Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1899-03-30
AN OLD CEMETERY.
The Resting Place of the Founders of
This County to be Preserved.
S. E. M'GEAR g. BRO.

AhO NcStiuS EldC0 Oh Cn0 EOunU6rS OF
This County to be Preserved.
The old Christ churchyard, below Fair
ton, is one of the most romantic spots to
be found anywhere in this region. In
deed, the celebrated American sculptor,
Edward Kemeys. while on a visit to
its hallowed shades, few years since,
said that it was the most remarkable site
that he had ever seen, except that of
the old, historic ruins of jamestown, Va
Hundreds have undoubtedly been
buried in the old yard, but many graves
can only be traced by the sunken earth
There has been no fence for years, and
it is evident that cattle have roamed over
the grounds at will.
It is very sad to know that the numer-
GUS descendants of the noble dead, should
allow the burial place of their ancestors
TO be so dishonored. They were the first
settlers of our county, and to them we
owe much.
Among the leading patriotic societies
of the United States, is that of the
Daughters of the Revolution," part of
whose labor of love is, to perpetuate the
memory of anything connected with the
early history Of our country. In this
city chapter of this society has been
formed, its members are few, but they
have decided that their work is to en-
deavor to preserve from further depre-
datlon and oblivion, this resting place
of our forefathers.
l. is proposed to have the grounds put
in order, and enclosed with a substantial
fence. Permission has been asked of
and granted by the Fairton Presbyterian
Church. to be allowed the care of the
property, and the members of the church
have promised the Daughters their hearty
cooperation
In order to accomplish all this, the
Daughters most earnestly desire that
every descendant, as far as possible, will
give substantial aid toward carrying on
the work. A beginning has already been
made, and the ladies will most gladly re-
ceive sny contribution, and hope that
those interested will not wait to be called
upon personally for aid.
We append copy of the old deed,
OF the burial ground. taken from diary
OF the late DR.. j. Barron Potter:
This indenture, made ye ninth day of
June, Ammo Christ, one thousand seven
hundred forty seven, and in ye twen-
tieth year of ye reign of George ye sec
ond, King of Great Britain, ETC., between
Daniel Elmer. OF Cohansey, in ye county
OF Salem and Province, of New Jersey,
Clerk, of ye one part; and Ebenezer
Westcott, Deacon; Capt. John Ogden,
Deacon: William Bradford, Ephraim
Daton, Jeremiah Buck, Lieutenant; Ed
ward Lummis, Lieutenant; David Ogden,
Ensign; Matthew Parvin, BENJAMIN
Davis, Thomas Bateman, Thomas Har-
ris, Jr., Nathaniel Whitaker, Ebenezer
Bower, James Rofe. Stephen Clark,
Thomas Whitaker, John Garretson,
Thomas Ogden and Daniel Bateman;
Representatives of ye congregation in
Fairfield, Cohansey, aforesaid (under We
pastoral care of ye above said Daniel
Elmer, member of ye Reverend SYNOD
OF Philadelphia), and committee chosen
TO take a release at ye hands of We said
Daniel Elmer, of that ground whereon
Fairfield Meeting House is erected. To
themselves and their successors. for va
use OF said congregation in professed
subsection to ye foresaid Synod of Phila-
delphia, of We other part.
Whereas John Bellers of London in va
Kingdom of England, Merchant, did bv
his letter of agency, dated August Is.
1855, make and constitute Thomas Budd
OF Burlington, in, West Jersey. Merchant
his lawful attorney, in his name and
stead and for his own proper use, to take
up five thousand acres of land, and then
dor him and in his place and stead, to
grant and convey nine hundred acres of