There are old grave yards with tilting and weathered headstones all over Western New York.
These aging cemeteries were the final resting place for pioneers, heroes and entrepreneurs who helped settle what was once considered "the west."
In Bergen, you can find the grave of Jesse Townsend, who is believed to be the first marked burial in the township. He died September 25, 1809 at the age of 87. Nearby in the Barr Burying Ground, opposite the James Barr residence, is Captain William Peters, who served in the infantry as a captain under General Wayne in the war of 1776. His son is also buried there. He died in the first battle of the War of 1812. Sharing this consecrated ground are James E. Davis and Wilbert Fuller, who died in the Civil War.
This hallowed ground had fallen into disrepair until members of the Bergen Town Board decided to clean up the cemetery.
“These historic markers of our great patriots and the founders of our town need to be preserved” stated Barry Miller.
The Board voted unanimously to hire Derick Monument Company out of LeRoy to repair stones and rehabilitate any markers that could be salvaged.
Deputy Supervisor Don Cunningham wanted to thank the Highway Department and Superintendent Dave Roggow for initiating the clean-up.
“Our Highway Department took the first steps to move broken head stones, remove limbs, and other large debris so the south east corner could be mowed," says Cunningham.
Bergen Town Officials met Saturday morning to finish the clean-up efforts and beautification of the East Bergen Cemetery. They did basic maintenance such as grooming, raking and also some historical documentation.
“It is our duty as local officials to ensure that this history is here for years to come and I am committed to preserving the rich and interesting history that we have discovered in the East Bergen Cemetery” stated Rachel Millspaugh.
(NOTE: This report compiled from a press release from the Bergen Town Board.)
