USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Roxbury > Forest Hills cemetery: its establishment, progress, scenery, monuments, etc. > Part 7
USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Forest Hills cemetery: its establishment, progress, scenery, monuments, etc > Part 7
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In all these various offices he established a rep- utation for patriotism, integrity and fidelity to his trust, and not even his political opponents ever questioned that he was an honest and high-minded man.
Aside from his public offices, Gen. Dearborn occupied a prominent position, for many years, as a man of liberal views and public spirit, who en- listed zealously in the cause of those internal improvements which should develope the resources of the country. On these subjects he wrote and spoke often; and with sanguine hope and fore- sight he did not hesitate to utter his convictions or to propose the plans suggested by his compre- hensive mind. In the rural arts he was also deeply interested, and has by writing and work
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achieved much for their advancement. Agricul- ture and horticulture were subjects of study and of deep interest for him. In horticulture he was one of the pioneers in this country, having been one of the founders and the first president of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. And it is to him, while connected with this society, that is due, in no small degree, the honor of securing the establishment of Mount Auburn, the first rural cemetery of the country. He wrote an able re- port in favor of establishing this cemetery in con- nection with an experimental garden of the Hor- ticultural Society, and it was through his warm interest in the measure, and zealous advocacy of it, that the Society engaged in the work and pur- chased the land. Nor did his labors cease there, for it was he who performed the chief part of the work of laying out the grounds. This work was truly congenial to his tastes, and he devoted him- self to it with unwearied energy and disinterested and enthusiastic love. The skill and taste with which he performed his task, is fully acknowl- edged in the admiration of those who have seen the beauties of that sacred ground ; it is itself, as has well been said, "a magnificent and beautiful monument to him-to his industry and taste, his affectionate reverence for the claims of the dead and the sorrows of the living."
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In the creation of Forest Hills, Gen. Dearborn performed a similar work. If not the originator of the project, he was one of its earliest and most zealous advocates. He was the leading petitioner to the city authorities of Roxbury for the estab- lishment of the cemetery ; and when, in the suc- cecding municipal year, he became the chief magistrate of the city, he devoted himself to the task of securing the accomplishment of a measure which became a favorite one with him.
When the committee who had the subject under consideration made explorations in the vicinity, in search of grounds suited to the purposes of a cemetery, Gen. Dearborn was foremost in the work, examining the various tracts which were proposed, with a keen eye to perceive their natu- ral beauties and their availabilities for the con- templated work. In visiting the tract which was finally selected for the cemetery, after glancing over its prominent features and considering its vicinity to the dense population for whose use the cemetery was intended, he said, at once, that this was the place. Further examination satisfied him that he had not judged too hastily ; and whatever may have been the opinion, at that time, of those less skilled in detecting the picturesque and beau- tiful in nature, and less experienced in the art of developing these elements, time has shown how
L
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correct was his judgment, how admirable his taste.
Upon the work of laying out these grounds he entered with as ardent a zeal as he had before given to similar labors at Mount Auburn; and he devoted himself to it with a deeper and more sol- emn and reverent love, and with an ever-present sense of the sacredness of the place and of his task. With his own hand he marked out the winding avenues and shaded paths, observing how each should reveal some beauty while making available the gentle slopes or the rugged steeps as resting places for the dead. With his own hand he reared the rustic structure over the foun- tain, and planted there the lichens and creepers which cover it; and his reverent mind selected the scripture text with which it utters a divine lesson to those who linger near the spot. He modeled the imposing gateway at the principal entrance ; he projected the chief adornments, and in a word, he stamped his own idea upon the cemetery in all the varied forms with which art has developed and increased the beauties of na- ture. And it was all a disinterested and unselfish labor on his part, prompted by a love of nature, an untiring industry, and a pious regard for the claims of the dead. Hardly was there a sign that he even desired to associate his name so
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intimately with the sacred shades of Forest Hills or of Mount Auburn, though such an ambition were no unworthy one. But he labored rather for the love of his work, for the honor of the dead and the solace of the living.
