USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Fairfield > The old burying ground of Fairfield, Conn. A memorial of many of the early settlers in Fairfield, and an exhaustive and faithful transcript of the inscriptions and epitaphs on the 583 tombstones found in the oldest burying ground now within the limits of Fairfield > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
.
189
DXV.
F. & W. In Memory of Mr. MATTHEW JENNINGS who departed this life May 27th 1797 In the 67th Year of his Age. (F. S.)
DXVI.
In Memory of Mr. MICHAEL JENNINGS who died Decr 18th 18II aged 35 years. (W. M.)
DXVII.
In memory of URIAH MOREHOUSE who died Jan 27, 1827, aged 87 years. (W. M.)
190
DXVIII.
B. M. (Monogram.) In Memory of Mrs. BEULAH Wife of Mr. URIAH MOREHOUSE who died Oct" 27th 1813 in the 67th year of her age.
NOTE .- Uriah Morehouse built a "Colonial house " about 1773. It belonged to the late John G. Morehouse, Esq.
DXIX.
SARAH BULKLEY
daughter of Nathan & Sarah Bulkley died Mar. 7, 1839, aged 71 years. (W. M.)
DXX.
DAVID JUDSON died March 3, A. D. 1841, aged 83 years & 6 mos. (W. M.)
NOTE .- David Judson was from Stratford; he married Esther, daughter of Nathan and Sarah Bulkley. On Nathan Bulkley's resignation, from ill health, David Judson was chosen deacon of the Cong. Church. He was a prominent man in various ways, being postmaster, a founder and treasurer of the Academy and one of the founders of the first public library in Fairfield. Had his papers been preserved they would be invaluable concerning Fairfield history.
191
DXXI.
ESTHER JUDSON,
WIFE OF DAVID JUDSON died Sept. 6, 1843 ; in the 8Ist year of her age. (W. M.)
DXXII.
Capt. JOHN WASSON died at NEW YORK Novr. IIth 1797, In his 43ª. Year;' Was removed to this place March 23ª, 1798, .(F. S.)
DXXIII.
JOHN JACKSON WASSON Son of JOHN and ELIZA. WASSON died Augst IIth 1794 In his 12th Year, (F. S.)
NOTE .- The Wasson family lived opposite of Capt. John Gould's. Rev. Andrew Eliot, Jr., who settled in New Milford, married Sophia Wasson of this family. (See LXXXVII.)
192
DXXIV.
In memory of LEVI HUGG, a native of Philaª. who departed this life June Ioth 1829 aged 41 years 5 months & 15 days. Also of STURGES PERRY only child of Levi & Eunice Hugg, who died in Philaª. Oct. 26th 1821, aged 11 years 6 months & 27 days.
I shall go to them, but they will not return to me. (W. M.)
DXXV.
Head, Wings, Cross bones. HERE LYES BURIED the Body of ENSIGNE DANIEL MOREHOUSE. DECD MAY ye 24th I 7 3 9 IN THE 6Ist YEAR OF HIS AGE. (B. S.)
193
DXXVI.
W. & U. In Memory of TRUMAN E. BEARDSLEY Son of Asahel & Hetty Beardsley who died Oct. 11, 1817 : aged 19 years & 2 months.
Our life how short, a groan, a sigh, We live and then begin to die : Death steals upon us while we're green, Behind us digs a grave unseen.
(W. M.)
DXXVII.
- LORENA. daughter of Wilson & Clara Knap: died Dec. 8, 1817 :
aged 2 years 11 months. (W. M.)
194
DXXVIII.
W. & U. In
memory of Wilson Konapp who died Aug 12, 18 22, aged 34 years.
Behold and see while here we look The dearest ties of friendship broke Her grief and sorrow pierce the heart We see the dearest friends must part.
(W. M.)
DXXIX.
-
W. & U.
CLARA
wife of Alden Wilson
died July 16, 1855 Æ. 63.
