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| UNION CEMETERY |
| While not entirely within the geographical borders of Schuylkill Haven, the Union Cemetery is probably most often thought of as the "town cemetery". Located off of North Garfield Avenue, it partially lies within North Manheim Township. The grounds of the cemetery are adjacent to the Jerusalem Cemetery. On the northern edge lies Mount Nebo, a section of the cemetery generally known as the burial place of black residents of the area. A mausoleum is also located on the grounds. |
| Many prominent residents of Schuylkill Haven have found their final resting place in the Union Cemetery. Below you will find pictures of their headstones and a brief description of who they are. |
| If you have any information or history on the Union Cemetery you would like to share, please send it to: unioncemetery@schuylkillhavenhistory.com |
| The headstones of Schuylkill Haven's two Civil War Medal of Honor recipients, Charles Brown on the left and Henry Hill on the right. |
| The mausoleum at the top of the hill in Union Cemetery is marked 1947 but was completed in 1949. |
| The veteran's plot at Union Cemetery with many Civil War and World War One veteran's graves. |
| Two prominent members of the Dreibelbis family: on the left is Martin, the recognized founder of Schuylkill Haven and to the right his son Jacob who laid out the plan for the town. |
| Two men who gave their lives for their country in World War One are buried at Union Cemetery. On the left is the stone of Isaac Burkert who died in 1918. The stone is only a memorial as he is as the stone states "At rest in France". On the right is the grave of Lieutenant Ivan L. Lautenbacher who was killed in action in the Argonne Forest, also in 1918. |
| The Schuylkill Canal played a large part in the early development of Schuylkill Haven. Lock keeper John Boussum at left and canal boat builder Abner High above both were involved with the canal. |
| Gideon Bast was an astute and wealthy businessman in Schuylkill Haven in the 1800s. His marker is on the left and is located in the family plot with it's impressive center stone on the right. |
| The tombstone of Charlie Lins is one of the more attractive stones in the cemetery with an angel perched atop the monument. |
| George Gangloff was a judge in Schuylkill County. His tombstone is seen above left and a campaign card is shown at right. |
The Union Cemetery received it's charter from Pennsylvania on February 27, 1854. However,
headstones indicate that burials had taken place there since at least 1837. The original eight acres of
the cemetery was purchased from Gideon Bast for $800. Mr. Bast, Charles Dengler, John Deibert,
Benjamin Delong, Abraham Boyer, Isaac Kulp, Levi Schaeiff, William Fisher and Andrew Keefer were the
original directors.
In 1871, the board met with members of the local Grand Army of the Republic in regard to a plot of
donated ground for the burial of deceased soldiers. This was later expanded upon when a plot was
given to the American Legion for veteran's burials. The plot is near the mausoleum and a marker
denoting the American Legion is present.
The cemetery expanded from eight to twenty one acres. The first addition to the original plot was
purchased from the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Another portion was later purchased from the Heinbach
estate. The mausoleum, completed in 1949, is perched near the top of the hill in the cemetery.
The cemetery is reminiscent of it's Victorian era roots with tree lined lanes, large family plots and steps
and walls within it's confines. The large variety of tombstones and the presence of graves of many of
Schuylkill Haven's well known citizens makes it well worth a stroll on a pleasant afternoon.
headstones indicate that burials had taken place there since at least 1837. The original eight acres of
the cemetery was purchased from Gideon Bast for $800. Mr. Bast, Charles Dengler, John Deibert,
Benjamin Delong, Abraham Boyer, Isaac Kulp, Levi Schaeiff, William Fisher and Andrew Keefer were the
original directors.
In 1871, the board met with members of the local Grand Army of the Republic in regard to a plot of
donated ground for the burial of deceased soldiers. This was later expanded upon when a plot was
given to the American Legion for veteran's burials. The plot is near the mausoleum and a marker
denoting the American Legion is present.
The cemetery expanded from eight to twenty one acres. The first addition to the original plot was
purchased from the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Another portion was later purchased from the Heinbach
estate. The mausoleum, completed in 1949, is perched near the top of the hill in the cemetery.
The cemetery is reminiscent of it's Victorian era roots with tree lined lanes, large family plots and steps
and walls within it's confines. The large variety of tombstones and the presence of graves of many of
Schuylkill Haven's well known citizens makes it well worth a stroll on a pleasant afternoon.
| LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 20 |
| Louisa Heston Paxson, daughter of Revolutionary Soldier, Colonel Edward Heston was a charter member of the DAR. |
| Henry Stager was very involved in the Patriotic Order of Sons of America as can be observed by reading his impressive stone. |
| The stone of George Keller, well known local Boy Scout leader is adorned with the group's symbol. |
| This unusual stone marks the graves of Geiger family members. Zoom in to see the detailed stonework. |
| The impressive monument of Civil War Major S. A. Losch dominates those surrounding it. |
| Perhaps the heaviest stone in the cemetery, this monument to the Wiederhold/Hornickel families is adorned with a detailed anchor and cross. |
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| James G. Anderson is generally acknowledged as the only soldier from Schuylkill Haven that was killed in action during the Vietnam War. |
| Two of the men from Schuylkill Haven who gave their lives during World War Two are buried here. On the left is the stone of Russell Mengle and above is the stone of Sterling Knarr, his name inscribed on his parents stone. The stone notes that he is buried in Belgium. The grave of his father has a World War One service medal and the grave of his mother has a Gold Star Mother Medal. |
| The Union Cemetery contains other stones whose attraction lies in their unique design or their ornateness as seen below. |
| This beautifully cut stone with an open Bible on top for Mary Guldin was placed by an obviously loving husband a century and a half ago. |
| The grave stone of Ray Bressler, member of the famed 103 RD Engineers unit of World War One, is shaped like a book standing on end. |
| Another large monument in the cemetery marks the graves of William and Isabella Rudy |
| Captain James Helms was another Civil War veteran active in the Patriotic Order of Sons of America and also the GAR. See the Civil War page for more information on his life. |
| On the left is the stone of Lieutenant S. B. Laubenstein, who died during the Civil War, but is not listed on the monument in town. He was born near Friedensburg, but later lived in Schuylkill Haven. His story is on the Civil War page of this site. Note the detailed sword carved into the upper segment. Above are the intricate stone crosses of Phillip and Alice Drumheller. |
| Many early businessmen and entrepreneurs are buried at the Union Cemetery. Below are two with more to be added in the near future. |
| On the left is the marker of Hugh N. Coxe, prominent area druggist who manufactured Wild Cherry and Seneca Tonic and Santorine Worm Syrup. On the right is town pharmacist Charles Commings and his wife. Both were well known in the immediate area for their concoctions. |
| Pottsville Republican of October 22, 1921 POS of A UNVEILS MONUMENT TO H. J. STAGER AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Prominent officers of the National and State Camps of the P.O.S. of A. from every section of the state, gathered at Schuylkill Haven this afternoon at two o’clock, for the purpose of paying tribute to the memory of Henry J. Stager, formerly of Schuylkill Haven, who died in 1919 after a career that marked him as the most prominent member and worker the order has ever had. The meeting today was held for the purpose of not only paying tribute to the distinguished member of the order, but for the purpose of dedicating in the Union cemetery the monument to his memory. The stone was erected through the contributions of every camp in the state. Mr. Stager who was born in Schuylkill Haven in 1842, and during his career of seven years was National president, State president, National secretary, State secretary, Past Commander in Chief of the Commandery General, and founder of the Camp Sews, the official organ of the order. The monument, a huge block of uncut stone on a double base of hewn marble, contains a facsimile of the Camp News engraved on the front, with the dates of birth and death engraved on the pages. The record of Mr. Stager is recorded on the base slab. Among the notables who attended the ceremony were: National president Gabriel H. Moyer of Lebanon, who delivered the dedicatory address; state president O. B. Wetherhold of Reading, chairman of the meeting; National secretary Herman G. Miller, of Easton; National treasurer J.W. Reese, of St. Clair; State vice president, A.D. Boyer, Pottsville; State master of forms, James Pyle, Lancaster; State Treasurer, I.S. Smith, Reading; State secretary C.B. Helms, Philadelphia; State guard, Philip Weist, Shamokin, State inspector, Clarence Silknitter, Huntingdon, Rev. T.J. Hacker, of Reading, state chaplain, officiated. The monument was unveiled by Miss Alice C. Stager, Pottsville, granddaughter of Mr. Stager. Mr. Stager in addition to his other activities, was also a member of the Valley Forge Memorial Commissions. The dedication was attended by probably the most representative gathering ever held by the P.O.S. of A. in the state. Seldom has there been a gathering where both the National and State Camps were so fully represented. The ceremonies were held in the Union cemetery following a parade which was formed at the Hotel Grand in charge of a committee consisting of Willis Kauterman, E.J. Scherer, H.A. Reber, George Keller, Llewellyn Fisher and Warren Lesser from Camp 47 of Sch. Haven under the chairmanship of Foster C. Fahl. Following the dedication the State and National officers planned to stay in Pottsville overnight, in order to attend the county rally to be held in the armory this evening. |
| A listing of veteran burials from the Call of May 26, 1899 has been added at the bottom of the page. Pictures of the cemetery gate on Garfield Avenue and Civil war veterans on Memorial Day just added. New articles of interest and images of more tombstones have also been added. |
| Two other interesting tombstones are present at the cemetery. At left is the marker for Augusta Seitz. Note the interesting marking on the huge cross. At right, a Levan family obelisk contains intricate stone carving. |
