Founding of the Chester Cemetery

By 1862, the churchyard connected with the Parish Church which was established by private benevolence prior to 1765, where the burials of the century have mingled with every foot of soil. There was no more space available and the only resort was to create burial grounds on private property which was most unsatisfactory.

Senator George W. Vickers, III, and other leading citizens of Chestertown filed a petition with the General Assembly of Maryland, and the Chester Cemetery was formed by an act of the Legislature on March 3, 1862.

Subsequent thereto, Senator George W. Vickers and his wife gave 2 acres and 6 perches of land which was laid off as a public cemetery so that any and all in the community may have a last resting place that can claim public protection and at the same time private property of the owner, subject only to the cemetery regulations.

The following resolve was adopted at the first meeting of the incorporators:

“It remains with the Board of Directors (Managers) to provide a place as handsome and attractive as the moderate means of our community can afford, one where we can all feel that we can lay our friends decently to rest and where we can lie down ourselves without shudder when we are called to sleep.”

To continue to provide such a resting place, your support will be gratefully received.