USA > Washington DC > Washington DC > Historic graves of Maryland and the District of Columbia : with the inscriptions appearing on the tombstones in most of the counties of the state and in Washington and Georgetown > Part 8
USA > Maryland > Historic graves of Maryland and the District of Columbia : with the inscriptions appearing on the tombstones in most of the counties of the state and in Washington and Georgetown > Part 8
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This fortunate find took up the parable of the Greenfields where the gravestones left off, containing entries of Wilkin- sons, Trumans, Greenfields, Addisons, Smiths and others. Unfortunately, it was most illegible in some places, but Miss Compton's knowledge of family history helped us greatly.
The Burnt House farm was our next objective point. We followed our instructions minutely, with the result that after we had inquired for Robert Lyon's stable, traveled up one hill and down another, we found a cabin which stood on what looked like a primitive clearing, but where the owner was very civil, and showed us two outhouses, near the smallest of which was our goal. We had to toil for it though, but when we had driven up the cross-road, taken down some bars, traversed a plowed field and moved a harrow out of our path, and had climbed to the top of a steep slope, there was one of the most beautiful specimens of all that we had found.
Strange to relate, the very name is unknown and no one
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Prince George's County
seems ever to have heard of Mr. Randolph Morris, or Eliza- beth, his wife! We looked in vain for the other tombs, which Mr. Joy told us we should surely find in the same place. A huge compost pile occupied the whole remaining space, and effectually checked any investigation in this direction. The farm belonged to Mr. Nicholson, and is now owned by Mr. Frank Hill. The inscription reads:
Here lyeth interred the Body of Randolph Morris, born March the xv, . Married Elizabeth his wife September the XIV A.D. M. D. C. C. XXI, who departed ys life Sept the XXII M.D.C.C. XXXVII Aged XLI years.
As we drove away we met a colored man from Hughes- ville, who was very positive as to the existence of two other graves, one of these being that of Anthony Crabbe. He promised to investigate when the compost pile should have been removed.
Oldfields chapel was our next halt. We accomplished little or nothing here, except a rest under the trees, the only antique features to be found on the premises. The oldest inscription was that of James Kane.
Here lieth the Remains of James Kane Native of the Waterside of Lon- donderry, Ireland, who departed this life March 26 1805 Aged 22 years.
In Memory of Mable Hunter aged 1 year 1837.
There are Contees, Hunters, Goldsmiths and Swanns buried here, but all after the year 1850.
We reached Hughesville in the early afternoon, and re- vived at a glimpse of Joy, who with Mr. Harrison and a venerable gentleman, whose luxuriant beard was plaited and tied in a queue, directed us to Bryantown.
We needed all the aid we could get, as we were growing weary and our terminus seemed to recede before us. When St. Mary's Catholic Church was reached it seemed to rise right up out of the trees. It is a modern building, and the older graves are not now to be distinguished. The parish
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Historic Graves of Maryland
priest was, fortunately for us, at the church, and was much interested in our researches. We had so universally found the fathers foreign ecclesiastics, and this one had so much the air of an Italian, that it was a delightful surprise to find that he was a son of Bishop Southgate, and had been once an assistant at St. Luke's, Baltimore. He not only helped us to find the oldest inscription extant, but he sent us after- ward a list of the departed from his parish register.
From Hughesville we drove to Charlotte Hall. It was getting to be twilight, very chilly, and, with as little delay as possible, we made terms with one of the landladies of the place.
Late as it was, we determined to go over to the rectory in order to get our plans for the morrow all laid to the best advantage. After driving through fields where we had no business at all, we found that we were on the wrong trail, and had entered the grounds of one, Mr. Smoot. We made as dignified a retreat as was possible, and, taking another turn, came suddenly round a corner into one of the loveliest of leafy lanes, so leafy, that only one carriage at a time could pass, and at the end of this verdant tunnel we came upon the venerable old parsonage, upon its surrounding glebe land. It is positively hoary and by far the most typical of all the colonial houses that we saw. The Reverend Mr. London met us and took us to the glebe graveyard.
