Mercer County Cemetery, the final resting place of nearly 200 Civil War veterans, will commemorate the 160th anniversary of the events of 1865 that ended the war between the states with a special program April 9 at the downtown Trenton burial ground.
The cemetery, organized in 1843, is New Jersey’s first nonsecular cemetery and is known for its highly decorative carved monuments, sculptures and greenspace prevalent in Victorian era graveyards. Many titans of early Trenton industry, business leaders, and prominent city families are among the 4,000 or so people who are buried there.
“As mayor of Trenton, I am proud to honor our city’s significant role in the Civil War,” said Mayor Reed Gusciora. “Trenton’s ironworks provided crucial support to the Union, while our residents — both men and women — made vital contributions to the fight for freedom. Our city’s strategic location and industrial growth not only helped fuel the war effort but also laid the foundation for Trenton’s future as a manufacturing powerhouse.”
This free event will honor the significant moments that marked the conclusion of the Civil War, such as the surrender at Appomattox. The program will also pay special tribute to two of the Civil War veterans buried at Mercer Cemetery: Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. John Beech and Capt. Ellis Hamilton, the youngest New Jersey commissioned officer in the Union Army.
Beech, who served in Co. B of the 4th NJ Infantry Regiment, was honored with the nation’s highest award for bravery in combat for his actions during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia on May 12, 1864. Beech was discharged in 1865 and died in 1926.
Hamilton, who served in Co. E of the 15th NJ Volunteer Infantry, was commissioned a lieutenant at age 16, promoted to captain at age 17 and died at age 18 on May 16, 1864, from gunshot wounds sustained during the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia.
“We are proud to honor these veterans and commemorate the pivotal events that helped shape the history of our nation,” said Thomas Barclay, Mercer Cemetery at Trenton board president. “This event is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the enduring impact of the Civil War on our community and our country.”
The commemorative event at the cemetery located at 43 S. Clinton Ave. in Trenton, will include remarks from elected dignitaries, veterans, community stakeholders, and members of the Mercer Cemetery Board of Directors. Pre-tours of the cemetery begin at 11 a.m. followed by the commemorative program, which starts at 12 noon sharp.
“One hundred and sixty years ago, the most destructive war in American history came to an end and our Union emerged victorious,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “Hundreds of service members gave the last full measure in pursuit of that victory and were laid to rest in Mercer County. We are proud to honor the sacrifice and the memory of these Civil War heroes.”
For more information, please contact Thomas Barclay at mercercemeterytrenton@gmail.com or Terry West at twest@mercercounty.org.
