The Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church was founded in 1837 to serve the growing rural community in the Liberty Corner section of Bernards Township, New Jersey. Its adjacent cemetery, established shortly after, became the final resting place for many early settlers, including members of the prominent English and Goltra families, who played key roles in the area’s early development.
As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn new stories and receive photos from our community. We will continue to expand this piece as information becomes available. The story will be updated as we do our digital data analysis.
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The Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church is the architectural centerpiece of the village and its only remaining important public building since the razing of the Van Lieuw-Allen Hotel, the original Liberty Corner Post Office, and Charlie Acken’s store to make way for undistinguished late twentieth-century commercial buildings. Church records indicate that James P. Goltra (1792-1871), a farmer, judge, and builder, was contracted by the congregation to build the church for $ 8,000 and agreed to complete it within six months, salvaging materials from the old church where possible. Goltra even got a street named after him in town!
The Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church graveyard (cemetery), established in 1839, two years after the church was erected, has evolved into a significant historical site in Bernards Township, New Jersey. It serves as the final resting place for early settlers, including members of the English and Goltra families, as well as veterans from various American conflicts such as the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Vietnam War.
The original sanctuary of Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church was a brick structure erected in 1837. This building stood until 1868, when it was replaced by the current sanctuary, which was dedicated on June 8, 1869. The current sanctuary, designed by architect Aaron Hudson, maintains much of its original design and ornamentation, with notable changes including a smaller steeple and a 30-foot extension added in 1969 to accommodate the altar, choir, and organ.
While the cemetery is affiliated with the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church, it is NOT exclusive to members of the Presbyterian Church.
| Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annin Family 17 members in the yard |  | Founders of Annin’s Corner and initial settlers of what would become Liberty Corner. Seventeen family members are interred in the cemetery. William Annin is here. His father, John Annin, is buried in the nearby Basking Ridge Presbyterian Churchyard since that was the only game in town when he passed. See the list of Annins in the cemetery below. |
| James P. Goltra |   | James P. Goltra (1792–1871) was a prominent figure in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, known for his multifaceted roles as a farmer, judge, and master builder. He notably constructed the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church in 1868, a landmark that remains central to the village’s historic identity. Ten other Goltras are in the cemetery as well. Goltra Place in Bernards Township is also named in his honor. |
| Philip & Floretta Koechlein |   | Philip Koechlein (1903–1995) was a lifelong resident of Liberty Corner, New Jersey, and a dedicated public servant whose contributions left a lasting impact on the community. Born in Liberty Corner, he owned and operated Koechlein’s General Store, a central hub for the village. Beyond his role as a merchant, Koechlein was deeply involved in local civic life. He joined the Liberty Corner Fire Company in 1921, serving as a fire dispatcher until 1969 and holding the position of fire chief from 1926 to 1928. His 74 years of service are commemorated by a historical marker at the Liberty Corner Fire Company Headquarters. |
| Mary Louise Litwin Muhler (1907–2008) |  | Hans Jurgen Muhler (1907–1991) and his wife, Mary Louise Litwin Muhler (1907–2008), are both interred at the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church Cemetery. She is just one of the Centenarians in the yard. |
| Irwin Richardt (1928–2006) |    | Local Historian, Patriot, HAM Radio Operator> Known for his colonial-era lifestyle, advocacy for individual liberties, and preservation of local history; operated the Sons of Liberty Farm and was a prominent figure in the community. Wrote an entire story about Irwin – Click Here |
| Rev. James T. English |   | First Pastor of Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church. Served as the inaugural pastor when the church was formally established in 1837; instrumental in laying the foundation for the church’s mission and community presence. History and Story. A total of 25 English family members are in the Liberty Corner cemetery. The English family has deep roots in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, dating back to the early 1700s. Members of the family have been integral to the community’s development, including the establishment of English Farm, which has been in operation for nine generations. Many don’t know that Englishtown is named after the family as well and was where they came from before Liberty Corner. |
| Samuel Lewis |  | Part of the Lewis family, one of the founding families in the area.  Edward Lewis Sr. (1722–1792) (related) is believed to be buried in the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Although his grave is unmarked, historical records indicate his interment there. His wife, Sarah Morris Lewis (1728–1808), is also thought to be buried in the same cemetery, though her grave is likewise unmarked. But Lewis Street is named after the family nonetheless. |
| Richard “Beedman” Arnold |    | Richard “Beadman” Denman Arnold, a longtime resident of Liberty Corner, New Jersey, was born on May 16, 1941, in Montclair, NJ, to Helen Aue VanWyck and Frank Denman Arnold. He passed away on January 28, 2023, of natural causes at the age of 81. He was married to Linda Muhler Arnold for 59 years, and together they raised three children: sons Richard Scott and Jason Theodore, and daughter Lynne Marie Weber. Shown with Harry Robinson, wood statue sculptor. |
| Heikkila – Richard & Laura |  | The Heikkila murders occurred on January 29, 1991, in Bernards Township, New Jersey, when 21-year-old Matthew Heikkila fatally shot his adoptive parents, Richard and Dawn Heikkila, in their home. Richard was a respected medical researcher known for his work on Parkinson’s disease, while Dawn was a real estate agent. Matthew ambushed them as they returned home, using a sawed-off shotgun. Investigators found spent shotgun shells inscribed with “Mom” and “Dad,” indicating premeditation. |
The Annins of Liberty Corner
In our honest opinion, you can’t say Liberty Corner without knowing about the Annin family, the most influential family to the area. Seventeen Annins have their final resting place in the Liberty Corner cemetery.
