Hanover Street Burial Grounds, a.k.a. Hanover Street Grounds, Hanover Grounds

 

The Hanover Street Burial Grounds was located in today’s Fishtown section of Kensington, bordered by Hanover Street (today Columbia Avenue), Thompson Street, and Earl Street. According to Charles R. Barker’s A Register of the Burial Grounds in Philadelphia, Volume 2, page 6, Hanover Street Burial Ground was composed of three distinct cemeteries; Kensington Methodist Episcopal, Union Harmony Burial Company, and Union Wesleyan Church. 

 

Kensington Methodist Episcopal purchased ground in 1805 by Methodist Episcopal of Philadelphia, transferred to Kensington M.E. Church in 1809 (Deed IC 6, p. 75). The Board of Health Register has records of their burials as early as 1838-1858.

 

The Union Harmony Burying Company ground was purchased in 1828 with Union Wesleyan Church Burial Company having the southern moiety of the lot they purchased (Deed: ACH 74, p. 547, 551) and it was incorporated in 1831. The Philadelphia Board of Health Registers has the Harmony Burial Company listed as burying as early as 1828-1831. They also have Union Harmony burying as early as 1831-1832 and 1838-1840.

 

When Hanover Street Burial Ground closed in about 1922-1923, the remains of Kensington Methodist Episcopal are said to have been removed to Forest Hills Cemetery, 101 Byberry Road, Philadelphia, PA. Forest Hills Cemetery has no records of the burials for Hanover Cemetery and were apparently never in possession of them. The do however have a record of the transfer of the Hanover Street Burial Ground bodies en masse. There is a mass grave marker.

 

The Remains of Union Harmony Burying Ground and Union Wesleyan Church Burial Company were removed to section #30 of Fernwood Cemetery, Montgomery County, PA. Barker also states that there were some remains removed to Graceland Cemetery, Yeadon, PA, and that the then Secretary of the Board of Yeadon, Mrs. L.W. Elliot had the records. Also, it has been reported that there were some bodies removed to North Cedar Hill Cemetery, in Philadelphia.

 

At the time of George R. Barker’s research on this cemetery (1940’s?) he talked with a local contractor, George Vaughn, of east Montgomery Street, who told him that some gravestones from Hanover Street Burial Ground were used in constructing some of the homes on Susquehanna Avenue, presumably as foundation stones.

 

Hanover Burial Ground is listed as early as 1849 on the J. C. Sidney Map of the City of Philadelphia. The cemetery was also called “Helverson’s Grounds” (Public Ledger, 2 Feb 1848) and “Helverson’s Burying Ground” (Public Ledger, 19 July 1848). A fellow by the name of Nicholas Helverson (b. abt. 1789- d. bef. 1860) was listed as “furnishing undertaker & coffin maker” at the S.E. corner of Coates (Fairmount) and St. John’s (American) Streets. He was also listed as being the superintendent of several burying grounds (Public Ledger, 2 Nov 1836). There was a “Helverson’s Grounds” on Frankford Road (Avenue) as early as 1855. Philadelphia’s Board of Health Registers of 1845-1846, reports a “Helverson’s Ground,” as well the 2nd Universalist Church register mentions “funerals & other grounds” in an 1855 internment at “Helverson’s Ground on Frankford Road.”

Below (following the pictures and map) are some obituaries for the period of 1860-1865 for Hanover Street Burial Ground. I will try to post the others at some point in the future. If you have any email me and I’ll add them. From an online database of the Philadelphia Inquirer for the years 1860-1920, I found for the years 1860 to 1900 the Hanover Burial Ground & Vault averaged 27 burials per five year time block (1860-1865, 1866-1870, etc). After 1900, the burials dropped off dramatically. For the five year period between 1901-1905 there were only 7 burials, for the period of 1906 to 1918, the end year for the online Philadelphia Inquirer database, there were zero burials listed in the death notices. It could be the cemetery was filled, or no longer used. In about the year 1922 the cemetery was closed and the bodies removed to suburban burial grounds. This little study was not real scientific, it only includes the online database for the Philadelphia Inquirer. I’m sure there were many other burials at this cemetery, but either didn’t show up in this database of the obits were not posted in the Inquirer.