Dearest Mother thou has left us, Here thy loss we deeply feel, But 'tis God that hath bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal, Yet again we hope to meet thee. When the day of life is fled, Then in Heaven with joy to meet thee, Where no farewell tear is shed.
(W. M.)
195
DXXX.
Two sons of Walter & Betsey Bulkley JOHN H. died April 3, 1827, aged 5 years 8 mo. & 6 da. FREDERIC P. died May 18. 1828, aged 2 years. 2 mo. & Io da.
NOTE .- Walter Bulkeley, son of James and Mrs. Jarvis Bulkeley, married Betsey Smith ; he died Nov. 5, 1851. Their afflictions were wonderful; they had issue of several children and adopted some, but Mrs. Bulkeley outliving them all, spent her last days comparatively alone, or with strangers. She died in 1877 and was buried in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Three of her sons were lost at sea.
DXXXI.
Weeping Willows & Urn.
memory of ALSoo, wife of Abraham Benson; who departed this life March 14, 1880, aged 46 yrs. 2 ma, If 14 days. I sought redemption through the blood of the Lamb ; Reader! hast thou.
Jesus can make a dying bed Full soft as downy pillows are, While on his breast I lean my head And breathe my life out sweetly there. (W. M.) NOTE .- Her daughters reside in Brooklyn.
196
DXXXII.
W. & U. This Monument Erected is In Memory of ESTHER Wife of ABM. Benson & Daughter of the late ISAAC JARVIS whose birth was the 16th of April A. D. 1784, & resign'd this Life 3rd Febry 1803. Aged 18 Years 9 Months & 18 Days.
But Ah! how soon from budding bliss she flies, To day a Bride anon a corpse she lies ; Like Flowers expanding to the vernal Sky, They bud, they bloom, then wither fade & die.
Tis done, Forever cease your murmuring breath, Not as a foe but friend converfe with death : Since to the parts of happinefs unknown, Is gone the Treasure which you call your own.
(W. M.)
NOTE .- Abraham Benson was a man of considerable character. He was a sea Captain. His house was for several years the Post Office and Tavern where the stages stopped to and from Boston and New York. He is buried in the East ground.
DXXXIII.
In Memory of SAMUEL SQUIRE Esq". who departed this life 27th. May 1801. Aged 86 Years. Praises on tombstones are but vainly fpent, Assured life to come is our beft Monument. (F. S.)
197
DXXXIV.
F. & W. In Memory of Mrs. ABIGAIL SQUIER, Wife of SAMUEL SQUIRE Efqr; who departed this Life April the 13th 1780 in ye 55th Year of Her Age. (B. S.)
DXXXV.
F. & W. In Memory of Mrs ABIGAIL SQUIER 2ª Wife of SAMUEL SQUIER Esq. who departed this life April 6th 1785 ; In the 52ª Year of her Age. (F. S.)
DXXXVI.
W. & U.
In memory of SAMUEL SQUIRE WHO DIED Dec 12. 1819. Aged 73 Y'rs. also ANNA SQUIRE his wife Who Died Dec 28, 1827. Aged 76 Y'rs. (W. M.)
NOTE .- This Samuel Squire was commissary in the Revolutionary War.
198
DXXXVII.
H. & W. Here lyes Buried the Body of JESSE MOREHOUSE Son of M' JOHN MOREHOUS ; Who departed this Life August 8th 1762 in ye 19th Year of His Age. (B. S.)
DXXXVIII.
S. M. In Memory of MIS. SARAH Wife of M' URIAH MOREHOUSE who died Oct". Ioth. 1776 in the 31ªt year of her age. (F. S.)
-
DXXXIX.
Susanna daughter of Mor John & Mers Hannah Marchause died Oct. 18, 1819, aged 2 years & 6 months.
199
DXL.
In Memory of Mrs Hannah, wife of Mr John Morehouse, who died Oct 25, 1819; aged 42 years. (W. M.)
DXLI.
