WA-II-078
These are some transcribed notes from a “Maryland Historical Trust Sheet”.
Form prepared by Paula Stoner Dickey, Consultant March 1974
Item 7
Description:
Lydia Shunk’s Graveyard is situated on a level are at the summit of a hill.
The plot is enclosed with a wire fence and has been restored by the Boons-
boro Historical Society. A number of large trees shade the cemetery,
setting it apart from the surrounding farm land.
The graves date from the mid 18th through the mid 19th century. Many of
the markers are deteriorated and not readable. Some appear to be roughly
squared fieldstone while other finished stones show decorative carving and
detail work. Several grave markers are inscribed in German. Among the
family names that could be read easily were Peter Shang, Nicodemus and
New Kerch.
According to most sources, the cemetery was laid out about 1750. A log
church known as “Shank’s Church” or “Shunks’s Church” was located adjacent
to the graveyard.
Lydia Shunk’s graveyard is in good condition and is not at present in
danger of destruction.
Item 8 WA-II-078
Significance:
Religion/Philiosophy and Social/Humanitarian
Lydia Shunk’s Graveyard is important as weall as preserved and restored
record of Washington County’s 18th and early 19th century residents in
the vicinity of Boonsboro. The cemetery is also recognized as signifi-
cant for religious and humanitarian reasons.
In Washington County’s 18th century deed records for the property on
which the cemetery is located, references are made to “Shank’s Church”
and graveyard which were situated on an acre of land, part of a tract
called “Lenafield.” Lenafield, which contained 1,020 acres, was patented
to Doctor P. Johns on April 24, 1767. In 1789, Peter John granted to
Conrad Nichodemus and Michael Thomas, “church wardens of the Calvinist
Congregation,” one acre of Lenafield “ where in there is a church erected
and a graveyard.” One peppercorn was to be paid to Peter John and his
Heirs each May 1.
In his will which was probated December 19, 1801 Peter John left part
of Lenafield to his son John John, excepting one acre which was laid off
For the use of the church. The grave of Heirhegt Peter Shang. 1726-1801,
probably that of Peter John is in the cemetery.
It cannot be determined from the records available in Washington County
exactly when Shank’s Church was built, but historians agree that it was
erected around 1750. Shank’s or Shunk’s church is described as having
been built of logs.
In 1802 the Calvinists or German Reformed congregation with the
Lutherans built astone church in Boonsboro. It replaced Shank’s Church.
The Trinity United Church of Christ in Boonsboro and the Mt. Nebo United
Methodist Church of Boonsboro trace their history to Shank’s Church.
No evidence of the log church remains.
In addition toits historical and religious significance, the site
of the church and cemetery on a high hill overlooking the Cumberland
Valley has great scenic value.
Lydia Shunk’s Graveyard - -WA –II- 078
Deed Records:
Liber 256, Folio 218 April 1, 1950
Grantors: George R Kefauver & Ardella M. Kefauver
Grantees: Herschel C. Dean and Rachel E. Dean
Part of “Lenafield” 70 acres
Liber 143, Folio 637 March 14, 1914
Grantor: Albert Wilhide
Grantees: George R Kefauver & Ardella M. Kefauver
$9,000. 70 acres
Liber 141, Folio 235 March 29, 10913
Grantor: George W. Heinlein, executor for the will of John W. Adam
Grantee: Albert Wilhide
$8,033, the deed is for part of a tract called “Lenafield,” part of the “Minifield”
and Beall’s Choice; 71 acres 2 roads, 5 perches
Liber 97, Folio 355 August 7, 1889
Grantor: William Adam and Annie M. Adam
Grantees: John W. Adam
$6,000, 71 acres, 2 roads 5 perches
Liber 83, Folio 508 December 18, 1882
Grantors: John Murdock and William E. Itnyre, executors for the will of
William Itnyre
Grantees: William Adam
$7,532, 71 acres 2 roads, 5 perches
Liber IN16, Folio 144 March 27, 1862
Grantor: Jonas Itnyre and Sarah Ann Itnyre
Grantees: William Itnyre
1,414.42, 41 acres, 23 perches. The property included 1 acre laid off for a
Church in compliance with the will of Peter John.
Liber IN 15, Folio 477 February 20, 1861
Grantor: William Itnyre, trustee in the case of Wm. Itnyre et al vs. Ruanna Itnyre
Grantees: Jonas Itnyre
43-3/4 acres
Liber IN 4, Folio 35 May 28, 1848
Grantor: Judith John
Grantees: George Itnyre
$300. The property was supposed to contain 55 acres.
Will of John John
Will book D, Folio 384, probated December 14, 1840
Will of Peter John
Will book A, Folio 453, probated December 19, 1801
Liber F, Folio 83 January 5, 1789
Grantor: Peter John
Grantees: Conrad Nichodemus and Michael Thomas, church wardens of the Calvinists
Congregation
The deed is for 1 acre of Lenafield “where on there is a church erected and a
Graveyard.”
Patent Records
Patent book 1, Folio 169
Lenafield surveyed for Doctor P. John, April 24, 1767, 1020 acres
I do not know where there name Shang came in. But, it appears as I was preparing these records and researching them that Peter Shang who is buried here is Peter John. His name in his will is simply Peter John. Other records,the date of his will and Peter Shang's burial in this cemetery indicate they are one in the same. I am sure my cousins would agree as have other researchers before us.
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