USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Salem > Harmony Grove Cemetery, Salem, Mass > Part 1
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402 sah 208
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00086 1663
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/harmonygroveceme00unse
HARMONY GROVE CEMETERY
SALEM, MASS.
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PUBLISHED BY G. M. WHIPPLE AND A. A. SMITH, SALEM, MASS. 1866.
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1954208
SMITH
BUIFORD'S LITH. BOSTON
I
F57
32509
32 Plates
Salem Observer Press.
1
ELLICOMO
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CONTENTS.
LITHOGRAPHIC PLAN OF THE CEMETERY.
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
NOTICES OF VIEWS.
LIST OF PROPRIETORS.
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HARMONY GROVE CEMETERY.
TWENTY-FIVE years have elapsed since these grounds were consecrated to the sacred uses of a rural cemetery. Nearly an entire generation have passed away ; many, who were present and who took a part in that interesting occasion are gone, their mortal remains lie buried within these hallowed precincts,-their memories will long live for their many virtues and for their zeal in works of public improvement ; may their examples and precepts long continue to remind successive generations of their duty in the preservation of these memorials of the past.
This retreat had long been familiar to the lovers of nature, who were attracted thither not only by the beauty and diversity of the scenery, which presented in pleasing combination, the rocky cliff, the woody knolls, the sheltered valley with shady groves; sunny slopes and verdant plains, but by the great variety of flowering plants which there abound, and by the harmony of the feathered songsters which have always enlivened by their notes the beautiful grove which owes to them its name. Fortunate that the woodman's axe had spared these trees, and that the former proprietors of the soil had preserved so much
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of its pristine beauty and freshness that it should come to us with the features requisite, of all others, for this object.
The organization of Horticultural and kindred associa- tions in New England, (the older ones date their origin some thirty or forty years or more since), awakened and have continued to exert a great influence in nurturing a taste for the pleasures of rural life, and in directing attention to a more refined culture and to the embellish- ment of our country residences with a happy combination of trees, shrubs, lawns and gardens ; thus adding a new and very agreeable feature to our scenery and con- tributing much to the amenities of our New England home. The influence of these associations would natur- ally direct the minds of the people to bestow a corres- ponding care in the selection of places to deposit the remains of dear and beloved friends, and to cover the graves with verdure and to adorn them with flowers,- appropriate emblems of pure and holy feelings.
In accordance with the prevalence of these sentiments elsewhere, influenced in part by the limited extent and crowded state of the city burial grounds, the idea of establishing a rural cemetery was first suggested. It was deemed desirable to procure for this purpose, a situation, which, either by its natural beauties or by receiving the ornament and improvement that art could bestow, might afford that retirement which is pleasant to associate with places of this character; removed from the centre of - population, yet sufficiently near to be always easy of access ; of such extent to prevent its soon becoming 4
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crowded, and so arranged that the remains deposited, would never at any future period be disturbed ; the whole to be secured by Legislative enactments from intrusion or violation and from being appropriated to any other object.
With this purpose in view, at the suggestion of Mr W. H. Foster, some gentlemen, interested in the project, assembled by the invitation of Mr Pickering Dodge, at the Lyceum Hall in this city, in February, 1837. About fifteen persons assembled, among whom were Messrs. Francis Peabody, Charles Lawrence, A. L. Peirson, Francis Putnam, William P. Richardson, Henry Wheat- land, Pickering Dodge and William H. Foster. As several of the clergy, especially the Rev. Messrs. Brazer, Way- land, Upham and Thompson, took much interest in the project, it is probable that some, if not all, of these gentlemen were likewise present. But one opinion was expressed at this meeting as to the expediency of estab- lishing a Rural Cemetery, and several situations were suggested as suitable for the purpose. It was, however, decided, before proceeding further, to call by advertise- ment in the newspapers a public meeting of all friendly to the undertaking.
Accordingly, in consequence of a notice published in the Salem Gazette of Feb. 24, 1837, a meeting was held at the Lyceum Hall, on that evening, which was organized by the choice of Francis Peabody as Moderator, and William H. Foster as Clerk. After discussing the plan of the proposed Cemetery, its probable cost, and the merits
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of the different localities suggested, in which discussion Messrs. Peabody, Peirson and others were engaged, the meeting selected a committee consisting of Messrs. P. Dodge, W. H. Foster, A. L. Peirson, H. Wheatland and F. Putnam, to ascertain on what terms the different sites alluded to could be procured, in what manner the funds necessary for the purchase could be raised, and to obtain the refusal of such situation as they should decide, after examination, to be best suited for the intended purpose. This Committee were to report, in relation to the various subjects committed to them, at an adjournment of the meeting.
