Hunterdon County NJ Archives Cemeteries.....Prallsville Cemetery, between Stockton and Rosemont ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nj/njfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jonathan Bosse [jonathanbosse@verizon.net] Prallsville Cemetery 26 Risler Road, Stockton, New Jersey Site. Prallsville Cemetery is located at N 40-24-40.2 W 074-58-59.6 in Prallsville (between Stockton and Rosemont), Delaware Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ. Rather than accessing the cemetery via the Wolverton Inn, which is a private establishment, park at the John Prall Jr. House, a historic property managed by the Delaware Canal & Railroad Authority at 26 Risler Road, Stockton, NJ. Walk behind the house to the head of the Wickecheoke Reserve Conservation Trail. The trail and cemetery are part of a New Jersey Conservation Foundation preserve. Hike for about 800 feet in a northeasterly direction along the bank to the cemetery. The graveyard is in a wooded area. The bank to its south drops fifty feet above a backwater of the Delaware River. To its north is an arable field owned by the Wolverton Inn. It is rectangular, the long southwest edge consisting of a low stone wall. Name. Of the names attributed to this burial ground, Prallsville Cemetery should be preferred, implying that it served the general Prallsville area rather than a particular family. A number of Rittenhouses are buried here (which probably led the “Lambertville Record” to refer to it as the Rittenhouse Burying Grounds in 1879), but Rittenhouses never owned the property. The Howell, Woolverton, and Prall families each owned the land for decades (which is probably why some have called it the Woolverton Cemetery), but the Howells are the only owners who seem to have buried many family members here. Many of those interred are related to one another, but only to a degree reflects the surrounding interrelated populace and the composition of nearby Rosemont Cemetery. The Bake, Cavanagh, and Lambert families used this cemetery and were not related to the Rittenhouse, Howell, Woolverton, or Prall families. The name Prallsville Cemetery is apt, because most of the burials were probably in the period 1794- 1831, when the land was owned by John Prall and the village became known as Prallsville. Prallsville Cemetery served the Rosemont and Locktown areas, and probably existed before Rosemont Cemetery. Monuments in Rosemont Cemetery tend to be imported, substantial, and professionally engraved. Families who used the Prallsville Cemetery tended to prepare their own grave markers from fieldstones. Ownership. During the years 1702-1710, the future Prallsville Cemetery was part of a 1440- acre property belonging to John Reading (1657-1717). There were probably no burials during this period. During the years 1710-1733, the cemetery was part of a smaller 1-square-mile property owned by Daniel Howell (1688-1733). “A.H. and J.J.H.,” presumably two Howells, were surely the first burials, interred soon after Daniel received this property as a wedding present from his father-in-law. It was probably during this period that Daniel interred his daughter Mary (“M.H.”). In 1732, “A.W.” (perhaps a Woolverton or Wooliver) and two individuals with the initials “D.C.”