written by Angela Witcher

The Pennington African Cemetery is one of the oldest historical landmarks in the area. It is the resting place of individuals born as far back as the Revolutionary War up until the Civil Rights era. Historically, people of African descent were segregated in many aspects of life. We’re all familiar with separate neighborhoods, separate schools, and separate churches. There were also separate cemeteries. Nearly two hundred years of Black life have been laid to rest here: War Veterans, Teachers, Preachers, Singers, Lamplighters, Domestics and more. The people who helped build the Pennington area and establish its cultural roots.
 
Although we don’t know exactly when the first grave was dug, a Deed was issued on September 1st, 1863 to Samuel Allen, Samuel Blackwell, Theodore Boyer, Jasper Moore, Thomas Tenyke, and Stephen Welling. They worked in close association with the Bethel A.M.E Church of Pennington, to ensure that Black residents were guaranteed access to a graveyard and place in which to honor their ancestors. Since then the cemetery has been maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. To name a few...William Allen, Uncle George Blackwell, Dorothy Boyer, Fred Boyer, Dave Cain, Florence Case, Fred Clark, Aaron Downes, Helen Driver, Arlene Garrison, Howard Hoagland, Kenneth Hoagland, Ira Johnson, Bunny Mason, Earl Nevius, Fairfax Seruby, Newton Stewart, Mabel Taylor, Robert True, Gerald True and Albert Witcher.
 
Interest in the cemetery continues to grow as the Association strives to improve conditions with respect to the deceased. There has been a lot of work done already, resulting in the successful construction of a fence to establish our boundaries. But there is much more to be done. Upcoming projects include stabilizing leaning and overturned headstones, leveling sunken graves, and erecting a sign at the entrance.
 
Anyone interested in participating in these projects, or simply sharing ideas is encouraged to contact the Pennington African Cemetery Association. Membership is open regardless of whether one has ancestors buried in the cemetery. For more information please call Suzen Witcher at 609-737-2725 or Angela Witcher at 609-37-0841.

Pennington African Cemetery index
Pennington Cemetery index
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