North Sawba Cemetery
Originally uploaded by Kathi S
Inscription on monument reads:
"North Sawba Cemetery had its official beginning on the 10th day of October 1875 when a tract of land was given to the New Hope Church of the Methodist Episcopal Church South to be used for a cemetery. This tract of land, which was on high ground, was used for burials years before it officially became a cemetery. Since it was a "free" cemetery people from all areas including Armorel, Huffman, Dell, Blytheville, Yarbro, Gosnell, and even some from Missouri buried their family members and friends here. It is believed North Sawba may contain Civil War casualties from the military action that took place on the Pemiscot Bayou. It is known there are Civil War and World War I veterans buried here.
On the 17th day of April 1942, the War Department authorized the U.S. Army to acquire 2670 acres of land, including North Sawba Cemetery, to establish a twin engine flying field on the Gosnell site. On the 10th day of June 1942, the U.S. Army Air Force Advanced Flying School (T.E.) was activated.
The U.S. Army surveyed, recorded, and made a grid showing the location of each grave and its monuments. There were 339 monuments and numerous markers of metal and other materials, and a total of 1806 pieces were removed and replaced. In 1943, the U.S. Air Field was deactivated and the cemetery ______ to the City of Blythville, Arkansas.
In 1955, the North Sawba Cemetery once again returned to government jurisdiction with the activation of Blytheville Air Force Base, later renamed Eaker Air Base until closure December 1992. Of the 339 monuments and markers of other materials totaling 1806 pieces the U.S. Army listed in 1942, only 26 tombstones remain. It was discovered that the grid to the cemetery was missing and the tombstones had been replaced in no certain order.
There may be as many as 5000 persons buried in North Sawba Cemetery, however, there are no available records before1920. Cobb and Hall Funeral Home records, McHaney Monument records, the Blytheville Courier News newspapers were researched and individuals have given the names of their relatives and friends that they know are buried there. A complete listing will never be accomplished. This monument is dedicated to all persons buried in the North Sawba Cemetery.
Erected 1998
North Sawba Cemetery Committee
Andy Bevill – Chairman
Howard Cameron
Alex "Bo" Daniels
L.D. "Buck" Harris
Gene Huntzicker"