(perhaps Cavanaughs) were buried here. During the period 1733-1750, the cemetery was part of a 73-acre property “south” of the Wickecheoke Creek and north of the Delaware River that was owned by Daniel (1708-1790) and John (1721-1808) Howell. We know of no burials during this period. From 1750 until 1765, Charles Woolverton (1698-1765) owned the parcel, which now consisted of 70 acres including the cemetery. We know of no burials during this period. From 1765 until 1773, John Woolverton (1735-1773) owned the 70-acre parcel including the cemetery. It was during his ownership that William Rittenhouse (“1767 __ R.”) was interred. From 1773 until 1792, the property was owned by the estate of John Woolverton (1735-1773) and was managed by executors, apparently including Joseph Howell (1723-?) and the Ely family. During this period, Catharine Howell Rittenhouse (“1778 C.R.”) was buried in 1778 and Peter Rittenhouse in 1791. Charles (1769-1812) and George (1770-1798) Woolverton owned the cemetery during the years 1792-1794. We know of no burials during this period. John Prall (1756-1831) owned the property during the years 1794-1831 and appears to have been the major and final owner under whom burials occurred. Peter Rittenhouse (1724-1791), Sarah Hall Rittenhouse (1735-1811), Boy Lambert (1815-1815), A.H. (presumably a Howell), A.R. (presumably a Rittenhouse or Ryerson), Stachys Rittenhouse (1804/5-1827), and J.R. (presumably a Rittenhouse or Ryerson) were probably all buried during this period. The estate of John Prall (1756-1831) owned the property 1831-1833. William Hoppock and John Wilson owned it during 1833. William Hoppock had sole ownership beginning in 1834. (Ownership information given above is derived from “The Reading and Howell Family 1660-1750” at http://home2.netcarrier.com/~drms/PDFs/history/Reading%20and%20Howell%20Family%2 01660-1750.pdf for the years 1702-1765, “The Woolverton Family 1714-1794” at http://home2.netcarrier.com/~drms/PDFs/history/Woolverton%20Family%201714- 1794.pdf.) for the years 1750-1831, and “John Prall’s Ownership c. 1792-1831” at http://home2.netcarrier.com/~drms/PDFs/history/John%20Prall%20Jr.%201792%20- %201831.pdf.) Description. The 3-Jul-1888 “Hunterdon County Democrat” introduces its transcriptions of this burial ground by stating: “One hundred years ago, grave yards, or places where the dead were buried, were quite numerous in this part of the country. They were usually located in out of the way places. Some of them are now overgrown with trees. Others have entirely disappeared and are now farm land. Many of the graves were marked with common field stones, bearing no names or dates. One of these burial places can be seen on the farm of Maurice Wolverton, near Stockton. Here a few of the graves are marked with white marble head stones.” Today, perhaps eighty unmarked stones stand in rows, plus seventeen engraved headstones in clusters representing twenty-one individuals. Twelve of the individuals are identified only by initials, some of whose names we know. Inventories. Twelve of the engraved stones were reported in the 6-Aug-1879 “Lambertville Record” (http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njhunter/Cemeteries/Rittenhouse.htm) hereinafter referred to as “Lambertville Record.” Eight were transcribed in the 3-Jul-1888 “Hunterdon County Democrat” (http://njsuttonfamily.org/Newspaper/jan1888.htm), hereinafter referred to as “Hunterdon Democrat.” Fifteen stones were photographed 28-Nov-2009 for this study; additional stones would probably have become visible if grass had been cut and leaves had been raked. Headstones in West Corner. Probably buried while Charles Woolverton (1698-1765) owned the cemetery (1750- 1765): * Rittenhouse, William? BK5945 (1695 - 8-Mar-1767). “1767 ?? R.” Brother- in-law of Daniel Howell b 1688. The character(s) ?? followed by a blank space then an R do not seem to read WR as expected. However, the stone is next to Catharine Howell Rittenhouse, the date of death is correct to be her husband William Rittenhouse, and it widely reported by reputable family histories, including Rowland in “An Ancestral Chart” and Love in “Our Rittenhouse