Skip to main content

Final Resting Place at the New Paltz Rural Cemeteries

wynkoop graave.jpeg
bracher grave.jpeg
banks tombstone.jpg
Moody Grave.jpeg

The New Paltz Rural Cemetery is the final resting place for many of the individuals involved with the New Paltz AME Zion Church. The New Paltz Rural Cemetery was established in February 1861. 

Members, former members and associates of the New Paltz AME Zion Church along with other individuals of color are buried in the C West section of the cemetery. This section was specifically delegated for African Americans. 

Image of item

NPT~1864-04-22

An 1864 New Paltz Times articles states the needs of the New Paltz community as to how they should deal with the remains of their Black residents. They are clear that they "do not wish to be understood that we are in favor of miscengenation." Rather they ask, "Cannot a portion of the grounds of the rural cemetery be set apart for the colored race?"

Hence, a portion of section C of the cemetery was used for the burial of New Paltz's Black residents.

Throughout this section there are many familiar names of those involved with the New Paltz AME Zion Church. Charles Bershear, Fulton Cox, Charles Moody, James Thomas, *Jacob and John Wynkoop, along with their wives and children are buried within this section. Unfortunately, many of those who are buried within this section do not have grave markers to delineate their final resting place. A ledger of the plot purchases and burials identifies these individuals as being buried within the section but no grave marker exists to remember them. It is unknown whether grave markers were ever put up for these individuals or if the markers were destroyed or vandalized. 

NOTE: 

  • Jacob Wynkoop is buried in the Civil War Soldier section of the cemetery.
Final Resting Place at the New Paltz Rural Cemeteries