The town of Princeton, New Jersey is known for a multitude of reasons, to include its ivy league university and the famous battle that took place there during the Revolutionary War; however, it is also home to a cemetery that has been referred to as the “Westminster Abbey of the United States.” From a U.S. President, Vice President, to a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a visit to Princeton Cemetery is sure to be an informative and memorable one!
History
What is now known as Princeton Cemetery was established in 1757, with the original portions known as the Old Graveyard (this is the oldest part of the cemetery today). The approximately one acre of land upon which it was built was acquired by the College of New Jersey (Princeton University) from local Judge Thomas Leonard.
In 1762, a Presbyterian Church was established in Princeton and completed two years later. Eventually, the Old Graveyard became part of the church’s cemetery. This cemetery was expanded after generous land grants were gifted to the church and today, Princeton Cemetery is comprised of nearly 19 acres.
Today, Princeton Cemetery is operated by the Nassau Presbyterian Church (formerly the the First Presbyterian Church) and remains an active cemetery that welcomes anyone, regardless of denomination.
Interesting Facts
- Princeton Cemetery is still an active burial ground- imagine being buried in the same cemetery as a President, Vice President, and signer of the Declaration of Independence!
- Every deceased president of Princeton University/College of New Jersey, with the exception of four, are buried in the Presidents Plot in the Old Graveyard section of Princeton Cemetery
Notable Burials
Princeton Cemetery is the final resting place for numerous well-known individuals, to include a U.S. President, U.S. Vice President, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and nearly every former president of Princeton University. Additionally, there are other great social, political, and military leaders buried there, to include Paul Tulane (founder of Tulane University), General George Bayard (Union Civil War officer), and Sylvia Beach (famed author), just to name a few. In particular, this post highlights five notable burials: President Grover Cleveland, Vice President Aaron Burr, Aaron Burr Sr., John Witherspoon, and Jonathan Edwards.
Of note, the use of the name “College of New Jersey” is synonymous with today’s Princeton University. The name change didn’t occur until 1896!
Grover Cleveland (March 18, 1837 – June 23, 1908)
- He was a distant relative of General Moses Cleveland, the individual that the city of Cleveland was named after
- During the American Civil War, Cleveland worked as an attorney; however the Conscription Act of 1863 required all able-bodied men to serve in the military. The other option was to hire a substitute to serve in your stead, which is exactly what Cleveland did. He paid $150 (over $,3000 today) to a Polish immigrant named George Bennisky to serve in his place. Thankfully, Mr. Bennisky survived the war and was able to enjoy his earnings!
- Served as the 28th Governor of New York from 1883 – 1885
- Only U.S. President to serve two non-consecutive terms. He was the 22nd U.S. President (1885 – 1889) and the 24th U.S. President (1893 – 1897)
Aaron Burr (February 6, 1756 – September 14, 1836)
- Attended the College of New Jersey and went on to serve as a Colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War
- Served as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1791 – 1797
- Served as the 3rd Vice President of the United States under President Thomas Jefferson
- Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel on July 11, 1804. Incredibly, he was still serving as Vice President when this occurred
Aaron Burr Sr. (January 4, 1716 – September 24, 1757)
- Founder of the College of New Jersey, along with Jonathan Edwards and Jonathan Dickinson. Dickinson served as the college’s first president, followed by Aaron Burr Sr. He served as the 2nd President of the college from 1748 – 1757
- Father of Aaron Burr Jr., Vice President of the United States
- Oldest surviving monument in Princeton Cemetery
John Witherspoon (February 5, 1723 – November 15, 1794)
- Born in Beith, Scotland, and raised a devout Protestant and nationalist. He was opposed to the Jacobite uprising in Scotland. For his views, he was briefly imprisoned following the Battle of Falkirk in 1746
- Immigrated to the colonies in 1768 to take the job as the 6th president of the College of New Jersey
- Made important changes to the college and personally taught students such as James Madison, Aaron Burr, and Philip Freneau
- Served in the Second Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence as a delegate from New Jersey
Jonathan Edwards (October 5, 1703 – March 22, 1758)
- Famed minister, Congregationalist theologian, and philosopher of his time. He is often considered one of America’s greatest philosopher-theologians
- Played a major role in the First Great Awakening and wrote numerous popular books and articles on religion
- One of the founders of the College of New Jersey, who briefly served as its 3rd President in 1758 after the death of his son-in-law, Aaron Burr Sr.. Sadly, Edwards only served in that role from January until his death in March 1758
