Oldest Graves in Lancaster PA? ~ Chestnut Level Presbyterian Cemetery

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Mailing Address: PO Box 205, Womelsdorf PA 19567

[@christycarter8170]

I really enjoy when you explore old cemeteries. No one deserves to be forgotten.

[@Redgonetogray]

You can use a flashlight off to the side of the carved words to create a shadow effect to read them better. Even in the daylight.

[@mmmm-gr7xr]

I love your visits to old cemeteries. I've never seen slate markers befor. Western N.Y. wasn't settled as early as the eastern colonies so the graves aren't as old. It was fascinating.

[@lawrencescales9864]

I used to work at an old grave site in Philadelphia- the oldest stone is 1712. Great video!

[@bearpawz_]

That must've been an interesting job!

[@lightyagami3492]

Wow! That's crazy

[@angiewanders7272]

I love old cemeteries. No needs to be forgotten. Every grave deserves to be taken care of.

[@danpatch4751]

It's amazing how good the printing is on the oldest headstones. I couldn't do that now with all the tools I have. Amazing skills

[@petemaxwell8046]

I think the date on that stone is 1760, using a fancy 6. On the same stone it looks like the stone carver made a 9 in a similar fashion.

[@jenniferbutcher8393]

I don't think I've ever seen slate tombstones. Love the beautiful countryside there in Lancaster County! 😊

[@ifitsfreeitsforme1852]

Southern York county has numerous slate head stones mainly because slate was quarried in the area. Slate actually holds up better than the more common headstone materials.

[@kimburke3189]

I found a revolutionary war grave up in woods, Pennsylvania!! I thought that was amazing. I'm from California, the oldest things out there are gold rush era. I'm living in pa. now and the whole mound thing is very cool!!!

[@genetate3704]

kim burke Cal.has a history going back a lot further but that has been erased because it is not English the Spanish were there long before just like Florida

[@lightyagami3492]

Did you document the headstone? If not please do and put it on find a grave so that soldiers descendants can honor thier ancestor.

[@peachbottomparanormal3587]

Goto the road I grew up on five minutes away from there, soapstone hill road, there's an old Quaker church on the left curve on top the hill.. infant Georgie Brown in the back left earliest grave 1749..

[@cindabaker1477]

Some that died in the 1700s was born in the 1600s. Amazing to think about! Great video.

[@onetwocue]

I grew up in Lititz. And for some reason as a kid, I was always so fascinated with local history and wanting to know about the folks who settled in the area.

[@robertking288]

This is kinda creepy seeing my name on a tombstone. I also have a sister name Elizabeth that's really creepy.

[@EssenceRare]

History repeats

[@StantonsJourneys]

Looks like a crude 1760 on the one in the back in the shade. Love these old cemetery walks, i live next to a cemetery that dates back to 1833, love the older grave stones, thank you for sharing.

[@eliskagray1546]

So cool old tombstones. Nice video. 👍

[@chrisharrah8500]

My earliest American ancestors are buried here. Charles Harah @ 11:29 was the son of Agnes and Patrick, who was one of the 3 men who built the church. From researching the church I read in the 20s the congregation sought to repair the cemetery which had been overgrown and headstones were toppled. They used liquid concrete to reset the stones which splashed back on some of the stones rendering them unreadable after it dried. Thanks for the vid.

[@briroc26]

Kool videos!! Looks like 1700.... If you ever make your way into NewYork check out the old Dutch church in sleepy hollow ,the church was built in 1697 the grave yard is huge and maybe even older .Many familiar names from the headless horseman stories are on plenty of old stones

[@crustyrash]

This graveyard is a little newer (circa 1745) but you might find it interesting: Weberthal Graveyard, 2009441600000, East Earl, PA 17519; this has a 1933 map and description: archive.org/details/33GENPAWeaverland. The first Weber (Weaver) and Martin settlers of Lancaster County are buried here. The early stones are interesting because they are shaped like arrowheads.

[@gehmangang8006]

My ancestors are buried there. I visited while we were quarantined and I needed to get out. Super old stones!

[@crustyrash]

@@gehmangang8006 Mine too! It was quite an adventure the first time I went trying to find it. I love history and it's so amazing to experience something so old.

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

Your web site info states that the web site was taken down. :>( It's not your fault.

[@farmkatt38]

I love the oldest graves the most! Thanks!

[@ksero1000]

That’s so cool! Some of my new neighbors are revolutionary war soldiers. We are in SW PA which back then was still considered part of Virginia. I suspect many more graves were swallowed by soil creep. There are areas where I can scrape away a thin layer of grass and find irregular shaped smooth stones. Not sure if they are grave stones, stone bases that use to hold up grave stones, or parts of old structures. The terrain is bizarre. Sunken areas here, raised areas there. There was a long rusty chain that hung from a branch high up in a tall tree. I don’t know what it was used for. The branch broke over the winter and now it is on the ground...but I’m fascinated about this cemetery and wish I could learn more about it.