In Memory of ELEANOR BURR, daughter of Mr.John & Mrs Hannah Morehouse who died Oct. 30, 1819, aged 18 years. . (W. M.)
DXLII.
H. H.
NOTE .- Their is nothing intelligible concerning the sleeper who rests here.
DXLIII.
THE GRAVE OF Catharine, wife of Wheeler Judson died Jan 20. 1826 aged 47 years.
.
200
DXLIV.
THE GRAVE OF WHEELER JUDSON. died Nov 13. 1823. aged 47 years.
NOTE .- Wheeler Judson was a tailor, who lived in the house opposite this burying ground.
DXLV.
S. M.
NOTE .- This common stone was probably to Samuel Morehouse, son of Samuel Morehouse. See next stone.
DXLVI.
NOTE .- This,-a fac-simile of which is given on opposite page,-evidently is the oldest stone in the whole ground ; from the circumstance of the date, initials and contemporary history, was erected to Samuel Morehouse, Lienten- ant and County Marshal, from 1675 to 1687. He was the ancestor of the More- houses in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties, and other families of the name scattered westward.
DXLVII.
In memory of MRS ANN wife of Capt John ATWOOD who departed this life Febr 3rd 1829 aged 40 years. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.
DXLVIII.
S. D. 1753.
NOTE .- This is a common stone with lost associations.
มีนิงพระ
201
DXLIX.
In Memory of Capt ISAAC JUDSON who died Oct 19, 1814 aged 54 years. (W. M.)
DL.
Abigail wife of Isaac Jervice died Feb 12, 1816; Æ 61. (W. M.)
DLI.
This Monument
Erected is In Memory of ISAAC JARVIS who departed this Life 20th June A. D. 1788, Aged 32 Years & 5 Months. Let frantic Mirth be penfive here Let mortals mourn their final doom Let friendship pay the tribute's tear For Isaac moulders in the Tomb.
202
DLII. Mr.
Jonathan Silliman died May 14, 1817 :
(W. M.)
DLIII.
W. & S.
Here lies Buried the Body of Lieut SAMUEL SQUIER who Departed this Life JanTy. 27th 1773 in the 8Ist. Year of his Age. (B. S.)
DLIV.
In memory of MARY MEEKER
daughter of Benjamin & Mary Meeker, who died Jan. 13, 1823 ; aged 16 years, I month, II days. (W. M.)
-
203
DLV.
Face & Wings, vines on sides. In Memory of NOAH JARVAS Son of Mr. ISAAC & Mrs. LYDIA JARVAS who died May ye 19 1766 in ye 9th Year of His Age. He on the waves of watere Graves The Last breath he did fetch In blooming youth to tell the truth Death did him quickly snach.
(B. S.)
DLVI.
H. & W. Here lyes Buried ye Body of Mrs. DEBORAH SQUIER Wife to Mr. JOHN SQUIER ; Who Departed this Life Augft. ye gth 1748 in ye 43ª Year of her Age. (B. S.)
DLVII.
H. & W. Here lyes Buried ye Body ofMrs. MARY SQUIER, Wife to Mr SAMUEL SQUIER ; Who Departed this Life. June the 26th A. D. 1748 in ye 56th Year of Her Age. (B. S.)
204
DLVIII.
H. & W.
Here lyes ye Body of Mrs. MARY SQUIER 2ª Wife to M' JOHN SQUIER ; Who Departed this life Febry yezth 1761 in ye 31st Year of Her Age.
DLIX.
Urn. In Memory of Mrs Eunice Wakeman wife of Capt. Andrew Wakeman who died Oct 5. 1821 aged 54 years.
DLX.
H. & W.
In Memory of Mrs HANNAH WAKEMAN Wife of Capt. ANDREW WAKEMAN who departed this Life Sept 8th 1787, In the 41st year of her Age. (F. S.)
205
DLXI.
Urn.
Memory of Capt Andrew Wakeman who died Aug 22, 1825 aged 75 years. (W. M.)