After examining various sites, both in North and South Salem, the Committee came unanimously to the conclus- ion that HARMONY GROVE possessed all the requisites for the contemplated purpose ; they ascertained the price for which it could be purchased, obtained a refusal of the land, took some steps to raise the funds necessary for the purchase, and then notified the meeting to be held on the evening of May 12, 1837, at the Lyceum Hall to hear their report.
The evening of May 12, 1837, is memorable in the annals of New England as the one on which the Banks of Boston and this vicinity were compelled to suspend specie payments. The gloom produced by that event and the pecuniary embarrassment of the country, together with the pressing and indispensable engagements on that evening of several of the gentlemen who had taken most interest in the undertaking, prevented the attendance of
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QUEFORCE LITH BIT WASHIST BOSTON.
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J M. BUFORD: UTH. BUSTUN.
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any at the meeting, but the chairman and two or three others ; the project was, as by common consent postponed to a more convenient season.
Though suspended, this project was not abandoned. The belief in its necessity still continued and led to new efforts for its attainment. In consequence of the crowded state of the Public Burial Grounds, the city authorities had for some time been considering the expediency of providing further accommodations for the interment of the dead. The Mayor, Hon. Stephen C. Phillips, early in the year 1839, called their attention to this subject and instituted some enquiries with the view of enlarging the present burial grounds by the purchase of additional land for the purpose. Before any action was taken, he was informed of the doings of the committee of Feb. 1837, and again called public attention to the subject of a Rural Cemetery, and was greatly instrumental in its establishment upon a permanent basis; he entered into the project and lent his aid with all that ardor and energy which characterized the discharge both of his public and private duties ; he suggested to the city authorities in a communication to that body Sept. 9, 1839, the expediency of their uniting in the undertaking, and thus obviating the necessity of enlarging the present grounds or procur- ing a new place of sepulture. These suggestions were favorably received by the City Council and such assur- ances given as led to an arrangement which was subse- quently authorized and carried into effect.
In consequence of a notice, published in the news-
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papers, a meeting of those friendly to the establishment of a Rural Cemetery, was held at the Lyceum Hall, on the evening of the 3d of September, 1839 ; Mr. S. C. Phillips was appointed chairman and Mr. W. H. Foster, secretary. At this time, the object of the meeting was fully stated by the chair, a verbal report of the doings of the commit- tee formerly chosen on the 24th of Feb. 1837, was made by their chairman, Dr. A. L. Peirson, and the form of an agreement to obtain subscriptions for a loan of money to carry into effect the objects of the meeting, was submitted by William H. Foster, to whose early and continued zeal and interest in its accomplishment, to the present time, the cemetery is much indebted for its establishment and its present prosperous condition. It was then voted, That Messrs. Wm. H. Foster, George Wheatland and Edward H. Payson of Salem, and Fitch Poole of Danvers, be a committee to obtain such subscriptions, and that Messrs. Stephen C. Phillips, Joseph S. Cabot, Ephraim Emmerton, William Sutton, and William H. Foster be the Trustees of the funds thus raised.
Subscriptions to a sufficient amount having been ob- tained to authorize the undertaking, a meeting of the subscribers to the fund was held on the 6th of Sept., 1839, of which Mr. Phillips was chairman and Mr. W. H. Foster clerk. At this meeting Messrs. Francis Peabody, Joseph S. Cabot and George Wheatland were chosen a commit- tee with discretionary power to purchase a portion of the ground, now owned by the corporation. The committee purchased eight acres of Mr. George W. Rugg for twelve
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hundred dollars, and fourteen acres of Mr. John G. Wilkins for sixteen hundred dollars ; two acres and a half of Mr. Jacob Putnam for four hundred and fifty dollars ; six acres of Mr Joshua Buxton for eleven hundred and seventy dollars ; and about seven acres of Messrs. Joseph Buxton and Solomon Varney for nine hundred dollars. Afterward, an exchange of a small part of the land purchased of Joshua Buxton was made with Ichabod Nichols, for a piece of nearly similar extent in order to improve thereby the shape of the grounds; and with a view of straightening the northern line of the cemetery a portion of that purchased of Wilkins, Joseph Buxton and Varney, was sold to Stephen Nichols. The quantity of land purchased and retained for the cemetery at the time of its consecration, was about thirty-five acres, and cost five thousand three hundred and twenty dollars.