[@baileyhall8728]

Australia wasn't even settled and barely discovered when most of those people passed...

[@sonnytaylor3003]

Slate stones are great! My oldest ancestors dad side are from the 1660's so by the time they died, they probably had slate tombstones in death.

[@carolb29]

love the slate head stones...have never seen that before.

[@tomhirons7475]

we have very many here in england.

[@richmcgee434]

Seen some in Albany county, New York from the same time period. They last forever.

[@lazzyfare4721]

First settlers in Lancaster County arrived 1709 so most likely it's 1760 if she was born in this country because she would have been born in 1710.

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Cliff, I find it fascinating seeing all of the really old grave marker dates, it's hard to comprehend what life was like back then in this brave new world. Thank you for sharing, enjoy your day. x

[@karenpacker8862]

Amazing older headstones...the slate ones are really interesting. So much history in these older cemeteries.

[@Angel-tw3ko]

Thank you for sharing, stay cool out there, I'm in TX and its in the 80s, good times for us in Aug where it could easily get over 100 degrees.

[@crystalfabulous]

What a wonderful old cemetery thanks for sharing

[@jeffreyjordan4387]

SUPER AWESOME! I love your old cemetery videos! Thank you!

[@georgefitter7656]

Gravestones are old but living in the western suburbs of Philadelphia's Montgomery and Delaware counties, you'll find houses with keystones marked at 1625! The cemeteries are old but the houses are older! Had to live somewhere while they horse backed into Philadelphia to govern and start a country.

[@marygarner5249]

You have the best Adventures thanks for taking us with you take care

[@debrice1328]

I used to live in Georgetown (Bart PA) at a farm and at the very top of the hill we came across a very old cemetery dated in the 1600's. There were many babies that were a few days old. We had trouble reading alot of the tombstones since they were very well weathered. I know exactly where it is.

[@annekstrom3930]

Thanks for the tour! I have a number of early family members in that cemetery.

[@lilsuzq32]

Is it just me...or are others out here in comment-land as puzzled as me as to how *anyone* could possibly give such a nice video a thumbs-down?...

[@JosephBenRobert]

I agree with LilsuzQ32 I guess not all people can be pleased all the time! Takes all kinds. Cliff does a bang-up job.

[@nickmad887]

love your videos.

[@bearpawz_]

Old cemeteries are so awesome! People are opting for cremation so frequently these days (obviously b'cas of costs) that I hope graveyards don't become a dying thing.. 🤔 (no pun intended)

[@bearpawz_]

@Toxic Delirium That's good to know! 😊👍

[@alvinwine5665]

Back in the mid sixties I lived in Lancaster P.A. mostly Ahmish and I loved it , great open land back then.

[@chrisiiams4303]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful video

[@user-David-Alan]

Amazing. Those people were living in Penn's woods. Thanks.

[@irenefitzkee535]

I live in Lancaster City. There are a lot of great cemeteries in Lancaster.

[@jeniw8586]

The last one sure looked like 1700 to me.

[@lightyagami3492]

I think it was 1760 personally. I don't think it was a coincidence that the day could have been a 10 or 19 aswell.

[@asilversurfer4372]

Love the old cemeteries & the slate tombstones, makes me wonder how long the families had been there & whether they emigrated from the old world

[@brendakrieger7000]

Lovely and very large cemetery. Very peaceful💙 Lancaster area is so picturesque. I miss driving through the Pennsylvania countryside

[@beckyb.4592]

Love old cemeteries and it looked like 1700 to me. How amazing is that?! Graves of people who lived here before we became a nation. Such great history. Love it! 🇺🇸❤️💙🇺🇸

[@dronejunkie2951]

My great great grandparents were from Lancaster PA. I will probably need to do some research...You have a good information on History keep it coming. 🤳👍

[@merlemorrison1346]

I used to live in New Holland, when I worked at (then) Ford Tractor. Lots of history in this area.

[@darkowloffroad]

I have now watched enough videos to know you're effing awesome and you have a new sub. Since we're in the middle of a tropical system in Florida...it's time to binge watch. Thanks for the excellent content.

[@lesaanderson2525]

Great job Cliff

[@michaeldouglas1243]

Another great old old Pa cemetary is just into Pa coming out from hancock MD called tonoloway Baptist church. One of the oldest cemetary/ churches in pa. Original church was log burnt down by native americans and rebuilt. The walls inside are preserved with civil war soldiers signatures n where they were from etc back when it served as a hospital when stonewall jackson shelled and attacked Hancock md along potomac river. Very very neat to walk inside and see all those signatures amd messages written by the soldiers amd walk about n look at colonial era graves as well.

