The Ralston Cemetery is lcoated about a half mile south of West 64th Avenue in Arvada, and three blocks west of Eldridge Street. There is no access road, but vandals have found their way in over the years and left a path of destruction. Because of this, some of the families of those buried there have moved the remains of their loved ones to other local cemeteries. In the Burials, click moved burials to see a full list of those burials which were moved.

The history of this cemetery is as uncertain as its name. It is commonly called Ralston Cemetery, apparently because the area was popularly known as Ralston Crossing in the early days. It has also been called Osborn Hill Cemetery, presumably after the family who made the first burials there. There are land records regarding the property, but none of them specify a name. There is a quit claim deed from 1902 given by Mary Ann Broad, which specifies that the 2.82 acre parcel should be used as a community cemetery. The description says the parcel is shaped like an egg, and located on a knoll which is easily visible from Eldridge Street or Sixty-fourth Avenue.

The cemetery trustees were William C. Carroll, Torrence White, and Joseph A. Newcomb.

To see images please click here.

According to "More Than Gold," published by the Arvada Historical Society, Torrence White was the son of a minister, who hoped that Torrence would follow him in that career. However, the Civil War intervened and Torrence found himself serving in the Union Army. His experience attending deaths and conducting funerals familiarized him and Enoch Newcomb with funeral procedures.

The oldest grave marker in the cemetery today marks the burial place of triplets, born to S.S. and M.J. Osborn on October 2, 1869. Ira died that same day, his sister Ida six days later, and Charles W. on December 17. There is a marker, erected in 1995 by "descendants and friends" which is "dedicated to the pioneers of the area." It says the cemetery was founded "prior to 1869," presumably based on the dates on this grave marker.

HERE IS THE OLDEST KNOWN ARTICLE OF THE CEMETERY

Part 1