributors to the startup of the Melton Cemetery Fund for needed construction and perpetual upkeep were: Johnnie E. Moore - transferred Bank of Winnfield & Trust CD # 065-4774965, renewal date 9/27/1984, valued at $ 5,110 to fund. Succession of Katie McDonald Moore - 1987 - CD transfer of $ 3,000 to fund. Mamie Elizabeth Melton Younger - 1994 donation of $2000 to fund. After the property was transferred, what timber that remained on the North tract was cut and proceeds ( $ 900 ) went to Fund. From this and the initial seed trust funds, North tract was cleared of brush/stumps & entire area was chain link fenced, except for perimeter areas. Flagpole was provided by Winston "Dub" Younger,Jr. Later improvements ( paid for by Johnnie E. Moore ) have been a main gate overhead sign, two water line system upgrades and restroom bldg. Let the record note, that in large part due to his years of personal labor and involvement in Cemetery needs, it is a beautiful burial site now finally under private trust ownership. The present tabernacle building was constructed about 1950. Wooden benches presently used were donated by Atlanta Church and Bethlehem Church. Their acquisition and movement was engineered by JE Moore and Lee Melton. For the information of family members, the legal description of property is: From the SE corner of the SE/4 of SW/4 of Sec 17, T10N, R2W, Winn Parish, Go North 3.60 chns to North ROW of road, thence go N 49-37'W 1.955 chns, thence go S 85-36'W 6.816 chns to SE corner of 3 acre cemetery use. Thence go N 1-44'E 6.00 chns, thence go S 88-40'W 5.00 chns, thence go S 1-44'E 6.00 chns, thence go N 88-40'E 5.00 chns to POB. Annual reunion date is the Saturday before the third Sunday in May. Roster of grave/tombstone markers: A registry of burial showing all burials from beginning is not available. Information available to the writer denotes no unmarked graves present. The marker for A. Jeff and Francis Swafford Melton is a memorial plaque, as they are buried elsewhere. They were the original settlers here. Memorial plaque was paid for by: Lee Melton, John D. Melton, Rusty Melton, Ernest Melton, Johnnie E. Moore and M. Wayne Melton. Note: All Meltons buried here are descendants of Madison M. Melton. Note: For complete list of descendants, refer to article: "Madison M. Melton Family of Winn Parish" on Winn Parish USGENWEB site. This was submitted to Winn Parish Archives after first cemetery article. Bagur Sybil Melton 12/19/1924 - open d/o Luther & Tennie Warren A 12/23/1919 - 2/22/1993 Baker Edward Oatis 5/24/1885 - 1/04/1957 Julia Wise 10/03/1896 - 10/28/1963 Bohannon Patsy Keith 12/22/1940 - 5/07/1996 d/o Jewell Melton Keith Sheppard William O 9/23/1939 - open h/o Patsy Cash Donald Otis 11/24/1932 - 7/29/1990 h/o of Jewel Janette Jewel Janette 12/22/1935 - open Coburn Lona May 9/16/1898 - 10/02/1908 d/o of GL & SV Deville Inf dau M/Mrs H A 9/12/1940 - 9/13/1940 Finlay Pleas C (Pap) 4/03/1887 - 7/06/1963 h/o Lou Anna Lou Anna Melton 4/03/1897 - 7/01/1987 d/o James E & Alma Dorothy 5/17/1915 - 10/16/1934 Foreman Linda Dianne 5/25/1942 - 7/25/1944 d/o Evelyn Foreman Gilmore William F --- 5/14/1923 s/o Kate Melton (d/o Elbert M) & William Haigler James no dates Co K 17 Ala Inf CSA (1845 - >1911) No name no dates No name no dates Harkins Laura Louise Melton 8/22/1915 - 2/11/1995 d/o William Jefferson & Iva Carol Ann 12/22/1952 - open d/o Louise Mary Louise d/o M/Mrs J W 9/24/1945 - 5/11/1947 Hughes Jimmie ---- 1920 Hunt James Matison 7/19/1897 - 3/22/1900 s/o Emma Melton & James E Hunt Josiah Elbert 2/16/1899 - 3/25/1900 bro to James Melton Austin Jefferson 1827 - 1864 h/o Francis; bro of Madison M Francis Swafford 1832 - 1894 mar. 3/07/1852 (Memorial marker - not buried in Melton Cem) Madison McKinney 11/08/1827 - 4/16/1893 bro of Austin Jeff Susan Caroline