I first learned of Angeline’s grave from a co worker. He told me that he and his friends from high school would drive out to the grave site and camp near by. They would dare each other to climb over the iron fence and stand near the grave of little Angeline. He reported the eerie tombstone glowed in the dark and the ground trembled whenever a brave soul climbed over the forbidden fence. 
Well, naturally I needed to go there and test the earthquake tremors out myself. But, before I made the journey to visit this misfortune little soul, I needed to learn more about Angeline. Being a member of the Pioneer’s Cemetery Association in Phoenix, Arizona led to me contact one of the members of the Yavapai Cemetery Association in Prescott, Arizona—the nearest town to the grave of Angeline.
She sent me several old newspaper articles that told the plight of this young pioneer. Angeline was born about October 1, 1886. Her short life ended on January 15, 1889 near the town of Prescott, Arizona. Her resting place sits near the bank of Lynx Creek in what is now Lynx Estates. The grave is on private property along Lynx Creek Road—also known as the Old Black Canyon Highway.
Tales of Angeline’s death state she died on a wagon train heading west, and was buried on the spot. Another version of the story says she was killed by Indians, or she was attacked and killed by a Lynx cat. Others claim her family lived on Lynx Creek near their placer-mining claim. It is believed that Angeline was stricken with pneumonia. Her parents, David and Catherine Hoagland, were taking her to a doctor in Phoenix when she died along the way. Without explanation, they buried sweet Angeline at the spot where she died. What ever the case might have been, Angeline was not forgotten by her family or generations of residents of Prescott thereafter.
When the ore ran out near the tiny mining settlement near Angeline’s grave, the residents moved on into Prescott and the buildings eventually eroded away. David Hoagland is rumored to have left the family unit, while Catherine stayed behind in Prescott. She took in washing and ironing and lived out her life on the corner of Sheldon and Virginia Streets.
It has been said that Angeline’s grave is haunted. The tale of the tombstone glowing in the dark might have a simple explanation. It is made from a stone with minerals that absorb light during the sun lit hours, and becomes luminous after dark. When the passing cars shine their headlights on the headstone it appears to be glowing in the dark.
After receiving special instructions in how to locate Angeline’s grave, the MVD Ghostchasers drove out to the site to snap a few photos and to test the glow in the dark tombstone. Chris leaped over the iron fence to pose by the grave and reported the ground did not shake or tremble. He just felt the joy this little girl must have brought to her family in her short life. We tidied up the gravesite and placed a fallen vase back on its pedestal. 
Sharlot Hall, the celebrated writer and poet of the late 1800’s, wrote the poem which became the inscription on Angeline’s headstone.
Here lies our baby Angeline
For which we weep and do repine.
She was all our joy and all our pride
Until the day our baby died.
We hope in heaven again to meet
And then our joy will be complete.
But until our Maker calls us there
We trust her to His righteous care.
If you are in the Prescott area for the weekend, take a little side trip back in time down the old Black Canyon Highway. Look off to your left as you pass by Lynx Creek. Glowing off to the distance you will find Miss Angeline’s tombstone. Don’t forget to bring the flowers!
For more info: www.mvdghostchasers.com
Debe Branning nazanaza@aol.com
Comments
Thank you for a wonderful article Debe. We just returned from Arizona (Prescott and Jerome) Wish I had read this first!!
I am the Nevada Paranormal Examiner so you know I'm subscribing to you! Janice
I had been seeking to find Angeline's grave for a long time. I am on the board of Directors of the Pioneers Cemetery Association in Phoenix, so I was able to contact the board in Prescott who finally steered me in the right direction. Great place to spend a few peaceful moments!
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