USA > New Hampshire > Gravestone inscriptions : gathered by the Old Burial Grounds Committee of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of New Hampshire > Part 1
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SOME COLONIAL GRAVESTONE INSCRIPTIONS
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Gc 974.2 C22g 1127458
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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CALIFORNIA SOCIETY No. 1209 Must not be Loaned SONS OF THE REVOLUTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01085 8410
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Complemento of This Carpenter
GRAVESTONE INSCRIPTIONS
Gathered by the Old Burial Grounds Committee of the National Society of the Colo- nial Dames of America in the State of New Hampshire
COMPILED BY MRS. JOSIAH CARPENTER, Chairman
CAMBRIDGE PRINTED AT THE RIVERSIDE PRESS MDCCCCXIII
1127458
EXPLANATORY NOTE
IN compliance with a vote passed at the annual meeting of the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New Hampshire, the Old Burial Grounds Committee publishes its comparatively meagre gleanings for preser- vation, but does so with a hesitancy tempered by the hope that they will render assistance to some, and the conscious- ness that they will increase in value as the years roll by.
The Chairman gratefully makes mention of contribu- tions of names from the Rev. Dr. Waterman, of Hanover; Mrs. Hovey, of Portsmouth; Miss Tufts, of Exeter; Mrs. Abbott, of Keene; Miss Eaton, of Hollis; Mr. Drake, of Pittsfield; and Mr. Lamb, of Manchester, in addition to those received from members of the Committee.
MRS. JOSIAH CARPENTER, Chairman, Manchester MRS. NATHANIEL G. WHITE,
Little Boar's Head and Washington, D. C.
MRS. JOHN W. NOYES, Chester
MRS. JOSEPH B. WALKER, Concord
MRS. FREDERICK E. POTTER, Portsmouth
MISS CLARA M. FOWLER,
Little Boar's Head and Boston
MRS. CHARLES F. SAWYER, Dover
MRS. FREDERICK J. SHEPARD, Derry
MRS. BRADBURY R. CILLEY, Exeter
Old Burial Grounds Committee
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The Colonial Dead
"Theirs was the dauntless heart, the hand, the voice, That bade the desert blossom and rejoice."
A FEW years ago, when members of the Old Burial Grounds Committee were investigating the con- dition of Colonial graves in their several locali- ties, they considerately copied the headstone inscriptions. Now that the request is made for their publication as a safeguard against the ravages of old Father Time's serv- ants upon the originals, regrets that the gleanings had not been more widespread arise.
To us there is a peculiar charm in those peaceful resting- places that is not easily defined - a tumult of emotions, a wonderment as to the experiences of those so long sleeping, and a reverent eagerness to learn about them. The old black slate stones possess a wondrous fascination, varying with the mood of the onlooker. Sometimes they seem like sentinels in sombre garb, as if mourning that those whom they guard cannot participate in the marvellous progress during the years of their rest. At other times they attract irresistibly by their faithfulness in preserving the messages committed to their care, and even the quaint ornamenta- tions challenge admiration. Occasionally these graves are clustered in some sheltered spot undisturbed by modern burials and apart from the rush of modern life. Such a burying-ground is hidden away in the town of
BEDFORD,
and is found only by chance or by guidance. Even then running blackberry-vines catch hold of our garments as if
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THE COLONIAL DEAD
in protest, but tall nodding grasses and bright-faced wild flowers beckon us on, so, reverently, we search the head- stones. Many of them are stately, with "memento mori" traced above a weeping willow sheltering an urn, or an hour-glass with "My glass is run"; but it is noticeable that birth-dates were not in use. Occasionally the wear of time or lichenous growth compels finger-tips to assist eyes in de- ciphering both letters and dates.
The old artists had an independent way of suiting sub- jects and words to the space in hand. Upon one wide, scroll-bordered stone is the record of MR. JOHN BURNS, who died March 26, 1778, aged 77, separated by a line from that of MRS. ANN, his wife, died July, 1745, in the 21st year of her age. Above each is an hour-glass with an alert- looking bird perched upon it (presumably symbolic of the soul's flight). In the centre of the rounded top is a large cherub's head with outspread wings, and at each end of the segment are smaller heads with one wing of usual pro- portions, but the other greatly dwarfed so as to fit into the corner.
