North Chinchilla Cemetery
Explore the efforts to restore a historic cemetery in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
North Chinchilla Cemetery
Explore the efforts to restore a historic cemetery in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Mission
Provide updates regarding the revitalization of the North Chinchilla Cemetery. Founded in 1900, the goal is to get it tidy, keep it tidy, share its history and provide information about those who rest in this important Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania site.
About the Cemetery
History of North Chinchilla Cemetery *
North Chinchilla Cemetery, also known as "Griffin Burying Ground", is a historic cemetery located in Chinchilla, South Abington Twp., Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. It is situated on Willowbrook Road, near the intersection of Edella Road and North Abington Road in South Abington Township. The cemetery dates back to the mid-1800s, making it one of the older burial grounds in the region.
Founding and Origin
The exact founder of North Chinchilla Cemetery is not widely documented, but records indicate that it has been an active burial site since the 19th century. The cemetery was likely established by early settlers in the area, serving as a final resting place for local families and community members. Over time, it became known as Griffin Burying Ground, possibly named after a prominent family or individual associated with its early history.
Notable Figures Buried Here
Several individuals of historical significance are interred at North Chinchilla Cemetery. Some of the notable figures include:
- Henry Herbert Bamford (1857–1918) – A resident of Chinchilla, Bamford was originally from England and lived in Scranton, Pennsylvania before settling in Lackawanna County. He was buried in North Chinchilla Cemetery after his passing in January 1918.
- Dr. Emrys Andrews (1908–1979) – A respected medical professional who contributed to the local community.
- Armand J. Bastin (1897–1979) – A World War I veteran, recognized for his service in the U.S. Army.
- John R. Chambers (1895–1951) – A World War I veteran, who served in the 154 Depot Brigade.
Cultural Significance
North Chinchilla Cemetery holds cultural and historical importance for the Lackawanna County community. It serves as a testament to the region’s early settlers, many of whom played key roles in the development of South Abington Township and surrounding areas. The cemetery is a reflection of the area's heritage, with gravestones dating back to the mid-19th century, showcasing the craftsmanship and burial traditions of the time.
Additionally, the cemetery remains active, with ongoing efforts to preserve its historical integrity. Volunteers and historians have worked to document inscriptions on gravestones, ensuring that the memory of those buried there is maintained for future generations.
* Generated by MS Copilot 5/31/2025
Maps
Draft high-level map of cemetery. (Map 60 - v1 - 6/1/2025)
Photos
5/30/2025 - Some grass is over 4 ft. high.
"Before" Videos
Frontage Before Cleared (5/30/2025)
A 43-second walk of the frontage on 5/30 before work on this area began. Note that this video was taken at a quick pace. So, it takes more than 43 seconds of normal walking to traverse this cemetery horizontally.
Left of Car Path Before Cleared (6/1/2025)
Timeline
2025
Apr. 14 - Winter ('24-'25) damage identified. (1-0,2-0)
Apr. 15 - Most severe winter damage cleared. (2-2-0)
Apr. 30 - Cemetery walked. (3,4-2-0)
May 20
- Supplies obtained. (3-7,8-1)
- Map #10 Area #R14, #R15 worked. (3-2-0)
May 23
- Supplies obtained. (3-9-2)
- Initial attempt creating a more detailed map. (3-2-0)
- Initial measurements and GPS coordinates. (3-2-0)
May 25
- Map #10 Area #R0 (Military) worked. Flag replaced. (3-2-0)
- Supplies obtained. (5-7-4)
- Partial sign restoration initiated. (5-6-0)
May 26
- Memorial Day
- Analysis meeting. (3,4-4-0)
- Cemetery walked. (4-2-0)
May 27 - Analysis meeting. (3,4-3-0)
May 28 - Informational website established and published. (3-6-3)
May 30 (3-2-5)
- Supplies obtained.
- Cleared 75% of frontage (from street to wall).
- Most grass over 3 ft tall. Some over 4 ft tall.
- Cleared entrance-way.