Families” (http://www.rittenhouse-genealogy.com/) that both William and Catharine were buried here. This stone was not reported in the “Lambertville Record,” and the “Hunterdon Democrat” did not report inscriptions that gave only initials. * Rittenhouse, Catharine Howell BK5947 (abt 1695 - 1778). “1778 CR.” Sister of Daniel Howell b 1688. Reported by the “Lambertville Record.” The “Hunterdon Democrat” did not report inscriptions that gave only initials. Buried while John Prall (1756-1831) owned the cemetery (1794-1831): * Howell, Agnes Wooliver BK10155 (27-Sep-1734 – 29-Sep-1820). “A.H. D. SEP. 29th, 1820. AG. 86Y. 2Dy.” Daughter-in-law of Daniel Howell b 1688. Reported by the “Lambertville Record.” The “Hunterdon Democrat” did not report inscriptions that gave only initials. * (Howell, Benjamin BK10154 (1725 – abt 1795). No stone, but surely buried in this cemetery next to his wife Agnes Wooliver Howell.) No stone was found for any of the following six individuals. They might be buried near William Rittenhouse BK5945 in the west corner of the cemetery. William Rittenhouse BK5948, William’s wife Rebecca Harned Rittenhouse BK 5949 or Elizabeth Unknown Rittenhouse BK5950, Isaac Rittenhouse BK6021, and Lott Rittenhouse BK6025 are buried in this cemetery according to “Our Rittenhouse Families.” All six individuals below would have been buried while John Prall (1756-1831) owned the cemetery (1794-1831): * Rittenhouse, William BK5948 (1720 - 3-Jan-1799). Nephew of Daniel Howell b 1688. * Rittenhouse, Rebecca Harned BK5949 (abt 1728 – 1806). Niece (by marriage) of Daniel Howell b 1688. * (Rittenhouse, Elizabeth ______ BK5950. Niece (by marriage) of Daniel Howell b 1688.) * Rittenhouse, Isaac BK6021 (13-Jul-1726 - 23-Feb-1809). Nephew of Daniel Howell b 1688. * (Rittenhouse, Susanna Lakin Oakes Baker BK6048 (8-Apr-1732 - 4-Jun-1824). Niece (by marriage) of Daniel Howell b 1688.) * Rittenhouse, Lott BK6025 (1737 – 23-Aug-1813). Nephew of Daniel Howell b 1688. * (Rittenhouse, Hannah “Polly” Higgins BK7555 (abt 1739 – 1800). Niece (by marriage) of Daniel Howell b 1688.) Buried while John Prall (1756-1831) owned the cemetery (1794-1831): * Rittenhouse, J. “J.R.” Possibly a (great-)grandnephew of Daniel Howell b 1688. Not reported by the “Lambertville Record.” The “Hunterdon Democrat” did not report inscriptions that gave only initials. Good candidates: Jesse Rittenhouse BK10162 (grandnephew of Daniel Howell b 1688, Jesse died 1813), John B. Rittenhouse BK9309 (grandnephew of Daniel Howell b 1688, John B.’s DOD unknown), John S. Rittenhouse BK10169 (grandnephew of Daniel Howell b 1688, John S. died 1821). No female candidates. * Rittenhouse, Peter BK6712 (1798-1804). “IN MEMERY OF P. RETINHOUSE SON OF ELISHA & ISABEL HIS WIFE WAS BORN 1798 DIED 1804.” Great-grandnephew of Daniel Howell b 1688. The “Lambertville Record” wrongly reports the mother as “Isabella.” The “Lambertville Record” and “Hunterdon Democrat” both give the spelling incorrectly as “Rittenhouse;” the correct transcription is given by Rowland in “An Ancestral Chart.” The “Hunterdon Democrat” adds this description: “Elisha Rittenhouse was the son of Peter, and lived on and owned the mill property about one mile south of Locktown.” * Rittenhouse, Stachys BK6715 (1804/5 – 11-Apr-1827). “In Memory of Stachys Rittenhouse Who departed this life April 11th AD. 1827 in the 22nd year of his age.” Great-grandnephew of Daniel Howell b 1688. The “Lambertville Record” wrongly reported his name as “Stacy.” Correctly reported in the “Hunterdon Democrat.” The letter “A” in the inscription “AWDCDC” on the stone recorded below was seen by the reporter in the “Lambertville Record.” The “Hunterdon Democrat” did not report inscriptions that gave only