Crownland Cemetery

Monument The Civil War monument will be on your right as you enter the main gates of the cemetery and is very easy to find. It sits at the highest point in the city of Noblesville. Source: Image courtesy of the photographer Creator: Hamilton East Public Library Date: 2020

Although most members of the Hamilton County school of illustrators kept strong connections to their roots, they settled in other parts of the country. They were often buried in their adopted places of residence. A few who remained here chose to be buried at Crownland Cemetery, established in 1867 at the highest point in the city of Noblesville. It was created as a part of the 19th century “garden cemetery” movement. It was landscaped to be aesthetically pleasing and create a soothing atmosphere. The older sections contain many distinctively designed memorials.

Artist Burials at Crownland Cemetery
One of the artists buried here is Russell Berg (1901-1966), who did illustrations and editorial cartoons. He became known for his Chautauqua performances involving drawing and lecturing. Another artist is Lee Offutt (1908-1966), who was employed during the Great Depression to create artwork for the Noblesville Library. Also buried here are Jacob and Luseta Brehm, the parents of George and Worth Brehm.

Other Burials of Note at Crownland Cemetery
Other notable burials at this cemetery include William Conner, who had died in 1855 and was buried in Riverside Cemetery. He was then moved and reinterred in Crownland soon after it was opened. Flooding issues at Riverside were a key reason why the new cemetery was established. Conner was the first white settler-colonizer of Hamilton County and his home is now preserved as the centerpiece of Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. Norman Norell (1900-1972), the leading American fashion designer in the 1950s and 1960s, is interred in his family mausoleum. Earl “Lucky” Teter (1901-1942) was a nationally known stunt driver who did work for films in the 1930’s. He died when a stunt failed during a performance.

The marble monument on the south end of the cemetery was erected in July of 1868 and is one of the oldest Civil War monuments in the state. It was sculpted by Enoch M. Jackson of Anderson and is 28 ½ feet tall and weighs 17 ½ tons. It is at the highest point in the cemetery and contains the names of virtually everyone from Hamilton County who served in the military during the Civil War.