At a subsequent period there have been purchased of Ichabod Nichols one and one quarter acres for five hun- dred and fifty dollars, of Sam'l Crane eight and one quarter acres for thirty-two hundred dollars, of R. W. Merrill one and a half acres for eighteen hundred and seventy-six and a half dollars, of E. S. Upton one and a half acres for nine- teen hundred dollars; also the city of Salem interest for two thousand. Total number of acres 47} ; cost $14,849.50.
At a meeting September 20, 1839, Messrs. F. Peabody, J. S. Cabot, A. L. Peirson, S. C. Phillips, and J. C. Lee were appointed to collect the subscriptions to the fund for the cemetery, to determine upon the form, and to issue re- ceipts to the subscribers for the amounts so furnished by
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each, and to see that proper conveyances of the lands pur- chased were made to the Trustees of the fund in a form to be determined by the committee. The lands were held by the Trustees until an act of incorporation was obtained.
At a meeting of the subscribers to the fund held Oct. 4, 1839, Messrs. F. Peabody, J. S. Cabot, S. C. Phillips, A. L. Peirson, J. C. Lee, G. Wheatland, W. H. Foster, P. Dodge, William Sutton and Fitch Poole were chosen a general committee of superintendence, with authority to take such measures to carry into effect the intentions of the sub- scribers, as they might think proper; of this committee, F. Peabody was chairman, and W. H. Foster, clerk and treasurer.
The committee secured the services of Alexander Wads- worth of Boston who made a topographical plan and laid out the grounds with walks and avenues. A rustic arch and gateway of stone was constructed at the eastern en- trance, from designs by and under the directions of Fran- cis Peabody, one of the principal originators of the ceme- tery, and whose services on the committee, for his taste and judgment have been of very great importance; other works were commenced and prosecuted, until winter put a stop to further operations.
An act was passed by the Legislature of 1840, creating certain persons named therein, and all those who should become purchasers of lots in the cemetery, a corporation, to be called the HARMONY GROVE CEMETERY with all the rights and privileges usually belonging thereto. This act secures to purchasers of lots the quiet and uninterrupted
£
F. PEABODY.
00,00
BUFFORDS LITH. BOSTON.
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enjoyment of the same, and punishes with severe penalties any trespasses or violation of the grounds. It was accepted at a legally notified meeting held on the 29th of February, 1840, of which F. Peabody was moderator and W. H. Fos- ter, clerk. A.committee consisting of Messrs. Phillips and Wheatland, was appointed to draw up and report Rules and By-laws for the government of the corporation. At a subsequent meeting on the 16th of May, 1840, the By-laws reported by this committee were adopted, and the corpo- ration duly organized by the choice of officers.
With the return of Spring, the work on the cemetery was renewed and by the first of May, was in such a state of forwardness as to render it certain that the lots would be ready for sale early in the ensuing month, and the grounds so far prepared for their intended object that the consecration might take place at that time. At a meeting of the committee on the 2d of May, it was voted that the consecration should take place on the first Wednesday in June, which time, however, was subsequently altered to Saturday, the 13th day of June, and that the Hon. Daniel A. White be requested to deliver an address, and the Rev. Dr. Brown Emerson of Salem, and Rev. C. C. Sewall of Danvers, be invited to perform the religious services suited to the occasion.
The corporation having been legally organized, the land purchased for the cemetery and which had been held by the Trustees of the subscribers of the fund for its purchase, was in accordance with the terms of the trust conveyed to the corporation. In accordance with the arrangements
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between the City Council and the Trustees, for two thou- sand dollars, the corporation conveyed to the city nearly three acres of land, included in five lots in different por- tions of the grounds, to be used by the city for the burial of the dead in graves only. In 1850, the corporation re- imbursed to the city the two thousand dollars and the land was rëconveyed to them.
The consecration of the cemetery, took place on Sun- day, June 14, at half past five o'clock, P. M. ; it having been postponed from Saturday the 13th, in consequence of the unpleasantness of the weather. Seats to accommo- date three thousand persons had been prepared on a gen- tle slope, gradually ascending from Dell avenue, the ground there forming a natural amphitheatre, particularly well adapted for this purpose; a rustic bower, for the accommodation of the gentlemen engaged in the consecra- tion, was erected at the foot of the slope, where the address was delivered and the other services of the day performed.
The day was one of the finest days in June, clear, calm and bright; a gentle breeze, loaded with the perfume of the locust blossoms, tempered the heat of the sun, while the showers of the previous day had imparted to the grass and the foliage of the trees, tints of the deepest and richest green.