The Annin family holds a prominent place in the history of Liberty Corner, New Jersey. Originally known as “Annin’s Corner,” the area was named after John Johnston, a Scottish immigrant who settled there in 1722. John adopted the surname “Annin” upon arrival in America. His son, William Annin (1713–1784), expanded the family’s landholdings to over 2,700 acres and played a significant role during the Revolutionary War. William’s home served as a military hospital for General Lafayette’s troops, and the erection of a liberty pole in the village center led to the area being renamed “Liberty Corner.”
The family’s legacy continued with William’s grandson, Alexander Annin, who founded the Annin Flag Company in 1847. This company became the oldest and largest flag manufacturer in the United States.
While we await the data to perform a data analysis of the cemetery, here are the Annins buried in the Liberty Corner Cemetery
| William Cooper Annin |    | 24 Jul 1779 – 1 Jun 1854 (aged 74) William Cooper Annin (1779–1854) was a prominent figure in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, and a member of the influential Annin family, early settlers of the area. Born on July 24, 1779, in Liberty Corner, he was the son of John Annin and Elizabeth Van Doren. William married Sarah Vanida, and together they had several children, including Sarah Kirkpatrick Annin (1820–1855) and Jennette Annin (1830–1873). He passed away on June 1, 1854. |
| Abigail Parsils Annin | 1818-1907 | Abigail Annan, widow of the late Daniel Annan, died at her late residence in New York City on Tuesday of last week. was the mother of three daughters, on of whom, Miss Phoebe, survives her. One of her daughters, Miss Adeline, died only last October and from the shock of her death Mrs. Annan never fully recovered. |
| Adaline C. Annin | 1846-1906 | Parents Daniel and Abigal Annin |
| Daniel Annin | 1812- 9 Sep 1886 | |
| Elizabeth Freeman Annin | Jul 1823 – 27 Oct 1864 (aged 41) | Father William Cooper Annin, mother Phoebe |
| Jane Annin | 1807 – 31 Aug 1891 (aged 83–84) | Parents – John and Elizabeth Annin |
| Jennette Annin | 6 May 1830 – 2 Feb 1873 (aged 42) | Parents – William Cooper Annin and Sarah Vanida Annin |
| Joseph Annin | 19 Aug 1816 – 18 Aug 1863 (aged 46) | Parents John and Mary Cooper Annin |
| Mary P. Annin | 1843 – 5 Feb 1856 (aged 12–13) | Parents Daniel and Abigal Parsils Annin |
| Phebe M. Annin | 1844 – 1920 (aged 75–76) | Parents Daniel and Abigal Parsils Annin |
| Providence Cross Annin | 3 Jul 1799 – 2 Apr 1858 (aged 58) | Parents John Cross Jr. and R. Cross |
| Samuel Annin | 28 Sep 1847 – 4 Oct 1873 (aged 26) | Father Joseph W. Annin |
| Sarah Kirkpatrick Annin | 22 Sep 1787 – 14 Mar 1840 (aged 52) | Alexander Kirpatrick and Sarah Carle Kirkpatrick |
| Sarah Vanida Annin | unknown – 17 Mar 1862 | |
| Sarah Kirkpatrick Annin | Jan 1820 – 11 Apr 1855 (aged 35) | Father William Cooper Annin, mother Phoebe |
| Susie Edwards Annin | 27 Nov 1848 – 10 Jan 1861 (aged 12) | Joseph Annin |
| William Annin | 5 Jan 1790 – 30 Jan 1872 (aged 82) | John and Elizabeth Van Doren Annin |
The cemetery also includes veterans from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Vietnam War. Additionally, it is the final resting place for an unknown number of African Americans who were part of the church community. In 2012, a Memorial Garden was established to the west of the graveyard, providing a serene space for remembrance.
About Liberty Corner, New Jersey
Annin’s Corner, originally named for landowner and Revolutionary War patriot William Annin, was later renamed Liberty Corner to reflect the community’s strong patriotic spirit during the American Revolution. The name “Liberty Corner” is unique—it’s the only community in the United States officially bearing that name. This distinctive identity reflects the area’s deep historical roots and enduring sense of independence.
While Liberty Corner remained largely agricultural through the 19th century, improved roads and nearby rail access eventually tied it more closely to the surrounding region. Today, the village retains its historic charm through preservation efforts and its designation as a historic district, maintaining many of its original 18th- and 19th-century buildings.
One Last Liberty Corner memory…. some may remember this man, Philip Koechlein, his volunteer spirit, his wife Floretta Boyle, and a staple store on Main Street called Koechlein’s General Store. Their children, including Madeline and Philip Jr., continued the family business until 1971.
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