NOTE .- Capt. Andrew Wakeman's two wives were Eunice Smedley and Hannah Allen. He built the house occupied by his grandson, Andrew P. Wake- man, (1881). The family have been long in public service. Rev. Samuel Wake- man 1665-1692, probably lies in these grounds. Capt. Andrew and his father served in a military capacity. The sword of the latter has descended to the present Andrew P. Wakeman, who has served the town creditably in various offices.
DLXII.
In memory of SAMUEL WAKEMAN who died March 15. 1826, aged 52 years.
DLXIII.
In memory of SALLY WAKEMAN wife of SAMUEL WAKEMAN died March 6. 1857 Aged 76 years. (W. M.)
-
206
DLXIV.
Urn. SACRED To the memory of HANNAH, wife of Moses Jarvis, who died January the IIth 1820. aged 31 years, 6 months and 21 days.
All med'cins act by God's decree, Receive commission all from thee ; If we but trust his sov'reign skill, And bow submissive to his will, Sickness and death will then agree To bring us Lord at last to thee.
(W. M.)
DLXV.
Urn. Sacred to the Memory of MARY Wife of Stephen Fowler who died June 13, 1826, Æ, 59 y's 7 mo. & 25 d's.
Amiable in her disposition unassum- ing in her manners & a faithful friend- The law of kindness dwelt upon her tongue by her patience & resignation to the will of God. She evidenced the sincerity of her Christian profession, beloved in life & lamented in death, She still lives in the affection of those who knew her. * D. Ritter & Son N. H.
(W. M.)
* The D. Ritter & Son is an advertising dodge, to which they were so accustomed, that it was even added to this beautiful monument erected to the son's wife.
207
DLXVI.
Weeping Willow. SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF STEPHEN FOWLER
WHO DIED MARCH 24th 1829; AGED 73 YEARS, AND 16 DAYS.
(W. M.)
DLXVII.
In
memory of
JOSEPH WHITTEMORE
of Fredericksburg, Va., who died at Fairfield ; July 22, 1831, aged 33. (W. M.)
NOTE-Joseph Whittemore was the first husband of Narcissa, daughter of Walter and Elizabeth B. Perry. He left a wife and three daughters, Julia, one of whom married Leon Pilatte, of Nice, France. Mrs. Whittemore afterwards married Judge Samuel Hitchcock, of New Haven, Conn., they have one son, Samuel Hitchcock, Jr., who resides in Germany.
208
DLXVIII.
Elbert Perry, san of Walter If Elizabeth . Jerry, died Sept. 5, 1820 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, was removed and reinter'd here Dec 25, aged 25 years.
Here fond affection drops the sorrowing tear, Here friendship mourns her separated chain, Love weeps o'er one to love and memory dear ; Whom not e'en virtue could on earth detain.
Unfeeling grave, thou teachest to the wise This lesson, foreign to the careless throng, Earth's highest station ends in " here he lies ". And dust to dust concludes her noblest song.
T. L. Gow.
(W. M.)
NOTE .- Walter and Elizabeth B. Sturges Perry had issue of ten children. (grand-children of Peter Perry, see CCVII). This ground beiug so crowded, several members of the family were interred in the "West ground," (open to the public 1829.) but were subsequently removed to Oak Lawn Cemetery, (opened 1865). The interment of the last member of this family, Hon. Oliver H. Perry, who also died in Virginia, was made in 1882. He was one of the projectors and original trustee's of the above Cemetery ; one of the organizers of the Congregational Church, the Public School Building and Savings Bank in Southport, and member of Assembly for 8 years, besides holding various other offices both in Church and State. with fidelity and honor.
209
DLXIX.
WALTER B. PERRY, died Oct. 14, 1817 ; aged 15 years Son of Walter & Elizabeth B. Perry. (W. M.)
DLXX.
GEORGE T. died Feb. 29, 1832, aged 3 years. -: 0 :- DELIA T. died Feb. 29, 1832 aged 15 months, Children of Bradley & Julia Perry.