 

In some Fishtown & Kensington obituaries, you’ll see mention of the Hanover Vault. Simply because someone was placed in the Hanover Vault, does not necessarily mean that the person were buried at that cemetery. It could be they were placed there during the winter months since they lived locally, then buried elsewhere when the ground was soft enough to bury, or something to that effect. The one photo below might be a picture of the Vault, it’s the photo with the small house to the left that stands alone on the cemetery property. It’s either the vault or the caretakers shed.

 

 

 This is a photograph of Hanover Street Burial Ground. I’m guessing it dates from about 1900-1920 period. The view is looking north from Columbia Avenue (Hanover Street). In the background is the old Alexander Adaire Public School that sat at Palmer & Thompson Streets. The backside of the row of houses to the right is the backside of these houses pictured in this next photograph.

 

 

This photograph shows the row of old wooden ramshackle homes that lined the west side of Thompson Street between Columbia (Hanover) and Earl Street. They were torn down in 1923 after the cemetery was removed and the whole area was replaced by Hetzell’s Playground, which still exists at this site today.

 

 

This is another shot of the Hanover Street Burial Ground. This view is from Columbia Avenue (Hanover Street), looking in a northwest fashion. The row of houses would be houses that would have faced Livingston Street. The small two storey house in the cemetery is presumably the Hanover Vault, as well as the caretakers shed.

 

 

This map here shows the exact location of the Hanover Street Burial Ground; as well you can see the row of houses on Thompson Street that are pictured above, as well as the old Alexander Adaire School north of the cemetery, and the Hanover Vault and caretakers shed (marked as a yellow square with the number "2" inside), also pictured above. This map is plate 18 of the Bromley Atlas of 1922, thus what you see on the map is in the photographs above and thus helps us to date the photographs to at least this time period, circa 1920, or earlier.

 

Update on Hanover Burial Ground Records: Helverson Funeral Records

 

Located at the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, there are 9 volumes of burial records for Helverson's Funderal Company beginning on 7 March 1841 and ending on 4 December 1895. There are also 3 volumes of lot books (some for the Union Harmony Cemetery 1828-1915 and Hanover Burial Ground 1840-1900) and 3 volumes of Account Books of miscellaneous dates (26 Jul 1834 – 13 Aug 1844; 26 Jul 1834 – 4 Oct 1837; 22 sept 1835 – 18 Apr 1831-34; 1832 –1836-1837; 1 Jan 1885 – 29 Dec 1895).

 

Besides their funeral business and coffin making business, the Helverson family also had an interest in the Union Harmony Ground, mentioned above at the beginning of this page.

 

BURIALS AT HANOVER GROUND:

 

Here are some obituaries I found in the Philadelphia Inquirer for the years 1860-1865. When I find time I’ll try to add some more:

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

9 Feb 1861

Page 5.

 

Smith. - On the 8th instant, Mrs. Hannah S. Smith, wife of Charles Smith, in the 45th year of her age. The relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral, from the residence of her husband, Germantown Avenue, below Seventh Street, on Sunday afternoon, at 3 o’clock. To proceed to Hanover Street Ground.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

28 May 1861

Page 5

 

Dougherty. - On the 27th instant, Mr. William Dougherty, in the 47th year of his age. His relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from his late residence, in Marlborough Street, below Girard Avenue, Eighteenth War, on Thursday afternoon, at 2 o’clock. Funeral to proceed to the Hanover Street Vault.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

29 June 1861

Page 5.

 

Marshall. - On the 25th inst., William B. Marshall, in the 53d year of his age. The relatives and friends of the family, also Excelsior Grotto, No. 4, S. and D. of A. A., are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from his late residence, No. 1358 Frankford road, above Thompson Street, on Sunday afternoon, at 3 o’clock. To proceed to Hanover Street Ground.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

25 Sept 1861

Page 5.

