James D. B. Weiss, Jr. collection of cemetery, hospital, and miscellaneous genealogical records

Table of Contents

Summary Information

Scope and Contents note

Administrative Information

Related Materials

Controlled Access Headings

Bibliography

Collection Inventory

Summary Information

Repository

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Creator

Hospital of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.

Creator

Palmer Cemetery (Philadelphia, Pa.).

Creator

St. Mary's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Creator

Stoehr family.

Title

James D. B. Weiss, Jr. collection of cemetery, hospital, and miscellaneous genealogical records

ID

3659

Date [bulk]

Bulk, 1838-1885

Date [inclusive]

1805-1992

Extent

2.2 Linear feet ; 6 boxes, 9 volumes, 1 flat file

Author

Finding aid prepared by Cary Hutto.

Sponsor

Processing made possible by a generous donation from Dan and Donnamarie Dailey.

Language

English

Text [Box]

1-6

Text [Oversize]

Flat File 1

Text [Volume]

1-9

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Scope and Contents note

The James D. B. Weiss Jr. collection contains a mix of records, most in volumes, from a Kensington cemetery and two area hospitals: the Palmer Cemetery (or Kensington Burial Grounds), the Hospital of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and St. Mary's Hospital. Additionally, there is a single folder (Box 1, Folder 13) of miscellaneous genealogical papers pertaining primarily to the Stoehr family of Philadelphia.

Palmer Cemetery, located in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, was founded in 1732 as the Kensington Burial Ground. It may be one of the city's oldest community graveyards. Palmer was formed on land belonging to Anthony Palmer, merchant and colonial governor, who died in Philadelphia in 1749. Though the property was meant for his family, Palmer wished that the land become a public cemetery for all Kensington residents. At some point, the space took on the name Palmer Cemetery, and is today generally known by that name; though the names "Palmer Cemetery" and "Kensington Burial Grounds" have been used interchangeably throughout the grounds' history.

The records of the Palmer Cemetery are comprised of eight volumes, one box of loose papers and small volumes, and one flat file. They span from the 1830s to the 1990s and make up the bulk of the collection. The volumes include account ledgers of the treasurer, 1838-1958; interment registers, 1859-1980; trustee meeting minutes, 1839-1912; and vault books, 1871-1874 and 1886-1887. Additional items include correspondence, bills, receipts, invoices, legal papers, financial documents, interment permits, and other miscellaneous items. There is also a modern photocopy of records from the 18th century pertaining to Anthony Palmer's estate (Box 1, Folder 11). There are no original records from the 1700s in the collection.

The first meeting of the founders of the Hospital of the Protestant Episcopal Church occurred in March 1851, though it would be some time before the hospital was unveiled. In March 1852, the members were given the former estate of John Leamy, Esq., which they suitably converted. The Hospital of the Protestant Episcopal Church (also known as the Protestant Episcopal Church Hospital) officially opened to the public in December 1852. Records in the collection from the Hospital of the Protestant Episcopal Church are primarily annual reports (also titled "Reports to the Board of Managers") dating from the 1850s to 1914. Some years are missing, so please see Boxes 2-5 in the collection inventory. Box 2, Folder 1 contains a copy of the hospital's charter and by-laws from 1851.

St. Mary's Hospital was founded in 1860 by the Order of the Sisters of St. Francis, who wished to assist the sick poor of Kensington. It was first located on the northeast corner of 4th Street and Girard Avenue; but in 1866, the hospital moved to the corner of the Frankford Road and Palmer Street. The hospital was very successful -- almost 16,000 patients had passed through its doors by the mid 1860s. The facility still stands and is today known as the Neumann Medical Center. This collection contains two items from St. Mary's: a patient register from the early to mid 20th century (Box 6) and a daybook dating from the mid 1880s to mid 1890s (Volume 9). Please note that the patient register, because it contains sensitive 20th century records, is closed to researchers until 21 January 2021.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

 The Historical Society of Pennsylvania ; 2012

Conditions Governing Access note

The collection is open for research, though volumes may become temporarily unavailable as they receive conservation.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Gift of James D. B. Weiss Jr., 2011.

Accession number 2011.054.

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Related Materials

Related Archival Materials note

At the Historical Society of Pennsylvania:

Kensington papers (Collection 2148)

Kensington (Philadelphia, Pa.) indenture 1765 (Am .30950)

Kensington records, deeds, and surveys (Collection 340)

Kensington Soup Society records (Collection 3119)

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Controlled Access Headings

Personal Name(s)

• Weiss, James D. B., Jr.

Subject(s)

• Cemeteries--Pennsylvania--19th Century.
• Cemeteries--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia.
• Cemeteries–-Pennsylvania.
• Hospitals--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia.
• Palmer Cemetery (Philadelphia, Pa.)--History.
• Philadelphia (Pa.)--Hospitals--19th century.

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Bibliography

Milano, Kenneth W. Palmer Cemetery and the historic burial grounds of Kensington & Fishtown. Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2011. (call number F 158.61 .P25 M55 2011)

Milano, Kenneth W. Remembering Kensington & Fishtown. Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2008. (call number F 158.68 .K46 M55 2008)

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Collection Inventory