On the glebe of Trinity parish is a stone with this inscrip- tion :
Erected by the members of Trinity Parish to their Late Rector the Rev. James D. Nicholson Died Aug. 30th 1838 in the 30th year of his age. The deceased was remarkable for great simplicity of character, deep humility and unerring zeal in the service of his Master. Endowed by nature with a lovely imagination and rich poetic fancy, his preaching abounded with appropriate and original illustration. Whilst it delighted the mind it im- proved the heart. His ashes mingle here with their kindred dust. He will long survive in the affection of his grateful people.
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Prince George's County
Also, we find the following :
Anna Eliza Nicholson wife of Addison Daugherty of the City of New York Died in Woodville Prince George County April 19th 1849 Aged 56. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Here lies interred The body of John Reynolds Son of the Rev. John Reynolds and Ann his wife who departed this life Nov. 9, 1824, aged 2 years and 6 months. Also interred at the Plains of Plenty.
Inclosed by an iron railing placed there of late years by the Kirk family, are stones with the following inscriptions:
In. memory of Ann Matthews who departed this life July 9, 1825 Aged 64 years 2 months and 5 days.
In Memory of Elias Matthews Who died on the 30th day of Dec. 1812 in the 45 year of his age.
In Memory of Alex Matthews, who died at the White Sulphur Springs on the 5th day of Sept 1847 in the 55th year of his age. Although far from home at the time of his decease His last request was that his remains might be laid by his relatives and friends at the family burying place in his native parish and in Pursuance of his wish they have been removed and are here deposited.
Elizabeth B. Matthews who departed this life 28th day of Sept 1851 Aged 61 years. Professing an humble belief In the Religion of her Savior.
The next morning we examined the Dent Memorial Chapel, and, returning to the glebe, wound up with the registers of Trinity parish, going back to 1750. We had a most interest- ing search therein, and endeavored to get them started to the Maryland Historical Rooms to be copied. It seems difficult to realize that Charlotte Hall was once so famous'a place of resort, that the Colonial Government passed an act to "purchase lands adjoining to the Fountain of Healing Waters, called the Cool-Springs, Viz: in St. Mary's County, for building Houses, &c. for the Entertainment of such poor impotent Persons as should repair thither for Cure."
The "Fountains of Healing Waters" still flow on, undis- turbed by the changes and chances of the two hundred odd years that have intervened, but little else is left save the humane law, which records the paternal care of those in authority, for the needy and indigent.
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Historic Graves of Maryland
The school at Charlotte Hall was founded in 1796, and perhaps the brightest spot in the landscape is made by the cadets at their sports through the grounds, around the vener- able old building, the first erected on the campus, over a century ago.
The Dent Memorial Chapel, of brown stone, has gathered the bodies of all the members of the family, from Oak Hill, Georgetown and other burial places, and mural tablets are erected, few of which have yet been filled. The inscriptions at Dent Memorial Chapel have been given in another chapter.
Returning to Charlotte Hall, we turned our team home- ward, feeling that our interesting trip had enabled us to add much to the archives of the society.
Among other graveyards in Prince George's county is the Methodist churchyard on the northern outskirts of Laurel. The tombstones prior to 1850 are as follows:
In Memory of Horace Son of A. Alter Born March 18 1832 Died Sept. 10 1845.
He has gone to the land of the blest From his prison of sorrow and night; He has snatched immortality's rest And mantled his spirit in light.
Here lies the body of Harriet Ann Vincent, who was born Jan. 29, 1825, and Departed this life Nov. 21, 1847.
Dry up your tears and weep no more, I am not dead but gone before.
In memory of Albert S. Haslup Died April 21 1849.
Short was my time, Strong my pain; To rest in Christ Is now my gain. Dry up your years and weep no more, I am not dead but gone before.
