In the summer of 2024, preservation partners Rick Detweiler and Paula Hogan embarked on a three-month project to clean and restore the grave markers at Mennonite Church Cemetery, located behind the historic Herstine Chapel in Limerick Township, Pennsylvania. The cemetery stands as a quiet testament to the early settlers who played a pivotal role in shaping the region.

Herstine Chapel, a cornerstone of the community since its construction in 1821, has long symbolized local heritage. A triangular stone on the forward-facing wall of the building cites the year 1803, marking the date of the earliest recorded gravestone, when the cemetery was still privately owned. The chapel was expanded in 1917, further solidifying its role in the area’s history. Named after Johannes “John” Herstine, one of the region’s early and influential German settlers, the land was sold for one dollar by Jacob and Magdalena Shoemaker (Schumacher), former owners of Sunrise Mill, to early community leaders, including weaver Christian Stearly, blacksmith Abraham Bergey, miller John Shoemaker (Schumacher), and carpenter George Slonecker. Today, a small group of local residents, including board member Kimberly Uba, oversees the preservation of both the chapel and the cemetery.

With permission from Uba, we documented our restoration efforts and incorporated genealogical research into the grave markers wherever possible. This report includes links to photo galleries for each restored stone, with images credited to Lifelines Preservation Services, 2024.

Our goal at Herstine Chapel extends beyond preserving the physical markers. Each grave marker is a unique work of art—a testament to the lives and stories of those who came before us. Through this restoration, we aim not only to protect these markers but also to honor and revive the memories they hold, allowing future generations to discover and cherish them.

To clean each stone, our meticulous process begins with an initial flush of fresh water, followed by gentle scrubbing and scraping to remove surface dirt, moss, and lichen. A biodegradable, pH-neutral organic cleaning solution is then applied, often causing the stones to brighten immediately. Over the following weeks and months, the results continue to improve. We revisited each stone regularly to document the progress, and on October 1, we applied an additional coating of the biological solution.

Some stones exhibit a phenomenon known as ‘blushing,’ where a temporary orange-pink-gray hue forms due to the reaction of biological organisms to the cleaner. This discoloration typically fades within 24 to 48 hours, often accelerated by rain, which helps further restore the stones. Photos (see link below) included in this report illustrate this expected reaction as part of the ongoing process.

Mennonite Church Cemetery is believed to be the final resting place of over 150 individuals, according to records from FindAGrave.com and writings preserved by the Historical Society of Montgomery County, Mennonite Heritage Center, and the Limerick Township Historical Society. Among the cemetery’s plain sandstone tablets and modern granite stones, unmarked field stones are scattered, representing untold stories of those buried there.

Over the years, the cemetery has been subjected to vandalism, with many gravestones sustaining damage. Some stones were recovered and placed inside the chapel for safekeeping, though their names remain unidentified. During our many visits, we uncovered an unmarked stone, buried just beneath the surface. It now leans against the surrounding hand-stacked stone wall.

This report includes only those stones that have been made legible through our efforts. Unfortunately, we mourn the loss of the stories of those whose markers have become unreadable, broken/damaged, or who remain without markers altogether.

To deepen our understanding of the site’s history, we organized the grave markers into family lineages, tracing relationships and bringing the families’ stories to light. This work helps reveal the connections between those interred here, preserving their legacy for future generations.

Hunsberger / Schumacher-Shoemaker / Urmy / Umstead / Keeler / Lineage

Abraham Hunsberger (1755-1816)

Catharine Nash Tyson Hunsberger (1760-1819)

This family line, the oldest interred at Herstine, provides a logical starting point for the documentation of our exploration. Abraham and his wife, Catherine, farmed in Perkiomen, Skippack, and Limerick. During the Revolutionary War, Abraham took the daring step of sneaking produce into British-occupied Philadelphia to support American sympathizers. After being caught and imprisoned, his musical talent charmed his captors, leading to his swift release. Catherine’s father, William Tyson (1722-1810), served in Captain John Harple’s Company, 5th Battalion of the Philadelphia County Militia during the war. William’s daughter Mary, married Jacob Shoemaker (Schumacher, 1754-1847). Mary’s great-grandfather, Cornelius Tyson, married Barbara Pannebecker, whose father, Hendrick Pannebecker, is credited with founding the Pennypacker family in Pennsylvania. Abraham and Catherine had at least thirteen children, three of whom are buried at Herstine.

