East Norwalk Historical Cemetery facts for kids
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Established | c. 1655 |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Owned by | Norwalk's Third Taxing District |
| No. of interments | 1100 |
The East Norwalk Historical Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Norwalk, Connecticut. It was started around 1655. Many of the first people who settled in the area are buried here. The cemetery is owned and cared for by the Third Taxing District. This group helps keep the grounds looking good.
Exploring East Norwalk Cemetery
This cemetery has a unique triangle shape. It is surrounded by Gregory Boulevard, Cemetery Street, and East Avenue. You can find it in the East Norwalk neighborhood.
Honoring Early Settlers
Near the north entrance, you will see the First Settlers of Norwalk Memorial. This monument lists the names of 31 people who helped found Norwalk in 1649. These brave individuals were:
- George Abbitt
- Robert Beacham
- Stephen Beckwith
- John Bowton
- Matthew Campfield
- Nathaniel Eli
- Thomas Fitch
- John Griggorie
- Samuel Hales
- Thomas Hales
- Walter Haite
- Nathaniel Haies
- Rev. Thomas Hanford
- Richard Homes
- Ralph Keiler
- Daniel Kellogge
- Thomas Lupton
- Matthew Marvin, Sr.
- Matthew Marvin, Jr.
- Isacke More
- Jonathan Marsh
- Widow Morgan
- Richard Olmsted
- Nathaniel Richards
- John Ruskoe
- Matthias Sention, Sr.
- Matthias Sention, Jr.
- Matthew Sention
- Thomas Seamer
- Richard Webb
- Walter Keiler
Many graves here do not have headstones. This is because people were buried before stone markers were common. So, some very old graves have no visible mark today.
How the Cemetery is Cared For
In 1843, a group called the Down Town Cemetery Association was formed. Their job was to take care of the cemetery. Later, in 1933, its name changed to the East Norwalk Cemetery Association.
By 1941, the cemetery needed more help. The Norwalk Third Taxing District stepped in to provide money for its long-term care. In 1966, the district officially took over the land. Today, the district makes sure the grounds are always well-maintained. Volunteers from the association still help with the cemetery's daily business.
Important People Buried Here
Many notable people are buried in the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery. They include early settlers and important leaders. Here are a few:
- John Bowton (1636–1707): One of the first people to settle Norwalk.
- John Copp (1673–1751): A teacher and doctor. He also served in the Connecticut government. He helped survey and purchase land for Ridgefield, Connecticut.
- Samuel Daskam (1823–1912): He was a leader, known as a warden, for the Borough of Norwalk from 1874 to 1877.
- Thomas Fitch, Jr. (1612–1704): Another founding settler of Norwalk.
- Thomas Fitch, IV (1699–1774): He was a very important leader, serving as the Governor of Connecticut.
- Colonel Thomas Fitch (1725–1795): Many believe he was the inspiration for the famous song "Yankee Doodle."
- Reverend Thomas Hanford (1621–1693): He was the first minister of the colony. His grave has a flat brown stone, but the writing is no longer visible.
- John Gregory (1612–1689): A founding settler of Norwalk.
- Daniel Kellogg (1630–1688): Another founding settler of Norwalk.
- Richard Olmsted (1612-1687): A founding settler of Norwalk.
- Matthew Marvin, Sr. (1600–1678): A founding settler of Norwalk. There is no stone marking his grave today.
- Joseph Platt (1672–1748): He served the longest as a state representative from Norwalk.
- Matthias Sention, Sr. (1601–1669): A founding settler of Norwalk.
- Matthias Sention, Jr. (1628–1728): Also a founding settler of Norwalk.
- Samuel Smith (1646–1735): An early settler of Norwalk. He was also a deputy in the government of the Colony of Connecticut in 1691.
- Richard Webb (1580–1665): A founding settler of Norwalk.