The services consisted of prayers by the Rev. Dr. Brown Emerson of Salem, and Rev. Charles C. Sewall of Danvers; an address by the Hon. Daniel A. White ; an original hymn by Rev. Dr. James Flint, and an original ode by Mr. William Wallace Morland, of Salem, furnished by
A BUFFERD'S BUSTO"
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these gentlemen at the request of the Trustees, the hymn having been read by Rev. Dr. Flint, and the ode by Rev. Mr. Wayland. At the close of the services, Old Hundred was sung, with great effect, the whole audience joining in a hymn written for the occasion by Nathaniel Lord, Jr. Esq., of Ipswich. The music, which was entirely vocal, was under the direction of Mr. Jacob Hood. The services were of a very impressive character and listened to with silent interest, by the immense audience which filled every seat and thronged all the spaces within sound of the speaker's voice. From the most accurate calculation which could be made, it was supposed that at least from six to eight thousand persons were present on the ground ; yet notwithstanding the greatness of the numbers and denseness of the crowd, perfect order was maintained.
On the Tuesday succeeding the consecration, 16th of June, the lots were offered for sale at public auction, by Mr. Gilbert G. Newhall the auctioneer, about three hun- dred having been surveyed and prepared for this purpose ; this day, seventy-seven lots were disposed of, at premiums varying from one to twenty-five dollars. The whole amount of the bonus thus received, on the choice of lots was five hundred and forty-two dollars. During the next succeeding few days, thirty-six lots more were sold at the minimum price of ten cents per square foot, making one hundred and thirteen lots that were sold at the opening of the cemetery.
The cemetery was formerly situated within the limits of the town of Danvers, but the Legislature of 1840, passed an act so altering the boundaries of the city of Salem and
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الة
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the town of Danvers, that the whole of the cemetery and the three avenues which lead to it, were placed within the limits of the city of Salem. About the same time the town of Danvers constructed a way from the principal street in that town, at the foot of Poole's Hill, to enter the cemetery on its western boundary.
The grounds of the cemetery are peculiarly well adapt- ed to their intended purposes, the varied soil and aspect are favorable to the culture and growth of the different kinds of trees and shrubs that will endure this climate,- the attainment of this object, more especially the collecting of those that are indigenous to New England, has always been one of the prominent designs of the Trustees.
Few places combine so great a variety within equally narrow limits. Here are extensive views, picturesque dells, and rough and craggy rocks protruding from the sides of steep declivities, covered with moss-grown trees ; here are open plains, shady groves, and sunny glades, as if nature had framed this spot for the very purposes for which it was consecrated. Here in the early Spring, the feathery tribes will be heard heralding with their melodi- ous songs the dawn of day, and warbling forth their latest vesper hymns. Here the squirrels will resume their gambols and chirping among the branches, now that the truant school boy is not permitted to molest or disturb them, the butterflies will be flitting in the Summer sunshine sipping nectar from every opening flower. In fine all nature, living in unison with the peace and solitude there predominant, will unite in one grand choral song of praise to Him, the maker and ruler of all.
A.S.ROGERS
BUFFORD'S LITH, BOSTON.
VII .
NOTICES OF VIEWS.
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I.
A marble column surmounted by a bust of Washing- ton-situated at junction of Valley Avenue and Angelica Path-on the base are the following inscriptions :-
Front Erected by his fellow citizens. In memory of Jesse Smith born April 13, 1756 died June 4, 1844
Right side. The Last Survivor of the Body Guard of Washington, and through life in Peace as in war his worthy follower.
Left side. A Patriot of the Revolution : Serving in the army throughout the war : Present at the battles of Concord, Lexington, Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth.
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Rear. Buried by his side, lie the remains of Sallie Smith Wife of Jesse Smith born Jan'y 15, 1761, died August 21, 1840.
At the commencement of hostilities in 1775, Mr Smith resided in Lincoln, and belonged to a company of Minute Men. He was called out on the morning of the 19th of April, 1775, marched to Concord and followed the retreat- ing British army to Charlestown. April 21, he enlisted for eight months and was in the battle of Bunker's Hill. He served out his enlistment and then again enlisted for one year, and was drafted into Gen. Washington's First Foot Guards. In Dec., 1776, he enlisted for three years in a company of Horse, as Washington's First Horse Guards. Leaving the army he came to Salem and entered on board of a privateer, was taken prisoner and confined in Mill Prison till the close of the war. He was after- wards a highly intelligent shipmaster.
