UNITY CEMETERY

Hartford, Arkansas

(a.k.a. Statham Cemetery)

Tombstone Inscriptions as of May 1995

     Almeda, "wife of R. H."                 Sarah Ann
     b.   28 May 1837                        b.   4 Apr 1816
     d.   30 Aug 1887                        d.   4 Jun 1863

     R. D. Statham                           G. H. Statham [George H.]
     b.    3 Jul 1814                        b.  25 Mar 1865
     d.   20 Jan 1858                        d.  15 Mar 1882

     N. S. (small tablet only)               Mary Davis
     (believed to be Nathaniel               b.  23 May 1857
     Statham)                                d.   9 Jun 1894
                                             Mary Elizabeth Statham, 
                                               husband Benjamin Davis

     Warren F. Statham (**)                  Herman Statham
     b.   8 Jan 1875                         "son of R. H. Lucy Statham"
     d.   7 Nov 1891                         b.   8 Feb 1890
                                             d.   9 Oct 1895

     R. H. Statham                           "Neoma" (**) 
     "Mason"                                 "dau of C. Matties Strickland"
     b.  31 Dec 1861                         b.  25 Jan 1917
     d.     Apr 1915                         d.   4 Spr 1917

** (As of 3-14-1997, still trying to find relationship to the Statham Family)

Directions to Unity Cemetery: Proceed 1.5 miles South of the town of Hartford on “Old Hartford Road.” At the three way intersection, turn onto “West Creek Road.” Proceed past the 2nd gate on your left (which occurs at approximately 1.5 miles). Go another 1/10th of a mile and the cemetery is on your left, located approximately 50-75 yards from the road. Maud Heavener-Efurd of Mansfield occasionally ties “survey marker tape” on the fence to mark the location. You will need to cross a barbed wire fence for access to the cemetery.

Richard D. Statham and George Spotswood Statham were born in Virginia and migrated to “Sugar Loaf Township” around 1840-50. George Statham’s grave was thought to be marked by a “G. S.” marker which has disappeared over time. Recent information received from a distant cousin indicates George Spotwood Statham is buried in a cemetery North of Mansfield. This "G. S." marker 'may' have been the grave of an infant named after George Spotswood.

The steel “Unity Cemetery” sign was hand forged by William Harrison Statham of Hartford, Arkansas, who was the great great grandson of the R. D. Statham buried there. William Harrison Statham is buried at Hartford Memorial Park with others in his family. “Unity” was the name for the local area and its school, hence the name “Unity Cemetery.” The Cemetery is located on the farm once owned by Richard H. Statham family.