Mound Cemetery of Brooklyn Center

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Mound Cemetery Association chose the name "Mound Cemetery" because Native American mounds were located at the south end of Palmer Lake. The Cemetery was dedicated "to God as a holy burial place for His children and was sacred to the community" according to Ellen Bohanon, wife of an Association Treasurer. In 1873, another piece of land, a little over 2 acres was purchased for $30, followed by the official incorporation of the Association. Again, in 1883, another 2 acres was purchased for $300 from James and Pearl Hendrickson with the stipulation it must always be used for "God's Acres". The final parcel was bought from Frank Howe in 1956. During World War II, when most able-bodied men were in uniform, it was Mrs. Everett Sandahl, mother of six, who took up a pick and shovels and dug over 100 graves during the war. She later became Secretary of the Mound Cemetery Association. In the older sections of the cemetery there are iron posts that may had rings at the top to tie horses while people visited their ancestors more than a century ago. The cemetery was started with 2 acres of land purchased near Palmer Lake for $48 from James Henderson and his wife. There were 33 names on the list of donors, workers and original lot owners. On May 2, 1862 a group of men met to establish a cemetery in Brooklyn Center. Twenty men gave from one to two dollars each to cover initial expenses. The first president of Mound Cemetery was Asa Howe. The formal record of certification was