Many notable people, including a Supreme Court Justice, several congressmen, soldiers, and inventors are interred in the cemetery.

As early as 1788, in the year in which he founded the town that now bears his name, David Mead recognized the need to establish a local burial ground.

[1] In 1811, he deeded land at the present day corner of Randolph Street and Park Avenue to the Presbyterian Church.

Several leading citizens of the community agreed to take on the task and arranged for the purchase of land parcels at the end of Randolph Street, some in Meadville itself and many in what is now West Mead Township.

In 1875, the house originally built for the sexton in 1856 was moved within the gated area and designated the superintendent's home.