Tri-Counties Genealogy & History by Joyce M. Tice Cemetery Section Bradford County, Pennsylvania Bradford County PA Chemung County NY Tioga County PA  Home How to Use  Disclaimer Copyright More Cemeteries Orwell Township Joyce New & Search Darling Cemetery 2000 Orwell  Township, Bradford County, Pennsylvania

Photo by Joyce M. Tice 11 August 1999

Joyce's Search Tip - December 2007 - Do You Know that you can search just the Bradford County Cemetery Records on the site by using the Cemeteries -Bradford button in the Partitioned search engine at the bottom of the Current What's New Page? If you use that partition follow these steps to search just one cemetery.  1. Choose Cemeteries - Bradford.  2. Enter part of the cemetery name [ie Ballard or Berrytown] AND a surname.  3. Choose the Find ALL Words option. Then it will find just the pages with that surname in the one cemetery you indicated.  See also - Bradford County Cemetery Addresses

"The story of the Cemetery" was written by Evelyn Wheaton in 1948. She spent much time and energy in gathering the information for the story. Thank you to Fred Wheaton for sharing his family's work with us. Fred's parents read this cemetery in the 1960's Some of these stones Were unreadable in June of 2000 by Reva Wagner. She has updated and double check the listing below.

          On April 5, one hundred years ago, Dennis Darling turned over his deed to a piece of land to Benjamin Lyon. This was the original part of the cemetery. It was to be used as a public burying ground by any and every person whose wish or intent it may be to occupy the same.
          It certainly must have been a beautiful spot sweetly nestled on the hill between Potterville and Orwell. A great chestnut tree spreading its mighty limbs over a silent kingdom. In years gone by, this tree had to be relieved of it's power and was replaced by a beautiful spruce tree which towers toward the eternal home.
         In April 25, 1867, W. H. Darling, sold an additional parcel of land to Hampton Champlin and J.J. Newell for $15.60. Together with the original lot they totaled 1.95 acres.
          Soon after 1900 the necessity for organization was seen and on August 10, 1903 a meeting was held. It was agreed that organization was badly needed and incorporation was discussed. It was then moved, seconded and carried that officers by elected. Where upon the following were choosen.

Incorporation papers were filed Nov. 8, 1920.

          One sad but interesting incident related to this cemetery which happened in July, one hundred and thirty two years ago, (1816) was the terrible death of Lyman Merrill, a young man of twenty one, who lost his life while helping to raise a barn on the farm now owned by Anthony Shetoski. Theron Darling lived there at that time and as a shelter for his crops was raising a barn. It seems that a "bee" was held consisting of neighbors. The large beams were put up. The work well under, way the neighbors went home for the day. In the night a terrible wind storm came up and blew down some of the heavy timbers which were not braced securely enough. The next day "Colonel" Darling asked a few of the ones who had been there the day before to assist him in rebuilding the barn. Among these neighbors were Captain Josiah Grant and his hired man Lyman Merrill. The procedure of the work was started when Mr. Darling shouted "Ho Heave!" "At the instant one of these "Ho Heaves" was sent out, Mr. Merrill was hurt. His skull crushed! It was a terrible day, terrific heat was endured. Mr. Merrill was able to talk and said " Carry me into the shade." Later he pointed to the beautiful and peaceful spot described before as the Darling Cemetery and said. "Lay me under the chestnut tree." One man had already saddled a horse and rode for a doctor. It was found that nothing could be done for the youth, although he lived several days in this almost unbelievable condition. When he passed on his wish was granted and he was laid under the graceful chestnut. (next sentence is lost.)
          Meetings were held according to the constitution and on Oct. 18, 1905 a meeting was held to decide about fencing the cemetery. It was moved, seconded and carried that they order Champion Fence #36 with T posts for the front and anchor fence for the side.
          At the second annual meeting Sept. 3, 1906 a spirited discussion was held to insure the proper care of the cemetery for the present and the future. The following resolution was offered by William Wekheiser and adopted by unanimous rising vote. "Whereas it has been found impracticable to incorporate the East Orwell Cemetery Association and also is uncertain as to the amout of yearly assessments from its members be it therefore-Resolved- that this association in meeting assembled endeaver to raise and endowment fund of $1000 to be invested in good interest bearing securities, the interest only to be used for the betterment of the cemetery.
          The committee appointed by the chairman were: B. H. Beardslee, H. W. Chaffee, and G. G. Corbin. Mr. Werkheiser and Secretary Newell appointed to prepare circular letters and other printed matter. Commenting on the prospects of raising the endowment  Mr. Werkheiser offered to be one of the ten to contribute $100 Mr. B. H. Beardslee of New York City said he would do as well as anyone.
          June 3, 1927 a directors meeting was held. The proposition of D. J. Cron to give a half acre of land, ideal for an addition to the cemetery was considered. This land to be donated when $5,000 is secured for the endowment fund. It was decided unanimously.

         The oldest grave of any record is that of Edwin Darling. Son of Therow Darling, who died at age of two weeks. The year was 1804. Although it has been found since that his sister is also buried there and in 1802

     Five feet per grave, 10 feet long (1 Lot)

     Aquired of Tony Shetowski addition to Cemetery 1949

     Glenn Thetga built road in May 1949.

     Grave is to be 8' by 40" by 60" deep allowing 2' of earth to place stone at head of         grave.
     Feet to the east

     Measure 8' from the foot of the grave so stone will be on undisturbed ground 2 feet   of lot .

     As you stand to read the stone facing west the grave is behind it. - you of course are facing east

     Husbands are to the left or North as you read stone looking east of course.

     $per grave 1994 at 50.00 - 300.00 (Bishops) to open + 50 goes to Darling mowing  110.00 trimming 35.00