Townsend Cemetery facts for kids
The Townsend Cemetery is a historic burial ground in Oyster Bay, New York. It sits on a special hill overlooking the town. Many members of the important Townsend family are buried here. Some of these family members built and lived in Raynham Hall, a famous local museum. Before the Revolutionary War, an old fort once stood on this very spot.
History of Townsend Cemetery
Simcoe Street, which leads to Townsend Cemetery, is named after a British officer. Lieutenant Colonel John Graves Simcoe was a commander during the Revolutionary War. He ordered his soldiers to cut down a large apple orchard that used to grow here. He also told them to rebuild an old fort that was on the hill.
Today, nothing is left of the old fort. However, this hill is still very important to the Townsend family. It is one of their oldest family graveyards. The town now owns the cemetery. It is the final resting place for members of the Townsend family. Other families like the Weeks, Butler, Haviland, and Stoddard families are also buried here.
John Townsend is thought to be the first person buried here in 1668. His headstone is very old and worn, but a bronze marker has been added. This marker notes that he came from England. It also says he originally owned this land. John and his two brothers, Richard and Henry, settled in Oyster Bay in the 1660s. Their family members have been leaders in the community for hundreds of years.
Samuel and Sarah Townsend, who first owned Raynham Hall, are buried here. Six of their eight children are also buried in this cemetery. These children include Solomon, Robert, Sally, Phebe, David, and William. A special historic marker remembers Robert and Sally. It mentions their part in the Culper Spy Ring. This spy ring gave General George Washington very important information during the Revolutionary War.
Many old graveyards from the 1600s and 1700s are found around Oyster Bay. Some are almost hidden. One is on Orchard Street, named after the apple orchard. Another is on Lexington Avenue, inside a housing development. A third is on Cove Road. There is also one near the Mill Pond on Lake Avenue. The names on these old stones remind us of how the community started. They also tell us about its long and interesting history.
You can often see these same family names on street signs. Examples include Weeks Avenue, White Street, and Burtis Avenue. Audrey Avenue is named after Audrey Townsend. Other streets are Feeks Lane, McCoun's Lane, and Sugar Tom's Lane. Anstice Street, Underhill Place, Larrabee Avenue, and Simcoe Street are also named after early families.
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