More on Disappearing York County Cemeteries

I'm so glad you were able to date this document. I knew if I researched the names on the list, I could determine an estimated date, but never got around to doing so. Hopefully someone can remember where the cemetery was located, and I will also continue searching.

Unrelated to the discussion of the cemetery, but it is interesting to note how many of the men on this list had filed damage claims with the state back in the 1868 - 1870 time frame to petition for compensation for horses stolen and / or property destroyed or taken by the Confederate forces that occupied Spring Garden Township during the Civil War's Gettysburg Campaign.

Thanks Scott, that helps confirm my guess on the time period of the undated document. It follows too that they were men of property and would be able to contribute toward the fencing of the burial ground.

I am glad someone is trying to save and preserve the cemeteries in and around this area. I feel like that it is a priveledge to honor these pioneer spirits that went before us. Young people now do not look back and see life in the generations before them was like. I too am serching for relatives and have been unable to find some family members.

If someone is looking for a lost family cemetery, my uncle told me of one off Hwy 274 in York County SC. It is on the Harper property that joins my uncle's South 40 Farm. His name is William Timothy Reid. My grandfather bought the farm from the Love family in the 1950's.

Good luck on your quest.

Thanks T. Y. Even if they still exist, those small family cemeteries sometimes have not been recorded. You just never know where you might find the missing link in your family tree.

Just wanted to comment on your question about a cemetery near York Suburban Middle School. There defintely was a cemetery right next to the school - actually on the property line between f the First Church of the Brethern and the Middle School. When the church was built, they wanted to construct a garage at the edge of their property and dug up the cemetery to build it. So, it was located right where their standalone garage is now (near the school tennis courts). We moved to a house which bordered the church property in 1967, and it was shortly after we moved that I remember the cemetery being excavated. There were few remains found, and I'm not sure that any of them were marked. I can get additional information and specifics from my parents, who still there.

Thank you so much, Mike. We have been trying to document that cemetery for years. Anything your parents can add would be greatly appreciated.

Adding another comment about the above document; “The old burial ground on the premises of Vincent Keesey, Esq. in Spring Garden Township” brings an interesting question to mind. Who was Vincent K. Keesey and how was he connected with this old cemetery site?

Doing a little history research, the following information in a publication of “History of York County PA” Biographical, Volume II, pages 507-508, published in 1907 was found as to who V. K. Keesey was:

“VINCENT K. KEESEY, member of the York County Bar for the long period of fifty-five years, was born at Glatz Ferry in Hellam Township, December 1822. He removed to York in 1841 and entered upon the study of law in the office of Robert J. Fisher, then one of the leaders of the bar in southern Pennsylvania. He applied himself diligently to his legal studies and was admitted to practice, December 27, 1844. Soon after: his admission, he acquired a large and lucrative practice which, through faithful and- untiring efforts, he maintained with' high honor and credit to himself and his clients, for half a century. His knowledge of the law was broad and comprehensive, and his ability and attainments thoroughly fitted him to be a leader in his profession. His learning, industry, sound judgment and conscientious performance of every duty were recognized and relied upon by the people of his native county, and won for him the merited reward of wealth and reputation. Mr. Keesey possessed strong mental endowments and a clear conception of the principles of law, and was forceful in presenting his arguments to court and jury. His skill and training as a lawyer caused a demand for his services in the trial of cases before the courts in adjoining counties, the Federal courts and. the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. In 1875, Mr. Keesey matured the plans for/the organization of the Farmers National Bank; of which he served as president from the time it was formed until his death. a period of twenty-four years. The bank prospered under his management and soon became a prominent financial institution. He served as a member of the school board· of York and was president of the tri-ennial election of school directors who elected the second superintendent of public schools for ·the county of York. He was also a trustee of the York County Academy for several years. He was a member and regular attendant at St. John's Episcopal Church, of which he was a vestryman.
In 1846, Mr. Keesey was married to Susan Koch, daughter of Dr. Francis Koch, a descendant of John Koch, who served as a soldier in Armand's Legion during the War of the Revolution. Mr. Keesey died October 4, 1899, in his seventy-seventh year. His wife died in 1894. They had three children. Mary, the oldest daughter, married Hon. John V. L. Findlay, a member of the' Baltimore Bar, and representative in Congress from the State of Maryland. Helen, the second daughter, married William Stair, a leading merchant of York. Horace Keesey, their only son, is a prominent member of the York County Bar.”

Further research says that he was buried in a Prospect Hill Cemetery location in the York Township area. Don’t know if this was the name of the old cemetery or a new location V. K. Keesey may have been moved to.

Another thought about the issue that could be is when was the document produced. Was it in the 1870’s, around, or even after V. K. Keesey’s 1899 passing? Was he even connected with this location other than having his name associated with the property?

One thing is for sure that progress can change many things.

Thanks for all the information on Vincent K. Keesey. I think Mr. Keesey was still alive when the document was written, as it sounds like he is the owner, not his estate. It refers to the "old cemetery," so it may not even have been an active cemetery at the time the petition was written. I think Keesey owned a good bit of land in the East York area at one time. I think it might be the one that people keep say was on the grounds of the present York Suburban Middle School, but I haven't found any documentation yet. Thanks again.