 

Carhart. - On the 22d inst. Mrs. Elizabeth Carhart, in the 66th year of her age. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from her late residence, N.E. cor. St. John and Buttonwood streets, this afternoon, at 2 o’clock, without further notice. Funeral to proceed to Hanover street vault.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

19 Oct 1861

Page 5.

 

Eary. - Suddenly, on the 17th inst., Elizabeth Eary, wife of the late Peter Eary, in the 56th year of her age. “She rests in peace.” The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from her late residence, No. 143 Allen Street, above Frankford road, on Sunday afternoon, at 1 o’clock. To proceed to Hanover street Vault.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

20 Nov 1861

Page 5.

 

Schofer. - On the 16th inst., Miss Maria M. Schofer. Her relatives and friends of the family, also Deborah Franklin Council, No. 2, U.D. of A., and Philadelphia Union, No. 2. D. of T., also Keystone Temple, No. 1 T. of H., are respectfully invited to attend the funeral from the residence of her step father, Wm. McKeever, No. 316 Girard Avenue, above Marlborough sty., this (Wednesday) afternoon, at 1 o’clock, To proceed to Hanover Ground.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

14 Dec 1861

Page 5.

 

Feairheller. - On the 9th inst. After a long and painful illness, Elizabeth, wife of the late Henry Feairheller, in the 55th year of her age. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from her late residence, Germantown Avenue, above Berks street, on Sunday afternoon, at 1 o’clock. Funeral to proceed to Hanover Street Ground.

 

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

11 Feb 1862

Page 5

 

Lybrand. - On the 7th inst., Mrs. Margaret Lybrand, in the 72d year of her age. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from the residence of her son, Henry J. Lybrand, No. 1035 Crease (late Crown) street, on Thursday morning, at 10 o’clock. To proceed to Hanover Street Vault.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

26 Feb 1862

Page 5

 

Kimble. - On the 23d instant, Joseph Kimble, aged 32 years. His relatives and friends, also Decatur Council, No. 36, O. of U.A. M., and the Order in general, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from his late residence, in Montgomery avenue (late Cherry street) this (Wednesday) afternoon, at 3 o’clock. Funeral to proceed to the Hanover street vault.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

15 April 1862

Page 5

 

Mercer. - On the 13th inst., Mrs. Mary, wife of David Mercer, and daughter of Andrew and Rebecca Treganns, in the 35th year of her age. Her relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral, from the residence of her husband, No. 1132 Otis (late Wood) street, Eighteenth Ward, on Wednesday afternoon, at 3 o’clock. To proceed to Hanover Street Vault.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

3 Feb 1863

Page 3.

 

Fricke. On the 1st inst. Mrs. Susan Fricke, relict of the late Frederick Fricke, in the 88th year of her age. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from her late residence. No. [707] St. John street, above Coates street, on Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock, without further notice. To proceed to Hanover Street Ground.

 

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

26 Feb 1863

Page 3.

 

Bower. - On the 22d inst., Samuel D. S. Bower, shipwright, of Kensington, aged 66 years. The relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral, from his late residence, No. 530 Thompson street above Palmer, on Friday afternoon, 27th inst., at 2 o’clock. Internment at Hanover Street Ground

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

29 Jan 1864

Page 5.

 

Derbyshire. - On the 28th instant, of catarrh, George W., son of Joseph and Jane Derbyshire, aged 2 years, 7 months and 21 days. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from the residence of his parents, Amber street above Norris, on Sunday afternoon, at 2 o’clock. To proceed to Hanover street vault. Though thou aren't no more with pain oppressed, Thy parents will grieve they place of rest, And sweet and calm be they repose, Beneath the fragrance of the rose.

 

Jones. - John Edward Jones, Jr. eldest son of John E. and Hannah Jones, after a short and severe illness, aged 8 years, 5 months and 16 days. His friends, and those of the family, are invited to attend his funeral, from the residence of his parents, [1031] Beach street, Eighteenth Ward, this (Friday) afternoon, at 3 o’clock, without further notice. To proceed to Hanover Street Ground.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

3 Feb 1864

Page 5.

