Rocky Spring Cemetery is an Presbyterian burial ground located off of Foxwood Road just east of New Galilee, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. In 1827 an Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church was established at the site now occupied by the cemetery. Initial services were held in a “tent” and also in private homes during the winter months. A wooden frame church was built at some point, which adopted the name of “Rocky Spring” after a small natural spring that flowed nearby. In 1858 the congregation became known as the Rocky Spring United Presbyterian Church, and about a decade later relocated into the newly named village of New Galilee. Many years later, in early 1959, Rocky Spring United Presbyterian Church merged with the First Presbyterian Church of New Galilee to form the new Galilean United Presbyterian Church. Rocky Spring Cemetery, located in a rural area in Big Beaver Boro, remains in active use for the church and is well maintained.
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Dennis Krebs #
Rev. Samuel Patterson pastor of the Rocky Spring Church for 46 years 1849 – 1895 is buried here at the site of his pulpit. The Patterson family plot covers the approximate site of the original church.
Patti Hanks #
I believe my 3rd great grandfather, John Smith, is buried at the Rocky Spring Cemetery. He was born in 1797 (~Sept), and died on March 4, 1863.
There is a bit of a mystery because findagrave.com also has him listed as being buried at Little Beaver Cemetery. I believe this is incorrect.
Is there someone who lives nearby that would be willing to look for his tombstone? I believe his wife, Sarah (1801-1885), and son William (died in the Civil War) are also buried there.
Thanks,
Patti (Smith) Hanks
Dennis Krebs #
Patti,
According to the records I have
John Smith D3/4/1863 aged 86yrs 9mo and 3 or 8 days
Sarah Smith Wife B4/13/1801 D10/5/1885
They are buried in Rocky Spring Row 11.
Email for further info
Donna Vogler #
Hello From Georgia, I used to Live right over the hill from the cemetery, and am now doing some family history. I was looking for who would have the records for the cemetery. I do Believe I have some family that are buried there. If someone can email me back, I would love to get some info. Thank you, Donna Vogler
Geraldine #
Hi, Patti Hanks and Donna Vogler.
I am not in the area right now, but will be in the spring. Patti, I will look this up for you and take a picture if I find it. If you received the info you needed just let me know.
Hope this helps.
Donna, I am looking for the records too. I am going to contact the existing Presb. church in New Galilee, Pa and see what they have.
Geraldine
Patti Hanks #
Hi Geraldine,
I just saw your message to me. Thank you for responding. Were you able to find any church records from the existing Presbyterian church? My family lived a distance from the church, but since they are buried there I’m assuming they were members and some church records may exist for them.
Thanks, Patti
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