A powerful storm that swept through New York led to an extraordinary discovery at one of the state’s oldest cemeteries. On June 18, strong winds uprooted a giant Norway maple tree at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester, unexpectedly revealing headstones that had been hidden beneath soil, roots and debris for more than a century. This remarkable discovery has fascinated historians, volunteers and local residents and offers a glimpse into the past. The tombstone is believed to have gradually disappeared over the decades, but despite being buried under the towering tree for many years, it is in surprisingly good condition.
Storm reveals a forgotten 100-year-old man serious
The undiscovered headstone belonged to Edna Amelia Goodman Allen, who was born in 1892 and died in 1918 at the age of 26. According to cemetery records shared by the Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery, her husband, John D. Ellen, their youngest son, her mother and six siblings. Historical records also indicate that Allen died of volvulus, a condition in which the intestine twists itself, causing a potentially fatal blockage.Although Edna may have living grandchildren or great-grandchildren today, no verified information about her descendants has been made public. There has also been no public response from any family members, and there is no indication that they have been contacted or informed of the rediscovered tombstone.
How did the tombstone disappear?
Cemetery volunteers believe the grave itself has never been moved. Instead, the monument was gradually buried as soil accumulated over decades and the roots of a giant Norway maple tree spread around the monument. A photo taken in 2022 already shows that only a small part of the tombstone is visible above ground. When violent storms uprooted the tree, its tangled roots swept away the surrounding soil, exposing the long-hidden monument once more.
The storm that changes everything
The National Weather Service reported that thunderstorms and heavy rain swept through Rochester on June 18, with wind gusts as high as 55 mph (89 km/h). The severe weather caused many trees to fall across the city, including a large maple tree at Mount Hope Cemetery. Volunteers cleaning up storm damage were surprised to find forgotten gravestones beneath uprooted trees, turning an ordinary cleanup operation into an unexpected historical discovery.
The tombstone is very well preserved
Despite spending decades underground, the tombstone is still in very good condition. Volunteers say its inscriptions are still legible and the monument appears to simply need careful cleaning before restoration. Once the fallen tree is removed and the surrounding area stabilizes, cemetery staff and volunteers plan to reset the headstones and restore the cemetery.
One of the oldest historic cemeteries in the United States
Founded in 1838, Mount Hope Cemetery is one of the oldest rural cemeteries in the United States and covers approximately 196 acres. More than 350,000 people are buried here, including famous historical figures such as abolitionist Frederick Douglass and women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery is maintained with the help of volunteers who work to preserve its monuments and uncover the stories of those who lie here. The unexpected rediscovery of Edna Allen’s grave is a reminder that even well-documented historical sites can still contain stunning surprises waiting to be discovered.
