The following newspaper article was published August 21, 1905 in The Daily Commonwealth, Fond du Lac Wisconsin

Franklin Swett at the request of some of the pioneer residents of Empire has made a list of the persons buried in Empire cemetery. The list is incomplete and it is asked that missing names be sent to W. C. Adams of Eden.

The Empire cemetery is located in a beautiful spot in South Empire, nestled beside a cozy little church. Many who were widely known are buried there. There are but few names of persons buried in the cemetery prior to 1850. The first white person buried in Empire was William D. Tallmadge, who died June 12, 1845, aged 19, son of N. P. and Abbey Tallmadge. N. P. Tallmadge was United States senator from the state of New York and later governor of Wisconsin.

The death of Mary Vintin is recorded June 23, 1847. She was the wife of David Vinton one of Empire's early pioneers. She was the mother of fourteen children who all grew up to be men and women and were among the best citizens. The first person buried in Empire cemetery was William Shipman, aged 20. Jane Stewart died in 1846 and was moved to Empire in an early day. She was the daughter of Wm. Steward, one of Wisconsin's earliest settlers who did garrison duty at Green Bay, Fort Howard in 1827 in the war against the Indians. He moved to Fond du Lac county in an early day and was widely known. Mr. Steward was formerly a regular soldier in the British army and fought in the battle of Waterloo under Wellington. Cecelia, wife of T. W. Doughty, died October 4, 1849, aged 32. Orrin Roberts died Dec 10, 1849 aged 53. He was the father of W. A. Roberts of this city. He was United States timber agent. The older pioneers of this county are passing away, records are being misplaved or destroyed, memories are falling and it is desirable to preserve for future generations interesting and valuable information that will otherwise be irrevocably lost.

Persons having relatives buried in Empire cemetery are invited to supply missing names and dates for a revised list to be left in the care of the trustees of the Empire Cemetery Association.

Following is a list of all the names that could be obtained of those buried in Empire cemetery.

ADAMS-
    William, died 1905, aged 86
    Martha Peck, died 1893, aged 72
    Wilson, died 1898, aged 46
    Carroll, died 1896, aged 20
AIRHART-
    John, died 1880, aged 90
    Mary, wf., died 1884, aged 90
    Helen, died 1856, aged 20
    Edward, died 1904, aged 76
    William B. died 1889, aged 56
AVERILL-
    George, died 1886, aged 64
    Alvira, wf., died 1890, aged 67
    George M. died 1854, aged 6
    Jackson, died 1857, aged 2
    Charles, died 1851, aged 7 months.
    Stephen, died 1874, aged 91
    V.S. died 1893, aged 68
    Margaret, wf.
BERRY -
    John, died 1880, aged 78
    Minerva, wf, died 1881, aged 78
    Inez, died 1875, aged 31
BRIGGS -
    Peleg, died 1866, aged 84
    Hannah, died 1860, aged 73
    Monmouth, died 1904, aged 77
    Lottie, died 1867, aged 8
    Jeremiah, died 1900, aged 88
    Harriett, wf., died 1873, aged 44
    Hannah Ward, died 1863, aged 17
BRIGGS -
    Orpha, died 1880, aged 78
    Abner, died 1868, aged 90
    Anthony, died 1864, aged 62
    Rebekah, died 1887, aged 61
    Jabez, died 1871, aged 71?
    Clara, wf., died 1890, aged 92
    Ursula, died 1875, aged 29
BAYER -
    Martin, died 1889, aged 73
    Mary, wf., died 1879, aged 55
    Jacob, died 1860, aged 17
    Walt