The cemetery itself is constructed from a decorative wrought-iron fence. These were commonplace at the time for family cemeteries, especially among the wealthier ones. Originally, the decorative gate and posts were cast up in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, also known as “The Iron City.” The materials were shipped down the Mississippi River, then through Galveston and up the Trinity River to the property, where a vast majority still remains to this day.
The gate is adorned with a decorative weeping willow tree, with lambs at the bottom and birds in the tree, along with decorative posts molded to look like shucked corn husks. The name “Sam Calhoun” adorns the top of the gate. Samuel Calhoun’s obelisk-style gravestone would be custom-made and shipped along the Trinity River on a steamboat named the “Wrenn.”
Later on, the cemetery would fall into disrepair. However, Calhoun’s granddaughter Stephanie Tredennick would refurbish and restore the cemetery grounds around the year 1967.
On April 12, 1969, a Texas Historical Marker dedication took place in Huntsville. Stephanie Tredennick would be present at this ceremony. While the ceremony was originally supposed to be on the property itself, inclement weather would move the ceremony into the Hospitality room in the Huntsville National Bank. A trust fund would also be set up for the cemetery, which continues to be held by the Lemmon family.
While some descendants (such as Dr. Logan Wilson, former president of the University of Texas) were buried nearby in the famous “Oakwood Cemetery,” the cemetery continues to be used for various family descendants’ burials.
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