“Show me the manner in which a nation or a community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender sympathies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land and their loyalty to high ideals.” – Sir William Gladstone
The need for a public, nondenominational cemetery had been long talked about in Souderton before the turn of the 20th Century. In June of 1894 the Editor of the Souderton Independent newspaper, William F. Goettler, printed a small editorial, imploring like-minded businessmen to consider organizing a company to purchase several acres of ground for this purpose. It was pointed out that this would be a good investment for stock holders, as several plots would undoubtedly be sold at once.
Three months later, Soudertonians were happy to learn that over three acres of land “beautifully located on a gentle slope to the south and east, commanding a fine view” had been purchased on Second Street from Isaac & Sarah Benner, along with a small strip of land from Henry Hemsing in Franconia township, for the sum of $900.
There was an initial group of ten stockholders – seven businessmen from Souderton with three others from elsewhere in Montgomery and Bucks Counties – and the probability of more to follow. But before any ground had been graded, before a charter was drawn up, and even before John Vanommern of Quakertown had surveyed and laid out any plots, the first person was buried that September in what was referred to as Union Cemetery – he was Abraham Detweiler, who had lived at the corner of Main and Walnut streets.
At first, I couldn’t help but imagine how lonely that seemed; one small grave. Then I realized that there was so much activity happening at the cemetery and that Mr. Detweiler’s grave was possibly visited quite often. On November 5, 1894 the application for the charter was filed and the name was to be, “Hillside Cemetery of Souderton, Pa.” Hillside Cemetery Company lost no time in carrying out the plan for the front side along Second Street to be nicely enclosed with a three-foot high ‘fence’ constructed of local black Rockhill granite. What an undertaking as the granite was first transported on the train from Perkasie to the Souderton depot! From there, a double team of horses owned by S. D. Hunsberger made numerous trips hauling the heavy loads to the cemetery. While doing so, one of the horses fell over the wagon tongue and into the gutter underneath the other horse. Fortunately, neither horse was injured and they were quickly released.
The granite wall construction was begun in October of 1894 and completed by June of 1895. Later that year, large iron gates were added to the entrance and a beautiful iron fence installed along the north side. I wish we had a photo of the gates, as they are long lost. By this time W. B. Butterwick, the marble cutter of Telford, was quite busy placing tombstones at the new cemetery and many plots had been sold. When you visit Hillside Cemetery today you may notice tombstones with dates prior to 1894. A few individuals removed their loved ones from other cemeteries and reinterred them at Hillside.
Today Hillside Cemetery is under the management of Souderton Borough. If you had chanced to visit at any time prior to its recent restoration you would have seen the long granite wall in a deplorable condition. Mortar joints had deteriorated to the point where sections were crumbling and gaping holes could be found. In the spring of 2022, it came to the attention of the Historical Society that plans were in place to eventually tear down the cemetery’s walls.
In partnership with Borough Council President Tracy Burke, we encouraged working instead towards the wall’s restoration. Dormant funds, earmarked years ago for the cemetery’s maintenance, were able to be utilized. Mr. Burke spearheaded the project, gathering multiple estimates from several masons and eventually selecting J&J Masonry of Lancaster County. They did a great job at maintaining the character of the stonework through the restoration, keeping within budget and completing the work in a timely manner.
We encourage you to contact Souderton Borough Council and thank them about how beautiful it now looks! We should add that the cemetery continues to be utilized and there are plots still available. If you are in the area, take the time to visit as the cemetery is once again a peaceful, attractive place that we can feel proud of, and honor those who came before us.
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The Souderton-Telford Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of our towns, businesses, and residents. Follow us on Facebook (@SoudertonTelfordHistory) and enjoy posts about local history. Do you have old photographs we can scan for our collection? Or a story to share about growing up in the Souderton-Telford area? We would like to hear from you! Email newsletter@soudertontelfordhistory.org.
The Souderton-Telford Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your contribution helps to collect, preserve, and share the history of our towns. Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to:
Souderton-Telford Historical Society
127 E. Broad St.
Souderton PA 18964
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