Keltz Cemetery

If you weren’t looking for it, you’d drive right past. A small, elevated plot, occupying the steep hillside of a tight bend in Darlington, PA, the Keltz Cemetery had fallen into disrepair over the centuries, all but being slowly reclaimed by the forest. The grave markers, weathered, rubbed smooth of their inscriptions, sit in perpetuity, as reminders of what lies beneath. Nearly 100 people, spanning three centuries, are at rest in Keltz Cemetery. Revolutionary and Civil War veterans, children, and legends of local lore are buried under the shady oaks and maples. Fifteen years ago, small, incremental changes began happening around the old plot. Brush and weeds began to recede. Headstones, once sunken into the ground, magically stand straight. Flags marking veteran’s graves wave in the summer breeze. This is not some supernatural force transforming Keltz Cemetery. It is the work of Don Gilmore.

Over a 15 year period, Don, with help from Eagle Scout Jared Meharey, has made it a mission to assure his ancestors’ graves and the graves of others are properly maintained and recognizable, in some cases, replacing totally illegible markers. Saturday was no exception. After completing the hour drive from Monroeville, Don began the 6:00 am weed-eating. By 9:00 am, mowing around the headstones began, making them visible once more. Five generations of Gilmore’s family are at rest in Keltz Cemetery, dating back to Adam Nicely Sr., a Private in the Revolutionary War.

Some of the oldest cemeteries in the Ligonier Valley are where veterans of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars are buried. Since many of these are located on private property, please call Ligonier Valley Historical Society to obtain directions and permission to visit.

Beulah Cemetery

Brant Cemetery

Deeds Cemetery

Fry Cemetery

Horner Cemetery

Keltz Cemetery

Miller Cemetery

Penrod Cemetery