Over 85000 souls rest here. Welcome to Cedar Lawn Cemetery. This sprawling Victorian rural cemetery in Paterson New Jersey opened in September 1867. Its first burial was recorded just a few weeks later. Before it became a resting place this land was farmland. Imagine Annatje Von Riper Henry Doremus and Hessel Peterse tending their crops. Their peaceful lives were shattered during the Revolutionary War. The British army marched through New Jersey in 1776 plundering their homes. Their stories are part of Cedar Lawn’s rich history.
Cedar Lawn is more than just tombstones. It’s a repository of significant lives. Here lies John Bancker Aycrigg a former US Representative for New Jersey. William Warren Barbour a US Senator and amateur heavyweight boxing champion is also here. The cemetery holds politicians like Charles Dyer Beckwith and Cornelius A Cadmus who served New Jersey’s 5th congressional district. Think of the power struggles and the debates they participated in. Then their quiet eternal rest here.
Nicholas Murray Butler a Nobel Peace Prize winner and president of Columbia University is interred at Cedar Lawn. His impact on education and international peace continues to resonate. Philemon Dickerson New Jersey’s 12th governor is also buried here. He and his contemporaries left their mark on state politics. Dow H Drukker another US Representative found his final resting place here. This is where John W Griggs the 29th Governor of New Jersey and US Attorney General rests. His legacy shaped New Jersey and the nation.
Amongst these distinguished figures are lesser-known individuals. Abraham Godwin a Fife Major in the American Revolution is buried here. So is his son Abraham Godwin Jr a first lieutenant in the 1812 expedition to Canada. These men fought for their country. Their contributions should not be overlooked. Samuel Holt a British weaver inventor and industrialist who emigrated to Paterson is also here. He contributed significantly to Paterson’s industrial history.
Then there’s Ted Horn a champion race car driver. His thrilling races brought excitement and adrenaline. He now rests peacefully in Cedar Lawn. Charles Joughin the chief baker of the Titanic found a final resting place. He is remembered for being one of the last survivors of the maritime tragedy. These are just a few of the stories buried in Cedar Lawn Cemetery. Every tombstone whispers a life. Every life contributes to the fabric of history. Each one connects to the larger narrative of Paterson and the nation. As you walk through Cedar Lawn remember the lives once lived. Their struggles triumphs and contributions. They all found their resting place here at Cedar Lawn.