Easton Cemetery - Easton, PA

Easton Cemetery is a historic rural cemetery located in Easton, PA and is the burial site of many notable individuals. Its landscape is set with thousands of examples of funeral artwork, in a variety of decorative styles, spanning Greco-Roman Revival, Gothic Victorian, and Art Deco.

The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

The Chapel

The Chapel was built in 1875 for the convenience of families who wished to have services on the cemetery grounds. An addition to the back allowed room for bodies to be stored until grave sites could be prepared.

Belle Mingle Archer - 9/5/1858 - 9/19/1900

Belle was one of seven daughters born to James L. and Mary Elizabeth Mingle. She began her acting career when her family moved to Philadelphia around the age of 16.

She starred in a three year cross country touring production of A Contented Woman. She performed under the name of Belle MacKenzie and then by her married name Belle Archer. Belle married H. R. Archer on September 19, 1880 but was later divorced.

Belle was considered one of the most photographed women in America in the 1890s.

On September 16, 1900, Belle tripped on a broken board on a platform at a train station and sustained a serious head injury. She died three days later of a blot clot in her brain. She was only 42 years of age.

Bell was transported back to Easton by the Lehigh Valley Railroad and met by the Easton Major Rushfield.

Located at: Easton Cemetery, 401 North 7th Street, Easton, PA

Dr. George Oliver “Deerfoot” Barclay - 5/16/1875 - 4/3/1909

George played football at Lafayette College. His nickname was “The Rose” due to his concern for his looks and “Deerfoot” due to his speed. George is credited with inventing the first football helmet which he began wearing in 1894. He engaged an Easton harness maker to make head protection for him to prevent anything happening to his handsome face and avoid cauliflower ear while he played football. The harness maker made bulky earmuffs held in place by straps called a head harness.

George dropped out of school. He then played baseball in the major leagues for the St. Louis Cardinals and then the Boston Beaneaters. His baseball career was derailed when he contracted Malaria during spring training and never fully recovered. He then went to dental school and started a dental practice in Philadelphia.

In 1908 he returned to Lafayette as a football coach.

George died of a post surgical complication from an appendicitis at the age of 33.

Lucy Minturn Barnet - 5/25/1851 - 2/2/1853 William Henry Barnet - died 3/31/1848

Lucy and William’s grave has become a shrine with toys, dolls, plastic roses, matchbox cars and loose change. An anonymous person has been leaving them gifts, sometimes once a month, as far back as anyone at the Easton cemetery can remember. According to the Easton Cemetery staff, they have no idea who is leaving the gifts nor do they want to.

William Henry Barnet died at the age of 17 years old on March 31, 1848. The inscription claims he was lost at sea. William attended Lafayette College for one year. He sought the sailor’s life and while on his first trip home he was lost at sea.

Lucy & Williams parents, David and Louisa Berlin Barnet lived at 18 S. 4th Street, Easton. David was a director at the Easton Bank.

George H. Derr

"If it's the right chair, it doesn't take too long to get comfortable in it." - Robert De Niro

George Taylor - 1716 - 1781

Mr. Taylor signed the Declaration of Independence.

George was born in Ireland in 1716. He immigrated to America as an indentured servant. At the age of 60 he was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress of Pennsylvania (1776). He resided at 4th and Ferry Streets, Easton, PA.

Mr. Taylor was originally buried at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Ferry Street in Easton. His body was moved to Easton Cemetery in 1870.