HIDDEN WEST CHESTER

Cemetery gives glimpse of community’s past and provides a reflective walking path

Union Township Cemetery (a.k.a. West Chester Cemetery or Brookside Cemetery) was formally organized circa 1865 by 23 lot owners forming the West Chester Cemetery Association. The hallowed grounds had been established years earlier as a family graveyard of then property owner James Cummins (1824-1871). Members of the Cummins family are laid to rest in the area known as the “Old Yard” on the south west side of the cemetery, near the small white brick building. The oldest burials in the cemetery based upon readable markers are: Solomon Brecount, who died September 8, 1799 at age 36; and Nancy (Legg) McMaken, daughter-in-law of early West Chester settler *Joseph McMaken (1753-1818), who died October 9, 1820 at age 27. The West Chester Cemetery provides a wonderful backrop for a walk anytime of year. Please be respectful of mourners and leave no trace that you were there.