Mary Nash Tyson Schumacher (1752-1803)

Mary, the older sister of Catharine Nash Tyson Hunsberger, moved to Frederick Township in 1775 with her husband, Jacob Schumacher (Shoemaker, 1754-1847). Jacob operated an oil mill that produced linseed oil, rapeseed oil, and other oils. After Mary’s death, Jacob remarried, this time to Magdalena Langenecker (Longenecker, 1757-1824). Together, they became the owners of Sunrise Mill and donated the land on which Herstine Chapel now stands. Mary and Jacob had at least three children: George, Elizabeth, and Mary. Several of their children later moved to Canada with their father. This stone bears the name “Maria,” which initially led to the belief that it marked the grave of Maria Reiff Shantz Shoemaker (Schumacher), the wife of Johannes “John” Tyson Schumacher (Shoemaker, 1756-1828). Many genealogical databases list Maria as being buried at First Mennonite Cemetery in Canada. However, there is also a note suggesting that she may be buried at Herstine, raising lingering questions about the true identity of this stone. This is the oldest stone at Herstine.

David Urmy (1786-1818)

David’s old world style tablet stone is located to the left, immediately upon entering Herstine. He was the middle child of ten born to Henry Urmy, the first husband of Magdalena Langenecker (Longenecker). In 1781, his father was noted as “delinquent” for being five days late in returning to the 7th Company. After Henry’s death at the age of 46, David’s mother, Magdalena, remarried Jacob Shoemaker (Schumacher). Following her death, Jacob moved to Canada with several of his sons from his first wife, Mary Nash Tyson Schumacher. Magdalena is reported to be buried at Herstine alongside David, though her gravestone is either missing, damaged, or illegible.

Mary Tyson Hunsberger Keeler (1792-1868)

Mary, the daughter of Abraham and Catharine Hunsberger, married John Keeler (1792–1875) in 1815 in New Hanover Township. John worked as a farmer and later as a carpenter. Together, they had at least five children. The couple initially lived in Pottsgrove before relocating to Limerick. John Keeler’s parents are buried at Keely’s Church Cemetery.

Johannes “John” Tyson Schumacher (1776-1828)

John Shantz Shoemaker/Schumacher (1803-1828)

Isaac Shantz Shoemaker/Schumacher(1800-1805)

Johannes Schumacher (Shoemaker) and two of his sons are buried side by side, marked by similar old world style tablet stones inscribed in German. Johannes grew up working on his father’s farm in Frederick Township and married Maria “Mary” Shantz (1771–1866) in 1797. Together, they had nine children and farmed on his father’s land. In 1827, Johannes suffered an accident that led to health problems, including dropsy, which ultimately contributed to his death. After his passing, Maria immigrated to Ontario (then Upper Canada) with several of their children. Their son, John, married Veronica Saylor Bowman (1804–1878) in 1825 but tragically died three years later without children. Veronica remarried and also moved to Canada. Isaac, the youngest son of Johannes and Maria, died at the age of four.

Joseph Umstead (1788-1872)

Isaac Umstead (1780-1854)

Joseph is buried alongside his wife, Elizabeth Tyson Hunsberger Umstead (1791–1872), and their middle son, Isaac. Their tablet stones are located at the back of Herstine, along the stacked stone wall. Joseph and Elizabeth married in 1812 and had at least nine children together. From at least 1850 to 1870, they lived in Limerick, where Joseph worked as a farmer and Isaac as a day laborer. Elizabeth was the daughter of Abraham and Catherine Hunsberger. Sadly, Elizabeth’s gravestone is broken and lies face down, but there are plans for its restoration in the future.

Godfried N. Saylor (1851-1852)

This is the infant son of Godfried Hunsberger Saylor and first wife Barabara Nice Saylor. He is the great grandson of Abraham Hunsberger.  His older brother, Benneville, lived with his parents along Swamp Pike where his father worked. One summer day, young Benneville went missing. His body was recovered down creek a week later.