Gen. Dearborn was a man of remarkable indus- try, and his time, not devoted to the labors of his office, was spent in acquiring or communicating information. His studies were varied and exten- sive, and there were few subjects to which he had not given some attention. The extent of his stu-
dies and his industry are shown by the numerous volumes of manuscript on a great variety of sub- jects, which he has left, besides several volumes of published works, a great many contributions to periodicals, official reports and other printed documents. The contents of these numerous papers show the extent of his research and his information. As he was no mere student, but gave much time, not only to official duties, but to the various subjects of public interest which en- gaged his attention, these private labors are the more remarkable.
In his intercourse with others he was exceed- ingly courteous, and the dignity of his presence made his courtesy and kindly manners the more striking. His conversation was agreeable and instructive ; and perfectly at home on almost any
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subject, he was ever ready, with illustrations or valuable information, to develope it or add to its interest.
In the reverses of fortune which overtook him, he was unchanged, unless it were that his gener- ous nature became still more kindly. Exhibiting the same characteristics of dignity and courtesy, he seemed to have no regret for the change ex- cept that his means of contributing to the enjoy- ment and happiness of others were diminished. He still had those unfailing resources for his own enjoyment; he delighted in study, and found a still deeper pleasure in the beauties of nature. That which was wealth to him he still possessed, the unlimited treasures of knowledge, from which he was ever gathering some new store, and the works of God, which he ever delighted to con- template.
The loss of Gen. Dearborn was deeply deplor- ed by a wide circle of friends, and his associates in public and official life. The records of many a society with which he was connected bear resolu- tions of respect for his memory and gratitude for his services. His burial took place in a very pri- vate manner; but subsequently, at the request of the city authorities of Roxbury, a discourse on his life and character was delivered by Rev. George Putnam, D. D., in which an eloquent and discrim-
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inating tribute is paid to his virtues and his worth.
His remains repose in the spot selected by him- self, and amid the scenes where he had passed so many hours and had so lovingly labored to create a garden for the dead. There is no lovelier spot in all these grounds, and as we stand by his grave and look around at the result of his tasteful, devoted labors, along those avenues and paths whose borders are so beautiful, and into those solemn shades now so consecrated by sacred memories, we may reverently bless his name for this his good work.
" Surely the man who, more than any other man, has taken a leading and efficient part in changing a people's whole system of burial, in redeeming the waste places of death, in surround- ing the very grave with nature's choicest adorn- ments, and investing the dreary sepulchre with the scenes and objects that are fraught with the . most soothing and elevating associations, and has directed the steps of the living multitudes of cities and villages to the abodes of the dead, as the quietest shades and the loveliest resorts, where the most inviting aspects of nature and the most exquisite arrangements of taste blend in sweet harmony with all tender and solemn thoughts-surely this man has done a great L*
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work. Surely he has made a broad mark on the face of the earth, and upon the hearts of men. Surely he deserves that grateful and honoring thoughts should gather round his grave, and that his name should be held in long and kind remem- brance. Every lover of the beautiful owes him something. Every mortal man, who ever sends forward a thought to the spot where he is to be laid, and finds soothing in its verdure and peace- fulness, owes him something. Every bereaved one, who follows his beloved dead along those green and winding aisles of nature, and lays down his remains, and revisits them with oft-returning footsteps, to weep and to pray by them, lying there as in the very bosom of the loving God of nature, owes him something - some tribute o tender and thankful recollection." *
On the southern declivity of Mount Dearborn, in the lot of William Cumston, is the statue of a child, standing in an attitude of attention, with eyes raised, as if listening to a call from above, and his arms crossed in resignation on his breast. The drapery is simple and well arranged, and, altogether, the statue is an appropriate piece of sculpture for the cemetery.
* Rev. Dr. Putnam's Address, Sept. 3, 1851.
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Between Mount Dearborn and the Eliot Hills there are a number of monuments which will at- tract the attention of the visitor. On Red Oak Avenue is a large Gothic tablet, of sandstone, inscribed with a number of names of the Willard - family. On the front is the following : "Simon Willard, born in Grafton, Mass., April 3, 1753; settled in this city 1773, and died Aug. 30, 1848, aged 95 years, 4 months, 27 days." This name will be recognized as that of the well-known clock-maker. On Willow Avenue will be seen a plain marble obelisk bearing the name of Dudley ; an obelisk with Egyptian monuments in the lot of George Miller ; in that of Charles Hickling a slab on which is wrought a small basso-relievo of a sleeping child; and at the corner of Willow and White Oak avenues a plain square pedestal sur- mounted by a vase, the pedestal inscribed " Na- thaniel Dorr, born March 22, 1779, died Nov. 8, 1850."