The earliest date to be found in the Episcopal churchyard, is 1851, when Chas. Edward, infant son of Peter and Mary Bogart, was buried, and the earliest in the Roman Catholic cemetery is as follows:
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Prince George's County
Here lies Patrick Mulgare a native of Limeric Ireland. died in Anne Arundel Co., Md. Sept 7th 1845.
The graveyard at Birmingham, about two miles from Laurel, is on a part of the original tract granted to Richard Snowden, and has never gone out of the family.
Here lies the Body of Richard Snowden Jr. Eldest son of Mr. Richard Snowden Sr. by his second wife Elizabeth, who departed this life the 18th of March 1753 in the 34th year of his Age. He was a Dutiful son, a Tender Husband, a Good Christian and a sincere Friend. This erected by Elizabeth his Widow as a mark of her Affection for him.
Here Lies the Body of Major Thomas Snowden, who departed this Transitory Life on Thursday, the 27th day of October in the year of our Lord 1803. And in the 55th year of his age.
Here lies the Body of Mr. John Crowley, who Departed this life the 2nd of November 1748, Aged 52 years.
Sacred To the Memory of Dr. Gerard Hopkins Snowden who departed this life on the 27th of May 1828. Aged 40 years and 1 month. He was a practical Christian, Kind and affectionate son, Husband and father. As a Magistrate he was just and humane, as a friend and physician he was Charitable and Kind to the poor. When the ear heard him, then it blessed him, and when the eye saw him; it gave witness to him.
Because he delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless and him that had none to help him.
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon him: and he caused the Widow's heart to sing for joy.
He was a father to the poor; and the cause which he knew not he searched out. Job, 29 Chapter, 11, 12, 13, and 16 verses.
This tribute of respect is erected by his affectionate wife, who feels that she can only cease to mourn her irreparable loss with life.
On a tall white marble shaft is the inscription :
To Louisa V. Capron wife of Horace Capron and daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth Snowden, born June 3rd 1841 died March 27th 1849.
Richard Snowden of Birmingham, England, the founder of the family in Maryland as early as 1690, is supposed to be buried in this graveyard. The inscription on his tomb- stone has been obliterated by time, but there is a record of his burial, May 20, 1711. He was captain of provincial forces from 1700 to 1703.
To his son Richard was patented, in 1719, the tract of
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Historic Graves of Maryland
10,000 acres, which included the plantations known later as Birmingham, Snowden Hall, Fairland, Montpelier, Oak- land, Snow Hill, Avondale, Woodland Hill, Alnwick, Elm- wood, Brightwood and Maple Grove. An account of the family is given in the Thomas book. (Laurence B. Thomas, D.D., 1896.)
"Montpelier " was the home of Thomas, son of Richard, who was born in 1751, died in 1803 and was buried at Bir- mingham. His third son, Nicholas, was born here October 21, 1786, and died March 8, 1831, and was buried here.
"Oakland" was inhabited by Richard, eldest son of Maj. Thomas Snowden and his wife Ann Ridgely. He and his two wives were buried here, also his son Thomas, the father of Mrs. Charles Marshall. He died September 3, 1823. It is said that members of the Contee family are also buried in this graveyard. This is probable, as Ann Louise Snowden was married to John Contee and had eight daugh- ters and two sons.
The estate of "Riversdale," District of Bladensburg, was bought by Sieur Henry J. Stier of Antwerp about the year 1794-1795, and given to his daughter Rosalie Eugenia, wife of George Calvert, Esq. After his death, his son, Charles B. Calvert, Esq., owned the estate. It was sold in 1886.
On the east side of the graveyard is the Balto. & Ohio R. R., on the west side, the Balto. & Washington Turnpike.
In the center of the lot are the tombs of George Calvert and his wife; along the west side, are the graves of their four children, who died in infancy, and on the east side are the tombstones of Charles B. Calvert of Riversdale and his infant son.
