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Archiver > PACRAWFO > 1998-10 > 0907716145


From: Pat Vedner <>
Subject: [PACRAWFO-L] DUNN CEMETERY
Date: Tue, 06 Oct 1998 20:22:25 -0300


This cemetery is located at Coon's Corners, Hayfield Township, Crawford
Co., PA. Going west on Route 198, pass Coon's Corners and take the next
dirt road running north.

"It was opened prior to 1810 which is the earliest date on stones now
there. It is part of the original James Dunn farm. James Dunn and his
half-brother, Philip Dunn, came into the region about 1795. Both fought
in the revolution, were first settlers and are buried in the cemtery.
They came from Piscaraway, New Jersey.

The early graves were usually marked by rough stones and were mainly on
top of the hill to the east. They are remembered by the present
President of the Association, but have been removed. The present road
was private until late in the last century.

On February 24th, 1877, the application and order of court for the Dunn
Cemetery Association were filed and recorded in Crawford County
Agreement Book "C" at page 159. The thirty-eight (38) applicants,
practically without exception, became lot owners. Some of the earlier
lot owners were granted deeds but many were "squatters" in this novel
sense. The three who took the oath for the application were: Thomas H.
Dunn, Charles Burns and Henry Deeter...The present seven maple trees in
front were planted May 7th, 1883...The south side and rear were American
chestnut ....In the early days the fence was wood. In 1898 it was
decided "to place hitching posts in front of the cemetery".... The
present fence, consisting of steel posts in concrete with wire on the
sides and back and wood in front, was built in 1950....The cemetery is
deep in the country and has a well and facilities for those who wish to
visit, work there and have picnic suppers....

The original cemetery deed was given by Walter G. Dunn and his wife,
Polly M. Dunn, in 1877. It is part of the original James Dunn Farm and
Walter was his grandson. The records show Polly was buried New Year's
Eve in 1882 and that Walter left early in 1883 for the West. In 1912
the part on the north was purchased for $34.00 and in 1949 Mr. and Mrs.
Melvin Price, not only donated a piece on the rear (east) but also gave
an easement on the south which will make an attractive entrance through
trees now planted. An up-to-date map was drawn in 1950.

Of possible interest is the history of the sexton. At first he received
$1.50 for a grave up to four feet long and $2.50 for others. The prce
went up very gradually. By 1916 the minutes read significantly "nobody
wanted sexton" and the present practice is to have the funeral director
make arrangements.

There is no maintenance fund worthy of the name. But there is
considerable interest and annual picnics are held late in August at
which some definite job is undertaken. There is probably no system of
maintenance so desirable as some organization among "those who care".

The cemetery is now being used for the sixth generation by some
families. Our President, Mr. Thomas R. Deeter, tells me his children
will be the sixth generation, that is: Thomas is the son of Forest, son
of Fred, son of Michael, and son of John who first came over from the
"old country".

My own family stems from the original Hugh Dunn who went to Dover, New
Hampshire, before 1640, and moved to Piscatawy, New Jersey....James and
Philip Dunn were the sons of Jeremiah and their background includes such
familiar early family names as Martin, Langstaff, Hull, Drake, Bonham,
Dunham, Roberts and the three Mayflower Fullers....T. P. Dunn"

There is an index on file at the Crawford County Historical Society in
Meadville along with the rest of this description.

Bill: George Dearborn died 25 September 1864 age 57y11m12d
Dearborn, Walter D. born 1839 and died 1906
Dearborn, Cordella E. born 1842 and died 1926
(NOTE: Bill got in touch with me and asked about this cemetery; this
is his response)

--
*********************************
Pat Butterfield Vedner
Conneautville, PA 16406

http://www.toolcity.net/~vedne

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