Jun 1 (3-2-x)
- Retired previous flag. (3-10-0)
- More measurements, gathering map info. (3-2-0)
- Videoed along left of car path, right of car path, across exit. (3-2-x)
- Supplies obtained. (3-7-x)
- Map #10 Area #R2 worked. (3-2-0)
- Library research. (3-11-0)
Jun. 2 - Analysis meeting. (3,7-2-0)
Jun. 3 - Library research. (3-12-0)
Clearance Log
2025
MIHs James 1865-1935 LAST NAME (PRIMARY FIRST NAME), BORN-DIED, VETERAN INDICATOR, HEADSTONE CLEARANCE, MAP ID - AREA ID, AREA CLEARANCE
5/20/2025, 1
- James (Mary Hannah), 1869-1951, No, Full, 50-R15, Partial
- Tranter (John), 1839-1915, No, Partial, 50-R14, Partial
- Santee (Rev. E. L.), 1848-1934, No, Partial, 50-R14, Partial
5/25/2025, 0
- Santee (Rev. E. L.), 1848-1934, No, Full, 50-R14, Full
5/30/2025, 3
- Frontage, ~75% of frontage from street to retaining wall.
- Entrance-way, ~10-20 yards in from street
- Morris (Joseph), 1868-1940, No, Full, 50-L1, Partial
- Pickering (tbd), tbd, No, Partial, 50-L2, Partial
6/1/2025, 2
- Smith (x), x-x, No, Full, 50-R2, Partial
- Meachen, No, Full, 50-R2
- James 1865-1935
- Martha 1864-1949
- Daniel 1895-1916
- Maddox (Irene E.), 1842-1916, No, Full, Partial
- Smith (Myrtie B.), 1869-1918, No, Full, Partial
To Clear:
- Select area
- Document via photo(s)
- Walk area, probing for obstacles (logs, sticks, decorations, rocks, graves, graves markers, garbage, etc...)
- **** Identify danger spots: holes in the ground; poison vegetation; etc... ****
- Clear area of obstacles
- Wack
- Cycle thru these actions as needed as many times as needed: Mow / Rake / Wack / Trim / Sweep
- Bag
- Document via photo(s)
- Mark danger areas
- Document via photo(s)
~60 minutes for an area 25' X 25' - can expect to use ~3 30 gal. garbage bags for grass, etc...
To Maintain:
- Select area
- Clear obstacles
- Mow
- Trim
- Sweep
- Bag
- Mark danger areas
- Photos
~15 minutes for an area 15' X 30' - can expect to use ~1 30 gal. garbage bag for grass, etc...
The Cemetery Throughout History
1 of 2
Birds (for other wildlife, see next section)
In / near the cemetery...
American Crow - a
American Robin - a,b
Cedar Waxwing - a,b
European Starling - a,b
House Sparrow - a
Red-eyed Vireo - a,b
Yellow Warbler - a
Identified (audio (Merlin))
2025: a:6/3, b:6/5
Wildlife (Stay tuned...)
6/1/2025
Vegetation
2025
Grasses
- Saltmeadow cordgrass
- Smooth brome
- Reed canary grass
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Northern sea oats
- Deertongue grass
- Shallow Sedge
- Orchard grass
Trees
- Kentucky coffee tree
- Black cherry
- Norway spruce
- Oregon crabapple
Vines
- Poison Ivy
- Riverbank grape
- Virginia creeper
Herbs
- Western wallflower
- Ground Ivy
- Creeping thistle
- Wrinkleleaf goldenrod
- Giant goldenrod
- Ditch lily
- Ribwort plantain
- Creeping woodsorrel
- Self-heal
- Meadow butterup
- Hedge bedstraw
Shrubs
- Multiflora rose
- Morrow's honeysuckle
- Tatartian honeysuckle
Weeds
- Garlic mustard
Past Weather
Rain & Snow
SOURCE: National Centers for Environmental Information - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
STATION NAME: US1PALC0028 CLARKS GREEN 0.5 N, PA US
LATITUDE: 41.5067 LONGITUDE: 75.6953 ELEVATION: 427
Other Resources & Information
Links (not assoc. with or responsible for content at links)
Chinchilla, PAFind A Grave ----> North Chinchilla CemeteryLackawanna County PA Genealogy Resources ----> North Chinchilla CemeteryLackawanna County PA Genealogy Resources ----> Lackawanna County CemeteriesLackawanna historial societyLibrary ----> Abington Community LibraryLibrary ----> Scranton Public LibraryWikiTree - Where Geneologists Collaborate ----> north chinchilla cemetery
Disclaimer
This site, nor its creator, nor others helping in a variety of ways are responsible for this cemetery in any way, including legally. These are purely and solely acts of generosity, volunteerism done with a sense of family, community, and respect for those who rest here, especially the veterans.
Communicate
Willowbrook Rd, South Abington Township, PA 18411
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