On the principal monument is a bas-relief by Persico, representing the mother with outstretched arms, ascending to heaven, where the four angel children are waiting to receive her. The inscription reads as follows:
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Prince George's County
Here rests the body of Rosalie Eugenia Calvert Wife of George Calvert and Daughter of Henry I Stier of Antwerp, Who died March 13, 1821. Aged 43. May she be numbered among the Children of God and her lot be among the Saints.
At the base of the stone and on the sides are inscribed these lines :
We see the hand we worship and adore And justify the all disposing power.
Death ends our woe And puts a period to the Ills of life.
Let me die the death of the righteous And let my later end be like his.
Here lies the body of George Calvert, Esq. Of Riversdale, youngest son of Benedict Calvert Esq. of Mount Airy, Prince George County Maryland and grandson of Charles Calvert, Sixth* Lord Baltimore, who died Janu- ary 28th, 1838 Aged 70.
I. van Havre son of C. B. & C. A. Calvert Born Oct. 30th, 1848 Died Aug. 4th, 1849.
In Memory of Charles B. Calvert Born August 28th, 1808 Died May 12th, 1864. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
A footstone bears the inscription :
C. B. C. Sans peur et sans reproche.
* Error. It should be "fifth."-EDITOR's NOTE.
CHAPTER V
B ALTIMORE, erected into a county in 1659, formed one of the five divisions of the province that at that time lay west of the Chesapeake Bay. It embraced also the area to the east of the Susquehanna river, belonging later to Cecil county, where a meeting of the Baltimore county court was held as early as 1661. Cecil entered upon its separate ex- istence in 1674, and just one hundred years afterwards, Harford also was taken from the parent county. Conse- quently, the history of Harford covers that of a part of Balti- more county until the year 1774, and we find many more traces of early settlement here than among the regions watered by the Patapsco.
On the Bush there was once a Baltimore town, though nothing now remains to approximate its site, except a few graves. Fortunately one of the latter is marked by a fine slab mounted on columns, and the inscription introduces us to some of the worthies, who helped to make the local history of their times.
Beneath this stone is reposed the body of James Philips, and in com- pliance with his dying request, the body of his wife, Martha Philips, daughter of John and Elizabeth Paca, born Feb. 3rd, 1744, married Jan. 25th 1776, died March 6th 1829. Having survived her husband 26 years.
May brightest Seraphs from the world on high
Spread their light pinions o'er the sleeping tomb
And guard the dust within till from the sky
The Saviour Comes to bid the dead rebloom.
Then may they rise!
Together meet their change,
Together hear the plaudit Rest! well done!
Through Spheres of light and Spheres of glory range
And sit with Jesus on his dazzling throne.
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Baltimore County
Martha Philips was the sister of William Paca, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the third governor of the state. Her husband was fourth in descent from James Philips, who arrived in Maryland in 1660 and married the daughter of William Osborne, said to be the first settler in Baltimore county. William Osborne was certainly the first patentee of the land on the Bush where Old Baltimore, stood, the latter having passed eventually to the descendants of his son-in-law, James Philips. The Osborne graveyard lies on a broad peninsula between the Bush river and Rumney creek, not very far from the site of Old Baltimore.
Between Rumney creek and the Narrows separating Spesutie island from the mainland, is a place called Gravelly. Here, we are told, was the site of the first Spesutia church. Tradition, combined with a date on record, fixes the year 1671 as the period from which to reckon its organization. The book of vestry proceedings has been lost, but on the church register is recorded the birth of John Cook, son of John Cook, born at Bush river on September 28, 1681. As late as 1851, sunken graves and partially obliterated remains of a building were still to be seen here and a bridge in the locality, known from time immemorial as "Church bridge," helped by its name to locate the spot.
