Kirkland Cemetery

History

Kirkland Cemetery is located in Clark Mills, New York. In the late 1790's, Noah Clark bought land from Washington and Clinton and founded the hamlet of Clark Mills, New York (located in Oneida County). In 1845, three of his sons, Ralph, Ammi, and Erastus (also cited at Eneas) Clark established Clark Mills Company, and built textile and cotton-mills along Oriskany Creek.

The Kirkland Cemetery was formerly called the Barns Cemetery. Later, the transition was made to the current name of Kirkland Cemetery. Some of the earliest burials are from the Barns and Clark families. The Clark plot dates back to 1855 and is surrounded by a black chain fence and gate.

There are several Blue Zinc gravestones in Kirkland Cemetery. These would have been custom made with symbols that the customer could choose. They were sent mail order and assembled on site at the cemetery. Designs were very elegant with drapery, leaf veining, corn,swag, pine cones, and cross figures.

Notable Burials

  • Martha York Barnes 1799-1841
  • Joseph Barnes 1835-1837
    • one of Martha's 12 children
  • Noah Clark 1764-1851
    • Noah was a Revolutionary War soldier who was at Yorktown and saw the surrender of General Cornwallis.
  • Lieut. John Habberton 1842-1921
    • John was an author born in Brooklyn, NY. In 1862, he enlisted in the Union Army. He served throughout the war and mustered out as 1st Lieutenant. He was the author of numerous books and in 1880 he wrote a four-act drama which was played more than 500 times.
  • Sarah Philenda Fuller 1829-1911
    • Sarah was a nurse during the Civil War. She is buried in lot 55 next to her husband Thomas McEntee (who also served the country as a soldier during the Civil War)
  • There are numerous burials of those who served during conflicts beginning with the Revolutionary War.
  • Two Civil war monuments are near French Road (view looking South) belonging to:
    • Albert Lucas (father) 1810-1876 - 146th Regiment
    • Orin Lucas (son) 1844-1863 - 117th Regiment
    • The son is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Kirkland Cemetery displays a Memorial Marker only