On Narcissus Path is a white marble pedestal, with an urn, bearing the name of J. Barry ; and on the lot of C. Whitmore, a massive pedestal with the broken shaft of a column. On one side of the pedestal is a harp with severed strings, and the other faces bear inscriptions.
On White Oak Avenue, near its junction with Red Oak, in the lot of J. B. Learock is an obelisk,
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on the front of which is a representation, in relief, of a female bowed in grief. Further towards Eliot Hills, in the lot of Eliza Dudley, is a beau- tiful little statuette of a child asleep, with its head resting on a lamb. The pedestal is inscrib- ed " Our little Frank." It is a fitting monument for the grave of a child. Still further on is a handsome plain pedestal surmounted by an urn, in the lot of J. G. Bachelder.
On Eliot Hills are a number of noticeable mon- uments. Beginning on the northern side, at the foot of the hill, on Clementis Path will be seen a gray sandstone monument, near the cemetery boundary, bearing the name of Badger; it has scroll-work shields, and is surmounted by a cross. On White Oak Avenue, which winds around the eastern and southern sides of the hill, in the lot of Charles Blake, is a slab on which is a repre- sentation, in relief, of an angel bearing away a child, and the simple inscription, "Our darling Eddie." A granite obelisk stands on the lot of J. S. Emerson; near by, a marble pedestal, on which is an urn, bears the name of James Vila .- Farther on, in the lot of George Gregerson, is a large ornamented scroll, inscribed with the name of Dr. J. B. Gregerson, who died at Boston, Sept. 5, 1854, aged 46 years 15 days.
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Near this is a fine piece of sculpture, in the lot of N. P. Lovering, one of the most beautiful mon- uments in the cemetery. It is the statue of a child reclining as if asleep, its head resting upon one arm. The expression of the face is very sweet, and the posture casy and natural. It was executed in Italy, and is such a piece of work as too seldom adorns our burial places. On the base are the words, "She is not dead, but sleepeth." The monument is erected over the grave of a beloved child, and constantly there are offerings laid there of fresh and beautiful flowers.
On Hawthorn Path, which leads up the hillside, is an obelisk in the lot of A. Cunningham; and further on, in the lot of Samuel Wadsworth, four little head-stones over the graves of children tell a touching story. Each has four rose-buds, in re- lief; the first with one broken bud, and three still on the stem-and so each succeeding one with an additional broken bud, until they all are sever- ed. Near by, on Jasmine Path, in the lot of Wil- liam Barry, is a scroll ornamented with roses and inscribed, "My beloved wife," and a marble vase containing flowering plants. On Eliot Hills Path, the monument of Caleb Parker is a plain Egyp- tian pedestal; and near that is a handsome mar- ble obelisk without a name.
On Green Brier Path is a handsome obelisk
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bearing the name of Litchfield, near which is the lot of Daniel Brims, containing a large and hand- some obelisk of white marble. At the back of the lot English ivy thickly covers a steep and high rock. On the same path, near the summit of the hill, is a lot which bears the name of Weeks, in which is another appropriate monument over the grave of childhood. On a handsome pedestal is a small piece of sculpture representing a child reclining, with flowers in her hand and a lamb by her side-a beautiful design and well executed. The pedestal is inscribed, " Little Emma," follow- ing which are the words of the Saviour, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven."
On Wabon Path is an elegant monument, which, on account of its position, being raised above the lots on White Oak Avenue by a walled terrace, attracts the eye at some distance. It is in the lot of Samuel Guild, and bears simply the name in deeply-cut letters. It is a white marble sarco- phagus with a wreath of ivy on the top, and oak leaves bending over the verge. On the same lot is a scroll bearing the name of Samuel Guild, Jr.
On Nesutan Avenue, as it winds up the hill, will be observed three tablets erected on one base, the centre one bearing a statuette of a child. Each of the tablets bears an inscription. Three
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graves are enclosed with marble scroll-work, and are covered with flowers. Opposite this is the plain monument of J. A. White; and not far dis- tant, on Mayflower Path, is an obelisk bearing the name of Guild.