initials. Stone not seen 28-Nov- 2009. The individuals under this stone were buried while Daniel Howell (1688- 1733) owned the cemetery (1710-1733): * W____, A (? – 1732). “1732 AWDCDC.” Relationship unknown to Daniel Howell b 1688. We do not know of a male or female A. Woolverton or A. Wooliver who died in 1732. * Cavanaugh?, D (? – 1732). “1732 AWDCDC” (Same as previous headstone.) Probably no relationship to Daniel Howell b 1688. We do not know of a Cavanaugh who died in 1732. * Cavanaugh?, D (? – 1732). “1732 AWDCDC” (Same as previous headstone.) Probably no relationship to Daniel Howell b 1688. We do not know of a Cavanaugh who died in 1732. Headstones at Southwest Edge and Center. Buried while John Prall (1756-1831) owned the cemetery (1794-1831): * Rittenhouse, Sarah Hall BK6050 (1735 – 16-May-1811). Niece (by marriage) of Daniel Howell b 1688. “In Memory of Sarah Rittenhouse Widow of Peter Rittenhouse Who departed this life May 16th AD. 1811 in the 76th year of her age.” Reported by the “Lambertville Record.” Death wrongly reported as “Dec. 16” in the “Hunterdon Democrat.” * Rittenhouse, Peter BK6020 (1724-1791). Nephew of Daniel Howell b 1688. “In Memory of P. RITTENHOUSE born 1724 Died 1791.” The years are illegible as of 28-Nov-2009 and are reported above as given in the “Lambertville Record” and “Hunterdon Democrat.” * Rittenhouse, Peter BK6020 (1724-1791). “P.R.” Apparently a footstone for Peter Rittenhouse, previous entry. Perhaps buried while Daniel Howell (1688-1733) owned the cemetery (1710-1733): * Howell, Mary BK10184 (1727 - ?). “M H.” Daughter of Daniel Howell b 1688. The “Lambertville Record” wrongly reports as though this stone were clustered with “1778 CR,” Catherine Howell Rittenhouse, above. The “Hunterdon Democrat” did not report inscriptions that gave only initials. Buried while John Prall (1756-1831) owned the cemetery (1794-1831): * Bake, John (2-Dec-1779 – 9-Dec-1826). Probably no relation to Daniel Howell b 1688. “In memory of JOHN BAKE who departed this life December 9th AD 1826 aged 47 years and 2 days.” The date looks like “December 14” and the age like “67 years” but the “Lambertville Record” and “Hunterdon Democrat” agree that the stone reads “December 9th” and “47 years.” The “Hunterdon Democrat” wrongly reports the name as “Blake.” Have not identified John Bake. A different John Bake lived in 1830 in Butler Co, OH, married to Hannah Weidner, having given birth to Jacob and Maria Bake. Headstones in South Corner. Buried while John Prall (1756-1831) owned the cemetery (1794-1831): * Rittenhouse, A (abt 1761 – 23-Sep-1823). “A.R D. SEP 23 1823 AG. 62.” Relationship unknown to Daniel Howell b 1688. This stone was not reported by the “Lambertville Record.” The “Hunterdon Democrat” did not report inscriptions that gave only initials. Have not identified this A. Rittenhouse. Headstones in East Corner. Buried while John Prall (1756-1831) owned the cemetery (1794-1831): * Cavanaugh, Ann _____ (20-Jun-1790 – 24-Dec-1810). Relationship unknown to Daniel Howell b 1688; does not appear to be a Rittenhouse, Woolverton or Howell. “In Memory of ANN CAVANAUGH Wife of John Cavanaugh who departed this life December 24th 1810 Aged 20 years 6 months and 4 days.” The date looks like “December 2,” but the “Lambertville Record” and “Hunterdon Democrat” agree that the stone reads “December 24th.” Have not identified this Ann. * Cavanaugh, Hannah _____ (19-Apr-1791 – 24-Feb-1819). Relationship unknown to Daniel Howell b 1688; does not appear to be a Rittenhouse, Woolverton or Howell. “In Memory of HANNAH CAVANAUGH Wife of John Cavanaugh who departed this life February 24th 1814 Aged 22 years 10 months 5 days.” The date looks like “February 2,” but the “Lambertville