DLXXI.
U. & W. Julia,
daughter of Bradley & Julia . Perry, died Oct. 28, 1822, aged 4 months.
210
DLXXII.
In memory of BRADLEY PERRY, who was born Dec 14, 1785. & died Oct. 10, 1830, aged 45 years.
DLXXIII.
In memory of SAMUEL W. SHERWOOD who was born Sept 25, 1785 & died June 12, 1830 aged 43 years.
DLXXIV.
In memory of BETSEY PERRY wife of Samuel W. Sherwood
Died Sept. 8, 1878, Aged 88 yrs. 5 ms, & 24 ds.
NOTE .- Betsey Sherwood was the 14th of Peter Perry's children, and the last survivor of that generation. Her sister, Sally Ogden, (see XIX), being born in 1764, that generation coveres 114 years. These Sisters lie in the extreme rows of the ground. Samuel W. Sherwood was from Albany, Their children reside in Brooklyn, L. I.
2II
DLXXV.
Miss
ELIZABETH TURNEY
daughter of Mr Isaac Turney died June 4. 1817 ; Aged 41 years.
Reader when you this monument survey, Remember that your frame is mouldering clay. Thy Soul, 'tis of the immortal kind, Nor form'd of fire, or earth, or wind; Outlives the mouldering corpse
And leaves the globe behind. Swift the approach and solemn is the day When the immortal mind
Stript of the body's coarse array To endless pain or endless joy, Must be at once consign'd,
The NOW that flies may be the last, Seize the Salvation ere 'tis past.
(W. M.)
SUPPLEMENT.
215
Near the entrance to The Old Burying Ground are eight stones which were set there July 8, 1881.
No. I.
HERE LYES INTERRED Ye BODY OF AVIS APPLEGATE AGED NEAR 80 YEARS, DECD FEBRY Ye 3D ANNO I 7 I 19 .
No. 2.
HERE LYES Ye BODY OF JOHN APPLEGATE, AGE 82 YEARS.
NOTE .- John and Avis Applegate gave their property to the Congrega- tional Society so long as their tombstones were preserved. They were located on the premises of the Rubber Factory. When the New Haven Railroad was constructed these stones were taken up and set back in the field; when the factory was built these stones were in the way again, so were taken up and laid in the cellar to the factory house, where they lay till reclaimed in common with others desecrated till 1881.
No. 3.
HERE LYES Ye BODY OF MRS ESTHER LORD WIFE OF MI -BERT LORD AGED 67 Years-Died
NOTE .- The date of her death is obliterated-also her husband's name; except the last syllable.
216
No. 4.
F. & W. HERE LYES VE BODY OF DAVID JENNINGS SON OF MR JOSHUA & MRS REBECKAH JENNINGS AGED IO MONTHS DECD MARCH VE 9 I 7 3 5-6.
No. 5.
HERE LYES YE BODY OF MR BENJAMIN LINES, DECD. FEBRUARY VE
218 I 7 3 2
IN VE 44 YEAR
OF HIS AGE.
No. 6.
H. & W.
HERE LYES BUR- THE BODY MR REBECA BROWN DECD JUNE YE 3D 1730 IN YE 75TH YEAR OF HER AGE.
217
No. 7.
H. & W. HERE LYES BURIED YE BODY OF MR ABRAHAM ADAMS WHO DECD. AUGST VE 9TH 1729 IN VE SOTH YEAR OF HIS AGE. HAVING BEEN A WORTHY FOUNDR & LIBERAL BENEFACTOR TO TRINITY CHURCH.
No. 8.
TO ABRAHAM ADAMS DIED 1729.
REBECCA BROWN DIED 1730.
BENJAMIN LINES DIED 1732.
DAVID JENNINGS DIED 1735.
ESTHER LORD.
JOHN APPLEGATE DIED 1712.
AVIS APPLEGATE DIED 1717.
The seven old stones recoverd from the Destroyed Burial Ground at Mill Plain.
