Half a mile south of Quakertown, New Jersey is an old Quaker cemetery. This graveyard is the oldest graveyard in Franklin Township. The Craven burial ground is the next oldest one. I think it is neat we have been able to preserve these graveyards so long. There is a big mystery about both graveyards. Why are both are perfect parallelograms? Why are 2 sides of each running exactly North and South and 2 sides East and West? Who knows? Do you?
The oldest lettered stone is found in the Quaker Cemetery. It says "Samuel McPherson Sener was born April 4, 1709, and departed this life September 2nd, 1772, aged 63 years." These are the exact words from his grave stone.I think it is interesting we have preserved this gravestone so long and we can still read it.
People from many walks of life rest here; Carpenters, blacksmiths, tavern owners and charcoal burners to name a few. Other people buried here from the 18th & 19th centuries are Temperence Sutton, David and Rebecca McPherson, Sarah McPherson ( her mother planted a cedar on Sarah's grave. I think that was sweet of her mother), Peter and Sarah Teeple, and William, Rhoda, and Peter Snyder. Civil War soldiers were buried in the graveyard, too, Leonardo Cronce, Andrew Gethard, and John Marshall.
There is only one known Friend(Quaker) buried in this area. His name is Joseph King. He is believed to be a member of the Quaker King family.If he is not that would mean there were no Quakers buried there. That would be strange. I think it is very strange that there is only one Friend buried there.
Many stone can no longer be read as they are so worn & old. They represent the settlers who first came to live here. It is good we have been able to preserve these gravestones. Many of these families are living in the area today. I hope they are happy that their relatives memory lives on. I am happy, too.
In the 1950's, a group of local citizens decided to clean up this site as it was poorly maintain previously. I am happy they choose to do this. Now this responsibility is held by the Franklin Township Committee. I hope we can keep this historic site for future generations. I am glad people have been able to maintain this historic site for us to learn about.
