USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Guide to Laurel Hill Cemetery, near Philadelphia, with illustrations > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
As the visiter enters the Ceme- tery, on the bank to the right his eye will be struck by a modern obelisk, ornamented by a ship and a quadrant. At the foot is an old soap-stone partly defaced. These memorials mark the grave of THOMAS
MONUMENT TO CAPT - LAVALET
25
LAUREL HILL.
GODFREY, the inventor of the Quadrant, together with those of his father and mother, whose remains were re. moved to Laurel Hill from the farm long owned by the family, near Germantown, a few miles from the spot where they now rest. This was done by JOHN F. WAT- SON, Esq., the Annalist of Philadelphia, in the year 1838. The monument was erected by the Mercantile Library Company and others, on a suggestion to that effect made by Dr. G. EMERSON, while lecturing before the institution. Dr. E. also delivered the oration on the occasion of placing the monument, to a numerous and respectable audience.
The inscription is as follows. On the east side of the base :- " GODFREY. . Palmam qui meruit ferat." " On the same side of the pyramid, near the top, a Quadrant is sculptured. On the north side :- " Erected, A. D. 1843, by the Mercantile Library Company of Philadelphia, aided by citizens of Philadelphia and Germantown." On the west side of the base :- " His invention has conferred en- during benefit upon the marine and commerce of the world." Above this inscription, upon the shaft, a ship is carved. On the south :- " THOMAS GODFREY, the Inventor of the Mariner's Quadrant, a citizen of Philadelphia. Born 1704-died 1749."
Godfrey's father having been interred on his farm, the old gravestone seen at the foot of the obelisk, was erected over the grave. In the course of time the new occupants ceased to reverence the graves of the family, and a cart- lane was opened over the spot. It is to a desecrating cart-wheel's knocks that we owe the defacement of the
26 ,
LAUREL HILL.
memorial. Mr. Watson, with the patience of an antiquary, has deciphered the readable part, and supplied the defaced portions thus : the words in brackets were spoiled by the passing wheel :
INSCRIPTION ON THE SOAP-STONE OVER THE REMAINS OF GODFREY'S FATHER. -
-
" Here lyeth ye [body of ] Joseph, son of [ Thomas] and Frances [Godfrey.] Aged thirty [and two] years and ab [out -] months, who [dyed ye] fourteenth day [of the] second month [in the] year 1705.
" As by grace -
Comes election, So the end of our hope Is the resurrection."
The quaint lines on the other side read thus :
Death ends man's worke
And labour here.
The man's blest
Whose labour's just and pure.
'Tis vain for man
This life to adore, For our dear son
Is dead and gone before.
We hope our Saviour Him hath justified, Tho' of his being present We are now deprived.
This would not be a proper place to enter upon a dis- cussion of the merits of Godfrey as an inventor, or of the efforts of his patron, the learned James Logan, to prevent
ورد
€
MONUMENT TO CEN - MERCER.
7.2
27
LAUREL HILL.
the rightful claimant from being deprived of the honour demonstrated to be his due. The whole matter has been duly treated by Mr. Walsh, in his " Appeal,", and by Dr. Emerson in his Address.
A writer in Silliman's Journal, alluding to Godfrey and the desecration of the monument, remarks, " this emphati- cally exhibits the folly of interring on farms, which must pass, in this country, after a few generations, into the hands of strangers."
1.1
GENERAL HUGH MERCER.
HE Monument to GENERAL HUGH MERCER, near the Chapel, was 1 erected by the St. Andrew's Society. The remains of this distinguished soldier, who was killed at the battle of Prince- ton, were removed from the original place of sepulture, in Christ Church graveyard, Second Street, Philadelphia, on the 26th of November, 1840, by his countrymen of the St. Andrew's and Thistle Societies, attended by unusual
28
LAUREL HILL.
pomp and funeral ceremony ; all the troops of the City and County, and many companies from neighbouring Counties and States, were in attendance. The coffin was taken to the large Presbyterian Church on Washington Square, attended by the First Troop of City Cavalry, which took part in the battle of Princeton, and whose documentary testimony of merit is an honourable dis- charge from General Mercer himself, in 1776. At the Church, a beautiful and chaste funeral culogium was de- livered by WILLIAM B. REED, Esq., after which, the pall borne by Commodores Read, Biddle, and Stewart, and Colonel Miller, the cortege slowly moved to Laurel Hill, attended by thousands of our citizens.
The annexed extract from the oration of Mr. Reed claims a place here :
" On the 14th of January, 1777, the remains of Mercer were brought to this city, and on the next day but one were interred in the graveyard, from which we have this day removed them.
" There are aged inen yet amongst us, so aged that before the brief remnant of this year expires the genera- tion may cease to live, who remember the solemnity of that funeral. It was the Nation mourning for her first child. It was a people in sad amazement that a gallant citizen had indecd died for them. And when the ancient inhabitants of this city gathered in throngs to bear the soldier's mangled corpse to its place of rest, it was com- mitted to the ground with the sacred service which bade them look to the promised day, when the earth and sea
1
29
LAUREL HILL.
shall give up their dead. The grave thus solemnly closed, has been unsealed affectionately, reverently, piously. But yet upon the solemnities of this day, the reproach of a vain and profane pageant may fasten, if the mouldering remains of the dead can be placed in the midst of the living, without stirring every heart to its very eentre.