On another, a full-fledged cherub hovers over the man's name, but over his wife's is only a prim, wingless bust.
So interesting are the inscriptions that inclination urges the publication of every epitaph, but expediency forbids : therefore, with no reference whatever to personal promi- nence, a few are selected to assist in discerning the trend of thought at that period.
CAPT. MOSES BARRON, d. June 6th 1771, a. 61.
" Friends and physicians could not save
My mortal body from the grave,
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BEDFORD
Nor can the grave confine me here When Christ shall call me to appear."
MRS. LUCY BARRON, wife of Moses, d. Sept. 4th 1758, a. 43.
" A body's here deprived of life, A faithful, loving, virtuous wife."
GEORGE ORR, d. Oct. 18th, 1807, a. 73.
"Think, mortal. think. You stand upon eternity's dread brink."
MARGARET ORR, widow of George, d. Jan. 23rd 1828, a. 85.
(Upon the same stone)
ANNA WALLACE, sister of said Margaret, d. Nov. 6th 1825, a. 81.
"From all the labors and trials which through a long life they kindly assisted each other to support - their bodies here rest. Their spirits whereof, How they stand before their God, The day of judgement will declare."
HON. JOHN ORR, d. Dec. 23rd 1822, a. 74.
"He possessed great independance of mind. regulated by exact justice both in public and private life. He esteemed moral excellence above all other qualities of character; and was more desirous of that than of any other attainment. His life was true to his sentiments.
As an officer of the Church of Christ he was distinguished by a discriminating judgement, by uncommon decision, candor and meekness. He lived and died in an unshaken, practical adherence to the faith once delivered to the Saints."
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Quite in contrast with Bedford's is the beautiful necro- polis of old aristocratic
CHESTER,
where graves from the town's earliest settlement inter- mingle, thereby keeping a constant remembrance of those to whom we are so inexpressibly indebted.
Here lies MR. ISAAC BLAISDELL, the first clockmaker in the State, who died Oct. 9th, 1791, a. 53.
" He was a man well esteemed in publick affairs for his integrity, ingenuity and firmness. fincere in Religion, a lofs to the Publick as well as to his family."
EsQ. SAMUEL EMERSON, who passed into eternity Sept. ye 26th 1793 Ætat 86. was the great-grandfather of one of the early American missionaries to the Sandwich Islands.
"He was a perfect pattern of humanity, a worthy member of Society, an honest Man, and died univerfally lamented.
Blefs'd are the Dead who die in God. They Sleep in Jefus and are bleft. Behold, beneath this mouldering clod A pious Chriftian lies at reft."
MRS. DOROTHY EMERSON, relict of Samuel, d. March 25th 1804. a. 83.
" Halt passenger as you pass by, Remember death is always nigh, Therefore prepare to meet your God That you may rest in his abode."
REV! EBENEZER FLAGG was minister of the First Parish for sixty years until his death in 1796 at the age of 92 years.
5
CHESTER
"In him unaffected Piety and benevolence were eminently conspicuous. He was beloued by all who knew him and they were animated to the practice of pure Religion by his example."
(The Rev Mr Flagg is an ancestor of Daniel Chester French, the noted sculptor.)
MRS. LUCRETIA FLAGG, "the virtuous consort of the Revd Ebenezer, d. March 30th 1764 in the 41st year of her age."
MRS. MARY FLAGG, "the Amiable & Virtuous consort to the Rev! Ebenezer, d. Nov" Ioth AD. 1783. a. 62."
WILLIAM GRAHAM d. April ye 21st 1789, in the 73rd year of his age.
" Lo in the law Jehovar dwells, But Jefus is concel'd, Whereas the Gospel's nothing else But Jefus Chrift reveal'd."
