History

In 1972 the historical society group known at that time as the Sherburne Historians undertook the project of making a record of all the gravestones in the two large and six small family cemeteries in Town. At that time there was no consolidated record available. In 1981 this information was retyped in better form by Madeline C. Fleming, Town Historian.

Today, we are embarking on updating, digitizing, and increasing accessibility to this information as it relates to the Riverside Cemetery. In time, references tagged [1971] will be updated to current information and a full database of graves will be created. This work is only possible due to the countless hours of people who have researched and archived before. Killington has a strong history of community and remembrance. A quote from Sir Issac Newton seems fitting for this task, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants”.

- Patrick Cushing, Cemetery Commissioner (July 2024)

 

The Riverside Cemetery - Town of Killington (Sherburne), Vermont

Central Section (Oldest)

Town Records Vol. 7, P. 108, 1843

A plot plan of 1859 shows the southern section up on the bank is marked "Occupied" where there are few monuments or only field stone.

Revolutionary soldier Sgt. Amasa Fuller in 1843 deeded to the Town of Sherburne 3/4 acre of land "to be occupied by said Town for burying ground". It was "on west side of the road leading from said Fuller's to Nathan Taylor's dwelling house" (now Oscar Hall's [1971]).

Note: in early days the old road ran in back of the cemetery, or through it.

 Fuller died in 1844 and is burred in this sparsely used section. He is know to have owned Right #42 [Property Lot] just north of it where Warner Bates lived later, and now Erwin Bent [1971].

The Cemetery is north of the Bent house some little distance. The question arises as to whether Amasa also owned the John Fuller right at the time he deeded the burring ground.

 

Town Records Vol. 10, P.114-5, May 21,1859

Warner Bates, who lived at the Bent place on Right #42, gave a quit-claim deed of cemetery land to 43 residents named, "who must keep it well fenced and in good repair; tract of land is east of highway (River Road) leading from my house  to house of D.W. Taylor (now Oscar Hall [1971]). Each person's lot is to be numbered and assigned on the Plan." (See below). Also there is a plot "Left to bury strangers" and a plot for Hearse house or Tomb if Desired, on the south of the entrance road which then came near the Phillips lot [1971]. Consideration is... to keep it in good condition and exempt W. Bates' Lot #49 and Oren W. Bates' (his father) Lot #48 from all taxes and assessments for fence building, gates, etc.

Since in general the Bates land adjoined the Taylor land this deed may have been given to more specifically protect the existing burial ground.

The north boundary was probably the big maple tree against which leas the stone of Philia Zuill, now broken. [1971] She died 1844, age 11.

1981 Map of Riverside Cemetery

North Section

Town Records Vol. 12, P.34, July 15, 1888

Daniel W. Taylor (son of Nathan Taylor) succeeded to the farm on Right #41, and for a consideration of $50 Daniel W. and Almira A. Taylor deed to Town of Sherburne a plot of 90 sq. rods (approx. 9x11 rods, or 150 ft. x 182 ft.) "for the express purpose of enlarging the burying ground". Lands must be kept properly fenced were it joins Taylor land without cost to Taylor. They give a right of way over the old road from top of the hill to where said old road intersects with Sherburne Hollow Road.... i.e. the present cemetery main drive. (Or is it the one now overgrown about 20 ft. east and parallel? [1971])

It is free from encumbrances except that it is encumbered for the support of Mary W. Taylor, mother of Daniel W. Taylor. Witnessed by John Johnson and Millie A. Johnson.

 

South Section (Newest) Section

Town Records Vol. 20, P. 271, February 28, 1955

Florence and Oscar Hall Deed 3 acres to Town of Sherburne to add to the cemetery.

This is to the right of the gate and main cemetery drive, (and also on the left as far as the steep bank) and a small bit at extreme north end above gravel pit.