" The first obsequies, performed by our forefathers more than sixty years ago, over the body of Mercer, with its death-wounds fresh and bloody, taught to a struggling people the lesson of patriotic martyrdom. When wc, their children, assemble for these new obsequies, the blood which has poured from those wounds has long sinec mingled with the earth-the blessings which it earned have been enjoyed by generation after generation, and not vainly will those solemnities pass away if their memory shall lead
' To confident repose In God, and reverence for the dust of man!"
The following inscriptions on the monument tell the story of the services of the deceased, and record the debt thus partially paid by posterity. Principal front, facing the east :- " Dedicated to the memory of GENERAL HUGH MERCER, who fell for the sacred cause of human liberty and American independence, in the battle of Princeton. He poured out his blood for a generous principle." West side : " GENERAL MERCER, a physician of Fredericksburg in Vir- ginia, was distinguished for his skill and learning, his gentleness and decision, his refinement and humanity, his
4
-
30
LAUREL HILL.
elevated honour, and his devotion to the great cause of civil and religious liberty." North side : " GENERAL MERCER, a native of Scotland, was an Assistant-Surgeon in the battle of Culloden, and the companion of WASH- INGTON in the Indian wars of 1775 and 1776. He received a medal from the corporation of Philadelphia, for his courage and conduct in the expedition against the Indian settlement of Kittanning." South side : "The ST. AN- DREW'S SOCIETY of Philadelphia, offer this humble tribute to the memory of an illustrious brother. When a grate- ful posterity shall bid the trophied memorial rise to the martyrs who scaled with their blood the charter of an Empire's liberties, there shall not be wanting a monument to him whom WASHINGTON mourned as the worthy and brave MERCER."
On the cornice of this monument is sculptured an Ame- rican sword and scabbard crossed, and surrounded by radii of glory, the execution of which is much admired. It is from the well-known establishment of John Struthers and Son, of Philadelphia.
1
OSCAR DOUGLAS.
EAST of the Church, adjoining the carriage-road, rises the elaborate monument to OSCAR DOUGLAS, a Philadel- phia Fireman, killed by the falling of a wall while in the discharge of his public duty.
-
-
MONUMENT TO OSCAR DOUGLASS.
31
LAUREL HILL.
The following is the inscription. On the south side, near the top, encircled within a beautiful wreath : "DOUGLAS." And below : " OSCAR DOUGLAS, in his twenty- seventh year, fell a sacrifice to his zeal as a fireman, at the conflagration of January 23, 1841, in Market Street above Third, north side. Dedicated, August 2, in respect to his many virtues, by his fellow-members of the Penn- sylvania Fire Company."
On the east side is a fine inverted torch, showing that the flickering flame is quenched.
On the north is carved, in bold relief, the insignia of a little band of brothers, to which the deceased belonged- two hands grasping each other in perpetual friendship. Inscription : "LES DOUZE AMIS."# On the west, in the same relief, an inverted cannon. Inscription :- " LIGHT ARTILLERY CORPS OF WASHINGTON GRAYS." These tributes to departed excellence, worth, and services, are sentinels posted to induce us to do well.
.-
CHARLES THOMSON.
BENEATH the brow of the hill rises a granite monument, in the form of Cleopatra's Needle, the shaft reduced from the original height of sixty-four feet to sixteen, or one
- * The Twelve Friends.
-
32
LAUREL HILL.
fourth. The whole height, ineluding the base, is twenty- one feet, and the entire weight of the stone about five tons.
The size, material, and severe simplicity, together with its rural situation on the banks of the Schuylkill, render it peculiarly suitable to commemorate such a character as that of CHARLES THOMSON. He was aetive when the elaims of his country demanded his attention, and he retired to the shades of private life as soon as those duties were fulfilled. He was a man of heartfelt religion and piety. His Bible was his book of books, and very many years of his long life were spent on his original translation of the New Testament, published in Philadel- phia, in 1808, in four handsome oetavo volumes.
At the foot of the monument are two marble slabs, bearing the following inseriptions. North side :- " This Monument covers the remains of CHARLES THOMSON, the first and long the confidential secretary of the Continental Congress, and the enlightened benefactor of his country in its day of peril and need. Born, in Ireland, November, 1729. Died, August 16, 1824, full of honours and of years. As a patriot, his memorial and just honours are inscribed on the pages of his country's history. As a Christian, his piety was sineere and enduring, his biblical learning was profound, as is shown by his translation of the Septuagint. As a man, he was honoured, loved, and wept." South side :- " Erected to the memory of an honoured uncle and benefactor, by his nephew, John Thomson, of Delaware. Hic jaeet, homo veritatis et gratia. In memory of
MONUMENT TO COMMODORE HULL.
Ist
33
LAUREL HILL.
HANNAH, wife of CHARLES THOMSON. Died, 1807. CHARLES, great nephew of CHARLES THOMSON. Born, January 17, 1793. Died, March 26, 1820. Their re- mains were all removed from Lower Merion, 1838." -
COMMODORE HULL.
