The Bohemian National Cemetery (?eský Národní H?bitov) Association was organized in 1873 by the same group of men who started the Bohemian Reading and Educational Society (?esky ?tena?sky V Zd?lavajici Spolek), but was entirely separate from it. At that time the only cemeteries were church affiliated, and many of the pioneers having come here for religious freedom wanted a non?sectarian cemetery. John Kasper, Joseph Kadlec, and Joseph Mikulecky, trustees acting for the Association, bought two acres of land on a wooded hillside from Anton Nunvá? (Nuwash) for $20.
Joseph Kasper surveyed the land and lots 24 feet square were laid out. Many early settlers donated labor and it was credited to them in their purchase of a lot. Some of the early records read, “Joseph Kadlec, $1.16 for lot, plus four days of labor; Anton Nunvá?, $1.15 for lot, plus four days of labor. Anton Zeleny paid $2.50 for his lot without donated labor. Quarterly dues were assessed, and once or twice non?payment of dues resulted in the lot being foreclosed and sold to another.
Two lots were set aside for those not able or desiring to buy full lots, and single places were sold there or given. Many infants are buried there. Another lot was set aside in the center of the cemetery for services. Each Memorial Day, family gathered at the Bohemian Hall and marched to the cemetery, nearly two miles. The oldest and the youngest went with horse and buggy, and Memorial services, with music and a speaker were held. After the practice ended the lot was sold to the Andrews family at a premium.
In 1899 Joseph Friauf, Joseph Muzik, and John Marvan, trustees, bought an additional acre on the east side of the cemetery from Frank Nuwash. The lots were then renumbered and four roads were laid out. In 1937 another acre was purchased south of the cemetery, but was not surveyed and platted until 1978.
Membership in Bohemian National Cemetery Association is open to all people regardless of ethnic or religious background. For more information regarding membership or to purchase a cemetery plot, please see our Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page or the contact page for the Cemetery Association Officers.