Leitcap / Lightcap / Leister / Badman Lineage

Jacob Leitcap (1794-1865)

Catharine Krause Leitcap (1795-1880)

The cambered tablet stones of husband and wife Jacob and Catherine, located at the rear of the chapel on the cemetery grounds, were among the first we cleaned during our project. These stones, of similar design and size, are inscribed in English and placed side by side. The couple, commemorated by these markers, had at least four children: Augustus, Sarah, Jacob—who worked for the railroad—and Leah. Leah is buried at Keelys Church Cemetery.

Augustus Lightcap (1832-1908)

Elizabeth Mary Mundhart Lightcap (1835-1917)

Maggie M. Lightcap (1874-1881)

Augustus Lightcap, son of Jacob and Catharine, was married twice. His first wife, Elizabeth Heffelfinger Lightcap (1827–1864), is believed to be buried at Herstine Chapel, although her gravestone is no longer visible. It is thought that she passed away due to complications following the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth Rose. Augustus had at least nine children with his wives, including Irvin, Timothy J., Elizabeth Rose, Ida M., Mary, and Allen D., all of whom are buried elsewhere. According to the 1850 U.S. Census, Augustus was a mason by trade. He died of apoplexy. The gravestones of Augustus and Elizabeth both lean slightly from front to back, a testament to the passage of time. Andrew Anderson (1875-1915), husband to daughter Catherine “Katie” Lightcap Anderson (1877-1952), is noted to be buried at Herstine, though there is no visible marker. Nearby, two markers possibly commemorate their young daughter, Maggie, who was baptized at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Obelisk. One is inscribed in German, with the name “Maggie M. Leitkeep,” while the other features only the initials “M.M.L.”

Ephraim Lightcap (1853-1937)

Emeline (Emma) Leister Lightcap (1854-1924)

Infant Son Lightcap (1896-1896)

Ephraim are buried one in front of the other. Emeline, the daughter of Daniel and Mary Leister, was married to Ephraim, the son of Augustus and Elizabeth Heffelfinger Lightcap. The couple had at least nine children, two of whom, Sarah and Lewis James, are buried elsewhere. Ephraim died from arterio-capillary fibrosis, a condition that affects the blood vessels. Emeline’s beautiful, center-raised square monument is a modern two-piece design, with a base and memorial stone. In contrast, Ephraim’s similarly styled stone has sunken significantly into the ground, with no visible base remaining. Their infant child is buried nearby.

David C. Badman (1854-1924)

Maggie Lightcap Badman (1871-1930)

Harry B. Hettrick (1931-1931)

By all accounts, husband and wife David and Maggie never owned property in the area, instead moving about and renting homesteads in Douglas, New Hanover, and Limerick as David worked as a farmhand. Their beautifully designed large stones are situated side by side in the center of the cemetery, towards the back of the property, and cleaned up remarkably well. The couple had at least seven children, though Edward, Lizzie, Alice I, Walter, and Ella are buried elsewhere. Ella’s premature son, Harry B., is buried with his grandparents at Herstine. Maggie was the daughter of Ephraim and Emeline Lightcap. Nearby is their granddaughter, Pearl Badman Miller (1937-1957). Pearl’s life was tragically cut short in a car accident when she was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed into a tree in Collegeville. According to The American Record, she was killed instantly. Her death certificate lists the cause of death as a fractured skull, crushed chest, and ruptured uterus and liver.

Jennie Badman (1906-1934)

John Badman (1910-1950)

Siblings Jennie and John are buried in line with their parents, David and Maggie. Jennie was only twenty-eight years old when she died of epilepsy. Her obituary stated that her death was attributed to complications from multiple ailments. In 1930, it was noted that she was working at a flag factory. John died young as a result of a car accident in Eaglesville. He was an auto mechanic for the Landes Farm Equipment Company. The vehicle he was driving struck the back of a parked coal truck in the early morning hours. He suffered severe injuries, including a fractured skull, and was admitted to Montgomery Hospital in Norristown, where he died nine days later. Both siblings were single at the time of their deaths.

