Cottage Hill Cemetery Assn.

04/28/2026

Just solved a mystery, this explains how the Kepharts would have moved from Holidaysburg, PA to Dubuque County, IA traveling via Chicago in 1839 as stated in John E. Plumbe's Diary of 1839.

Allegheny Portage Railroad traveler Eli Bowen wrote in 1853:

"At this place the Western Division of the Pennsylvania Canal commences and the miserable Portage Railroad, with its short splintery rails and curvatures its stationary steam engines and abominable inclined planes, terminates. The traveler, who has crossed the mountain over it, will not regret to leave it, but will thank the starts that a better road will soon supersede it."

Image: Canal map.

03/21/2026

in 1831

On March 21, 1831, an act of Assembly was approved by Governor George Wolf. It was an "act to continue the improvement of the State by canals and railroads." This act allowed the Board of Canal Commissioners to find a route over the Allegheny Mountains from Hollidaysburg to Johnstown. The railroad opened three years later. (es)

Image: The route of the canal from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh with the Allegheny Mountains. NPS/Harpers Ferry Center.

11/19/2025

Governor Reynolds sign a proclamation starting the celebration of the country's 250 birthday. They are asking for participation of the cemeteries who have Revolutionary or War of 1812 veterans buried in them. Cottage Hill has 2 known ones - Robert Allen and John Gore. John Gore's family history appears to be a dead end. Robert Allen's family history is lengthy with connections to the Kephart, Glew, McGee, Stuart, LaPage. Two of the current trustees are descendants of Robert Allen. A founding member of the Association, Laverne Strief was also a descendant of Robert Allen. This will be the next family history I will work on.