| This large plot marker is for the Coldren family, owner of the mill in town, and the Kerkeslager family, one member who owned a brewery at the corner of Saint John and Union Streets. |
| Here are three more obelisk style tombstones that grace the grounds of the cemetery. At left is a stone for the Fesler family. It has a very unusual top on it, almost like a roof. The center stone of the Maberry family has an ornate carving on the column. The stone on the right is for the Loose family and although rather plain, it towers over most in this section. |
| This Reed family stone is low to the ground but unusual with its scroll laying over a tree stump. |
| Elias Ziegenfus was one of the early undertakers, now known as funeral directors, to do business in town. |
| The stone of Adam Burket lies in the family plot. He was killed in the storage yards. His tale is on the Transportation page of this site. |
| The Call of November 18, 1893 The authorities of the Union Cemetery have cleared the trees that had remained on a portion of it and laid it out in lots. They are making a road to the left as you enter the cemetery to reach this portion. They desire to enlarge the cemetery and have sought to purchase some of the land adjoining it for that purpose but thus far they have been unable to come to satisfactory terms with the owners who desire very exorbitant prices for their land. They have received a very reasonable offer of a piece of land very suitable for a cemetery elsewhere and they have the offer in contemplation and may purchase the land and covert it into a cemetery. |
| The Call of December 30, 1893 We publish in another column the financial statement of the Schuylkill Haven Union Cemetery. The company consists of Messrs. Robert Sterner, Jacob S. Kline, C. V. B. Deibert, P. C. Detweiler, M. F. Pflueger, Cyrus Witman, Elijah Emerich, William F. Stitzer, Mahlon M. Saylor and Henry Fisher, with Robert Sterner, President, P. C. Detweiler, Secretary and Elijah Emerich, Treasurer. The report shows the company to be in very good financial condition which is brought about by the successful management of the affairs of the company by its efficient corps of officers and managers. They expended a considerable sum of money during the year. With this money they greatly improved the condition of the cemetery and have made it a very desirable burial ground. |
| The article below and the balance sheet at right appeared in the Call newspaper at the end of 1893. |
| The Call of November 17, 1916 GHOST ON UNION CEMETERY Taking advantage of the fine weather on Sunday evening last, about 8:30 o’clock, a half dozen or more people ventured to the Union Cemetery and climbed to the top of the team road. No sooner had they reached the top when they discovered what they thought was a ghost, a black ghost, with four legs, hopping from one tombstone to another and appearing first here and then some distance away. Just how these people managed to get to the bottom of the hill and then down Garfield Avenue to Centre Avenue they refuse to explain. One female of the party lost her hair, another her hat while several of the male members lost their breath and their religion. They never returned to investigate just what kind of a ghost it really was. Monday morning about nine o’clock the entire ghost story was cleared up. It appears that Sunday evening merchant John Freeman was leading his horse to water. The horse broke away and took to the hills. Efforts were made to locate the horse but were unsuccessful. Finally the search was given up until Monday morning when several children on their way to school stopped in the store and told John his horse was running loose in the cemetery. It was easily captured. Now John just can’t quite figure out why the horse went to the cemetery. The animal is only six years of age, entirely too young to think of dying and besides it has not been suffering with any disease that would cause it to think of an early grave. |
| This picture shows the gate at the Garfield Avenue entrance to the cemetery. It is the Clarence and Rosanna Snyder family who lived across the street. PICTURE COURTESY OF SUSAN DEIBLER |
| This self explanatory picture is shown courtesy of Susan Deibler. |
| In the Call of May 26, 1899, The following appeared in preparation for Memorial Day. |
| David Berger Lafayette Baker Joseph Edwards Daniel Moyer Henry Copeland George W. Burton John Hammis Michael Moyer Jacob Brininger George Berger Pat F Cooligan Fred W. Snyder William Leffler George Martz Milton Williams Daniel F. Burket Jacob Sheriff Levi Rubright Joseph Redkey George Boussum George Knarr Charles Hammis John D. Grim |
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| The following are the names of soldiers buried in Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven: |
| UNION CEMETERY Charles S. Leader William Fox John J. Harnum S. B. Laubenstein John Eckert Isaac Eckert Stoughton Kiehner Romandus Harner Peter Dilcamp William H. Koch Alpheus Combs William Koch Emanuel Bast Jacob Ebert William Feger William Reppard James Lash Franklin Burns John Weand John Wood William J. Hein Jackson Delong Jacob Honnicker Henry W. Guertler George Shreck John Katterman H. J. Bashore G. W. Frehafer Joshua Heiser Charles F. Kantner Albert W. Kantner James Delong Henry R. Quinter John Hill Daniel Yost Michael Kerkeslager Amos Paff Henry C. Freed Henry Wright B. F. Zimmerman Lewis Heisler John G. Kaufman John Fableau John Byerly Thomas Raber Edward Brown Alfred Streickler Adam Delong L. J. Huntzinger Benton Spangler Daniel Small Jerome Hoffman John Bassler Augustus Mellon Clinton H. Koons Joseph Rupp Elias Berger Henry B. Christian James K. Helms John Meck Charles Jorden Charles R. Guertler OLD CEMETERY James Moyer Augustus Palsgrove Israel Dewald George W. Lloyd Andrew Krebs Frederick Scheck Frank Reed Jerome Coneycomb Lewis Smith Peter Barr Samuel Byerly John J. Palsgrove EPISCOPAL CEMETERY John Armstrong Samuel Shelenberger Thomas Robinson H. G. Robinson |