Sanders Cemetery

Kisatchie National Forest
Section 10, Natchitoches Parish, LA

Leora Clarinda Sanders

In Regard to the Memory of the daughter of Mr. W.A. Sanders

Born March 26 A.D. 1902

Died Oct. 20 A.D. 1906

To the St. Rita Kingdom of Heaven

This lone tombstone, located in what is now the Kisatchie National Forest in Natchitoches Parish, LA, is unusual in that it was hand sawn and carved from a very large natural rock of the type indigenous to the Kisatchie Hills. According to the dates on the stone, this was done in the early 1900's, long before the advent of electricity and power tools in this area. Estimated to weigh over 300 pounds, the stone was carved and inscribed very precisely.

Located on a hill in the Kisatchie National Forest, the grave site is covered with smaller stones and rocks. Little indication of a former homesite is apparent, but undoubtedly the land was occupied for some years, as this tombstone was not carved overnight. What heartache must have been felt, at leaving this loved one behind.