Trinity Church Cemetery
Encyclopedia
Trinity Church, New York
Trinity Church at 79 Broadway, Lower Manhattan, is a historic, active parish church in the Episcopal Diocese of New York...
in Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, USA. The first was established in the Churchyard located at 74 Trinity Place at Wall Street
Wall Street
Wall Street refers to the financial district of New York City, named after and centered on the eight-block-long street running from Broadway to South Street on the East River in Lower Manhattan. Over time, the term has become a metonym for the financial markets of the United States as a whole, or...
and Broadway
Broadway (New York City)
Broadway is a prominent avenue in New York City, United States, which runs through the full length of the borough of Manhattan and continues northward through the Bronx borough before terminating in Westchester County, New York. It is the oldest north–south main thoroughfare in the city, dating to...
. In 1842, the church, running out of space in its churchyard, established Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum in Upper Manhattan between Broadway and Riverside Drive, at the Chapel of the Intercession (now The Church of the Intercession, New York), formerly the location of John James Audubon
John James Audubon
John James Audubon was a French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He was notable for his expansive studies to document all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations that depicted the birds in their natural habitats...
's estate. A third burial place is the Churchyard of St. Paul's Chapel
St. Paul's Chapel
St. Paul's Chapel, is an Episcopal chapel located at 209 Broadway, between Fulton and Vesey Streets, in lower Manhattan in New York City. It is the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan.-History and architecture:...
.
The burial grounds have been the final resting place for many historic figures since the Churchyard cemetery opened in 1697. A non-denominational cemetery, it is listed in the United States National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
and is the only remaining active cemetery in Manhattan. There are two bronze plaques at the Church of the Intercession cemetery commemorating the Battle of Fort Washington
Battle of Fort Washington
The Battle of Fort Washington was fought in the American Revolutionary War between the United States and Great Britain on November 16, 1776. It was a decisive British victory, forcing the entire garrison of Fort Washington to surrender....
, which included some of the fiercest fighting of the Revolutionary War.
Trinity Church Cemetery, along with Broadway, marks the center of the Heritage Rose District of NYC
Heritage Rose District of NYC
The Heritage Rose District of New York City is the first and only rose district in the country. It is the result of the efforts of the Office of the Manhattan Borough President and the Heritage Rose Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of old roses.The Heritage Rose...
.
Trinity Churchyard
- William "Lord Stirling" Alexander (1726–1783), Revolutionary War Continental Army Major General
- John AlsopJohn AlsopJohn Alsop was an American merchant and politician from New York City during the American Revolution. He was a delegate for New York to the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1776.-Early life and career:...
(1724–1794), delegate to the Continental Congress - John Jacob AstorJohn Jacob AstorJohn Jacob Astor , born Johann Jakob Astor, was a German-American business magnate and investor who was the first prominent member of the Astor family and the first multi-millionaire in the United States...
(1763–1848) businessman, founder of the Astor familyAstor familyThe Astor family is a Anglo-American business family of German descent notable for their prominence in business, society, and politics.-Founding family members:...
of New York (Note: Astor cenotaphCenotaphA cenotaph is an "empty tomb" or a monument erected in honour of a person or group of people whose remains are elsewhere. It can also be the initial tomb for a person who has since been interred elsewhere. The word derives from the Greek κενοτάφιον = kenotaphion...
only! Remains are within the Astor Vault located at the Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum.) - William BerczyWilliam BerczyWilliam Berczy was a German pioneer and painter....
or Johann Albrecht Ulrich Moll (1744–1813), Canadian pioneer and painter - William BradfordWilliam Bradford (1663-1752)William Bradford was an early English printer in North America. He is best known as "the pioneer printer of the Middle colonies" and the head of a family that included leading publishers for 140 years...
(1660–1752), colonial printer - Richard ChurcherRichard ChurcherRichard Churcher was a wealthy English businessman and philanthropist, who had made his fortune through interests in the British East India Company. He was born in Funtington, West Sussex, and following his death was buried there....