 

Tomlin. - On the 1st instant, Mrs. Eleanor Tomlin, widow of the late Brasilia Tomlin, aged 77 years. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from the residence of her brother, Mr. Joseph Day, at Cooper’s Point, N.J., this (Wednesday) afternoon, at 2 o’clock. The funeral will cross to Vine street, and proceed to Hanover Street Ground, Kensington. (Wilmington and Salem papers please copy.)

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

11 July 1865

Page 5.

 

Stanmire. - On the 8th instant, Phoebe Jank, daughter of Thomas M. and Mary Jane Stanmire, aged 1 year and 1 month. Another sweet flower has withered, a gem from the casket set free, a lamb in the flock of our shepherd, who has said, let her come unto me. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from the residence of her parents, No. 133 McClellan street, this (Tuesday) morning, the 11th instant, at 9 o’clock. To proceed to Hanover Street Burial Ground.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

18 Aug 1865

Page  5.

Upperman. - On the 16th instant, Mrs. Sarah, wife of Watson D. Upperman, and daughter of James and the late Sarah Jones, in the 21st year of her age. Her relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from the residence of her father. No. 1242 Savery street, Eighteenth Ward, on Sunday afternoon, at 3 o’clock. To proceed to the Hanover Street Ground.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

5 Dec 1865

Page 5.

 

Peake. - On the 1st inst., Mrs. Sarah Ann Peake, wife of Albert Peake, in her 32d year, daughter of Elizabeth and the late Wm. Roxberry. We saw her sufferings and heard her sighs, With throbbing hearts and weeping eyes; But now she calmly sleeps at last, All pain, all grief, all suffering past. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral from the residence of her brother, Lewis Roxberry, this (Tuesday) afternoon, at 1 o’clock, No. 1215 Howard street, above Girard avenue. To proceed to Hanover Street Ground.

 

 

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

16 Dec 1865

Page 5.

 

Monyer. - On the 12th instant, John Monyer, aged 60 years. We saw his sufferings, heard his sighs, with throbbing hearts and weeping eyes; But now he is calm, and sleeps in peace, All sorrow, pain and suffering ceased. Gone, but not forgotten. The relatives and friends, the  Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 155, A.Y.M., and the Passenger Railroad Relief Association, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from his later residence, No. 1452 Lawrence street, on Sunday, at 1 o’clock. To proceed to Hanover Street Burial Ground.

 

 

Here are a couple of odds and ends obits found in the Inquirer and Public Ledger, that were already online and I list them here to consolidate:

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

11 Jan 1872

Page 5

 

Ristine. - On the 8th inst., after a lingering illness, John Ristine, in the 76th year of his age. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from the residence of his sister, rear of No. [1612] N. Front street, this (Thursday) afternoon, at 2 o’clock. Internment at the Hanover Street Burial Ground.

 

 

Philadelphia Public Ledger

October 1881

[this was posted at Philly Roots Listserve Jan 1998]

 

William L. Letherbury, died on 9 October in 1881, his obit was in the Ledger. He is stated to have been placed in the Hanover Vault. He was the 2nd great granduncle of Sharon Wardle Harrington of Herndon, VA. (circa Jan 1998)

           

 

November 1883

[from a post on Philly Roots Sept 2005]

 

This was found in a Townsend family bible.

MULLICA - Suddenly, on November 21st, 1883, MARY P., wife of William Mullica, aged 62 yrs. The relatives and friends of the family, also of Kensington M.E. Church, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Sunday afternoon at ? o'clock, from her late residence, No. 409 East Girard avenue. To proceed to Hanover vault.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer.

15 Sept 1892

Page 6.

 

Inman. - On the 14th inst., Mary E., wife of George Inman, aged 43 years. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, this afternoon, at 2 o’clock, from her husband’s residence 1905 Fifth Street. Internment at Hanover Street Burial Ground.

 

January 15th, 1899

[from Philadelphia Death Certificate contributed by Rod Ducasse, 24 Jan 2009]

John P Ducasse, 75 yrs. old, 1170 Hanover Street, died  Jan.11th 1899, buried at Hanover Street Burial Ground Jan 15th 1899.