Lavina Lightcap Astheimer (1877-1949)

Lavina, the daughter of Ephraim and Emeline, married Christopher W. Astheimer (1873-1954), a machinist at a paper mill. As a devoted housewife, she dedicated her life to caring for her family. Lavina passed away after a brief three-day stay at Chester County Hospital, due to a cerebral hemorrhage. She was the mother of at least seven children, one of whom was incarcerated at what is now SCI Huntington for forgery.

Clinton F. Hartzel (1863-1939)

Mary Lightcap Hartzel (1880-1950)

Elizabeth L. “Lizzie” Hartzel (1904-1939)

The Hartzel family rests together beneath a large slant granite marker, situated toward the back of Herstine. Clinton, a retired laborer, married Mary, the 16-year-old daughter of Ephraim and Emeline, on May 21, 1898. Their marriage lasted forty years, marked by love and companionship. Clinton’s life was ultimately cut short by chronic myocarditis, leading to his passing. Mary, a devoted homemaker, lived for eleven more years before succumbing to congestive heart failure. Their youngest daughter, Elizabeth, affectionately known as “Lizzie,” worked in a factory and lived her life as a single woman. Tragically, Lizzie passed away at the young age of thirty-five from bronchial pneumonia.

Wilson Pannepacker Bergey (1892-1968)

Frances Hartzel Bergey (1902-1963)

This husband and wife are buried together under a simple yet beautiful marker located along the tree line at the back of Herstine, near Francis’s parents, Clinton and Mary Hartzel. Wilson worked as a foundry laborer, and the 1950 census indicates the couple resided on Buckhalter Road in Graterford. Francis, a homemaker, passed away from a myocardial infarction. After her death, Wilson lived with their two sons. He later died at home from coronary artery occlusion, a blockage in one of the heart’s arteries.

Harry L. Lightcap (1883-1943)

Harry L. Lightcap’s headstone, an ogee-shaped memorial, is the most modern of those cleaned during our first visit. The transformation of this large stone, with its restored clarity and detail, became one of our favorite projects. Harry tragically lost his life due to injuries sustained while working as a laborer at Wilson Quarry in Sanatoga. He is now at rest at Herstine Chapel, alongside his parents, Ephraim and Emeline Lightcap, and several of his siblings.

Augustus H. Lightcap (1883-1912)

Albert F. Lightcap (1893-1914)

Infant Son Lightcap (1888-1889)

Brothers Augustus and Albert, the sons of Ephraim and Emeline, both tragically lived short lives. They are buried side by side, their graves marked by large stone memorials. Augustus, who was married, succumbed to typhoid fever at Germantown Hospital. Albert, likely a victim of Graves’ Disease—an autoimmune disorder characterized by symptoms such as bulging eyes and an enlarged neck—also passed away young. Both brothers worked as farmers. Nearby, their youngest nephew is buried, with a stone marker placed directly in front of Augustus’ grave. The top of the stone is inscribed with the name “Charles.” This infant may have been one of the seven children of Irvin Lightcap (1862-1948) and Ida Hamel Lightcap (1869-1949). Irvin, a laborer, was the son of Augustus and Elizabeth Lightcap. One of Irvin and Ida’s later children would go on to serve as a veteran in World War II.

Daniel Leister (1807-1896)

Mary Lightcap Leister (1814-1898)

Husband and wife Daniel and Mary are buried side by side along the far stacked stone wall that encircles Herstine. Their gravestones, similarly, designed segmented arc stones, are engraved in English, with Mary’s stone gently leaning against the wall. On the other side of the cemetery rests their son John and his wife Amanda. Emeline, Ephraim’s wife, is Daniel and Mary’s daughter. Daniel worked as both a farmer and a laborer, while Mary was a dedicated homemaker.

John Leister (1859-1947)

Amanda Boyer Leister (1865-1944)

Husband and wife John and Amanda, believed to have had five children, led modest lives in New Hanover. John, a laborer like his father Daniel, lived near Grubb’s Mill and passed away from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a condition linked to chronic high blood pressure. Amanda, a housewife, died from an intestinal blockage, as noted on her death certificate. At the time of her passing, she had twenty-five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was also the last surviving member of her immediate family. One of their daughters, Lillian B. Leister (unknown-1907), is noted as being buried at Herstine, though little is known about her life. George L. “Bobo” Leister (1917-1963) is also reported to be buried at Herstine, though no marker is visible. This may possibly be John and Amanda’s grandson, noted as George L. Johnson, who is listed as living with the couple in the 1930 U.S. Census.

