Mechesney Cemetery Association

Unity Cemetery With its shady groves and panoramic views of the Laurel Mountains, Unity Cemetery provides a peaceful final resting-place for people of all denominations. A land grant dated March 1, 1774, and signed by William Penn's Grandson, John Penn, established a burial ground and meeting place for the Presbyterian Congregation at Unity. This original land purchase, near the historic Forbes Road, was approximately sixty acres, for which Robert Hanna, Joseph Irwin, William Lochry, and Samuel Sloan paid one penny sterling per acre-the equivalent of $2.40. Today the cemetery encompasses over 234 acres. Until the 1860's there was no official caretaker or sexton at Unity Cemetery. When loved ones passed away, friends and relatives would open the grave on the family plot, and those in attendence at the funeral service stayed at the gravesite until the last shovel of dirt was placed on the grave. Many of those early graves were unmarked, so it is impossible to say when the first burial took place. The first recorded burial was that of Moses Watson, a Revolutionary War soldier, who died in 1782. - John Proctor ( 1824 ), on whose land the first local Presbyterian services were held, had been a colonel in Forbes Army in 1758. He served as the first sheriff of Westmoreland County at its forming in 1773, and organized the first regiment of militia at Hannastown in 1775 under the famous Rattlesnake Flag with its warning, "Don't Tread on Me." - William Findley ( 1821 ), a captain in the Revolutionary War, was a member of the first legislature of Pennsylvania and also a member of the convention to ratify the Constitution of the United States. - Benjamin Beatty ( 1834 ), a soldier in the Revolutionary War, crossed the Delaware with George Washington on December 24-25, 1776. - Archibold Mellon ( 1835 ), camde from Castletown, Ireland, and settled in Westmoreland County. He and his wife, Elizabeth Armour, were the great grandparents of Andrew Mellon, secretary of the treasury under three presidents. - Buried here are veterans of all wars: Revolutionary War-32 ; War of 1812-6 ; Mexican War-2 ; Civil War-144 ; Spanish-American War-11 ; as well as an ever increasing number of veterans who served in the wars of the 20th century. When the Unity Congregation was dissolved in 1920, the property and church were transferred to Unity Cemetery Association, whose fifth president, Ralph Sloan, Jr., is a descendent of Samuel Sloan, one of the founders of Unity Cemetery

The Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce serves as a pivotal resource for promoting the vibrant community of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, recognized as one of the most charming small towns in America. With a rich history dating back to the French and Indian War, the town boasts over 60 specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, and an array of outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore a diverse calendar of events throughout the year, including the Annual Ice Fest and Fort Ligonier Days, which highlight the town's unique attractions and community spirit. The scenic valley surrounding Ligonier further enhances its appeal, inviting both residents and tourists to experience the town's history and personality. Generated from the website

Please contact us for a private consultation with a cemetery representative who can help you create the perfect, lasting memorial for your pet. The Pet Cemetery at Chestnut Ridge offers a full array of products to fulfill your special needs in remembrance of your pet on the cemetery property. Pets are interred in a water-sealed casket/vault combination. A variety of polystyrene caskets and burial shells are available for your selection. You also may choose sateen or velveteen-linings, complete with a beautiful lace pillow and/or skirting that are available in several colors.