Shoemaker Burial Ground

Hidden amongst the bustling modernity of Philadelphia lies a tranquil haven, the Shoemaker Burial Ground. What stories do these silent stones whisper? The Shoemaker Burial Ground isn’t just a cemetery. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Schumacher family, whose roots intertwine with the very fabric of Germantown’s history. Peter Schumacher, a Mennonite convert to Quakerism, fled religious persecution in Criesheim, Germany. He arrived in Germantown in 1685, seeking the religious freedom promised by William Penn. The Schumacher family, along with other German and Dutch settlers, established Germantown, a community built on faith, hard work, and craftsmanship. Peter, along with his son and daughters, purchased land and contributed to the growth of this burgeoning settlement. He even signed Samuel Jennings’ certificate in 1693 as a delegate to the Yearly Meeting in London, showcasing his prominence in the community. Peter Shoemaker, the patriarch, died in 1707 at the ripe old age of 85. While his exact burial place remains a mystery, it’s widely believed he rests within the Shoemaker Burial Ground. This six-acre plot, bequeathed by Richard Wall to the Friends of Cheltenham in 1697-8, served as a final resting place for generations of the Shoemaker family and other early settlers. Initially known as the Cheltenham Burial Ground, it eventually became known as the Shoemaker Graveyard, a testament to the family’s impact on the community. The Shoemaker Burial Ground isn’t just a place of rest. It’s a time capsule, echoing the struggles and triumphs of early Germantown settlers. It’s a story of religious persecution, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a family who sought freedom and found it in this quiet corner of Philadelphia.