[@maljcross4634]

What an impressive find. Tombstones errected almost 300 years ago and in such awesome condition was very cool to see....thanks for sharing your experience. I think that date was 1700 personallly.

[@gehmangang8006]

You should check out the stones at Ephrata Cloister Cemetery.

[@kimburke3189]

Thanks for posting all of this stuff. It's very interesting!!!

[@Achnacon1]

Baxter, Campbell, Mcelroy, Paterson, are all Scottish names. Many of them born in the 1600s. Was there a Scottish settlement in this area perhaps?

[@JudithLou]

Many of the Scots-Irish immigrated to the area in the early 1700's. In the mid 18th century, the Scots-Irish moved on to the Blue Ridge of North Carolina. When I was in school in Harrisburg,PA, Campbell and Cameron were pretty common names.

[@chrisharrah8500]

My ancestor helped build this church in the 1740s. They allegedly came from Country Antrim N. Ireland and were part of the Ulster Scots that settled into Northern Ireland. Even though the left from Ireland the were probably more Scottish in culture given they were Presbyterians

[@Achnacon1]

@@chrisharrah8500 To this day they remain more Scottish in culture. The links between Scotland and Northern Ireland remain as strong as ever. For example, my mother was Scottish, my father from Northern Ireland. I am Scottish, my wife is from Northern Ireland.

[@chrisharrah8500]

@@Achnacon1 thanks for pointing that out. My family had always thought we were Irish O'Hara's but I've only found early colonial records of my surname as Harah or Harra. A few years back I tried looking through N Irish birth records to no avail which leads me to think we're probably Scots that may have misspelled Harrow at some point

[@Achnacon1]

@@chrisharrah8500 Harrah is an unusual name and not one I've encountered before. It's possibly an old Scottish name; equally it could be derived from the O'Haras of Ireland. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[@robertvirtue8070]

My dad worked for a farmer not far from there when I was born in 1950 , I could have relatives buried here. Will be sending you info on a cemetery in Lewisville Pa, .and two others near it Lot my Moms family is buried in Little Britian Cemetery just off rt272 east of Wakefield

[@cynthiahansen9902]

I see 1700 age 52 years old.

[@karendworschack756]

Great video, Cliff! I like to look at the markers on the graves! I at first thought that one said 1700 too, but I think it is a crude 1760, like said! 👍

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Oh that was just beautiful. Those old gravestones are so beautiful and you are so respectful. Initially I thought that date was 1700 but gosh may not be. Get cool and thanks for taking me along. P,ease stay safe

[@carolmchargue7746]

Really cool. It's wonderful that it's being taken care of now.

[@RoxaneEllesansailes]

Never stop making these videos for us please. 💗

[@Ichthus61]

I think the old cemetery visits are so interesting. I like to imagine what the world and the country was like when they lived. It’s neat when a tribute on a gravestone lasts for centuries!

[@kennethjackson3394]

You are my favorite history explorer.

[@giniwalters8401]

Great video Cliff!!! I love looking at grave stones!!! That looked like 1700 to me. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@annerobinson8824]

Very interesting video. Really amazed at the ages some of these people lived to I always thought the lifespan of those days was quite short.

[@crushhardtack2870]

Fascinating!

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Great video of course WW! It is a very hot cemetery in the summer sun, be there done that. I knew you'd love this very old place. Peach Bottom slate was some of the best in the country, known for its high quality. Most all the roofs on the old houses are Peach Bottom slate and the tomb stones as well. I've done some carving on this slate in the past and as you have seen, hold up very well in centuries of weather. I never heard it had been leveled in the past. My Grandparents did quite a bit of research on this area but I'll have to check again. One of my relatives owned the slate quarry at one time in the 1900s. It is now under water being covered by the dams on the Susquehanna. There is also a Methodist church near Chestnut Level cemetery that was started by my GGG Grandfather. So this area was a focal point in my family for many years. So a goodly number of folks laying in Chestnut Level Cemetery were born in the 1600s. This area is also close to the Conestoga Indian Village and the Susquehannoux Natives were also in the area. Now if it had been cooler, you could have stopped for a cuppaJO or even iced coffee. Thanks Much WW. It is a great place to visit and contemplate on a cooler day perhaps. I will let you know if I can find more info about this cemetery. There is the Southern Lancaster Co. Historical Soc. Not far from there as well. It is located at the Fulton House, home of Robert Fulton, in enter of the steam boat, very beautiful old house there as well. This is also worth a visit but check about their times open. They do have event there a few times a year. Many Thanks! DaveyJO

[@victordavis132]

Merry Christmas for you hope you have a great year🎥

[@sarahb9240]

Neat to see. Thanks for sharing.

[@Patrick3183]

Some of those people must’ve been born in the 1600s

[@lightyagami3492]

Oh most definitely.

