Calvary Cemetery (Memphis)
| Calvary Cemetery (Memphis) | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Established | 1867 |
| Coordinates | 35°06′12″N 90°01′28″W / 35.10333°N 90.02444°W |
| Type | Public |
| No. of graves | 45,000 |
| Find a Grave | Calvary Cemetery |
| The Political Graveyard | Calvary Cemetery |
Calvary Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, is a historic Catholic burial ground consecrated in 1867[1]. Located at 1663 Elvis Presley Boulevard, it serves as the second Catholic cemetery in Shelby County, following the closure of St. Peter Cemetery[2].
Burials
Samuel Henderson (c. 1827-1907)
Known as "Uncle Sam" or "St. Peter's Sam," Henderson was an African-American groundskeeper and Catholic convert. Born into slavery, he became a free man after the Civil War and served the Dominican priests during the 1878 yellow fever epidemic. His selfless care for the sick and dying earned him local reverence, and he is under consideration for beatification by the Catholic Church[3].
Joseph D. Montedonico (1852–1909)
A prominent Italian-American banker and insurance executive, Montedonico served as the Consular Agent for Italy in Memphis during the late 19th century. He was also a member of the Tennessee State Senate, reflecting the influence of Memphis' Italian community in civic affairs[4].
Dolores Costello (1903–1979)
An actress known as the "Goddess of the Silent Screen," Costello was a prominent figure in early Hollywood. She was married to John Barrymore and was the mother of actress Diana Barrymore. Her legacy in the film industry is commemorated at her gravesite in Calvary Cemetery[5].
Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton (1885–1941)
A pioneering figure in early jazz, Morton claimed to have invented jazz and was a key figure in its development. His contributions to music are celebrated[6], and his burial at Calvary Cemetery reflects his importance in American cultural history.
Cedric Gibbons (1893–1960)
A prolific film art director and production designer, Gibbons was instrumental in shaping the visual style of classic Hollywood films. His work earned him multiple Academy Awards, and his resting place in Calvary Cemetery honors his significant impact on the film industry[7].
References
- ^ "Calvary Cemetery Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ^ "Memphis Calvary Cemetery - Memphis, TN (Address, Phone, and Fax)". www.countyoffice.org. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ "A rock befitting St. Peter's: Samuel Henderson, a Black Catholic hero in the 1878 Memphis plague". Black Catholic Messenger. 2022-02-13. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ "The Political Graveyard: Shelby County, Tenn". politicalgraveyard.com. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ^ "Drew Barrymore Had 'Tears Streaming Down' Her Face After Coming Across Old Photos of Grandmother". People.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Mennenga, Lacinda (2008-06-29). "Ferdinand Joseph La Menthe "Jelly Roll" Morton (1885-1941)". BlackPast.org. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ^ Floorwalker, Mike (2022-03-29). "The Untold Truth Of The Man Who Designed The Oscar Statuette (And Won 11 Of Them)". Grunge. Retrieved 2025-05-29.