The first cemetery in New Braunfels was founded in 1845 with the arrival of the city’s early settlers. By 1846, however, the cemetery was nearing capacity with 293 burials, and a new burial ground was soon needed. In March 1868, John F. Torrey had a promissory note drawn up for eight acres and $500 to establish a new public burial ground high above the Guadalupe River. Torrey stipulated that the property be fenced, that a proper hearse be obtained for funerals, and that a small plot of land be reserved for himself, family and friends. An August 1868 article in the Neu Branfelser Zeitung reported a cedar fence had been completed, for which H. Weil supplied the rails and J.H. Petry erected the fence. The same article listed prices as $2.50 to dig a large grave and $1.75 for a small grave. The state legislature incorporated the Comal Cemetery Association in August 1870, and Torrey released the bond and gave cemetery trustees a clear deed for one dollar. The first known internment in Comal Cemetery was for Frederick (Fritz) Hartwig on August 12, 1873. It is possible that earlier burials, documented as being on the bluff overlooking the river, took place in the 1850s. At john Torrey’s request, the city of New Braunfels took over administration of the cemetery in January 1887. After Torrey died and was buried in San Antonio, his heirs signed a quit claim deed to the reserved family lot. Through later acquisitions the cemetery was enlarged to about 25 acres. Features include ornamental metal entrance gates; mature sycamore, pecan, and oak trees; wrought and cast iron fencing and plot curbing. With more than 12,500 burials, Comal Cemetery reflects a continuum of community heritage. (HTC 2000)