FRIENDS OF SPEER WELCOMES YOU TO SPEER CEMETERY
Caring for the Forgotten
Historic Speer Cemetery is located in Jersey City, NJ and was made into a public cemetery by Abraham Speer in mid 1800's and was considered abandoned by the early 1900's. Over the years many different groups have attempted to either restore it without success or destroy it to build various buildings and failed as well, thank goodness. The Friends of Speer, Inc. have been working at Speers since 2012 and have been fortunate enough to get further than any group in over 100 years. We are determined to preserve the history of Speer Cemetery while bringing it into the 21st Century and beyond.
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Friends of Speer Needs Your Help This Giving Tuesday
This spring and summer were truly remarkable seasons at Speer Cemetery. From our historic digs to uncovering the DeMott tomb, we made incredible progress in learning more about the history beneath our feet.
Now, we’re ready for the next essential phase: research.
Because there is very little documented information on the individuals buried at Speer Cemetery, our team must travel to Trenton to dig deep into historical archives. This important work requires both time and funding — and that’s where our community can make a real impact.
As Giving Tuesday approaches on December 2, 2025, we’re asking our supporters to consider choosing Friends of Speer as their nonprofit of choice.
Your donation will help us:
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Access and research historical archives in Trenton
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Uncover and preserve the stories of those laid to rest at Speer
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Continue our mission of protecting, honoring, and documenting local history
Every contribution makes a difference — and 100% of your donation is tax deductible.
If you can find it in your heart to support this important work, we will be forever grateful.
Thank you for helping us keep history alive.
FRIENDS OF SPEER
Caring for the forgotten
The Friends of Speer is a volunteer group who dedicate their time, effort and expertise into restoring Speer Cemetery. Our goal is to make this beautiful historic acre into a community green space where everyone can come relax, reflect and enjoy.
WHO'S BURIED AT SPEER?
OUR RESEARCH
Upon doing the historical research regarding the people buried at Speer, there are no records to be found. Through a simple Google search we were able to find who Mary Pomeroy was and have named our honey after her. Unfortunately not every name has been that easy. It is going to take money and an abundance of man hours to research them all. Ironically we have been contacted by descendants who through family oral history know they have relatives resting at Speer's but no headstones for them. It is very possible when heavy stones are lifted and/or unearthed we will find them. There are others we've been able to obtain information about through newspaper clippings. However unlikely, it is our hope that we will find information on all the souls buried at Speer Cemetery. As we progress with our research, we will add the names and information to our website. By clicking on the "Learn more" link you will see the names of all the headstones located in Speer Cemetery. If you have any information on the names listed, please contact us.
MARY'S HONEY
Harvested directly from the hives of
The Historic Speer Cemetery
100% RAW HONEY
While employed as an organist at a Presbyterian Church in Jersey City Heights in 1874, young Mary Pomeroy fell pregnant out of wedlock. The community speculated that the father of the unborn child was the Pastor of the church - Reverend John Glendenning.
Having been abandoned and publicly shunned by the Reverend, Mary passed in an untimely manner soon after giving birth, with the doctor proclaiming she died of a broken heart.
Known for her amiable disposition, quiet demeanor and goodness of heart, we honor Mary in death as she should have been in her life by bestowing her name upon our honey.
8oz Bottle Spring/Fall - $15 SOLD OUT*
8oz Bottle Mary's Revenge: Hot Honey - $15 SOLD OUT*
We can ship anywhere in the U.S.
Shipping & handling fees will be added. Call or email us for fees.
Click the links below to purchase Mary's Honey.
All donations made are 100% tax deductible.
Our Community
The Focus of Our Efforts
COMMUNITY & EDUCATION
The Friends of Speer is proud to partner with HealthierJC. Through a grant given to us by them, we were able to eliminate tree hazards and clear out overgrowth. In working together we will keep both the community and our natural environment healthy and strong.
When visiting you can soak up the history and serenity of Speer Cemetery. See our new "Speer Cemetery Memorial Garden" made possible with a mini-grant from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. You can also view the headstones that have been lifted and reset recently through our Historic Dig effort.
VOLUNTEERING
The Future Looks Bright
Volunteering is our longest running initiative, based on the premise that making a real difference is not only possible but vital. With The Friends of Speer Inc., volunteering is a source of great pride for our nonprofit organization. If your'e interested in volunteering with us, please click the Join us link below, fill out our volunteer application and become a Friend of Speer.
PET FRIENDLY
Speer welcomes everyone
We are very aware that green space is limited in the Journal Square area of Jersey City and that's why we allow dogs at Speer Cemetery. However, please be aware we have wild life that call Speer Cemetery home; including squirrels, skunks, possum, snakes, feral cats and possibly a groundhog. For the safety of you, your furbaby and the wild life, they must be leashed at all times. Waste bags will be available. We also have planted various plants and flowers for our bees and we ask that you do not allow your dogs to dig and/or scratch around any flower beds. The Friends of Speer respect ALL forms of life.
CONTACT US
Want to get involved with The Friends of Speer? Reach out to us and we will get back to you shortly.
201-551-7392