This stone erected July 8, 1881, By Citizens of Fairfield.
219
.
THE OLD BURYING GROUND OBSERVANCES,
July 8th, 1881.
A BRIEF SUMMARY CONTRIBUTED BY WM. A. BEERS.
Almost every school boy knows something about Fairfield. Originally the favorite Indian settlement Unquowa, it attracted the advance guard of civilization, and nineteen years after the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers was officially made a town. A strategic point during the Revolution, it was invaded and burned by the British Troops. For many years an educational center, it drew students from many sections, who went forth to fill places of distinction in national and civil life. As its name implies it was, and is, one of the fairest por- tions of New England's soil ; both nature and conspicious events have combined to give it favorable celebrity and chapters of honor in American History. The Fairfield Centennial Commemoration of July 8th, 1879, was there- fore universally acknowledged to have national as well as local significance; and when the old town saw fit to publicly freshen the memories and rebuild the tombs of its fathers, the anniversary of its centenary was naturally chosen as the ceremonial day.
The following transcript of the general invitation to these ceremonies will perhaps convey a fair idea of their scope and character :
220
" QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET." 1639.
The old town of Fairfield will mark the anniversary of its Centennial Com- memoration by observances in regard to its
ncient
urial
AT THE
Congregational Chapel, ON Friday Afternoon, July 8th, 1881,
COMMENCING AT 2 O'CLOCK.
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
PRAYER, - Rev. George S. Burroughs.
AMERICA, - Quartette of St. Johns' Church, Mrs. Drew, Mrs. Spencer, Mr. Atkinson, Mr. Averill.
REMARKS, Introductory, Rev. Fas. K. Lombard.
" CAST THY BURDEN ON THE LORD," Quartette. ADDRESS, - " Rebuilding of the tombs
Mr. William A. Beers. of our Ancestors." S
" CONSIDER THE LILIES," Quartette.
- Prof. Benj. Silliman. REMARKS, Colonial,
" BREAK, BREAK, BREAK, ON THY -
. Quartette. COLD GRAY STONES, OH SEA !" - GENERAL REMARKS, By Visitors. ):(
Visit to the Old Ground and Unveiling of the Cenotaph.
221
The day proved stormy, and many were unavoidably absent who had warmly responded to the invitations. Among these was Professor Benjamin Silliman, of Yale College, who, much to the general disappointment, reluct- antly sent late in the day a telegram of regret. Other- wise the programme was fully carried out. The Chapel was well filled when Rev. George S. Burroughs opened the exercises with a fervent appeal to the God of our fathers; and after the fine vocal music of the selected quartette, Rev. Jas. K. Lombard, with characteristic good taste and felicity, expressed the sentiment of the gather- ing, and introduced the speaker of the day in these words :
"In common with the rest of the country, Fairfield has experienced a revival of the historic spirit. Our amiable town clerk, the custodian of the public records has of late found his office no sinecure. A degree of in- terest in those ancient folios has been developed, second only to that which is manifested in the revised version of the New Testament.
" We have had historical addresses on several occa- sions, historical contributions to the local papers, pros- pectuses of a town history which is yet in the future, and the actual apparition of a history whose size and price have filled too hasty subscribers with dismay. We have a historical society lately formed in that portion of our suburbs known as Bridgeport, in order to take charge of all valuable documents relating to our local history, otherwise liable to perish from neglect. And the ancient burial grounds have been explored with a zeal worthy of the antiquary.
" If I speak lightly, let me not be thought for one moment to speak slightingly of such a spirit. No enlight- ened citizen can fail to rejoice in whatever tends to dignify the past. It is a sign of national maturity.
" The boy has little sentiment to expend upon the place of his birth and the home of his ancestors. He is more interested in anticipating his manhood's abode and his worldly fortunes in days to come.
