Siloam Cemetery, cemetery in Vineland, New Jersey
Siloam Cemetery is a burial ground in Vineland established in 1864, covering about 14 acres with winding paths, old trees, and headstones from various periods. The site contains a Gothic Revival chapel built in 1918 with pointed arches and stone walls, a sandstone receiving vault from 1885, a granite entrance gate from 1900, and an iron and granite fence added in 1902 that define its architectural character.
The cemetery was established in 1864 after Charles K. Landis founded Vineland and donated the land to the community, with Eveline M. Fish becoming the first person buried there in February. The property expanded over subsequent decades with the construction of a receiving vault in 1885 for winter burials, an entrance gate in 1900, an iron fence in 1902, and a chapel in 1918, reflecting the growing formalization of the site.
The cemetery reflects the history and diversity of Vineland's residents, with graves telling stories of founders, local leaders, and immigrants including Russian Cossacks whose markers bear Cyrillic inscriptions. The symbolic language of the headstones reveals community values, where urns suggest life after death, tree stumps mark those who died young, and lambs symbolize the innocence of children.
The cemetery is open from early morning to evening for visitors to explore at their own pace through quiet pathways. The grounds have slopes and uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended, and guided tours are available for those interested in learning stories about the people buried there and the site's history.
Among thousands of graves are resting places for Russian Cossack refugees whose headstones bear Cyrillic inscriptions and military medals, marking their journeys across continents and new roots in Vineland. The grounds also hold notable historical figures including Mary Treat, who corresponded with Charles Darwin, and Thomas Bramwell Welch, inventor of grape juice.
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