Krause / Jones Lineage

Daniel Krause (1798-1881)

Sarah Derr Krause (1807-1849)

Daniel, believed to have been a weaver, is reported to be buried at Herstine alongside his wife, Catherine Krause (1795–1880), and their daughter Catharine Krause Yerger (1830–1913). However, the gravestones for both Catharines are damaged, unreadable, or missing. There are conflicting reports about who was actually Catherine’s mother. Some sources suggest Sarah Derr Krause (1802–1850), another wife of Daniel, was Catherine’s mother. Sarah later married Joshua Yerger and had four children with him, and one with Jesiah Yerger. Daniel and Sarah’s half-round top stones are located side by side, about fifteen feet to the left of the entrance to the grounds. Both are simple engraved stones, with Daniel’s sunken. Their daughter Catharine died of pneumonia.

Cremora L. Jones (1855-1885)

Cremora Lucretia Faulconer was born in Virginia to George Washington Faulconer and Margaret Wesley Dickerson. Records suggest she had as many as eleven siblings. In 1875, she married Marshall A. Jones, and together they had at least two children. By 1880, Cremora and her husband had moved to Pennsylvania. Tragically, she passed away on New Year’s Day, just five years later, at the young age of 29. After her death, Marshall remarried Henrietta Krause. Cremora’s beautiful gravestone is located across from that of Daniel Krause.

Heinrich Krause (unknown-1871)

This stone, inscribed in German, is believed to be that of Heinrich, based on matching dates. However, FindAGrave notes the death as February 1871, while the inscription “geb. d” should indicate the birth date. The marker is located just one row behind near Daniel, suggesting a family connection.

Herstein Lineage

Eva Reiff Herstein (1765-1834)

Eva’s stone was the first we cleaned when beginning our restoration project at Herstine on July 1. It is located immediately to the right upon entering the burial ground. The stone is an old world style tablet, inscribed in German. Eva was born in Earl Township, Lancaster County, and married Johannes “John” Herstein (1754–1829), who was born in Kassel, Germany, in 1793. They are reported to have had six children. John and their son, Abraham Herstein (1794–1825), are believed to be buried alongside Eva, though their markers are no longer present. Some records suggest that Johannes’ first wife, Catherine Bieri/Beary Schantz (1757–1789), may also be buried here. Herstine Chapel is named after Johannes.

Maria Reiff Herstein Berge (1804-1844)

David Halteman Berge (1802-1852)

Fronica Herstein Berge (1828-1844)

Maria, daughter of Johannes and Eva, is buried beside her husband, David Halteman Bergey, whom she married in Allentown in 1826, and their only daughter, Fronica. David, a farmer by trade, was the son of Abraham and Maria Bergey. Maria was his first wife; his second wife, Catharine Springer (1805–1899), is buried in East Vincent.

Bergey-Berge / Kohl / Gebhart Lineage

Maria Halteman Bergey (1773-1854)

Maria, the wife of Abraham Bergey (1765–1843), is the oldest member of the Bergey family with a marker still standing. Married in 1790, she and Abraham had at least ten children, many of whom are buried at Herstine. Their infant son David, who died at one year and nineteen days old, and Leah (1811–1815), who passed just shy of her fourth birthday, are believed to be buried at Herstine, though their stones are either broken, missing, or unreadable. Maria’s beautiful stone, inscribed in German, is located in the center of the burial ground.

Magdalena Halteman Berge (1794-1873)

Magdalena’s stone, a variation of a three-lobed headstone, is centrally located in the burial ground and is one of our favorites. The stone is inscribed in German. She spent many years living in Limerick. One account suggests that she was married to Philip Dewald and had four children, though no official documentation has been found to support this claim. A Philip Dewald was noted as living in Limerick in 1810, but there is no reference to a wife or children. Magdalena was the oldest daughter of Abraham and Maria Halteman Bergey.

