Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Historic Cemetery
Although now part of the Mumma Farm, and known as Mumma Cemetery, this site was first established as a burial ground by the Orndorff family. Living on this farm at the time of his death, Major Christian Orndorff II was buried here in December 1797.
Orndorff came to the Sharpsburg area in 1762 from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and settled on the banks of Antietam Creek where he established a milling operation. A known patriot, he became an active organizer and leader during the Revolutionary War. He was commissioned a major in the American Army in 1778. In September of 1871 at the request of General Washington, he returned home and operated his flour mill to furnish supplies for the Continental Army. Christian acquired large tracts of land and settled on this property after retiring from milling in 1790.
The Orndorff heirs sold this farm to the Mumma family in 1811. When Elizabeth Hoffman Orndorff, wife of Christian II died in 1829, it is believed that she was also buried here. The exact location of these early Orndorff graves has unfortunately been lost to time and the elements.
In 1873, the cemetery was enlarged. The stone wall was constructed and the Mumma family deeded to specific members of the Dunker Church the right to be buried here.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list.
Location. 39° 28.7′ N, 77° 44.5′ W. Marker is in Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from Smoketown Road. Marker is located within the cemetery walls. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "A House Was Burning" (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named A House Was Burning (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson's Command (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battery D, 2d U.S. Artillery (about 500 feet away); Battery F, 5th U.S. Artillery (about 500 feet away); Batteries A and C 4th U.S. Artillery (about 600 feet away); Battery I, 1st U.S. Artillery (about 600 feet away); Smith's Division, Sixth Army Corps (about 600 feet away); Sixth Army Corps (about 600 feet away); Slocum's Division, Sixth Army Corps (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.
Also see . . .
1. The Mumma Graveyard by Douglas M. Mumma. (Submitted on October 25, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
2. Mumma Cemetery: A Short History. (Submitted on October 25, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
3. Mumma Cemetery - Find-a-grave. (Submitted on October 25, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 488 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 24, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 6. submitted on October 25, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 7. submitted on March 4, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.