Thunder Hill Cemetery, Chester County, Pennsylvania

THUNDER HILL CEMETERY
or FINNEY FAMILY BURYING GROUND, NEW LONDON TWP, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

One of seven cemeteries associated with the New London Presbyterian Church, the Thunder Hill cemetery is located west of the village of New London. It is the burial ground for the Robert Finney family, containing burials from as early as 1752.

Robert Finney purchased the Thunder Hill tract of 900 acres from Michael Harlan in 1722. Family tradition states that Robert was one of the defenders of Londonderry, and at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, was left for dead on the battlefield. It was during this time that he dreamed of the land he was to purchase, and once in America, recognized Thunder Hill when he saw it. In 1746, Robert Finney and Dorothea, his wife, deeded their entire estate to their son, Robert, for the sum of five shillings, "as a testimony of our gratitude and sincere regard toward our son Robert Finney and as compensation for his many good offices". They continued to live with Robert Finney, Jun., until their deaths.

In the will of Robert Finney, Jun., proved May 1782, Robert "gives one acre in the corner of land where my Father is buried for a burying place to my relations forever". He also left a 50 pound legacy to the Presbyterian Meeting house at New London.

In the will of Elijah McClenachan, grandson of Robert Finney, Sen., probated 1810, Elijah requested that funds be applied "to build a Stone wall round the family Burying ground on Thunderhill". Elijah also left a sixty dollar legacy to the Congregation of New London.

BURIALS

Intrred
The Body of
Robert . Finney.
Died Mar . A . D 1755 .
Being the eighty . 7 . year
of his age

Interred The Body of
Dorothea . Finney .
Died May . A.D. 1752
Being the eighty 2
year of her age

D. F. (footstone)

In memory of John MCCLENACHAN and Anna, his wife, who were among the first settlers on Thunder Hill, and among the first professors of christianity in the New London Congregation, and departed this life advanced in years. (Illegible, 1996)

In Memory of
Mary the wife of
Elijah M'Clenachan
who departed this life
April the 30th, 1780
Aged 49 years
The Loving Wife
And tender Mother

In Memory of
Elijah M'Clenachan
who was born Nov 15 1728
and departed this
February 2d 1810
Aged 81 year
and 3 Months

In
memory of
Samuel Blair McClenachan
who departed this life
September 11 1851
Aged 76 years 3 mos 10 days

B.McC (footstone)

In memory of
Amay wife of
Samuel B. M'Clinachan
who departed this
Jan 24th 1814
In the 44th year
of her life
The affectionate Wife
and tender mother

Here lies William Finney and Jean his wife (nearly illegible)

Walter Finney Junr
who departed this life
the 6th day of Oct
ad 1808
in the 13th year of his age
Also his infant
Brother

In Memory of
Susan Finney
wife of the Revd
William Finney
who departed this life
June 20th 1817
aged 26 years
Also in memory of
Walter Scott Finney
son of William and
Susan Finney who
departed this Feb 17
1817 aged 6 mos and
11 days.

In Memory of
Walter Finney
who departed this life
Sept 17 1820
aged 73 years
In her struggle for Independence
he served his County
with fidelity and zeal.
In his intercourse with men
he was benevolent
In friendship faithful.
He was zealous friend of
religious institutions
And was 35 years ruling
Elder
In the congregation
New London.
Also
Mary Finney
(widow and relict of the above)
who departed this life August 10 1823
aged 70 years
Alass my Mother

In Memory of Walter Boothe, who died Dec. 31, 1803
In the 43rd year of his age.
Also
His wife,
Catharine, who died April 6, 1846
In the 78th year of her age.

William Nelson of Dromore County Down Ireland
Born May 6, 1777
Died May 6, 1859
Mary Nelson, wife of Wm. Nelson
Born Dec. 13, 1792
Died Oct. 23, 1871
Give her of the fruit of her hands
And let her own words praise her in the gates
Proverbs 31c 31

Many other uncut and shaped stones.

SOURCES

Early Pennsylvania Land Records, Egle, Originally published as Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XIX, Harrisburg, 1893.
Genealogy of the McKean Family of Pennsylvania, Roberdeau Buchanan, Lancaster, PA, 1890.
Chester County, Pennsylvania, Land & Property, FHL Microfilm 0020855.
Chester County, Pennsylvania, Will Books, 1774-1783, FHL Microfilm 0020846.
Chester County, Pennsylvania, Will Records, 1797-1817, FHL Microfilm 0020848.
Transcript of Rev. Ebenezer Dickey Finney, and the notes of Mary Barada & George J. Finney.
Robin Petersen personal visit to the Thunder Hill Cemetery to check headstone inscriptions, May, 1996.

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