Arvada Historical Society

Ralston Cemetery Also known as Osborn Hill Cemetery
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. 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 shaed 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. 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. The photos below were taken by Arvada Historical Society volunteer Matthew Prythero.Some of the graves also have foot stones carrying the initials of those buried there, and in a few places there are footstones without headstones.
A dedication plaque marks the site of a cemetery dating back to at least 1869.	Triplets born to the Osborn family were buried here in 1869, which appears to be the beginning of this cemetery.
The top part of this stone is broken off, but reads "Our Brother" in part. It marks the grave of Andrew J. Ballinger, sone of H. and M.Jl Ballinger, born January 31, 1863, died March 23, 1880.	This stone reads GONE HOME James W. Brinkerhuff, born July 8, 1811, died May 28, 1874. A loving husband, a father dear. A faithfull friend lies buried here.
This is apparently a family stone, as it includes the names of three people who have other grave markers as well.	Though part of the stone is broken off, we know this marked the grave of John L. Brinkerhuff, born April 9, 1861, died January 1, 1880. The inscription reads “The Lord gave and the Lord taketh Away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”
This stone is quite weathered, but marks the grave of Carrie Grace Broad, daughter of R. and M.A. Broad. Carried May 31, 1881 at the age of six months. A line at the bottom is unreadable.	This stone is quite weathered, but marks the grave of Carrie Grace Broad, daughter of R. and M.A. Broad. died May 31, 1881 at the age of six months. A line at the bottom is unreadable.
Ella M. Denter, born February 3, 1869, and died June 6, 1903, was a member of Women of Woodcradt. The symbol at the top reads "Courage, Hope, Remembrance."	This is the left side of Ella Denton's headstone, commemorating Frank C. Denton, born June 28, 1895, died December 18, 1896.
This stone marks the grave of James A. Donaldson, who died October 14, 1889, aged 30 years.	This stone, apparently damaged by vandals, has been repositioned to prevent further harm.It marks the grave of John Kelly, died September 1st, 1874, Aged 26 years.
The grave stone of James Price, who died May 27 1879, aged 61 years, carries an inscription common during the era, "Not lost, blest thought, but gone before, where we shall meet, to part no more."	Lois Rand was born May 7, 1808, died April 14, 1887. The inscription reads "He giveth his beloved sleep"
This is the grave marker of Edith B. White, daughter of T. and D.C. White, died September 4, 1880, aged one year, six months.	This one is quite difficult to read, but marks the grave of James J. White, son of T. and D.C. White, died September 9, 1881. His age at time of death is marked on the stone, but the number is no longer readable.

Ralston Cemetery