[@debbieblaylock9997]

That place was amazing I love oid cemetery thanks for

[@cmcgowan952]

Another cemetery Masonville Mennonite Cemetery, Washington Borough, Lancaster. My many times great grandparents are buried there. IsaacKauffman and Katharine Dullenbein Kauffman. She was born in 1738.

[@suzanjournagan1112]

Very interesting, ya,I like the slate headstones to.1700 yep! The stone wall around the cemetery and the squeaky gate are awesome. Thank you.

[@harrisonskelton6934]

That's awesome! I've driven past that a lot of times

[@mcseiler5041]

Awesome! Thank you!!

[@Robert-jc6tb]

Love the history on your video's GREAT VIDEO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BUHNANUHBREAD]

I am related to the Ebaugh families that are buried in Pennsylvania, Connecticut and in Maryland. They immigrated here in 1752.

[@jeannie1099]

I live minutes from this church and never visited. It is a beautiful church and I am going to check it out. I thought union church had some oldies but I think this is older. I wonder if Elizabeth king is an ancestor to the Henry and Julian king who built and occupied my home?? Built in 1829. I don’t know much about the original owners. I’m in hawksville but they don’t call it that anymore. It’s all Quarryville now. 😒 I enjoyed this and will be heading out there soon. Thanks for another wandering video.

[@seanmcdonnell1282]

Cool video. You were right down the road from me. A few miles down slate hill road there is another church and 2 more cemeteries. Similar arrangement with a newer one near Mt Zion church then the original about a mile away

[@rodneyferree9766]

You need to visit Carpenters Cemetery near Paradise PA. The grave of Marie Ferree is there, dated 1716. They were one of the earliest settlers of the area.

[@bekleidungu.ausrustung7068]

Nice one!! I believe that was 1760 on that particular tombstone against the wall.

[@mikeschmidt7980]

It looks like 1700 to me, cool find, love old cemetary

[@grangranzulaski1084]

1700 is the definitely!

[@aevalk8369]

Well preserved, many very old ones are dug up to make way for highways, roads, developments, etc. Being in farm country helps, people of the land with a long family history in an area tend to respect graveyards. I don't think that was a marred 6, definitely looked like 1700.

[@dianaadhikari45]

1760, style repeated for 19.

[@thegingerunicorn178]

Very cool

[@alphaone101]

Interesting to think that some of the people buried there were not U.S. citizens.

[@micajahsmom]

My great great gram came over in 1683 with William Penn. She was one of the first families in what is now Lancaster. If I were up in pa I would be looking.

[@richmcgee434]

There's a presbyterian cemetery right down the road from my parents' house, spent a lot of my childhood walking through the place going to and from errands and school. Not as big as these two but dates back to the same period. Looks very much like the local one, right down to the slate gravestones.

[@spicencens7725]

Creepy good stuff!

[@bughat1]

There's a trick where you take a peice of paper over the stone then scribble back and forth.It will reveal the writing.

[@samstrickland4344]

On the last stone notice the chip in the middle of the round letters and numbers. Looks like the engraver used a compass.

[@susanorr7535]

When was the last saling of the Mayflower? A lot of people sailed to Pennsylvania from Ireland. Love all the cemeteries you find, this one is so interesting. Many names in history are just as popular today.

[@BUHNANUHBREAD]

There were several ships named the Mayflower.

[@roccodonato6236]

1732 wow! I found one by a Quaker cabin from (date of death) 1800.

[@conniechamberlain1259]

1700.

[@krazyspartanodst]

i wish there were some old graves like that here in california, the oldest graves here date back to the 1840s /:

[@martyjones9374]

I would think 1700 Cliff, however that mark does kind of make it look like a 6. Possibly trying to correct the zero? Amazing cemetary, just love the older ones. Not sure I liked the hunting going on in there damaging stones. Does look very peaceful today. Thanks for taking me along. Always look forward to your next!! 🥰

[@Scorpio45Libra]

That looked like 1700 to me.

[@jonathansuess6175]

Check out the above ground cemetery in Marrietta pa

[@valeriealexschiel320]

1700 looks like but more likely 1760, but maybe there is records some where? If you are ever in the oil city or franklin area would love any interesting things you know about that area, thank for you videos....I was born in Franklin Pa. but have been living in California since 1966

[@frankb389]

1700 no doubt, we had some in Delco, 1600's

[@anthonysnyder6891]

You should check out yellow springs and cold springs out around Indian town gap a lot of history up in those mountains

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

I have been to both places.

[@anthonysnyder6891]

@@thewanderingwoodsman7227 awesome have u made it to were the old hotel use to be in yellow springs i love hiking out there but only when it gets cold out i rather not take a chance on the rattlers out there

[@KaskadiaJackassWatch]

Find any Gill, Lilly or Cooper tombstones there? Tons of ancestors from that area.