(1676–1681), a child whose grave is marked by the oldest carved gravestone in New York City http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE4D8103EF937A25750C0A9629C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print - Michael CresapMichael CresapMichael Cresap was a frontiersman born in Maryland. He was the son of the pioneer Thomas Cresap. He spent part of his adult years in the Ohio Country as a trader and land developer. He led several raids against Indians whom he believed were hostile to white settlement. Logan of the Mingo Indians...
(1742–1775), pre-Revolutionary War hero - John R. FellowsJohn R. FellowsJohn R. Fellows was an American lawyer and politician from Arkansas and New York.-Life:...
(1832–1896), U.S. representative - Robert FultonRobert FultonRobert Fulton was an American engineer and inventor who is widely credited with developing the first commercially successful steamboat...
(1765–1815), inventor - Albert GallatinAlbert GallatinAbraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin was a Swiss-American ethnologist, linguist, politician, diplomat, congressman, and the longest-serving United States Secretary of the Treasury. In 1831, he founded the University of the City of New York...
(1761–1849), member of Congress, U.S. secretary of the Treasury - Horatio GatesHoratio GatesHoratio Lloyd Gates was a retired British soldier who served as an American general during the Revolutionary War. He took credit for the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga – Benedict Arnold, who led the attack, was finally forced from the field when he was shot in the leg – and...
(1727–1806), Revolutionary War general - Capt Hoysted Hacker (1745–1814), Continental Navy captain
- Aaron Hackley, Jr (1783–1868), U.S. representative
- Alexander HamiltonAlexander HamiltonAlexander Hamilton was a Founding Father, soldier, economist, political philosopher, one of America's first constitutional lawyers and the first United States Secretary of the Treasury...
(1755–1804), Continental ArmyContinental ArmyThe Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
officer and military aide to General George WashingtonGeorge WashingtonGeorge Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
during the American Revolutionary WarAmerican Revolutionary WarThe American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
, first U.S. secretary of the Treasury, Federalist PapersFederalist PapersThe Federalist Papers are a series of 85 articles or essays promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution. Seventy-seven of the essays were published serially in The Independent Journal and The New York Packet between October 1787 and August 1788...
author and founder of The Bank of New York - Elizabeth Schuyler HamiltonElizabeth Schuyler HamiltonElizabeth Hamilton was the wife of Alexander Hamilton. She was born in Albany, New York, the second daughter of Philip Schuyler, an American Revolutionary War general, and Catherine Van Rensselaer Schuyler, one of the richest and most political families in the state of New York...
(1757–1854), wife of Alexander Hamilton - John Sloss HobartJohn Sloss HobartJohn Sloss Hobart was an American jurist and politician. He was a member of the Federalist Party who served as United States Senator from New York, and later as a United States federal judge.-Early life:...
(1738–1805), U.S. senator - William HoganWilliam Hogan (New York)William Hogan was a United States Representative from New York. He was born in the parish of St. Paul’s Covent Garden, London, England on July 17, 1792. He immigrated to the United States in 1803 with his parents, who settled in New York City. He pursued classical studies and graduated from...
(1792–1874), U.S. representative - William Houstoun (1755–1813), delegate to the Continental Congress
- James LawrenceJames LawrenceJames Lawrence was an American naval officer. During the War of 1812, he commanded the USS Chesapeake in a single-ship action against HMS Shannon...
(1781–1813), naval hero - Francis LewisFrancis LewisFrancis Lewis was a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New York....
(1713–1802), signer of the Declaration of Independence - Walter LivingstonWalter LivingstonWalter Livingston was an American merchant, lawyer and politician.-Family:...
(1740–1797), delegate to the Continental Congress - Luther MartinLuther MartinLuther Martin was a politician and one of United States' Founding Fathers, who refused to sign the Constitution because he felt it violated states' rights...
(1744–1826), delegate to the Continental Congress - Charles McKnightCharles McKnightCharles McKnight was an American physician during and after the American Revolutionary War. He served as a surgeon and physician in the Hospital Department of the Continental Army under General George Washington and other subordinate commanders...