There are two interesting horizontal slabs. One is in memory of the REV. JOHN WILSON, who, in 1779, at the age of 70 years, put on immortality after 45 years of faith- ful service over the Presbyterian Church.
" He was a servant of Christ in the most peculiar and sacred relation, both in doctrine and life. It was his great delight to preach a crucified Christ as our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. He did not entertain his hearers with curiosities, but with real spiritual good; His sermons were clear, solid, affectionate. A spirit of vital christianity ran through them.
His life was suitable to his holy profession. He was a steady friend, a loving husband, a tender parent. His inward grace was visible in a conversation becoming the gospel."
The other stone, considerably worn, is ornamented with
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THE COLONIAL DEAD
a quaint design around the edge. Upon the leaves of an open book is this Scriptural quotation,
"For the law was given by Moses but grace and truth come by Jesus Christ."
Beneath are the words:
"Here lyes the Body of M" JEAN WILSON, spouse of the Revª John Wilson, A.M. who departed this life Aprile Ist 1752. aged 36 years."
"She was a woman of devout piety, and a good economist."
CONCORD,
our dignified capitol city, with its many fine public build- ings effectively set in spacious grounds, was called Penny Cook in plantation days. From 1731 to 1734 it was in a state of transition, resulting in its establishment as the in- corporated town of Rumford, and it was so known for about thirty years, when another change gave the present name. Ground for the
Old North Cemetery,
where Colonial and more recent graves commingle "lest we forget," was set apart for burial purposes by the "Pro- prietors of Penny Cook" on the 3Ist of March, 1730, but there were no inscribed stones prior to 1800, nor even then did epitaphs seem to be in favor with the Colonists. The only one is upon the headstone of NATHANIEL ABBOTT, who died November 25, 1848, aged 79.
" Dust to its kindred dust beneath, Soul to its home on high, They who have seen thy look in death May no more fear to die."
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CONCORD
It is a pleasure to grant the request that a few facts from history supplement the names and dates of the following.
The HON. JOHN BRADLEY, who passed into life eternal July 6th, 1815, aged 72 years, was "one of the most up- right, useful and honored citizens of the town," and "his home was the abode of hospitality." His widow, HANNAH, died August 15th, 1817, aged 66.
Of the CARRIGANS, DR. PHILIP, who died August 7th, 1806, aged 80, had the reputation of being not only a good physician and noted surgeon, but an orator and writer of poetry. His son, the HON. PHILIP CARRIGAN, Secretary of State, and author of the first reliable map of New Hamp- shire, died March 15th, 1842, aged 70. The elder Carri- gan's wife, ELIZABETH, died 1805, at the age of 59.
CAPTAIN JOHN CHANDLER (1702-1774) is registered as one of the first to settle in Penny Cook. His grandson, MAJOR TIMOTHY CHANDLER (1762-1848), was a clock- maker of repute.
The REV. TIMOTHY WALKER, faithful and beloved, some- times called the "father of the town," was its first minister when New Hampshire was a British Province, and was not only a guide in spiritual affairs, but a wise counsellor in matters of public interest. "He departed this life September 1, 1782, in the 78th year of his age and the 52d of his ministry."
Another honored grave is that of the fourteenth PRESI- DENT OF THE UNITED STATES, which is within the "Minot enclosure." The modest marble shaft bears upon it, -
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THE COLONIAL DEAD
FRANKLIN PIERCE
Born Nov. 23, 1804, Died Oct. 8, 1869.
- distinctly attractive in its dignified simplicity. Al- though this city was his home during the greater portion of his life, he was born in Hillsborough, the town in which his father, Gov. BENJAMIN PIERCE (1757-1839), lies buried.
If you wish to learn more about the silent inhabitants of this sacred ground the unique "Old Cemetery Gravestone Inscriptions," by Mr. Hotchkiss, will give you an exact copy of the words upon each stone, together with a map of the yard. It is to be found only in the library of the New Hampshire Historical Society.
