Cherry Grove Cemetery

06/04/2026

Philip Peterman (1870-1935)

Philip Peterman was born in Laporte Township, Sullivan County, on November 2, 1870. His parents were James Peterman and Hannah Jane Hunter.

Philip lived in Nordmont his whole life. Census reports recorded his occupation as storekeeper, merchant, and tax collector. In the photo shared here, you will see a receipt with his signature— received from James Russell for One Dollar and thirty-two cents in the year 1906.

Philip was the Nordmont Station Agent for the Williamsport and North Branch Railroad. His typewriter is pictured below. This typewriter is currently on display in the East Lycoming Historical Society in Hughesville.

On December 21, 1899, Philip married Maude Minerva Erlsten. They were married for 23 years until Maude’s death of kidney disease in 1923. Philip lived on his own as a widower until his passing 1935. Philip and Maude had no children.

Near the end of 1935 Philip spent two weeks in Williamsport hospital where he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. After his release from the hospital the plan was for Philip to be admitted to a hospital in Philadelphia where he would receive end of life care— this hospital later became known as Inglis House. His nephew Chet was looking after Philip at his Nordmont home and the day Philip was due to make the trip to Philadelphia (likely by train), Chet made a quick trip down to town and Philip took that opportunity to end his life— on his own terms and on his own land. Upon his return, Chet found Philip deceased. The date was November 19, 1935.

Philip’s obituary appeared in The Morning Press on November 21, 1935. It mentioned he was survived by; “the following sisters and brothers: Mrs. Fred Keeler, Nordmont; Mrs. Monroe Phillips, Sonestown, R. D.; Mrs. G. M. Fiester, Hughesville; Harry Peterman, Sonestown R. D.; Chester and Minard Peterman, Nordmont.”

The attached photo shared by Lewis Peterman shows (from left to right) —
Harry, Chester, Philip and Minard Peterman

Philip Peterman rests with his wife Maude in Cherry Grove Cemetery.

—history by Deb Zwicker Wilson

06/03/2026

05/31/2026

What were the good citizens of Nordmont up to in March 1910?
**Click on article to read full version**

—The Republican News Item
March 24, 1910

05/30/2026

We have TWO (2) patriotic crosses left for the 250th Fourth of July Anniversary fundraiser. Get one before they are all gone. 1 white,6 natural finish.

Text Lewis Peterman for pickup or potential delivery. 203.249.1399

05/26/2026

Despite the cloudy, cool, weather, Cherry Grove had a well attended Memorial service. This was the 103rd Annual service at Cherry Grove.

Left to Right:

Brian Hoffman, President of Cherry Grove Cemetery Association, Staff Sergeant Conner Bently, Speaker, Lewis Craig Peterman, Director, SrA Ivy Goolsby, Military Guest.

Photo courtesy of Richard Kompas.

05/23/2026

Natural Grass LLC has spead mulch and planted flowers at the "new" flagpole and monument at the top of the Cemetery and our entrance sign.

05/23/2026

Memorial Day is actually a solemn day of remembrance for the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Please honor our Veterans past, present, and future.

Remember and honor!

05/22/2026

Mike Clementoni donated one of his fundraiser crosses for our Chapel.

Thank you Mike.

05/21/2026

Joseph Colley Pennington (1840-1909) — Local Hero

Joseph C. Pennington was born in Laporte Township on March 10, 1840. His obituary mentioned that his death was the breaking away of one of the last links to the early pioneer life of Laporte and surrounding area. Joseph’s parents were Edmund Pennington and Susan A. Converse.

He married Melissa Jane Lowe who was also from the Nordmont area. The couple had two daughters; Mabel (married Winfield S. Wieland) and Alice Etta Pennington who went by her middle name of Etta. Also in the 1880 census it records Amanda Horn living in the Pennington household as an “adopted daughter”.

Joseph was known as a public spirited man, broad minded and intellectual, a kind and indulgent father, a good neighbor, loyal friend and faithful member of the Methodist Church. His obituary also speaks of his service in the Civil war as one of “great Honor”.

It is ironic that a man who survived the horrors of war for three years, died from an abrasion on a bruised finger. The small wound became infected and Joseph developed Erysipelas— a bacterial infection that today would be easily treated by a course of antibiotics. Of course in those days without that treatment available, the condition quickly worsened to sepsis and death.Joseph died on June 10, 1909. Joseph and his wife Melissa Jane rest together in Cherry Grove Cemetery.
(See comment section for death certificate)

I have written here a summary of Joseph’s service in Company K - 141st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment: a truly remarkable chapter of his life.

Joseph Pennington’s military record showed incredible bravery and resilience. He served alongside other relatives and neighbors from Sullivan County and managed to avoid capture or fatal wounds through all of the 141st’s major battles, which included the bloodiest combats in American history.

Pennington enlisted as a Private in the GAR - Grand Army of the Republic, in August 1862, at the initial organization of the regiment—Company K, 141st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. (Company K drew heavily from Sullivan and Bradford Counties). In May 1864 he was promoted to Corporal and in September 1864, he was promoted to Sergeant.

Joseph Pennington and his regiment fought in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg (141st suffered a 70% casualty rate—145 out of 200 men) in the Peach Orchard), Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania (the Bloody Angle), Cold Harbor and the Siege of Petersburg. Finally the regiment were present at the Appomattox Campaign and the Company K survivors were present when General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia on April 9, 1864.

*Click on photos to enlarge*

05/21/2026

Today was geranium planting day at Cherry Grove.

Each year the Cemetery plants a geranium on the graves of a loved family member in perpetualcare. Cost is $250 per plant.

The weather was cold and windy, however we were in good spirits.

Our trusty mascot Jack was on guard duty.

See you all on Sunday.

God bless our Veterans.