Record” and “Hunterdon Democrat” agree that the stone reads “February 24th.” Have not identified this Hannah. * (Cavanagh, John (say 1789 – 1820s. Presumably buried here. Probably not related to Daniel Howell b 1688. The “Hunterdon Democrat” reports: “John Cavanagh, named above, is supposed to have been the John Cavanagh, who was Sheriff of Hunterdon County from 1818 to 1821.” Headstones in Unknown Locations. The stone transcribed below represents two burials. It was reported by the “Lamberville Record.” The “Hunterdon Democrat” did not report inscriptions that gave only initials. This stone was not seen 28-Nov-2009. It was probably located in the west corner of the burying ground. These two individuals were buried while Daniel Howell (1688-1733) owned the cemetery (1710-1733): * Howell, A (? – 1711). “A.H. 1711 J.J.H.” Relationship unsure to Daniel Howell b 1688. If John Howell BK10174 b abt 1690—brother of Daniel Howell BK6009 b 1688—had a wife with the first initial A., she might have died in 1711 with her child John J. Howell) * Howell, J.J. (? – 1711). “A.H. 1711 J.J.H.” Same headstone as previous entry. Relationship unsure to Daniel Howell b 1688. This would be the child, John J. Howell, b 1711, d 1711. No stones found for the two individuals below, but both were surely buried in this cemetery since Daniel and Elsie died on the property after owning it for twenty years and burying close relatives on their own property. Perhaps buried in the west corner and of course buried while Daniel Howell owned the property: * (Howell, Daniel BK6009. Born 4-Sep-1688, died Oct-1733.) * (Howell, Elsie Reading BK6010. Born say 1684, died 1733.) No stone found for the burial below; could be next to Peter and Sarah at the southwest edge of the cemetery. Buried in this cemetery according to Linton Love, “Our Rittenhouse Families” (Internet genealogy.) Probably buried while Charles Woolverton (1698-1765) owned the cemetery (1750-1765): * (Rittenhouse, Hannah Hall BK 6051 (say 1724 – say 1754). Niece (by marriage) of Daniel Howell b 1688.) Buried while John Prall (1756-1831) owned the cemetery (1794-1831): * Lambert, Boy (15-Jan-1815 – 15-Jan-1815). No relation to Daniel Howell b 1688. “Jacob and Letitia Lambert’s son, born Jan 15th 1815. Died the same day.” This wording is from the “Lambertville Record.” The “Hunterdon Democrat” reads similarly but for the last sentence reports “died infant.” Did not find the stone 28-Nov-2009. Perhaps buried while John Prall (1756-1831) owned the cemetery (1794-1831): * “R M(?).” Relation unknown to Daniel Howell b 1688. The last initial M is not certain. This stone is not reported by the “Lambertville Record.” The “Hunterdon Democrat” did not report inscriptions that gave only initials. Do not know who this person is. No known Howell or Rittenhouse female of this period who had the first initial R married a man having the last initial M. Other Possible Family Members These are other relatives of Daniel Howell b 1688 who could be buried in Prallsville Cemetery. However, the family also frequently used both the Baptistown Baptist Old Yard and Locktown Baptist Old Yard by 1821. * Siblings of Daniel Howell b 1688 o John Howell BK10174 b abt 1690 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co, PA o Joseph Howell BK6008 d 1776 in Kingwood Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ * Children of Daniel Howell b 1688 o Daniel Howell BK10183 d 1790 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Julia Anne Holcombe Howell BK10208 d aft 1743 o Joseph Howell BK10186 d 1774? in Kingwood Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Gertrude Burroughs Howell BK10187 d aft 1751 * Grandchildren of Daniel Howell b 1688 o Daniel Howell BK10210 