a division of Graphic Details

Permit Numbers "Permit" numbers are consecutive numbers assigned by Chester Rural Cemetery usually when notice of the death was received from the funeral director or from the family.  We believe that the term "Permit" originated because prior to 1917 the Treasurer's office was located in downtown Chester.  He may have been an architect, attorney, banker or some other business man who served as Treasurer to the Board.  Upon notice of a death, family members would have gone to his office to pay for the grave opening and he likely issued them the stub of the receipt to take to the Superintendent on the cemetery grounds as proof that the fees had been paid and thereby "permission" was granted to open the grave, thus the term "Permit". These permits are in no way related to official death certificates.

 
Removals Over 4% of all individuals at Chester Rural Cemetery were removed from other cemeteries or moved after their original interrment.  While this may seem odd today, we must keep in mind the historical background of the Cemetery and the city of Chester itself.

The city experienced explosive growth during the 1850's as a result of people coming to the city in search of jobs at the many new industries spawned by the Industrial Revolution.  With so many newcomers, the city's churchyards and family burying grounds were not adequate to accommodate the needs.  Thus, the decision by community leaders to establish a large public cemetery.

Often, when the first death occurred, the family could only afford to purchase a single grave in the Single Grave (SG) section instead of a whole family lot.  Later, as they established themselves and decided to stay in the area, when the next death occurred they were able to buy a family lot and at that time decided to move the first relative out of Single Grave section to be interred with the rest of the family.


Note: This website is maintained and sponsored by Graphic Details Publications.  It is not the official web site of the Chester Rural Cemetery Association and they will not be held liable for any inaccuracies contained herein.

© 1999 John A. Bullock III.

This page last updated 10/18/05