Though the Spesutia church of the past is no more, the Spesutia church of the present marks a continuance of the parish history from the year 1718. Here again we encounter the name of James Philips. He was the munificent donor of the two acres on which the church has found a permanent home. It stands amidst the dead of nearly two centuries and though rebuilt as late as 1851, it is an interesting monu- ment of the past, and a striking feature in the landscape. St. George's, or the Spesutia church, took its more familiar name from the Hundred where it first stood. This, in its
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Historic Graves of Maryland
turn, was derived from the island, perpetuating alike the name and aspirations of its first owner, Col. Nathaniel Utie, for Utie's Hope, latinized, became "Spes Utie," then Spesutie and finally Spesutia.
In 1744, a James Philips appears with Col. Thomas White and other members of the vestry, appointed to acquaint the governor of the Rev. Stephen Wilkinson's death. This clergyman came to Maryland highly recommended by Ed- mund, Lord Bishop of London, and entered upon his duties as rector of St. George's in 1726. Toward the end of his ministry he and his vestry did not agree, hence the request of the committee at his death, "that the governor should not induct another minister disagreeable to the parishioners." This shows the spirit of the colonists, even in those early days.
The Philips, the Pacas, the Halls, the Whites, the Dallams, the Websters, and the Smiths were all more or less united by marriage. At Cranberry, the home of the Halls, and at Blenheim, were once old family burying grounds.
Nearly every Marylander who has been so fortunate as to have an anecdotal uncle, aunt, or grandmother has heard the couplet :
Pretty Betty Martin, tip-toe fine, Couldn't get a husband to suit her mind.
As a matter of fact the dainty damsel had two husbands in close succession: Richard Dallam and William Smith. The latter, a nephew of Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, lived at "Blenheim." He had a son Winston, and this name we still find used by the Churchill family on both sides of the water. His daughter Elizabeth was the wife of John Paca and mother of the "Signer."
It would be interesting to know where "Pretty Betty " was buried, whether with her Dallam descendants, including her gallant son Maj. William Dallam, who died in 1761,
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Baltimore County
or with the Smiths at "Blenheim," or whether she lay in solitary state in the Spesutia churchyard. No tombstone remains to satisfy our curiosity on this point.
There is an old graveyard at Level between Mosquito creek and the Narrows, where some of the Uties and Booth- bys were buried. In fact, throughout the whole region be- low the Old Post road from Havre de Grace or the Lower Ferry, to the Patapsco River Necks, family graveyards were once known to abound.
The following inscriptions are from the Spesutia church- yard, at Perryman:
In memory of John Hall of Cranberry, who departed this life June 8, 1779, in the 61st year of his age.
In memory of Barthia Hall, wife of John Hall of Cranberry, who de- parted this life Jan. 16, 1784, in the 60th year of her age.
In memory of Edward Hall born on the 10th of December, 1747, and died on the 18th day of July, 1788.
In memory of Elizabeth Hall, who was born Dec. 8, 1762, and died Nov. 11, 1840.
In memory of Martha Griffith, who died Dec. 1, 1807, in the 62nd year of her age.
In memory of Alexander L. Griffith, who died Apr. 1, 1815, in the 24th year of his age.
In memory of Cordelia Griffith, who died Oct. 25th, 1805, in the 19th year of her age.
In memory of John H. Griffith, who died Apr. 3, 1815, in the 33rd year of his age.
Sacred to the memory of Martha A. Hall, wife of Josias Hall, who de- parted this life June 24, 1804, in the 35th year of her age.
Sacred to the memory of Emieline Cordelia Hall, daughter of Josias and Martha Hall, who departed this life Apr. 26, 1820, in the 16th year of her age.
In memory of Martha Hall born on the 30th of Apr. 1760, and died on the 20th of Feb. 1845.
In memory of George Josias Ontario Hall, son of Josias and Martha Hall, who departed this life Apr. 2, 1845, in the 43rd. year of his age.
Sacred to the memory of Mary Clarissa Hall, daughter of Josias and Martha Hall, who departed this life Oct. 14, 1851, in the 60th year of her age.