d aft 1790 o Daniel Howell BK10192 b 1742 in Hunterdon Co, NJ o Anna Howell BK10193 b 1743 in Hunterdon Co, NJ o Sydney Howell BK10194 b 1746 in Hunterdon Co, NJ o Rachel Howell BK10195 b 1748 in Hunterdon Co, NJ o Phoebe Howell BK10196 b 1752 in Hunterdon Co, NJ o Jacob Howell BK10156 b 1750 * Nephews and nieces of Daniel Howell b 1688 o Priscilla Rittenhouse Search BK6017 d by 1757 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Christopher Search BK6018 d 1757 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Moses Rittenhouse BK6019 d 1774 in Hunterdon Co, NJ o Sarah Wood Rittenhouse BK6718 o Mary ________ Rittenhouse BK6719 d 1819 o Susannah or Sarah Rittenhouse BK6022 b abt 1727 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Justus Wilhelm Rubenkam BK6028 b say 1726 o William Rittenhouse BK9314 b say 1726 o Hannah Rittenhouse Dalrymple BK6023 d 1798 in New Jersey o A. H. Dalrymple BK9712 b say 1728 o Anne Rittenhouse BK 6024 b abt 1731 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Caroline Shamp Rittenhouse BK7556 d aft 1800 * Grandnephews and grandnieces of Daniel Howell b 1688 o William Search BK6027 o Priscilla Rittenhouse Freeman BK5975 d after 1798 o Samuel Freeman BK5976 d after 1798 o Hannah Rittenhouse Hyde BK5978 d by 1799 o John Hyde BK5991 d aft 1798 o Rebecca Rittenhouse Bonham BK5980 d 1830 o Amos Bonham BK5998 d aft 1801 o Abigail Heath Freeman BK9690 d aft say 1822 o Mr. Freeman BK9691 d aft say 1822 o Peter Rittenhouse BK9704 b say 1742 in Prallsville, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Elizabeth Rittenhouse Jones BK9707 d aft 1796 o Mansfield Jones BK9708 d aft 1796 o Nancy Ann Rittenhouse Kuhl BK9709 b in Prallsville, Hunterdon Co, NJ o John Kuhl BK9710 o Sarah Rittenhouse BK9711 d say 1786 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Rachel Rittenhouse Bray BK6040 d aft 1805 probably in Rosemont, Delaware Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Amy Rittenhouse BK9306 b say 1750-1770 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Elijah Rittenhouse BK9307 b say 1750-1770 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Elizabeth Rittenhouse BK9308 b say 1750-1770 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o John B. Rittenhouse BK9309 b say 1750-1770 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Sallie Rittenhouse BK9310 b say 1750-1770 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Mary Rittenhouse BK9311 b say 1750-1770 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Susan Rittenhouse BK9313 b say 1750-1770 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o William Rittenhouse BK9314 b say 1750-1770 in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o David Rittenhouse BK10161 b say 1758 o Jesse Rittenhouse BK10162 d 1813 o John S. Rittenhouse BK10164 b say 1760 in Rosemont, Amwell (now Delaware) Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o Joseph S. Rittenhouse BK10169 d 1821 o Mary Ann Wright Rittenhouse BK10170 d aft 1779 o Nancy Ann Rittenhouse Wesert BK10171 b 1772 probably in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ o William J. Wesert BK10172 d aft say 1792 o Elisha Rittenhouse BK10173 b abt 1774 probably in Amwell Twp, Hunterdon Co, NJ * Great-grandnephews and great-grandnieces of Daniel Howell b 1688 o Amelia Hyde Unknown BK5992 d by 1799 o Mr. Unknown BK9716 d aft abt 1791 o Rebecca Hyde BK5993 b say 1776 o Jonathan Hyde BK5994 b say 1778 o William Hyde BK5995 b say 1780 o Benjamin Hyde BK5996 b say 1782 o Anna Hyde BK5997 b say 1784 o Nancy Heath Mason BK9684 d aft 1811 o Edward Mason BK9685 d aft 1811 This file is located at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nj/hunterdon/cemeteries/prallsville.txt