The Colonial period in this State is so closely connected with the talented REV. NATHANIEL BOUTON, D.D., through his valuable and exhaustive work, "Provincial and State Papers," in ten large volumes (covering the years from 1623 to 1792), that, although his life's span was from 1799 to 1878, and his last long rest is in another cemetery, we desire to pay tribute to his great service in the State as well as in his church and town. He came to Concord in 1825, and was the revered pastor of the North Congregational Church for forty years. His daughter, Mrs. Arthur E. Clarke, is President of the Colonial Dames in the State of New Hampshire.
In one of Concord's suburbs, not far from the imposing group of St. Paul's School buildings, a large granite monu- ment stands by the wayside. It records that "near this
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DERRY
spot" SAMUEL BRADLEY, JONATHAN BRADLEY, OBADIAH PETERS, JOHN BEAN, and JOHN LUFKIN were "massacred by the Indians August II, 1746." With tear-dimmed eyes we turn away, conscious of an aroused appreciation of our priceless heritage of safety.
Because of the abundance of butternut, chestnut, and walnut trees in the location selected by a group of sixteen Scotch-Irish families in 1718, they called the settlement Nutfield, but it was dignified by incorporation under the name of Londonderry in 1722. They were a thrifty people, vigorous and of superior intelligence, and the "New Hamp- shire Gazetteer" (published in 1823) informs us that "they introduced with them the culture of the potato, a vegetable till then unknown in New England." Prosperity attended them, and their excellent linen cloth and thread found a ready market. When the large town had grown to the age of more than a century of years, its inhabitants bethought themselves of dividing it so as more conveniently to ad- minister their affairs, social and political. Straightway the division was made as nearly equal in area and popula- tion as possible. One half retained the old name, while the other was christened
DERRY.
Forest Hill Cemetery chanced to fall within the bound- ary of the new township, thereby giving to the young com- munity the honor of holding nearly four hundred Colonial graves. Among them is that of REV. MATTHEW CLARK, who died February 27, 1735, @tatis suæ 76.
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THE COLONIAL DEAD
" O homo si scires quod esses et undevenires numquam guaderes sed in omni tempore fleres."
MR. ROBERT GILMORE put on immortality September 3, 1782, after 82 years of mortal life, leaving this exhorta- tion.
" Death steady to his purpose from ye womb, Purfues till we are driven to ye tomb.
O, reader wifely lay this thought to heart, And feek an interest in ye better part.
Then when you close in death your mortal eyes, Your foul may rife and reign above ye fkies."
Decades ago an old tombstone fell across a grave and had become nearly concealed by weeds and grasses, while lovely mosses made snug homes in its lettering. Less than two years since, its peculiar beauty and richness of design were noticed, and steps taken to preserve it by placing it in a neat mould of cement and resetting it upon a solid base. Its ornamentation is extreme. In addition to the heavy pillars and graceful arch are the sun, moon, stars, an altar with three candles, plummet, level, square and compass, trowel, coffin, buskin and shoe. Occasionally a few of these symbols are seen, but very rarely the equal of this. The inscription is
" Virtue - Silence. Erected in memory of PHILIP GODFRID KAST.
He was a gentleman of extenfive acquaintance & his benevolence was no lefs confined. His hofpitality was without ostentation - In a word he was a benefactor to mankind. In his laft sicknefs his pain was extreme which he endured with a truly philofophick spirit with- out ye leaft repining almoft beyond Example. He has left an in- confolable widow. & five small children join'd by the multitude to
DOVER
II
lament the loss of a tender hufband & indulgent parent & a valuable friend. He departed this life Sept 6th 1700."
A peculiarity at the resting-place of MR. DANIEL Mc- DUFFEE (died March 2, 1767, aged 75) and of his widow, MRS. RUTH (died November 9, 1778, aged 85), consists in having the following epitaph placed around the outer edge of the tombstone:
" The path of the just is as a shining light that shineth more and more unto ye perfect day."
