Cemeteries in Clarksboro, NJ: A Guide for Families

Cemeteries and historic burial grounds in Clarksboro

Clarksboro's cemetery landscape is unusually significant for a town its size. The area is anchored by Eglington Cemetery, one of the oldest privately owned cemeteries still in operation anywhere in the country, and also includes the historic churchyard at St. Peter's Episcopal Church and the township's old Alm's House Cemetery. Together, these sites reflect more than two centuries of local history.

Eglington Cemetery in Clarksboro, NJ

Eglington Cemetery, located at 320 King's Highway, is widely recognized as the oldest continuously operated, privately owned cemetery in the United States.

Its origins date to 1776, when local landowner John Eglington set aside a plot on his own farm as a family burying ground through his last will and testament — a common practice for South Jersey landowners of the era, who often reserved space on their own property rather than relying solely on a churchyard. By the mid-1800s the original family plot had filled, prompting the formation of a cemetery association that expanded the grounds into what is now a multi-acre property.

Eglington is also notable for the number of prominent figures buried there, including a U.S. Senator, a U.S. Congressman, a Civil War general, and a Major League Baseball player, among others. Today, Eglington operates as part of a small group of area cemeteries and remains an active resting place for families throughout Gloucester County.

For families arranging a memorial at Eglington, the design should be planned according to the cemetery's current requirements for the specific section of the grounds.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church and its historic burial ground

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, located on King's Highway in Clarksboro, has roots that predate the United States itself. The congregation was founded in Berkeley — now Mount Royal, NJ — in 1770 by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, the missionary arm of the Church of England. The current building was constructed in 1846 in the Greek Revival style and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

The church's associated burial ground holds generations of local families and reflects the same colonial-era roots as the congregation itself. Families researching an older gravesite connected to St. Peter's may encounter historic inscriptions and burial records tied to some of the area's earliest settlers.

For memorial work associated with this historic property, it's especially important to work within the church's existing requirements and to respect the character of the surrounding older monuments.

Alm's House Cemetery in East Greenwich Township

A different, less traditional piece of Clarksboro's cemetery history is the old Alm's House Cemetery, located on County House Road near the Gloucester County complex. The burial ground was established on land purchased from the Lippincott family when the township's almshouse — a residence for those in need of public assistance — was built, and it served as the final resting place for residents of that facility.

While Alm's House Cemetery is not typically where families order new memorials today, it remains part of the historical record of how the township has cared for its residents, and it's a useful reference point for anyone researching Clarksboro-area burial history.

Choosing a memorial for a Clarksboro cemetery

Once a family has identified the cemetery and gravesite, the next step is determining the right type of memorial for that specific location. Requirements can vary by cemetery and even by section, so families should always confirm the applicable rules before finalizing a design. Important considerations include:

• Memorial dimensions

• Permitted monument types

• Granite or bronze specifications

• Foundation requirements

• Installation procedures

• Lettering and design restrictions

• Religious symbols

• Cemetery approval procedures

At Abby Rose Inc., we help families work through these details before any design is finalized.

Types of memorials available for Clarksboro cemeteries

Upright headstones

Single upright monuments remain a traditional choice for individual gravesites and offer generous space for names, dates, inscriptions, religious symbols, and portraits. Explore custom single upright headstones.

Slant markers

Slant markers have an angled face that keeps inscriptions easy to read while sitting lower than a full upright monument. See custom slant markers.

Flat markers

Flat, ground-level markers offer a simpler, more understated memorial option and are common in newer memorial sections.

Double and companion headstones

For spouses or family members sharing a gravesite, a companion monument creates a unified memorial while still leaving room for individual names, dates, and inscriptions.

Mausoleums and crypts

Some cemetery properties allow above-ground entombment. Abby Rose also designs custom mausoleums, including single crypt, family crypt, and walk-in styles. Explore custom mausoleums.

How cemetery requirements shape memorial design

A design appropriate for one cemetery may not meet another's requirements — this is especially true when comparing a historic property like Eglington Cemetery or St. Peter's churchyard to a newer memorial garden. Dimensions, foundation specifications, material, and installation procedures can all vary. Abby Rose Inc. supports families through design, granite selection, engraving, cemetery coordination, delivery, and installation.

You can learn more about granite options on our Granite Colors & Materials page.

Planning a headstone for a Clarksboro cemetery

Whether your family's plot is at Eglington Cemetery, connected to the historic grounds of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, or elsewhere in the Clarksboro area, understanding the cemetery's history and requirements from the start makes the entire process easier.

You can also read our guide to headstones in Clarksboro, NJ for more on the memorial options available to local families, or our guide on how to choose a headstone in Clarksboro, NJ for a full walkthrough of the decision process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What cemeteries does Abby Rose serve in Clarksboro? We provide memorial services for families connected to Eglington Cemetery, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and other cemeteries throughout the Clarksboro and greater Gloucester County area.

2. Is Eglington Cemetery still active? Yes. Eglington remains an active cemetery and is recognized as the oldest continuously operated, privately owned cemetery in the United States.

3. What is St. Peter's Episcopal Church's connection to Clarksboro's history? The congregation dates to 1770, and its current 1846 church building on King's Highway is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with its historic burial ground.

4. Can I choose any headstone for a Clarksboro cemetery? Not necessarily — cemeteries can have specific rules regarding dimensions, materials, foundations, and design. Always confirm requirements before ordering.

5. What type of memorial can I choose? Depending on the cemetery and gravesite, options may include upright headstones, companion monuments, slant markers, flat markers, bronze memorials, and mausoleums.

6. How do I start designing a memorial? Start by confirming the cemetery's requirements, then work with a memorial specialist to select the memorial type, granite, dimensions, and inscription.

Create a meaningful memorial in Clarksboro, NJ

From the centuries-old grounds of Eglington Cemetery to the historic churchyard of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Clarksboro's cemeteries carry a depth of history few New Jersey communities can match. Abby Rose Inc. provides personalized memorial design and cemetery coordination for families throughout the area.

Explore our Clarksboro cemetery services or contact Abby Rose Inc. to begin your memorial design.

Abby Rose Inc. — 602 U.S. Highway RT. 130, Yardville, NJ 08691 | (609) 585-2242 | info@abbyroseinc.com