History

The Fair Mount Cemetery was approved on March 14, 1851. Significant land was donated by Miss Roena, Lydia and Phebe Crane for the residents of Chatham and its vicinity on December 6, 1858. Miss Rowena Crane gave a donation to build a suitable house on the cemetery grounds on February 12, 1867.

On June 4th, 1873, it was resolved to meet as a board on the first Monday of July, October, January and April and the price for graves was set to four dollars. The board of trustees, who were also lot owners of the cemetery grounds, would continue to meet, managing the financial responsibility and well being of the grounds. The board of trustees established three committees in June of 1878 that would oversee new improvements and Letting House, care of present improvements and the sale of lots and grave openings.

By unanimous vote, A.M. French was appointed as the first cemetery Superintendent and would report to a committee of trustees who would enforce resolutions passed.

In December of 1893, the Board ordered the adoption of bylaws which continue to guide cemetery business. In 1902, Wm. H. Lum was elected as treasurer and David H. Crawford was elected as superintendent replacing Wm. E. Genung. A.M. French's death was noted in October of 1908 after 35 years of service to the cemetery.

The well known and current Hillside Avenue entrance was established in May of 1912. Since it's origination, the cemetery has been a rich piece of Chatham, New Jersey history.