Preserving Camp Ground History For Future Generations
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The grave of William Mason Giles, who died Nov. 27, 1852, is the oldest documented burial at Camp Ground Cemetery, according to Mississippi Genealogy Trails records.
One of the joys of preserving local history is discovering the stories of the people and places that shaped the community. As I’m researching Camp Ground Cemetery, one question sparked particular interest: Who is the oldest documented burial in the cemetery?
Other history is also emerging about the Camp Ground community. There are stories of tent revivals once held east of the cemetery, a consolidated Camp Ground School that served area families through 12th grade in the 1920s and a girls’ basketball team that captured a state championship in 1935.
The Oldest Documented Burial
According to records published on the Mississippi Genealogy Trails website, the oldest documented burial at Camp Ground Cemetery is William Mason Giles, who was born Jan. 4, 1792, in North Carolina and died Nov. 27, 1852.
His wife, Lucinda Gray Giles, was born Nov. 1, 1800, and died Jan. 24, 1864. She is listed as the fifth oldest documented burial in the cemetery.
Their daughter, Marina Malvira Giles Spears, was born May 26, 1834, and died Feb. 19, 1873. In 1859, she married Benjamin Franklin Spears (1836-1909).
According to Find A Grave records, the couple had three children: Dellia O. Spears Darr (1861-1925), Makinley C. “Mack” Spears (1861-1928) and Eugene Adrian Spears (1866-1915). Records suggest Dellia and Mack may have been twins, although sources differ on their exact birth months.
Following the Family Trail
Dellia later married William Douglas Darr in 1902 and was buried in Nixon Cemetery in Charleston, Arkansas.
The youngest sibling, Eugene Adrian Spears, married Dora D. Davis in 1888, and they had four children.
Eugene and several of his descendants are also buried in Parks Cemetery in Charleston, Arkansas.
Preserving History for Future Generations
Today, the grave markers of William and Lucinda Giles remain visible in Camp Ground Cemetery, though time and weather have taken a toll. After more than 170 years, the stones serve as reminders of the community’s earliest known residents.
Friends of Camp Ground Cemetery hopes to continue researching this family and other pioneer families while working to preserve these historic markers for future generations.
Camp Ground Cemetery has many more stories waiting to be discovered. Each name, date and family connection helps piece together the history of a community that deserves to be remembered.
If you have information about Camp Ground Cemetery, the Camp Ground community, Camp Ground School or related local history, contact focgc@yahoo.com or join Friends of Camp Ground Cemetery on Facebook.