(1750–1791), Continental ArmyContinental ArmyThe Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
surgeon - John Jordan Morgan (1770–1849), U.S. representative
- Thomas Jackson OakleyThomas Jackson OakleyThomas Jackson Oakley was a United States Representative and New York State Attorney General.-Education:...
(1783–1857), U.S. representative - John Morin ScottJohn Morin ScottJohn Morin Scott was a lawyer, military officer, and statesman before, during and after the American Revolution.-Ancestry:...
(1730–1784), Revolutionary War general of New York militiaMilitia (United States)The role of militia, also known as military service and duty, in the United States is complex and has transformed over time.Spitzer, Robert J.: The Politics of Gun Control, Page 36. Chatham House Publishers, Inc., 1995. " The term militia can be used to describe any number of groups within the...
, delegate to the Continental CongressContinental CongressThe Continental Congress was a convention of delegates called together from the Thirteen Colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution....
, and first secretary of state of New YorkSecretary of State of New YorkThe Secretary of State of New York is a cabinet officer in the government of the U.S. state of New York.The current Secretary of State of New York is Cesar A... - George Templeton StrongGeorge Templeton StrongGeorge Templeton Strong was an American lawyer and diarist. His 2,250-page diary, discovered in the 1930s, provides a striking personal account of life in the 19th century, especially during the events of the American Civil War...
(1820–1875), diarist, abolitionist, lawyer - Silas TalbotSilas TalbotSilas Talbot was an officer in the Continental Army and in the Continental Navy. Talbot is most famous for commanding the USS Constitution from 1798 to 1801.-Biography:...
(1750–1813), U.S. Navy commodore, second captain of the USS ConstitutionUSS ConstitutionUSS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America, she is the world's oldest floating commissioned naval vessel... - John Watts (1749–1836), U.S. representative
- Franklin Wharton (1767–1818), Marine Corps Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel
- Hugh WilliamsonHugh WilliamsonHugh Williamson was an American politician. He is best known for representing North Carolina at the Constitutional Convention.Williamson was a scholar of international renown...
(1735–1802), signer of the Constitution - John Peter ZengerJohn Peter ZengerJohn Peter Zenger was a German-American printer, publisher, editor, and journalist in New York City. He was a defendant in a landmark legal case in American jurisprudence that determined that truth was a defense against charges of libel and "laid the foundation for American press freedom."-...
(1697–1746), newspaper publisher whose libel trial helped establish the right to a free press
Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum
- Ralph Waldo Ellison, (1914–1994), Author and Educator
- Mercedes de AcostaMercedes de AcostaMercedes de Acosta was an American poet, playwright, and socialite, best known for her numerous lesbian affairs with Hollywood personalities including Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Alla Nazimova, Eva Le Gallienne, Isadora Duncan, Katharine Cornell, Ona Munson, Adele Astaire and, allegedly,...
(1893–1968), lesbian writer, socialite, lover of Greta GarboGreta GarboGreta Garbo , born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson, was a Swedish film actress. Garbo was an international star and icon during Hollywood's silent and classic periods. Many of Garbo's films were sensational hits, and all but three were profitable...
, and a sister of Rita de Acosta Lydig (see below) - Rita de Acosta LydigRita de Acosta LydigRita Lydig was an American socialite regarded as "the most picturesque woman in America." She was photographed by Adolf de Meyer, Edward Steichen, and Gertrude Käsebier, sculpted in alabaster by Malvina Hoffman, and was painted by Giovanni Boldini and John Singer Sargent, among others...
(1876–1929), a famous socialite of the early 1900s who was proclaimed one of the most beautiful women in the world - William Alexander (1726–1783), served at the Battle of Long IslandBattle of Long IslandThe Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn or the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, fought on August 27, 1776, was the first major battle in the American Revolutionary War following the United States Declaration of Independence, the largest battle of the entire conflict, and the...
as a Continental ArmyContinental ArmyThe Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
General - Charlotte Augusta Gibbes Astor (1825–1887) Socialite; Philanthropist wife of John Jacob Astor III
- William Backhouse Astor, Sr.William Backhouse Astor, Sr.William Backhouse Astor, Sr. was an American businessman and member of the Astor family.-Origins and schooling:...
