Information comes from an article by Jim Reis published in The Kentucky Post June 15, 1998
Newport records indicate that as early as April 2, 1842, a committee consisting of James McArthur and Ira Root was formed to meet with James Taylor, founder of Newport, and Richard Southgate to discuss other cemetery plans. The committee recommended the city continue to use the Newport City Cemetery site.
In 1847, however, discussion resumed about a new site. The proposed site was a couple miles south of Newport and included about 17 acres where the Evergreen Cemetery Chapel now stands. The old cemetery in Newport remained in use while a one-story caretaker's house was built in Southgate for $300. Southgate was still a rural area. Plans were to assume occupancy of the new cemetery on July 6, 1848. The first burial was not James Taylor who died in November 1848, but John E Harris who was buried 16 July 1849 in section 1 lot 10.
(NOTE: December 21, 2012; In updating Evergreen cemetery burials, an earlier burial has been discovered. John M Howe died 14 July 1849 and was buried in section 1 lot 65.) James Taylor's son James Taylor had a monument built on the Taylor lot and had his father moved from the Taylor mansion to the foot of the monument. There is no record of this move nor is there any other indication that James Taylor is buried there.
A later Kentucky Journal newspaper account on July 20, 1894, noted the recent death of Miss Emma Dennison Pagan. It said Miss Pagan was credited with suggesting the name Evergreen Cemetery. Miss Pagan was the daughter of George Pagan, a long-time cemetery president. The office of Evergreen Cemetery, however, remained in Newport. An 1880 city directory listed the office at 192 Monmouth St.
Notable Burials
James Taylor Jr. was the founder of Newport, Kentucky. One of the wealthiest early settlers of Kentucky. He was an American Banker and Quartermaster generals. James Taylor was born in 1769 and his remains reside at Evergreen Cemetery since 1848.
Brent Spence was a Congressman, attorney and banker. He was known to be a quiet man, but was good at getting critical legislation passed. The Brent Spence Bridge of I-75/ I-71 crosses the Ohio River at Cincinnati and Covington is named for him. Brent Spence was born in 1874 and his remains reside at Evergreen Cemetery since 1967.
Thomas M. Doherty was a corporal in the US Army and received the Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Spanish American War. After receiving the Medal of Honor he continued to serve and was promoted to Drum Major. Thomas M. Doherty was born in 1869 and his remains reside at Evergreen Cemetery since 1906.
William H. Horsfall enlisted as a drummer with the 1st Kentucky Volunteer Infantry and was one if the youngest men to receive the Medal of Honor at age 15. The Medal was awarded for saving the life of a wounded officer during the Siege of Corinth. William H. Horsfall was born in 1847 and his remains reside at Evergreen Cemetery since 1922.
The movie was filmed in locations throughout Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. A drama staring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman features Evergreen Cemetery in one of the scenes.