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The Diversity of Elmwood

Elmwood is the final resting place for more than 75,000 individuals comprised of many different faiths, races and creeds.  In Elmwood, there are Chinese, German, Irish, Greek, and Mexican immigrants as well as Jewish, Catholic Protestant and Muslim.  Without question, Elmwood Cemetery is one of the most diverse places in Memphis.

Elmwood has collected the stories of the people who are buried here for many years.  Our mission is to share these stories so that we never forget those who went before us.

This past year, Andrew Douglas Mills was laid to rest at Elmwood. Andrew was a relative of Azul, the last wife of prominent Apache warrior Geronimo.  As such, Andrew was recognized as a member of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma.  According to tribal information, Azul was captured by Mexicans as a young girl and learned to speak fluent Spanish.  She finally escaped and returned to her people.  She married Geronimo at Fort Sill around 1907 and lived with him until he died in 1909, tending him in his last illness.   

If you have any stories of those buried here that you would like to share, please email them to historian [at] elmwoodcemetery [dot] org. Photographs are welcome.