Yeakel Cemetery

Not just Yeakels. There are other family names within the cemetery. Researching who exactly is buried in the Yeakel Cemetery is a bit of a challenge. Clues are scattered and traditions are difficult to verify. Tombstone research is the most reliable information we have (which is why it is so important to preserve!). Existing inscriptions, and transcriptions completed by researchers in the past, were used to create a list of burials that  has just been added to this website. Some of the names were taken from the Schwenkfelder Monument and do not have individual grave markers. These represent the earliest burials. It is also likely that members of the Mack and Nice families are buried here. These families owned the property before 1802 and deed research indicates the land was used as a burying-ground before 1752. A Revolutionary War skirmish took place on this land in December of 1777. Tradition states that casualties from this battle are buried here, but that has not yet been confirmed. Perhaps some of the twenty-four unmarked fieldstones are the graves of some of these people. Please visit the Burials page to view the list.

Over the past several months the committee has been working hard to develop a preservation plan for the cemetery. We have consulted with a conservator, a historic preservationist, a fundraising specialist and trades people. Being mindful of the historic significance of the site, we are carefully reviewing all of the detailed proposals to create a plan that addresses all of the cemetery’s needs while trying to control costs. One way to keep costs down is to use volunteers for some of the labor. Under the guidance of a professional conservator, these volunteers will aid tremendously in preparing a site survey, marker condition assessment, marker conservation and general clean-up. This type of program can be an educational experience for the volunteers and a means for community involvement. The volunteer event in September provided an estimated savings of over a thousand dollars in labor costs.

We have also been planning for fundraising. The Central Schwenkfelder Church, who owns the property, has agreed to manage a fund for the preservation effort using their non-profit status. The church has already spent over $9000 removing dense brush and creating a stream crossing to provide access to the site. Thanks to them workers and visitors have a clear path to the cemetery. The rest of the work will require more money. We are close to establishing a budget and timeline and hope to reach out to the community soon to solicit funds. Another option to explore is a historic preservation grant. Generally, these are matching grants allocated to projects that meet certain requirements. The application process requires a lot of historical research and will take some time to prepare.

I have been asked many times about who is buried in the Yeakel Cemetery. Having it’s roots as a private burial ground, there is no official record of interments, like there would be with an incorporated cemetery. However, research has provided much information. I am currently working on a list of names based on existing tombstones and genealogical data. Some of the early lists include names of burials that have not been confirmed. I will attempt to distinguish between the known and suspected burials and publish the list on this website. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment on this site or contact me through email, my address is theyeakels@verizon.net .

Happy holidays to all!

On Sunday, October 14, a beautiful autumn day, two tours were held at the cemetery. With the help of the Chestnut Hill Historic Society and the Springfield Township Historic Society, the groups were treated to an informative presentation about the history of the site. Jerry Heebner, editor of  The Schwenfeldian magazine, led the tour beginning with some background about the Schwenkfelder emigration and settlement in the area. He also spoke about how the property developed and provided an entertaining outline of the families buried there. Jack Yeakel concluded the tour with some stories about the Yeakel family’s experience during the British occupation of Chestnut Hill. It’s a thrill to see so many people taking an interest in the cemetery and the history it represents. Hopefully, these were the first of many. Stay tuned.

If you would like to learn more, please come to the First Presbyterian Church in Flourtown, November 8th at 7:30. The program will feature presentations by Jefferson M. Moak, Senior Archivist with the National Archives and Records Administration, and David Contosta, Professor of History at Chestnut Hill College. Moak’s talk, “Chestnut Hill and Springfield Township: 18th Century Land Development and Architecture” will include original land partitions, an introduction to 18th century roads, and examples of 18th century architecture. Contosta’s presentation, “Millers and Mystics”, will explore the history of the Whissahickon Valley as both an early industrial powerhouse and home of a Pietist sect known as the “Hermits of the Whissahickon”. The talks are open to the public at no charge and will be moderated by Miles Orvell, Professor of English and American Studies at Temple University.