Daniel Kohl (1795-1857)

Hannah Bergey Kohl (1800-1843)

Two of the first stones encountered upon entering Herstine were initially believed to be beyond restoration, so we sprayed them, assuming they were too damaged. However, after a week, we noticed significant improvement and decided to perform a full cleaning. Daniel married Hannah in 1828, and together they had at least two children. They lived in Frederick, where Daniel worked as a farmer. Hannah was the daughter of Abraham and Maria, and five of her siblings are also buried at Herstine.

Isaac Berge (1809-1960)

Catharine Gottshall Berge (1818-1858)

Isaac and Catharine were married in Lycoming in 1839 and were the parents of at least ten children. In 1850, they lived in Frederick, where Isaac worked as a farmer. It is noted that he died of colic. Catharine was the granddaughter of Abraham and Catherine Hunsberger. The couple rests beside each other, with Isaac’s stone now broken, one half leaning against the other. We sprayed his stone with little-to-no scrubbing, allowing nature to take its course.

Henry Gebhart (1816-1899)

Rachel Haldeman Bergey Gebhart (1811-1848)

Henry is buried next to his first wife, Rachel. They married in 1842 and had at least two sons, including Noah B. Gebhart, who served in Company K of the 138th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers during the Civil War. He tragically died from pneumonia. Rachel passed away at the young age of 36. She was the daughter of Abraham and Maria Halteman Bergey. In 1853, Henry remarried Esther “Hettie” Fry Fetter Gebhart (1825–1910), with whom he had several sons. Esther is buried in New Hanover, near the home they shared. Their young son, Ephraim, is interred with Henry at Herstine Cemetery.

Philip Stearly (1762-1830)

Philip’s old world style tablet stone is located near the entrance of the burial ground, just beyond Eva Herstine’s marker. Philip married Mary “Molley” Bergey Stearly (1767-unknown) in 1790, and together they had at least eight children, all of whom are buried elsewhere. Mary was the sister of Abraham Bergey. Records suggest she died sometime after 1829, as she is mentioned in Philip’s will. Their one-year-old granddaughter, Mary Ann Stearly (1827-1828), is said to be buried at Herstine; her stone and her grandmother’s are no longer visible.

Abraham Nyman (1860-1861)

Abraham, the first-born infant son of John S. Nyman (1838–1895) and Mary C. Nyman (1838–1927), died at just ten months old and is buried alone. According to the 1880 U.S. Census, John S. was employed at ‘Bridge Works,’ while his mother worked as a housekeeper. He was the great-grandson of Abraham and Maria.

Other Interments

Evie R. Danzy (1882-1971)

Harry McKim (1907-1964)

Evie Renfroe was born in Milledgeville, Georgia, and was married to Lisha S. Danzy. She passed away at the home she shared with her daughter Anna on Smith Road in Schwenksville. Her gravestone, a modern granite slant marker, is next to her son-in-law, Harry, in the wooded back part of the burial ground. He worked for the Phoenixville Iron & Steel Company until he retired due to ill health and later passed away from a stroke affecting his parietal lobe. 

George Matthies (1849-1914)

Augusta Matthies (1857-1922)

This husband and wife are buried side by side in beautifully crafted half-round top markers. They emigrated to the U.S. in 1871 and settled in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, where George worked as a carpenter, according to the 1910 Census. The couple had at least two children, both born in the United States. By 1920, the family had relocated to Limerick. George passed away on October 29, the same day as my birthday. Augusta, a homemaker, succumbed to cancer.

Mae Black McMullen Hallman (1887-1960)

The widow of John Walter Hallman (1884-1928), Mae suffered from heart disease for some time before her death. She spent nearly nine years living with her son and daughter-in-law. At the time of her death, she had thirty grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Mae’s flat granite gravestone is located at the end of the stone wall on the far side of the cemetery.

John Kieler (unknown)

Jesaias Kieler (unknown)

These simple stones for John and Jesaisa Kieler sit side by side, unmarked by dates or detailed inscriptions, leaving their stories untold and their lives a mystery.

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Lifelines Preservation Services is currently planning for our 2025 restoration projects and we are actively seeking new opportunities. If you represent a cemetery, burial ground, or family in need of preservation services, we would love to discuss how we can help restore and protect your heritage.

Please feel free to reach out to us at preservinglifelines@gmail.com to start a conversation about your needs.