I first found this little family cemetery when I use to ride my bike through the larger cemetery nearby to get to the trails in what is now the Crossroads area. I did some research on the Downs family, made some notes, and mostly forgot about it. Then last year a series of puzzle caches were published, and several of them were on the street where this cemetery is adjacent to. I saw the cemetery and thought what a good spot for a cache, but the area was taken. Today, that series of puzzle caches has been archived so I am able to place a cache there.
William H Downs was born in 1828, probably in AA County, MD. He was a farmer in Anne Arundel County , and served as a Union Army Enlisting Officer during the Civil War. His farm was partially destroyed by Confederate sympathizers in the area, and he was reimbursed some $1,100 to pay for the damages. After the war, Downs worked as a Judge of the Orphans Court in AA County. Records show that he was also a fairly successful truck farmer, expanding his land holdings to 450 acres. He rented the farm to his son Luther in 1906. William Downs died in 1911, and ownership of the property passed to Luther. William was married to Elizabeth, who preceded him in death in 1905. The Downs' farmhouse still stands in Glen Burnie, MD.
I have been unable to determine why they are buried here. There are some Downs families in Baltimore County dating back to the mid 1700s, but I could not find a link to William H. Downs. Perhaps a visit to the Baltimore County Historical Society will lead me to the link.
At any rate, the cemetery is worth a visit if in the area. Please be respectful of the place.
The cache: The container is a bison tube attached to a nearby tree that is an evergreen, about 6 feet up. TOTT will be needed to retrieve the log. More stealth is needed this time of year than in summer, and there are some thorns in the area.
NOTE: Parking is no longer permitted on Campbell Blvd.
Congratulations to Tydi355 for FTF, and Happy Birthday to her son.