"Concerning them that are asleep" in the two hamlets of the dead within the Londonderry portion of the old town the headstones bear simply names and dates. The only monument is one erected in memory of REV. WILLIAM MORRISON, D.D., by his "mourning flock," upon which appreciation of his thirty-five years of faithful care is af- fectionately expressed. "He died in sweet peace and ani- mated hope March 9. 1818 aged 70."
DOVER
was one of the original quartette of New Hampshire settle- ments, Exeter, Hampton, and Portsmouth being the other three. In 1623, a band of emigrants, who were cruising along the shore of Massachusetts Bay Colony, proceeded a few miles up the Cocheco River and were so attracted by the wondrous beauty of Winichahanat (the Indian name) that they landed and established themselves, calling the place Northam. Ten years later incorporation gave it the name of Dover.
Among the many epitaphs in Pine Hill Cemetery there
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THE COLONIAL DEAD
are none sweeter than young SARAH ELIOT's, who gave up life March 16, 1771, at the age of 26.
"In hope of a happy Reunion of Soul and Body at the last Day."
MOSES LITTLE EsQ! "was seized with a Malignant Fever while on a journey to Compton," and died August 30, 1798, aged 59.
"When pestilence with rapid strides advanced, And thro' our humbled towns his arrows lanced, Not wealth, nor power, nor parting worth could save Even Little, friend to virtue, from the grave. Yet shall his deeds of charity Survive, And e'un his duft at the last day revive."
MR. JOSHUA PERKINS's long life of 84 years ended August 29, 1819, and upon his tablet is inscribed:
"God forms and governs by decrees All things in heaven and earth and seas, And by his wisdom, power and skill, In every case performs his will."
When death's messenger summoned his consort, MRS. MARTHA PERKINS, January 11, 1811, at the age of 67 years, her faith and resignation were voiced thus:
" By thy sustaining power. O God, I Became the joyful mother of fifteen Children, dear to me as life. When thou in thy wisdom didst call a Part of them to thyself, gave glory To thy name, and when thou didst Send to me the messenger of death I was wholly resigned to thy providence."
The famous Waldron family were interred in the church-
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EXETER
yard which is beside the Methodist meeting-house. Brave MAJOR RICHARD WALDRON, 80 years old, President of the Province of New Hampshire, on the night of Janu- ary 27, 1689, was "literally cut to pieces" by treacherous Indians whose enmity he had incurred in the perform- ance of his official duties. The HON. RICHARD WALDRON, son of the President, also THOMAS WESTBROOK WALDRON, who died April 3, 1785, aged 64, lie near him.
The interesting city of
EXETER,
headquarters of our Society during several years past, is endeared to us by many delightful memories. In Provin- cial and Revolutionary years it was of noteworthy import- ance, being our seat of government during the latter period and was one of our few seaport towns. By the tide rise of eleven feet vessels of five hundred tons could be floated down the Swamscot (now Exeter) River, and several were built each year for the West India trade. The saddlery business was also carried on more extensively "than in any other town this side of Philadelphia." A long list of "mills" turning out a variety of products is given in Morse's "Gaz- etteer," printed in 1797.
It seems that the town has always been noted for its edu- cational institutions, for even then, in addition to Phillips Exeter Academy, celebrated then as now, there were six or eight private schools "chiefly for women."
The three first burying-grounds and all traces of their occupants are entirely obliterated, but in later ones are
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THE COLONIAL DEAD
many widely known and honored names. In the Linden Street cemetery we transcribe the following inscription with profound respect.
" JOHN PHILLIPS, LL.D.
Founder Of the Phillips Exeter Academy, An Associate Founder Of the Phillips Academy in Andover and A liberal benefactor of Dartmouth College. Died August 21 1795 Aged 75 years. Actuated by his ardent attachment To the cause of christianity He devoted his wealth To the advancement of Letters and Religion. His appropriate Monuments Are the institutions Which bear his name."
" MRS. SARAH PHILLIPS, consort of John, d. Oct. 9, 1765 a 62. ELIZABETH, second wife of John, d Sept. 1797 a 75."
