History
Fairmount has become a resource for genealogical research and local history education that showcase its architecture, notable burials, and historic landscape design. Through its preservation efforts and public engagement, Fairmount continues to honor the legacy of generations past while connecting modern visitors to the region’s cultural roots.
In the late 1880’s the remains of early settlers of the City of Newark were removed from the Old Burying Ground located on Broad Street and placed in a tomb at Fairmount Cemetery. The City of Newark erected a “Monument to the First Settlers of Newark”, which has become commonly known as the Old Settlers Monument. This monument was first dedicated December 19, 1889 and, under the care of the Newark Preservation & Landmark Committee along with the City of Newark, was rededicated in 2004. The monument stands today as a tribute to the early settlers of the City of Newark.
Fairmount Cemetery also offers genealogy research services. Please call for information and pricing.
Notable Burials
Fairmount Cemetery also hosts a collection of notable individuals across literature, civic service, medicine, business, and entertainment, many buried alongside their families in the cemetery’s tranquil historic grounds.
New Jersey founders were originally interred in the Old Burying Ground at the First Presbyterian Church at Newark. In 1888 this cemetery was deconsecrated and the remains of settlers who had been buried within the period ca1666-1808 were placed in a common grave at the Fairmount Cemetery. Atop the burial vault is what is now known as the Settlers’ Monument.
Harriet Stratemeyer Adams (1893–1982)
Author behind many Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys volumes
Clara Louise Maass (1876–1901)
Nurse whose self-sacrifice advanced yellow fever research
Peter Angelo Cavicchia (1879–1967)
U.S. Congressman from New Jersey
Thomas Dunn English (1819–1902)
Physician, poet, and Congressman
James Fairman Fielder (1867–1954)
Governor of New Jersey (1913–1917)
Gwen Guthrie (1950–1999)
Singer-songwriter best known for hits in the dance music scene
Fred A. Hartley Jr. (1902–1969)
U.S. Congressman co-sponsor of the Taft–Hartley Act
William Henry Frederick Fiedler (1847-1919)
Represented New Jersey’s 6th congressional district from 1883 to 1885
Herman Lehlbach (1845-1904)
Represented New Jersey’s 6th congressional district from 1885 to 1889
Gottfried Krueger & Christian Feigenspan
Founders of major brewing companies in Newark
Augustus Frederick Bronner & Joseph H. DeCastro
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients of the Civil War