" The man, on the contrary, grows sentimental over the thought of his boyhood's home and of the friends of his youth. He would like to trace his ancestry, not merely to establish his title to an estate, but out of pure sentiment. And sentiment is a manly thing. We are not ashamed of the sentiment which holds an insult to the flag to be a crime worthy of death, and the murder of the chief executive to be an act of treason for which hanging is too good.
222
" It is this laudable spirit which originated the move- ment of which to day's assembly is in part the result. We seek to rescue from oblivion the memories of some who deserved better things of their descendants than for- gotten and dishonored graves.
" But I will not anticipate what shall be said in the principal address of this occasion. Without further pre- face I make way for the speaker of the day, our public spirited townsman, Mr. Beers."
After Mr. Lombard's happy remarks; and singing by the Quartette, that was most touchingly rendered ; Mr. Beers began his neighbourly address : " NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS :
"The solicitude of centuries has embalmed the spirit and elevated the operations of the sentiment that has prompted the ceremonies of this anniversary. Loyalty to the memory of ancestors has found expression in prehistoric mound and ancient pyramid, mediaval pile and modern monument; it is a sentiment as old as holy writ, as new as the life that stirs us to day. It inspired the sorrowing. Patriarch to raise a pillar to the Rachel he had lost; our fathers to rear the tablets in the village burial-ground, and us to rebuild the tombs of our ancestors there, and in our hearts and homes.
" An address to be in keeping with so high a theme should comprise a carefully compiled historical paper, rather than this contribution ; and I hasten to remind you, as some palliation for the poverty of my tribute, of the absence of local record from which to gather what would be more worthy of the occasion. My first attempt to penetrate the mists of antiquity and restore some tan- gible relic had scarcely other guide than vague tradition ; my search .' 'midst skulls and coffins, epitaphs and worms, where visionary shadows perform their mystic rounds, ' was pursued by the dim light of fading memories.
"Can you tell me when this spot was first used as a burying ground ? " I asked of the ubiquitous, 'oldest in- habitant.' The kindly though somewhat indefinite reply was :
"Why, bless you ! it always was the Old Burying Ground!" The answer, added to historic facts, points with accuracy to the respectable venerableness wrought by two hundred and fifty years; but the fastidious anti- quary gropes in vain among the mouldering heaps for other than suggestive evidences of such antiquity, how- ever he revels in the quaint and moss-grown mysteries.
223
" The brown and gray slabs which have legible dates anterior to 1725 may be counted upon ones' fingers, those between this and 1750 are as easily enumerated, and by far the greater number have yielded both names and figures to the ravages of time. The oldest decipherable stone tells its tale in briefest figures: S. M. 1687; and this has been indentified as the grave-mark of Samuel Morehouse who was County Marshal here from 1675 to to the time of his death in 1687. There are no stones with legible inscriptions that assert the remoteness of contemporaneous grounds, notably those of Windsor and New Haven, but they are nevertheless equally old ; near- ness to the salt water of the sound being the cause of earlier decay. There are, besides, scores of little hollows (the careless loiterer will stumble upon them) which once were rounded hillocks, but never bore mark at all ;* and these shrunken witnesses are all that remain to tell of men that helped to mould our national life. A little longer and these faint traces will disappear; these mon- uments will cease to be memorials. Of this we may feel assured ; no tombs of our land indicate worthier lives, or invite profounder homage than the crumbling ones where, ' it always was the old burying ground.'
" We find ample reason for the unstable monuments of our fathers as we trace the footprints along the shore of time back to the settlement of the town by Roger Ludlowe, in 1639, nineteen. years after the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers. Those were poor tools with which the struggling pioneers, in the time that tried men's hands as well as souls, shaped the destinies we so comfortably continue. Even suitable stones were remarkably scarce in these valleys, and time and means were too scanty to quarry from the surrounding hills. The same rude implements which turned the soil for subsistence, hol- lowed the narrow cell and the stones thrown up in the process furnished alike the rough hearth, and simple grave-mark ; the same hands which smoothed the pillow, bore the pall, defied the savage, implored divine pro- tection.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.