In the same cemetery rests BENJAMIN ABBOT, LL.D., who was appointed Principal of Phillips Exeter Academy by its founder and most acceptably filled the position for fifty years. Lewis Cass, Daniel Webster, Edward Everett, George Bancroft, and many others who became men of world-wide renown were his pupils. He was 87 years of age
I 5
EXETER
when on October 25, 1849, he laid aside earthly cares.
"RESURGAM."
HANNAH TRACY, the first wife of Benjamin Abbot, died December 6, 1793, at the age of 22, leaving a son, John Emery Abbot, who grew to be a distinguished divine. MARY, his second wife, died in 1863, aged 93 years and IO months.
In another of earth's sacred grounds sleeps REV. SAMUEL DUDLEY (son of Governor Thomas Dudley), who was born in England in 1610, and was pastor of the First Church from 1650 to his death on November 16, 1683.
Here also repose the remains of REV. JOHN CLARK (a relative of Rev. Samuel Dudley by marriage). Very rarely is it the lot of any one to win such an extraordinary hold upon the affections of a community within a life's span of 35 years as history shows to have been his good fortune. He passed away July 25, 1705, and the town erected a tomb in his memory bearing this testimony:
" A prophet lies under this stone His words shall live tho' he be gone. When preachers die what rules the pulpit gave Of living, are still preached from the grave. The faith and life which your dear Pastor taught Now in the grave with him, sirs, bury not."
It is said that from 1650 to 1776 the ministers of this town were all related either by blood or marriage.
The following epitaph in memory of Captain Goodritch was sent to a member of our Committee in the belief that it had been copied from a very old gravestone in this city.
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THE COLONIAL DEAD
Thus far we have been unable to locate it, but hopefully grant it a place.
CAPTAIN JOHN GOODRITCH
cleared from mortal shores April 16, 1799, made a swift and safe passage, we believe, to those of the Heavenly Haven. This was his last voyage, but he had made thirty others, chiefly to the West Indies for rum."
The thought of Exeter seems incomplete with no men- tion of REV. JOHN WHEELWRIGHT, its founder and for several years one of the most influential factors in its pub- lic and spiritual life. He was a man of distinguished ability, learning, and piety, and fearless in defending his views. He moved from here into Maine, but his final rest came to him in Salisbury, Massachusetts, November 15, 1679, at the ripe age of 85.
THE OLD PINE BURYING GROUND IN HAMPTON
(which is so tidily preserved by the villagers) is one of the most picturesquely fascinating of the populous silent cities. Its stone wall gray with age, its grove of sturdy, young pines sheltering the black slate gravestones with touching devotion, and spreading a thick, soft carpet of reddish brown, delicately perfumed, make an alluringly artistic combination. Furthermore, it is unique, for there have been no burials in it for more than a century - just a com- pany of old friends whom one feels a hesitancy in intruding upon.
Although Hampton was settled in 1638, this ground was not "laid out" until 1654. The very earliest sombre-hued
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OLD PINE BURYING-GROUND
sentinels have yielded to Time's wooing and disappeared, others are sinking into the earth as if to ascertain the con- dition of those whom they were placed there to guard, but many are still vigorous and promise faithful service for years to come. One has been captured by luxuriant mosses, which have selfishly concealed all but its outline; another has grown dumb and turns a deaf ear to questionings. The Lane family, finding that the reminders of their ancestors were becoming crumbled, erected a monument in their memory, selecting with taste a dark-hued granite which harmonizes with its surroundings. Each of its four sides is eloquent with names.
With tender thoughts and careful tread we move across to the memorial placed here by the Colonial Dames. It is of the old table-tomb style which is so touchingly attract- ive, protecting the sacred earth from desecration by un- friendly footsteps and designating where three divines were laid to rest side by side, the REV. SEABORN COTTON, his son, the REV. JOHN COTTON, and the latter's son-in- law, the REV. NATHANIEL GOOKIN, who preached in one parish, succeeding each other, from 1650 to 1734.
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