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Historic Graves of Maryland
In memory of Hannah Emily Griffith, who departed this life 16th day of June 1817, in the 22nd year of her age.
In memory of Daniel Palmer, who departed this life Oct. 1, A. D. 1845, in the 73rd year of his age.
In memory of Sarah A. Reasin, wife of William D. Reasin, born Sept. 29th, 1794, died Mar. 5, 1835.
Sacred to the memory of Frances Beaty, who departed this life Sept. 5, 1826, aged 76 years.
In memory of Elizabeth Barnes, who departed this life on the 20th of March [date illegible, and she was sister of the above].
In memory of Mary Garrettson, who departed this life Mar. 3, 1835, aged 78 years.
Thomas Hall, Esq., departed this life Aug. 9, 1804, aged 52 years.
Sacred to the memory of Isabella L., wife of Thomas Hall, who departed this life Oct. 1, 1828, in the 53rd. year of her age.
In memory of Eleanor Rodgers Stokes, who departed this life on the 7th of Aug. 1791, in the 8th year of her age.
In memory of Col. Alexander Lawson Smith, who departed this life the 24th of Jan. 1801, in the 48th year of his age.
In memory of Mary Monks, wife of John Monks, who departed this life the 14th day of Oct. 1800, in the 35th year of her age.
In memory of our mother, Elizabeth Chauncey, who departed this life the 2nd. of Feb. 1845, in the 69th year of her age.
Sacred to the memory of Mary Brown, who departed this life May 21st. 1812, aged 55 years.
Sacred to the memory of Jacob Brown, who departed this life March 2, 1826, aged 55 years and one month.
In memory of Charles H. Webster, who departed this life June 28, 1849, aged 28 years and 4 months.
Sacred to the memory of Mary Veazey, who departed this life Mar. 28, 1849, aged 53 years and 4 months.
Sacred to the memory of George Webster, who departed this life Thursday the 6th of May, 1847, in the 29th year of his age.
In memory of our mother, Emily Griffith, wife of George Griffith and daughter of Isaac Perryman, who died Aug. 13, 1824, in the 28th year of her age.
In memory of Sarah Hall, who departed this life on the 21st of Dec. 1827, aged 65 years.
Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Delia Rodgers, wife of Alexander Rodgers, who departed this life the 7th of Sept. 1827, in the 45th year of her age.
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Baltimore County
Peregrine Nowland born July 1763, died Oct. 1810, in the 48th year of his age.
To the memory of Gabriel Christie, Esq., who departed this life in the city of Baltimore on the 1st. day of April 1808, in the 53rd year of his age. He was at his decease Collector of the Port of Baltimore and had for a number of years served in the Congress of the United States, as well as in the Senate of the State of Maryland.
In memory of John Hawkins, died May 15, 1831, aged 31 years.
In memory of Matthew Hawkins, died Feb. 17, 1831, aged 36 years.
Sacred to the memory of Winston Smith, who departed this life Oct. 2, in the year of our Lord 1822, in the 50th year of his age.
Sacred to the memory of Cassandra Smith, who departed this life Nov. 9, in the year of our Lord 1815, in the 38th year of her age.
In memory of Mrs. Susanna Risteau, who died Sept. 20, 1806, aged 88 years and 5 days.
Now well earned peace is hers and bliss Secure,
Ours be the lenient not unpleasing tear.
In memory of Sarah Hawkins, who departed this life Apr. 27, 1803, about the 36 year of her age.
In memory of Matthew Hawkins, who departed this life Nov. 20, 1813, aged 62 years.
Sacred to the memory of Chas. W. Perryman, who died July 1835, aged 30 years.
In memory of Jacob Ergood, who died Nov. 23, 1846, aged 21 years 1 month and 18 days.
In memory of Jacob Suter, who was born July 25, 1791, and departed this life July 12, 1840, in the 49th year of his age.
Departed this life on the 12th of Sept. 1818, Samuel Jay, Esq., in the 49th year of his age.
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