The grounds southeast of Eliot Hills, rising gradually towards the terrace mentioned in an- other place, are interesting and beautiful in the numerous monuments which are there crected, as well as in the neatness and garden-like appear- ance which they exhibit. Most of these monu- ments are simple and unostentatious, though a few possess more elaborate attractions.
On White Oak Avenue, near Eliot Hills, is a gray sandstone Gothic monument bearing the name of Curtis. Near this are two marble obe- lisks, one bearing the name of Gwynne, and the other, which rests on a large marble base, bears the name of Leman encircled by a wreath of oak leaves and acorns. Further on, towards the Walk Hill entrance, in a small triangular lot is the fig- ure of a Newfoundland dog, well executed in red sandstone. He lies as if watching. On the base is the name of Barnard.
On Aster Path, in the lot of Nathaniel Brewer, are some of those little emblematic pieces of sculpture which are quite frequent in the ceme-
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tery -a lamb, and a dove with open wings; the one at the head and the other at the foot of a grave, which is enclosed by marble scroll-work and covered with flowers. On the same path is an arched tablet crowned with flowers, bearing the name of Warren Thayer. Near this is a mar- ble sarcophagus, noticeable for its entire freedom from ornament. It is inscribed, "My Husband." " Charles Cunningham, died Oct. 9, 1852, aged 72 years." Further on are two obelisks, one on the lot of Foster, and the other inscribed with the name of Capt. William Drew, a shipmaster.
On Hyacinth Path are two simple monuments ; one, in the lot of Henry Bursley, is a marble block bearing a scroll and a wreath of flowers, and the other a plain Gothic tablet ornamented with a wreath of olive leaves, in the lot bearing the name of Partridge.
A shield, of white marble, surrounded with a richly-wrought wreath of ivy leaves and an open lily, will attract the attention on Eglantine Path. It bears the name of Montague, and it will be noticed as one of the prettiest of this neat and unpretending style of monuments. In lots on Anemone Path are several iron vases containing flowering plants.
On White Pine Avenue is a handsome monu- ment bearing the name of Ripley -a base orna-
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mented with a wreath of flowers, and an octagonal shaft with corded angles surmounted by an urn. Not far distant, in the lot of F. B. Wentworth, is a simple draped block, on which lie two closed volumes. In the lot of S. A. Way is a pointed Gothic monument of white marble, in the front of which is a niche containing an urn of Italian mar- ble. On the same avenue will be observed seve- ral other more simple monuments.
On Geranium Path, in the lot of David Loring, are two monumental scrolls, on one of which is a closed volume, and on the other a broken flower. A plain pedestal and urn ornaments the lot of Hastings. Conspicuous on this path is the monu- ment of Kilby Page, a massive Egyptian base, with panels, supporting an obelisk. It is of granite, finely wrought, and is a handsome monument. Not far distant, on a lot bearing the name of Clark, is a sandstone monument with elaborate Gothic ornaments. The finial is surmounted by a dove. In the same lot two neat scrolls are in- scribed with the names of children.
At the corner of Hemlock and Cherry avenues, in the lot of John H. Gray, is a large marble shield ornamented with scroll-work, leaves and poppy-flowers, and there is also a scroll on which lies a wreath of roses, in marble. Farther west- ward, on Cherry Avenue, is a massive granite M
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obelisk, bearing the name of Thomas Sinclair. It is a plain but elegant monument, finely wrought. On the same avenue, in the lot of S. S. Lewis, is a monument which will not fail to attract the eye. It is a large tablet resting on a base with scrolls, at the head of three graves enclosed with marble slabs. On the upper part of the tablet are three cherubs, in alto-relievo, reading a scroll inscribed with the names of three children, who are there buried, and it is surmounted with a vase of sculp- tured flowers. At the foot of the graves are an urn and two lambs, and within the marble border a profusion of flowers.
Still further towards the Walk Hill entrance is a handsome marble monument, consisting of an octagonal shaft resting on a base with arched faces. On the front side of the base is the fol- lowing inscription :
" Alfred T. Minot, A native of Westford ; a citizen of Boston, And a member of its Government. Born Feb. 22, 1819. Died Aug. 16, 1853. He to life's noblest ends Gave up life's noblest powers."
The other sides of the base have the following tribute to his worth :
"This marble speaks of one, who, during a short but active life, acquired, in no ordinary measure, the regard and
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confidence of a community of which he was an ornament and benefactor.
