AREA HISTORY:  Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Hanover, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/
_______________________________________________ 

History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
_______________________________________________

MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY – Page 587

This beautifully located cemetery was originated through the efforts of L. F. 
Melsheimer, J. J. Naille and D. Q. Albright, at a meeting held December 20, 
1858, and a charter was received early the following year.  The land, fifteen 
acres, was purchased of Adam Forney for $2,146.  It lies on the summit of a 
hill, a short distance south of town, with a commanding view of the surrounding 
country.  It was laid out in lots and winding walks, during February, 1859, by 
Joseph S. Gitt.  The dedicatory services occurred on June 2, 1859.  The 
officiating clergymen were Revs. B. H. Nadal, M. J. Alleman and Martin Lohr.  
Alfred E. Lewis wrote a hymn which was sung at the time of dedication.  Mount 
Olivet Cemetery is a beautiful testimony of the affectionate remembrance which 
the citizens of Hanover hold for the friends who have departed this life.  Many 
of the lots are enclosed with iron railing and granite curbing, and adorned with 
choice flowers.  The grounds are ornamented with trees and shrubbery, which make 
the place an attractive resort.  There are a large number of handsome monuments 
of granite and marble worthy of admiration as works of art.  The remains of Col. 
Richard McAllister, the founder of Hanover, repose in this delightful spot, and 
the graves of himself and family are taken care of by the borough authorities.  
An iron octagonal pavilion, of tasteful design, is a central figure of the 
cemetery.  This cost $600, and was paid for with the money raised at the 
festival during the year 1872, by the ladies of Hanover.  The first board of 
directors was composed of Daniel Q. Albright, president; L. F. Melsheimer, 
secretary; Horatio W. Emmert, treasurer; William Wirt, J. J. Naille, Harry 
Kurtz, F. M. Baughman, George W. Welsh and Joseph Slagle.  Two large swinging 
iron gates for carriages, and two smaller ones for footmen, similar to those at 
the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, were placed at the entrance in the year 
1877, at a cost of $600, including granite blocks for posts.  The board of 
directors in 1885 is as follows:  Levi H. Eckert, president; George N. Forney, 
secretary and treasurer; Henry A. Young, William Anthony, William F. Stair, Dr. 
H. Alleman, Philip S. Bowman, Carl Erdman and Washington Bair.  George Zinn for 
many years was superintendent; at his death his son, John Zinn, the present 
superintendent succeeded him.