Hauser Memorial Arch

At the enterance to the original cemetery. The brick and cement arch was erected in memory of Martin Hauser by 38 of his grandchildren and presented as a gift to the congregation on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary. The inscription on the arch reads, "Erected in loving remembrance of the Rev. Martin Hauser, founder of West Salem and the Moravian Church and his wife, Susanna, nee Chitty, by thier surviving grandchildren, May 25, 1919."

 

Original Moravian Cemetery

Later known as the English Cemetery. It is located behind the Hauser Arch. Row after row of small flat stones level with the ground mark each grave. Men were buried in one quarter, women in another, boys in a third, and girls in a fourth.

 

First Grave in the Cemetery

Located in the 7th row of graves from the Hause Arch, the fourth stone to the south from the walkway. Identifiable now only by the word "Terry," it marks the grave of Marth A.C. Terry, daughter of Stephen and Mathilda Terry, who was born in West Salem on January 6, 1839, and died on January 16, 1844, at the age of 5.

 

Second Grave

Located in the sixth row of graves from the Hauser Arch, the third stone to the north from the walkway. This is the grave of George Clodfelter, son of Kelen and Nancy Clodfelter, born in West Salem on July 5, 1839. He died on August 9, 1841 in Kentucky where he was first buried. Later the body was removed to his father's farm near West Salem, and finally, during the spring of 1844, it was buried here.

 

Third Grave

Located in the seventh row of graves from the Arch, the first stone south from the walkway. Here was buried Hannah Clodfelter, infant daughter of Philip and Catherine Clodfelter, born July 8, 1844 at West Salem, and died the next day, July 9.

 

Fourth Grave

Located in the fifth row from the Arch, the first stone to the north. Here was buried the first adult, John Clodfelter, born August 20, 1780, at Rowan County, North Carolina. He died February 20, 1845.

 

Graves of Martin and Susanna Hauser

Located just behind the Hauser Arch. Susanna Hauser died May 22, 1867, and was buried in the married women's section. Martin Jauser asked that a space just across from her in the married men's section be reserved for him. He died at Hope, Indiana, on October 25, 1875. The body was brought here and buried on October 28.

 

Old German Cemetery

Located in the northwest corner of the present cemetery. Flat stones mark the graves in the sections for married men, married women, boys and girls, according to old Moravian custom.

 

First Grave in the German Section

Located in the southeast or women's section, the first row, the third stone. Here, marked by a large flat white stone is the grave of Friedericke Dorothea Schultz, nee Wiscehropp, born at Neuhaldensleben, Prussia, Germany, on September 20, 1824. She was the wife of Henry Schultz, and died on May 16, 1858 at Olney.

 

Smallest Gravestone in the World

Located in the girls' section of the German cememtery, the fourth row, the ninth stone. According to Robert Ripley of "Believe It or Not," this is the smallest gravestone in the world. It marks the grave of Emma Pfeil, born April 25, 1885, died August 9, 1885. The stone, lying flat on the ground, measures 6 inches by 10 inches.

 

Old Well

Located just west of the cemetery. This well was dug in 1845, to the depth of 55 feet. When rock was struch, the well was abondoned as a dry hole. Later, however, water seeped in, and it was a good serviceable well for many years. In June 1917, the Big Brothers Bible Class erected the brick well house.

 

Site of the Original Church

Located just east of the well house, on what is now the enterance drive leading back to the German section. It was a frame building 30 by 40 feet. The first services were held in it in the spring of 1846, and it was dedicated by Martin hauser on Whitsunday, May 31, 1846. On February 7, 1858, this building became the property of the German Moravian Church, and it was used by that congregation until 1892 when their new building was finished. The old church was then used as a recreation hall and gym, and was later moved away.

 

Present Moravian Church

Located on the corner or Locust and Church Streets. Built by the German congregation, this building's cornerstone was laid in 1891, and the church was dedicated on April 10, 1892.

 

Present Moravian Parsonage

Located across Locust Street from the Church. This modern brick home was built by the congregation in 1951.

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