This page is a part of the Tompkins Co., NYGenWeb Site. Not for commercial use. All Rights Reserved.

A Brief History of the McLean Cemetery

McLean, Town of Groton, Tompkins County, New York

Contributed by George Totman
Secretary of McLean Cemetery Association

OFFICERS 1910
President ------- D. W. ROWLEY
Vice President -- J. M. WALDRON
Secretary ------- A. F. HOWARD
Treasurer ------- J. C. FITTS

Executive Committee -- Andrew STEELE & J. M. WALDRON

Directors

D. W. ROWLEY
G. E. CHAMBERS
G. B. SICKMON
J. C. FITTS
A. F. HOWARD
Andrew STEELE
J. M. WALDRON
W. J. TRAPP
G. B. MCKINNEY

In the year of 1824 Abram BOYNTON buried his wife in an apple orchard on land which he then owned and donated about an acre of ground for a burying-ground for his family, and his neighbors. This plot of ground lies along the highway and at the first rise of ground in the present cemetery. No charge was made for burying here until 1857, when at a meeting of citizens an organization was formed; more land was purchased of Abram BOYNTON; the grounds were fenced and plotted, and deeds were given to purchasers.

On April 17th, 1870, at a meeting of citizens held in the Baptist church in McLean, New York. The McLean Cemetery Association was regularly formed, named and incorporated under the laws of the state. The officers for the first year were John P. HART, Wm. MORGAN, D. B. MARSH, A. B. LAMONT and Dudley ANDREWS, trustees.

At this time a six-acre addition was purchased of Alpheas WEST, making a total acreage of about 16 acres of land. In the purchase of this addition the cemetery became in debt; which was finally paid by subscription.

During the past few years several thousands of dollars have been expended in the purchase of a substantial iron fence, and entrance gates, grading, lawning, graveled drives, and ornamental shrubs and vases, until we now have a beautiful place, with nice lawns and flower beds, rose mounds and flowering shrubs, a nice little chapel, and plenty of beautiful shade trees. We have a legacy fund, the proceeds of which are used in caring for the burial lot, and monuments of the deceased.

From a Booklet Entitled: "McLean Cemetery" - published in 1910 by "The Cortland Democrat Prompt Printery"

McLean Cemetery Association
Organized at McLean, Tompkins Co., NY, April 17th, 1870

To Whom It May Concern, Greeting:
This is to certify, that we whose names are hereinafter mentioned, met at the Baptist Church, in McLean, for the purpose of organizing a Society, founded upon the Rural Cemetery Law, passed April 27th, 1847.
-residents of the State of New York.

	1st Voted - Garry CHAMBERS, Chairman

	2nd Voted - Wm. WHIPPLE, Secretary

The name of the Association to be called THE MCLEAN CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
The number of Trustee fixed on - nine

The names of the Trustees, chosen by ballot, were as follows: John P. HART, J. B. HART, Wm. MORGAN, D. B. MARSH, V. B. GROSS, A. B. LAMONT, P. F. HART, Dudley ANDREWS, Morris FRANCIS.

Classification as follows - 1st Class: J. B. HART, Dudley ANDREWS, V. B. GROSS. 2nd Class: D. B. MARSH, Wm. MORGAN, A. B. LAMONT. 3rd Class: J. P. HART, P. F. HART, Morris FRANCIS.

The first Tuesday in March of 1871, is the day fixed upon for the annual election of Trustees.
(Signed) Garry CHAMBERS, Chairman
Wm. WHIPPLE, Secretary

Thank you Terry Donlick for retrieving & transcribing this information.

You are our visitor since July 8, 1999.
Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, 04-Jul-2019 12:37:30 PDT

© Copyright by Janet M. Nash and Johnna Armstrong
for the contributors of the material on these pages.
All Rights Reserved.