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MATTHEW ADAMS STICKNEY. Marble Obelisk. Lot 4. Grove Avenue. Here are interred, Mary Elizabeth Stickney, first wife of Matthew A. Stick- ney, born in Salem, Dec. 17, 1810, was the daughter of
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Caleb and Betsey (Winchester) Smith. She died May 9, 1834, and was buried in the old Danvers Burial Ground, and was reinterred November 4, 1840, by Matthew A. Stickney, in this lot, where he had erected, September 1, 1840, the first marble monument in the Cemetery.
Lucy Waters Stickney, Second Wife of Matthew A. Stickney, born in Salem, November 10, 1816, was the daughter of John and Eleanor (Shales) Waters. She died February 13, 1847, and was buried February 15, 1847, in this lot.
III. & III .*
In this enclosure, on Highland Avenue, corner of Maple Avenue, are interred the remains of Jacob Putnam and several of his children.
JACOB PUTNAM was born in Danvers, on the 17th of November, 1780, son of Stephen and Susanna (Herrick) Putnam. He came to Salem in early life, and engaged in business, which he conducted through a long life with eminent success. He died on the 18th of January, 1866.
The plan numbered III* is the design for a monument now in process of completion to be erected to his memory. The Base and Dies are composed of finely finished Quincy granite, with panels of marble, and the shaft with richly executed vases is also of marble. The height of the whole is about twenty feet. It is being executed by Mr. Garrett Barry Jr., from designs by Mr. R. D. Wilkie.
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IV.
In this enclosure, situated on Beech Path, are several monuments, one of which was erected to the memory of P. D. ALLEN, and the following inscriptions are inscribed thereon :
Front. Pickering Dodge Allen, Lieutenant and Aid de Camp United States Volunteers. Right.
" Entire devotion of heart to the duty of the hour, is the accomplishment of our work."
Rear. Born in Salem May 20, 1838, Died at Brashear city, Louisiana June 2, 1863, aged 25 years, 13 days.
Left. " Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."
Lieut. Allen was son of J. F. and Lucy (Dodge) Allen, of Salem. He enlisted 27th of Oct., 1861, and on the same day, was authorized to raise thirty men for cavalry ser-" vice, under Gen. Butler; commissioned as Lieut. of 1st
£
بطاطس العام
BUFFORD'S LITH. BOSTON.
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unattached company of cavalry, 20th of Feb., 1862; dur- ing the summer made 1st Lieut.,-and 29th of Sept. 1862, commenced duty as Aid de Camp on Gen. Weitzel's staff.
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V.
Granite Monument, between Chapel Avenue and Anem- one Path.
JOSEPH PEABODY, son of Francis and Margaret (Knight) Peabody, of Middleton, born Aug. 12, 1757-lived in early life in Boxford and Middleton. At the commencement of the Revolution, he quit the occupation of an agricul- turist, to participate in the more stirring scenes of a sea life on board of our private armed vessels where he distin- guished himself as a brave and skilful officer. After the Revolution he commenced business as a ship owner and merchant at Salem. His enterprises in this department were rewarded with almost unprecedented success. He died Jan. 5, 1844.
VI.
RUSTIC BRIDGE.
Between the Main Entrance and the Superintendent's Lodge.
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VII.
Marble Tablet, on Chapel Avenue. R. S. ROGERS and W. P. ENDICOTT.
VIII.
On this Marble Monument, on Greenwood Avenue, is the following inscription :
William ITarrison Prime Hospital Steward U. S. A., born in Charlestown Oct. 28, 1840, died at Newbern, N. C., Sept. 2, 1864. He loved and died for his country in the Great Rebellion.
Why our earthly friend was taken "Tis not ours to ask or say : Father of the weary hearted, Give us strength for this we pray.
IX.
Steatite Monument on Grove Avenue.
W. H. FOSTER.
الأحد
LITH , BOS
BUFFORDS
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X.
Marble Monument, on Primrose Path.
C. M. RICHARDSON.
Jonas Richardson eldest son of Charles and Sarah M. Richardson Died At Mobile Alabama Sept. 10, 1839 aged 37 years.
XI.
Granite Monument, on Anemone Path.
DUDLEY LEAVITT PICKMAN, son of William and Eliza (Leavitt) Pickman was born at Salem in 1779-died Nov. 4, 1846; a successful merchant, distinguished for his sound practical good sense and an inflexible regard to truth and justice.
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