Conquest Cemetery
Historical Background

Based on recorded information, the cemetery land was donated around 1880 by J.D. Wilkins. The earliest burial was Mary A. Goolsby, (1821-1880). The Goolsby family originated in Scotland, hence to Ireland, and during the Irish Potato Famine migrated to America. The brought with them many Scottish traditions, such as burial of the family in one row which is carried out in this cemetery.

Early records indicate that the name for this area was Grassmere. When the railroad went through, trains stopped in front of Dr. MacDonald's residence (which has since burned down). Since it was the most prominent residence nearby, the railroad put up a name sign "MacDonald", and the cemetery became known as the :Old MacDonald Cemetery." Conquest Methodist Church was located in the southerly part of MacDonald Cemetery.

As impressive feature of the cemetery was "The Hanging Tree"...the standing heartwood of the old pine tree with a big limb parallel to the ground about 12 feet high... from which "convicted reprobates" were hung. Another interesting feature was a small section marked by four cement posts, in which slaves were buried.

Family members, descendant of J.D. Wilkins who was an original member of Conquest Methodist Church, and descendants of those originally buried in the cemetery, helped fence in and maintain MacDonald Cemetery through the years when it was more or less neglected.

When Zellwood Station was being developed in 1975, the cemetery was "rediscovered" as belonging to the Zellwood Methodist Church...originally deeded to the Methodist in the late 1800's and officially given to the Zellwood Methodist Church after Conquest Methodist Church was torn down. Work was then undertaken by the United Methodist Men of Zellwood United Methodist Church to undo the effect of years of neglect .. The area was also surveyed for identification of plots.

Under the current Conquest Cemetery Committee, the cemetery has resumed its rightful place of importance. It is a combination of historical interest and tradition, and an up-to-date facility with irrigation system and plantings. Walking around the graves is indeed a bridge of time and history.

Conquest cemetery is owned by Zellwood United Methodist Church. It is operated by Loomis Funeral Home in Apopka. Any questions, or for information concerning burial, please call 407-880-1007.