(1792–1875), Businessman. - William Backhouse Astor, Jr.William Backhouse Astor, Jr.William Backhouse Astor, Jr. was a businessman and a member of the prominent Astor family.He was the ancestor of the U.S. branch of the Astor family, which came to an end in the male line at the end of the 20th century....
(July 12, 1830 – April 25, 1892), Businessman - Caroline Webster Schermerhorn AstorCaroline Webster Schermerhorn AstorCaroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor was a prominent American socialite of the last quarter of the 19th century. Famous for being referred to later in life as "the Mrs. Astor" or simply "Mrs. Astor", she was the wife of real estate heir William Backhouse Astor Jr...
(1830–1908), socialite - John Jacob Astor IIIJohn Jacob Astor IIIJohn Jacob Astor III was the elder son of William Backhouse Astor, Sr. and the wealthiest member of the Astor family in his generation...
(1822–1890), philanthropist - John Jacob Astor IVJohn Jacob Astor IVJohn Jacob Astor IV was an American businessman, real estate builder, investor, inventor, writer, lieutenant colonel in the Spanish-American War and a member of the prominent Astor family...
(1864–1912), businessman killed in the sinking of the Titanic - John Jacob Astor VIJohn Jacob Astor VIJohn Jacob Astor VI , known familiarly as "Jakey", was a member of the Astor family. He was born four months after his father, John Jacob Astor IV, died in the sinking of RMS Titanic.-Early life:...
(1912–1992), Son of Madeleine & J.J.A. IV - Madeleine Force AstorMadeleine AstorMadeleine Astor Dick was the second wife and widow of millionaire John Jacob Astor IV and a survivor of RMS Titanic.-Early life:...
(1893–1940), socialite, Titanic survivor - John James AudubonJohn James AudubonJohn James Audubon was a French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He was notable for his expansive studies to document all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations that depicted the birds in their natural habitats...
(1785–1851) ornithologist and naturalist - Estelle BennettEstelle BennettEstelle Bennett was a member of the girl group The Ronettes, along with her sister Ronnie Spector and cousin Nedra Talley....
(1941–2009) member of the 1960s girl group The RonettesThe RonettesThe Ronettes were a 1960s girl group from New York City, best known for their work with producer Phil Spector. The group consisted of lead singer Veronica Bennett ; her older sister, Estelle Bennett; and their cousin Nedra Talley...
, along with sister Veronica Ronnie SpectorRonnie SpectorVeronica Yvette "Ronnie" Spector is an American rock and roll and popular music vocalist, and was the lead singer of the 1960s hit-making girl group, The Ronettes, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. She is known as the "original bad girl of rock and roll."-Personal...
, and cousin Nedra TalleyNedra TalleyNedra Talley, now Nedra Talley Ross , was a member of the girl group The Ronettes, along with her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett. She is of African-American, Native American and Puerto Rican descents...
. - John Winthrop ChanlerJohn W. ChanlerJohn Winthrop Chanler was a prominent New York lawyer and a U.S. Representative from New York.-Life and career:...
(1826–1877), United States Congressman - William Astor Chanler (1867–1934), United States Congressman
- William Augustus DarlingWilliam Augustus DarlingWilliam Augustus Darling was a U.S. Representative from New York.-Biography:Born in Newark, New Jersey, Darling attended public school....
(1817–1895), United States Congressman - Alfred D'Orsay Tennyson DickensAlfred D'Orsay Tennyson DickensAlfred D'Orsay Tennyson Dickens was the sixth child and fourth son of British novelist Charles Dickens and his wife Catherine...