Swain 11/17/1830 - 8/25/1905 mar. 7/10/1849 Elbert Madison 4/14/1856 - 9/05/1932 s/o Madison & Susan ( wife Laura Tyson buried at Tyson Cem) mar. 1876 William Jefferson 4/16/1881 - 9/07/1957 s/o Elbert Iva Pearl Howell 6/18/1889 - 12/24/1972 w/o William J; mar. 1/03/1911 Woodrow Wilson 2/10/1912 - 8/05/1971 s/o William Jefferson Nella Ada Long 11/15/1912 - 8/30/1990 w/o Woodrow; mar. 10/15/1932 Patricia Joyce Evans 1/23/1942 - 9/20/1997 w/o Shelby Carter Melton; s/o Woodrow & Nell; mar. 2/06/1958 William Jackson 10/20/1918 - 1/29/1997 s/o William Jefferson Riley Clinton 4/11/1890 - 9/22/1970 s/o William Derrell & Nancy Lillie Williams 2/04/1898 - 5/23/1984 2nd w/o Riley C; mar. 1929 Riley Bowman 10/26/1917 - 1/30/1971 s/o Riley & Mamie Gelvin William Huey 1/09/1923 - 5/26/1995 s/o Riley & Mamie Gelvin Hazel Adams 8/06/1924 - open w/o Huey Wright Spencer 10/11/1893 - 10/20/1976 s/o William Derrell & Nancy Genia Johnson 10/05/1890 - 6/04/1951 w/o Wright; mar. 1913 George Cranford 12/10/1901 - 10/23/1981 s/o William Derrell & Nancy Rosanna Morris 3/19/1908 - 1/28/1977 w/o Cranford; 12/06/1930 James Edgar 10/05/1861 - 5/07/1916 s/o Madison & Susan Alma Jordan 11/17/1866 - 7/04/1932 w/o James E James Charlie 10/07/1888 - 10/26/1951 s/o James Edgar Ida Eagles 2/13/1887 - 9/16/1914 1st w/o J C Ella Louise 12/03/1911 - 7/04/1914 d/o J C & Ida Anna Bell 10/12/1913 - 7/02/1914 d/o J C & Ida Carmen Charlene 11/04/1922 - 11/11/1924 d/o J C & Gracie Howell Luther H 2/09/1893 - 1/18/1973 s/o James Edgar Tennie McDonald 5/07/1898 - 4/19/1996 w/o Luther; mar. 1918 Aron L 11/15/1919 - 1/15/1941 s/o Luther & Tennie Carolyn F 8/28/1934 - 6/09/1949 d/o Luther & Tennie Merty Beatrice 4/07/1898 - 7/05/1904 d/o James E & Alma Annie Mae Johnson 9/12/1900 - 3/15/1927 w/o John ; s/o James E John E 10/05/1925 - 12/28/1995 s/o John & Annie Mae Carol Southerland 7/02/1943 - open 2nd w/o John E Arvin Richard 4/21/1904 - 3/12/1929 s/o James E & Alma Marvin M 4/21/1904 - 3/06/1970 s/o James E & Alma Sam H Sr 10/16/1910 - 11/22/1972 s/o James E & Alma Lonnette D 4/16/1916 - open w/o Sam H Sandra Lee 2/18/1936 - 4/05/1937 d/o Sam H Sean Matthew 9/17/1991 - 9/17/1991 Moore Sarah Florence Melton 1/01/1851 - 1/13/1887 w/o John D Moore Sr. ( d/o Madison & Susan ); mar. 5/09/1875 Infant 1/11/1887 - 1/11/1887 i/o J D & Sarah George W 1/29/1878 - 1/31/1955 s/o John D & Sarah; w/o Sallie Sallie E. Oliver 8/23/1882 - 1/23/1973; mar. 12/28/1904 Thermon M 10/27/1904 - 12/27/1918 s/o George & Sallie Matthew Winford 1/11/1884 - 3/01/1970 s/o John D & Sarah Katie McDonald 8/19/1893 - 2/01/1987 mar. 3/28/1909 Christine Neal 1910 - 1932 w/o John D Moore Jr Neal Marie no dates Ruth no dates Nugent Florence Melton 12/07/1890 - 4/15/1931 w/o C Ode; d/o James Edgar Sarah Florence 3/10/1936 - 3/10/1936 d/o Henry Nugent; s/o Ode Owens Infant no name no dates Sheppard Jewell Wade Melton Keith 9/30/1909 - 7/24/1996 d/o William Derrell Southerland Jerry 3/02/1940 - 5/01/1999 s/o Hugh & Margie Stephens Mollie Melton 5/22/1885 - 10/07/1966 d/o Elbert M & Laura T. Stewart Infant no name no dates Till T M 2/19/1895 - 6/19/1896 s/o J Ollie Till & Anna Melinda Melton, d/o Madison & Susan Tullos Louis "Ed" 11/15/1909 - 6/27/1971 h/o Kathryn Kathryne Stephens 9/24/1912 - 9/16/1989 d/o Mollie Melton Patsy (Messina) 1/15/1937 - 8/04/1999 d/o Kathryn Wise Emma E Melton 5/12/1868 - 3/25/1955 d/o Madison M & Susan Issac E 7/23/1862 - 5/03/1931 2nd h/o Emma Melton Hunt Eugene 3/05/1904 - 3/07/1904 s/o Issac & Emma Younger Winston R Jr "Dub" 3/25/1928 - 9/01/1994 w/o Mamie Melton Mamie Elizabeth Melton 8/11/1928 - open d/o Riley C & Mamie Gelvin Robert W 12/24/1931 - 11/11/1999 bro. of Dub Note: Luther, Aaron and Carolyn Melton were originally buried in the Winnfield Cemetery and were relocated to their present site among family members.