"With an intellect clear, cultivated and comprehensive, he joined the still nobler properties of a feeling and generous disposition. Indeed, in him were combined in a rare degree those mental, moral and religious qualities of character which invite the love and command the respect of society.
" But in the seeming noontide of his existence and full maturity of his powers, he was suddenly summoned from the scenes of earth, to receive, as we trust, his reward in heaven.
" Municipal and social records bear witness to the sound- ness of his judgment and the wisdom of his counsel ; while the hearts of his lamenting friends are indelibly engraven with recollections of his personal virtues.
" To his memory, so dearly and justly cherished, many persons, not of his family or kindred, have united to set up this public testimonial of their affection and sorrow."
" Abiit non obiit" is the brief and hopeful epitaph on a little cross over a child's grave, on Crysanthemum Path. On this path, in the lot of George H. Everson, is another piece of sculpture, which will attract the attention of the visitor. It represents a child reclining, as if asleep, on a quiver of arrows, while one hand grasps a bow. The figure rests on a handsome pedestal, which bears an inscription. The monument of Simeon Palmer, a little further on, is a plain marble pedestal surmounted by an urn and resting on a heavy granite base. The lot of Barney Cory
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contains one of those appropriate monumental scrolls, with a lamb resting on it, inscribed,
" Our little Fanny." " One less to love on earth ; One more to meet in Heaven."
In the lot of Torrey and Tilden, on this path, is a large marble slab, supported on ballusters.
On Althea Path, which extends eastward from Hemlock Avenue below the terrace wall, is a Nor- man arched monument of white marble. In the arch is an urn. The monument bears the inscrip- tion, " Our Mother and our Brother."
Nearly opposite this is a monument in memory of Manlius Stimson Clarke. It is a Gothic tablet of white marble, surmounted by a cross, and bears the following inscription :
"' He giveth His beloved sleep.' Manlius Stimson Clarke Was born at Norton Oct. 17, 1816. Was graduated at Harvard College, 1837, and died in Boston April 27, 1853.
" A sound lawyer, a public-spirited citizen, a wise friend of the young, a tender husband and father, a consistent Christian believer.
"This stone is raised by a few of his companions who loved him for his social virtues, admired his actions, and honor his memory."
This epitaph is alike comprehensive and truth-
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ful in its brief simplicity ; a fitting tribute to the memory of an excellent man, who at a compara- tively early age was called away from a life of usefulness.
Passing round to the top of Fountain Hill, near the Commissioners' office, on Cherry Avenue, will be observed a monument of red sandstone, an obelisk resting on a heavy pedestal. The in- scriptions are in gilded letters.
Next to this is the large and handsome monu- ment of Nathaniel Snow. It consists of a pedes- tal and shaft elaborately finished. On each side of the pedestal are shields of scroll-work, and at each corner an inverted torch. The shaft is oc- tagonal, with Gothic panels and rich Gothic orna- ments at the base. It is surmounted by an urn wreathed with flowers. A little farther on, is a plain pedestal bearing a vase, in the lot of Horace Bacon. It is inscribed " Horace Bacon died Aug. 14, 1850, aged 49 years. ' Thou hast been faith-
ful over a few things.' " A marble obelisk orna- mented with a wreath of flowers and a broken harp, bears the name of Charles Copeland.
On the opposite side of the avenue, in the lot of Austin Sumner, is a large architectural tablet, of red sandstone. In the front panel is a star surrounded by a heavy and richly-wrought wreath M*
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of flowers. Vine leaves and flowers extend around the frieze, above which is a pediment ornamented with a wreath of olive branches. The monument of R. H. C. Merry is a handsome marble pedestal and ornamented obelisk, with a flower-wreathed urn.
Next to the last is the monument of John D. Williams, the highly respected merchant of Bos- ton. It is a simple and plain stone, somewhat similar to one which he erected in the Eustis street cemetery, in Roxbury, and in accordance with his known wishes and taste. It consists of a pedestal and obelisk, the latter having on its front a vase of flowers, in relief, and a shield on the pedestal bearing the following simple inscrip- tion :
" John Davis Williams, Died August 23, 1848, aged 78 years. His wife Hannah, Died Feb. 11, 1824, aged 49 years."
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