(1845–1912), lecturer on the life of his father, Charles DickensCharles DickensCharles John Huffam Dickens was an English novelist, generally considered the greatest of the Victorian period. Dickens enjoyed a wider popularity and fame than had any previous author during his lifetime, and he remains popular, having been responsible for some of English literature's most iconic... - John Adams DixJohn Adams DixJohn Adams Dix was an American politician from New York. He served as Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Senator, and the 24th Governor of New York. He was also a Union major general during the Civil War.-Early life and career:...
, (1798–1879) soldier, United States Senator, Secretary of the Treasury, Governor of New York, statesman - Edward HaightEdward HaightEdward Haight was an American politician and businessman from New York. He served in Congress during the American Civil War....
(1817–1885), United States Congressman - Eliza JumelEliza JumelEliza Jumel was an American socialite. Born Eliza Bowen in Providence, Rhode Island to Phebe Kelley Bowen, a prostitute. Early in life Eliza Jumel worked as a prostitute herself...
(1775–1865), a prostitute who later became the wealthiest woman in America and wife of Aaron Burr - Clement Clarke MooreClement Clarke MooreClement Clarke Moore was an American professor of Oriental and Greek literature at Columbia College, now Columbia University. He donated land from his family estate for the foundation of the General Theological Seminary, where he was a professor of Biblical learning and compiled a two-volume...
(1779–1863), pastor to whom authorship of A Visit from St. NicholasA Visit from St. Nicholas"A Visit from St. Nicholas", also known as "The Night Before Christmas" and "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" from its first line, is a poem first published anonymously in 1823 and generally attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, although the claim has also been made that it was written by Henry...
has traditionally been attributed - Jerry OrbachJerry OrbachJerome Bernard "Jerry" Orbach was an American actor and singer. He was well known for his starring role as Detective Lennie Briscoe in the Law & Order television series and as the voice of Lumière in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. As well, Orbach was a noted musical theatre star...
(1935–2004), actor - Samuel SeaburySamuel Seabury (judge)Samuel Seabury was an American lawyer and politician from New York.-Life:He was the son of William Jones Seabury, professor of canon law and descendant of Bishop Samuel Seabury, and Alice Van Wyck Beare. He graduated from New York Law School in 1893, and was admitted to the bar in 1894...
(1873–1958), New York City Judge - Fernando WoodFernando WoodFernando Wood was an American politician of the Democratic Party and mayor of New York City; he also served as a United States Representative and as Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in both the 45th and 46th Congress .A successful shipping merchant who became Grand Sachem of the...
(1812–1881), Mayor of New York City - Abraham Oakey Hall (1826–1898), Mayor of New York City
- James Monroe (1799–1870), US Congressman
Churchyard of St. Paul's Chapel
- George Frederick CookeGeorge Frederick CookeGeorge Frederick Cooke was an English actor. As famous for his erratic habits as for his acting, he was largely responsible for initiating the romantic style in acting that was later made famous by Edmund Kean.-Career:Although he claimed to have been born in Westminster, it seems likely that he...
(1756–1812), actor whose skull was used in Edwin Booth's production of HamletHamletThe Tragical History of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, or more simply Hamlet, is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601... - Stephen RochefontaineStephen RochefontaineStephen Rochefontaine was a French-born military engineer who served as such in the Continental Army, during the American Revolutionary War, and later as the Chief of Engineers of the United States Army Corps of Engineers...
(d. 1798), Revolutionary War Continental Army officer. - John HoltJohn Holt (publisher)John Holt was a Colonial American newspaper publisher and the Mayor of Williamsburg, Virginia.John Holt was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1721, his parents being David and Margaret Dibnall Holt...
(1721–1784), publisher - Richard MontgomeryRichard MontgomeryRichard Montgomery was an Irish-born soldier who first served in the British Army. He later became a brigadier-general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and he is most famous for leading the failed 1775 invasion of Canada.Montgomery was born and raised in Ireland...
(1738–1775) Major General in the Continental Army
External links
- Trinity Church Official Site.
- Hi-Res Photo Gallery of the Trinity Church Cemetery.
- Trinity Tombstone & Churchyard Gallery