I've had a couple of paranormal experiences here in the Memphis area.  But
that's not what this is about.  I'm not really hunting for ghosts :)

There's an old cemetery in a terrible state of disrepair in what used to be
the seat of Shelby County before Memphis won over.  Raleigh is now a suburb
of Memphis, but the old Raleigh cemetery is still there.  Sadly located
behind some rather decrepit businesses that sell tires and machine parts, it
sits on 7 acres of unkempt ground.

The only reason I knew it was there is because Mom and I had to turn around
back there after visiting my orthodontist in 1974.  I went Oooh, look!
That's a cemetery!  Sure enough.  Heheh.  Apparently it used to be a
church-yard but the church has long been gone.

I made my Mom don some boots (fearful of snakes) and tromp around with me.
The graveyard dates back to 1824.  I think I'll go back and visit and
perhaps do some gravestone rubbings.  All I need is large parchment paper,
charcoal sticks and a spray fixative to secure the rubbing.

There were some very fascinating and ornate old markers.  Wives were
referred to as "beloved consorts".  I've been told that means they
predeceased their husbands; that the term 'relict' means they outlived their
husbands.  Huh.  Never knew that.

The graveyard is, allegedly, haunted.  I wouldn't know about that.  Didn't
hear or see anything when we were there, but something drew me to the place.
It's a wonderful site and I hope to have a good time tromping around the old
graveyard.

For anyone interested in old cemeteries, some U.S. PBS stations are showing
'A Cemetery Special' on Saturday, October 29th in the early evening.  Check
your local listings.

Jill