Cemeteries: Thunder Hill Cemetery: New London Twp, Chester County, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Robin L. W. Petersen. USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. ____________________________________________________ THUNDER HILL CEMETERY or FINNEY FAMILY BURYING GROUND, NEW LONDON TWP, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA One of seven cemeteries associated with the New London Presbyterian Church, the Thunder Hill cemetery is located west of the village of New London. It is the burial ground for the Robert Finney family, containing burials from as early as 1752. Robert Finney purchased the Thunder Hill tract of 900 acres from Michael Harlan in 1722. Family tradition states that Robert was one of the defenders of Londonderry, and at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, was left for dead on the battlefield. It was during this time that he dreamed of the land he was to purchase, and once in America, recognized Thunder Hill when he saw it. In 1746, Robert Finney and Dorothea, his wife, deeded their entire estate to their son, Robert, for the sum of five shillings, "as a testimony of our gratitude and sincere regard toward our son Robert Finney and as compensation for his many good offices". They continued to live with Robert Finney, Jun., until their deaths. In the will of Robert Finney, Jun., proved May 1782, Robert "gives one acre in the corner of land where my Father is buried for a burying place to my relations forever". He also left a 50 pound legacy to the Presbyterian Meeting house at New London. In the will of Elijah McClenachan, grandson of Robert Finney, Sen., probated 1810, Elijah requested that funds be applied "to build a Stone wall round the family Burying ground on Thunderhill". Elijah also left a sixty dollar legacy to the Congregation of New London. BURIALS Intrred The Body of Robert . Finney. Died Mar . A . D 1755 . Being the eighty . 7 . year of his age Interred The Body of Dorothea . Finney . Died May . A.D. 1752 Being the eighty 2 year of her age D. F. (footstone) In memory of John McCLENACHAN and Anna, his wife, who were among the first settlers on Thunder Hill, and among the first professors of christianity in the New London Congregation, and departed this life advanced in years. (Illegible, 1996) In Memory of Mary the wife of Elijah M'Clenachan who departed this life April the 30th, 1780 Aged 49 years The Loving Wife And tender Mother In Memory of Elijah M'Clenachan who was born Nov 15 1728 and departed this February 2d 1810 Aged 81 year and 3 Months In memory of Samuel Blair McClenachan who departed this life September 11 1851 Aged 76 years 3 mos 10 days B.McC (footstone) In memory of Amay wife of Samuel B. M'Clinachan who departed this Jan 24th 1814 In the 44th year of her life The affectionate Wife and tender mother Here lies William Finney and Jean his wife (nearly illegible) Walter Finney Junr who departed this life the 6th day of Oct ad 1808 in the 13th year of his age Also his infant Brother In Memory of Susan Finney wife of the Revd William Finney who departed this life June 20th 1817 aged 26 years Also in memory of Walter Scott Finney son of William and Susan Finney who departed this Feb 17 1817 aged 6 mos and 11 days. In Memory of Walter Finney who departed this life Sept 17 1820 aged 73 years In her struggle for Independence he served his County with fidelity and zeal. In his intercourse with men he was benevolent In friendship faithful. He was zealous friend of religious institutions And was 35 years ruling Elder In the congregation New London. Also Mary Finney (widow and relict of the above) who departed this life August 10 1823 aged 70 years Alass my Mother In Memory of Walter Boothe, who died Dec. 31, 1803 In the 43rd year of his age. Also His wife, Catharine, who died April 6, 1846 In the 78th year of her age. William Nelson of Dromore County Down Ireland Born May 6, 1777 Died May 6, 1859 Mary Nelson, wife of Wm. Nelson Born Dec. 13, 1792 Died Oct. 23, 1871 Give her of the fruit of her hands And let her own words praise her in the gates Proverbs 31c 31 Many other uncut and shaped stones. SOURCES Early Pennsylvania Land Records, Egle, Originally published as Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XIX, Harrisburg, 1893. Genealogy of the McKean Family of Pennsylvania, Roberdeau Buchanan, Lancaster, PA, 1890. Chester County, Pennsylvania, Land & Property, FHL Microfilm 0020855. Chester County, Pennsylvania, Will Books, 1774-1783, FHL Microfilm 0020846. Chester County, Pennsylvania, Will Records, 1797-1817, FHL Microfilm 0020848. Transcript of Rev. Ebenezer Dickey Finney, and the notes of Mary Barada & George J. Finney. Personal visit to the Thunder Hill Cemetery to check headstone inscriptions, May, 1996.