On April 16, 1906, Paul Laurence Dunbar was buried at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton. Paul died on February 9 and his funeral occurred three days later, but his body remained in a vault for several weeks.
The remains of the late Paul Laurence Dunbar, the eminent colored poet, which have been lying in a vault at Woodland Cemetery, were removed and interred in the family lot. The burial service was read and several prayers were offered, but there was no further service. Many friends of the deceased were present at the simple service.
"Sleeps Beneath the Boughs He Sang About." The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio). April 16, 1906. Page 8.
The remains of Paul Laurence Dunbar were a few days ago taken from the vault after having laid there three months (according to his request) and buried in Woodland Cemetery. The burial services were read by Rev. Woodson, his pastor, and prayer by Rev. Bass, of Wesleyan Church, of which his mother is a member.
"Paul Dunbar Buried." The Cleveland Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). April 21, 1906. Page 2.
Paul's estate was billed $8 for the use of two carriages on the day of his burial.
Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar Est.
Bought of O. P. Boyer's Sons
Funeral DirectorsApr 16 Two carriages @ 4.00 8.00
Statement from O. P. Boyer's Sons, April 16, 1906. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Paul's wife Alice Moore Dunbar did not participate in his funeral or burial service, since the Dunbars had separated permanently in 1902. However, a Dayton resident wrote a letter to Alice that referred to Paul's burial wishes.
I am sending you clippings from our papers on the death of both Dr. Burns and Paul. It was Paul's wish not to be buried right away so he was placed in a vault and will rest there for at least three months and then he will be buried on his lot in one of the most beautiful spots in Woodland. We all mourn with you in the loss of our dear Paul and none know more truly than myself the sorrow at the loss of dear ones.
John H. Finley to Alice Moore Dunbar, February 17, 1906. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Woodland Cemetery maintained a vault for the temporary placement of remains, which was often necessary in winter when the ground was frozen.
Whenever a body is to be deposited in the public vault, permission must first be obtained from the Superintendent. In all cases, a sufficient amount must be deposited with the Superintendent to cover expenses of interment and vault rent for the time stipulated.
Book of Rules of the Woodland Cemetery Association. Otterbein Press (Dayton, Ohio). No date [c. 1910]. Page 7.
Paul was initially buried in a low-lying area of Woodland Cemetery near the Wyoming Street gate (Section 111, Lot 3075). In 1909, his grave was moved to its current location high on a hill (Section 101, Lot 3465).
Name (Last, First): Dunbar, Paul Laurence
Burial Date: 16 Apr 1906
Death Date: 9 Feb 1906
Age: 33.8
Birth Place: Dayton OH
Lot Sec: 111
Number: 3075
Woodland Cemetery Burial Records, 1843 - 2000. The Montgomery County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society (Dayton, Ohio). 2001.
The area of Dayton's Woodland Cemetery where Paul was initially buried in 1906.