The Quakers were early settlers in this region. In 1735, they selected this piece of land just east of the church and a little west of the Pequest River for a burial site.  A stone wall five feet high was erected around the cemetery. The cemetery was used until 1918 when David Wilson was the last person to be buried. Mr. Wilson left money in his will to restore the old wall. There is a large granite tablet near the iron gate which reads, “The Burying Ground of the Hardwick Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends 1735-1920. This wall erected by David Willson a descendant of the first settlers”  This cemetery is located on the Allamuchy Johnsonburg Rd/CR612 just a little west of the Pequest River.  Just as another reference, about a mile west on the same road is the famous little marker advising early travelers about Logg Gaol, the Sussex County Seat located in Johnsonburg.

Sadly, by 1905, the Burying Ground was in a state of ruin.  The wall was falling apart, graves had sunk and weeds and briars were everywhere.  Occasionally some thoughtful person mowed it with a scythe.  In 1918 upon the death of David Willson, money was left for a new wall.  This wall, made of concrete blocks, had an entrance on the north side by the present road.  The executor of the will, however, made the burying ground smaller and some of the graves are on the outside of the wall. In 1948, the seventh and eighth grade pupils of Allamuchy School while studying local history and with assistance from civic minded citizens restored the burial grounds. In October they held a dedication attended by many Friends as well as local people. This school project resulted in the formation of the Allamuchy Historical Society, Inc. which was formed for the sole purpose of maintaining this sacred site, the final resting place for many of the pioneers of Allamuchy. 

Over the years, the Historical Society has also collected and saved many articles and books concerning both Allamuchy Township and its surrounding region.  The Society has also been active in helping preserve the Allamuchy Freight Depot, (National and State Register of Historical Sites) along with being a very active partner in Allamuchy Township’s Open Space Program along with Allamuchy Township’s Environmental Commission.

Among the early families of this settlement were the Lundys, Schooleys, Willsons, Stephensons, Buckleys, Adams, Laings, and Schmucks and there are still some of their descendants living in our area. One very famous person, born on Jan. 4, 1789, was Benjamin Lundy, who was destined to become the great abolitionist.  His life work can best be summed up by a testimonial given by the poet, John Greenleaf Whittier, in a letter dated March 1874: 

“It was his lot to struggle, for years almost alone, a solitary voice crying in the wilderness; poor, unaided, yet never despairing, traversing the island of Haiti, wasting with disease in New Orleans, hunted by Texan banditti, wandering on foot among the mountains of East Tennessee and along the Ozark Hills, beaten down and trampled on by Baltimore slave dealers; yet, amidst all, faithful to his one great purpose, the emancipation of the slaves and the protection of the free people of color.” 

Is it any wonder with this background that this same Quaker Settlement became a station for the Underground Railroad during the Civil War?  Hidden by day and sent on their way by night.  Slaves passed through Sussex County, on to New York State with Canada as their destination.

The Allamuchy Historical Society several years back again widened its interests and partnered with the Friends of Rutherfurd Hall to assist the Allamuchy Board of Education in preserving and presenting beautiful Rutherfurd Hall, which has developed into an important Cultural, Historical and Educational Center!!  (National and State Register of Historical Sites)

NOTE:  If you are interested in both preserving and celebrating Allamuchy Township’s History and Historical Sites/Sights please join us!!  Membership is $25.00 which gives you membership to the Friends of Rutherfurd Hall & The Allamuchy Historical Society!!

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran

Charlie Fineran is Allamuchy’s Director of Open Space, Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission Chairman and Allamuchy Historical Society President.