Historian’s book remembers deceased at Thomas Cemetery
Historian and genealogist Teresa A. Clark has self-published a new book, “Thomas Cemetery, North Little Rock, Pulaski Co., Arkansas — Interments, Obituaries and Articles.”
For many years, Clark had noticed the cemetery, located in North Little Rock, was overgrown and neglected. “It was so sad to see that no one cared enough about the people that had lived in this community to take care of their final resting place,” she said in a news release.
Clark researched the city records to learn who owned the cemetery, with no success. She learned that, sporadically, Scouts, church groups and other volunteers would mow and clean it up, but nothing ongoing. She said many of the stones are broken or have settled into the ground.
Clark researched archived newspapers, funeral home records and internet sources in her quest to identify all the people buried at the cemetery. Previously published lists had identified 368 burials; she has identified over 400 more.
The book not only lists the names of those buried there, but also their obituaries, and if found, other newspaper articles about the deceased. Clark, who self-published the book, plans to donate copies to major genealogical libraries.
A member of several lineage organizations, including Daughters of the American Colonists, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons & Daughters of the Pilgrims, Colonial Dames 17th Century, United States Daughters of 1812 and others, Clark acknowledged the “invaluable assistance” of her sister, Lisa Clark Winkleman, governor of the Arkansas Society SDP and regent of the Lt. Samuel Cherry Chapter DAC. She also recognized her friend and mentor, Betty Harp, president of the Colonial Dames of America, Chapter XXXIV along with Jacque Armstrong, Regent of the Prudence Hall Chapter DAR.
“The 235-page book is an invaluable tool for researching Arkansas history and especially NLR history,” the release said. It is available for a $25 tax-deductible donation to the Thomas Cemetery Association. Email taclark12@comcast.net for more information.