THE plate represents one of the most beautiful models for a tomb. It is after that of the Scipios at Rome, with the addition of the American eagle and flag, perched on the centre. COMMODORE HULL selected Laurel Hill for his last resting-place, and gave minute directions as to his mode of sepulture, in a small vault, constructed after his demise. The inscription :- " Beneath this stone are de- posited the remains of ISAAC HULL, Captain in the Navy of the United States. His professional life was a con- summate example of bravery, coolness, and nautical skill, united with great modesty and simplicity, and devoted with unwavering fidelity to the public service. History will record that he associated his own glory with that of his country, in the first encounter between frigates in her war with Great Britain, and by his brilliant triumph in the Constitution over the British frigate Guerriere, Captain Dacres, on the 19th August, 1812, became the precursor of victories which immortalized the Navy of the United States. In an affectionate devotion to his private virtues his widow has erected this monument."
4*
34
LAUREL HILL.
The death of Commodore Hull is too recent, and his deeds too familiar to the public, to make any comment necessary in this place. His fame will last when even this solid marble shall be defaced by time.
A little south of Commodore Hull's monument will be found another, from the same model, to the memory of a lady of Philadelphia, who died in Egypt. A view of the pyramids, with palm trees in front, one. broken and fallen, and the other ereet, is sculptured on the southern side .*
COMMODORE ALEXANDER MURRAY.
IN the adjoining lot to that of Commodore Hull's rest the remains of COMMODORE ALEXANDER MURRAY. . They were removed in the spring of 1844, from the burial- ground of the First Presbyterian Church, (Dr. Wilson's,) in the rear of Market Street, below Third, by direction of his family. The original monument has been also re- moved to the ground. It bears the following simple, but expressive inscription :- " Saered to the memory of COM- MODORE ALEXANDER MURRAY, who died October 6, 1821, aged 66. The naval officers of the Philadelphia station have ereeted this monument over the remains of their
* These two beautiful specimens of Philadelphia workman_ ship, as well as many others at Laurel Hill, were executed by the Messrs. Struthers.
5
MONUMENT TO J.S. LEWIS.ESQ R
35
LAUREL HILL.
deceased Commander, as a tribute of attachment to private virtue, and respect for long and faithful public services."
JOSEPH S. LEWIS.
SOUTH of the old dwelling-house, the visiter will not fail to admire the monument erected over the remains of JOSEPH S. LEWIS. The carving on the south side is an admirable view of Fairmount Water-works and Dam. It was eut by Mr. John Hill, a resident of Philadelphia .* Mr. Lewis was the Chairman of the Watering Committee of the Philadelphia Councils, when the water of the Schuylkill was introduced by the present means. His grave is fanned by the breezes that sweep over the backed water of Fairmount Dam.
Mr. Lewis was also President of the Schuylkill Navi. gation Company, whose capital contributes so much to the wealth and comfort of our city, by conveying hither the coal of our mountains. His monument is reflected in the waters made navigable by the enterprise over which he presided. The following is the inscription :- " Erected by grateful fellow-citizens and friends, to the memory of JOSEPH S. LEWIS, who long and faithfully presided over the Schuylkill Navigation Company, and the Fairmount
In the employment of Messrs. Struthers. The design of the monument is that of Mr. Notman.
-
36
LAUREL HILL.
Water-works. He originated the latter, and by his perse- vering and disinterested exertions brought to a completion that great publie work, which for magnifieenee of con- eeption, simplieity and solidity of execution, and unmixed character of beneficence, is worthy of being placed among the noblest achievements of enlightened eivic enterprise. His remains fitly repose in this spot, on the river rendered by his labours a source of prosperity, health, and safety to his native eity. Born, May 9, 1778. Died, March 13, 1836.
GOTHIC MONUMENT.
NEAR the south boundary fence the eye of the visiter will be attraeted by a noble monument, surrounded by railings and fine shrubbery, raised to the memory of three sisters, daughters of JOHN A. BROWN, Esq., withdrawn from their parent's love, in the early bloom of woman- hood.
It is a Gothic monument, and a most exquisite speci- men of that matchless style of architecture. It is in the manner of the monumental' chapels, to be seen in the cathedrals and churches of the old world. As Gothic architeeture is distinguished by date of style, we should say this monument is of the second period, about the end of the thirteenth, and beginning of the fourteenth eentu-
1
-
37
LAUREL HILL.
ries, which has been called, and is generally known as, the Decorated Gothic. In this small piece of architecture, though a large monument, are displayed and developed all the features of that admired period. The finely gra- duated base, the shafted pillar or column, supporting the deeply relieved series of interwoven mouldings, forming the arches, the surface panelling or tabernacle work, the richly crocketted gables, the cinque and trefoiled inter- arches, springing from flowered rosettes, the buttresses, with moulded set-offs, panelled and surmounted by bold and graceful pinnacles, crocketted on their spires, and terminating in fine finials. Taking the size over the buttress projections, which are returned on the basc, it occupies on the ground a space of about eight feet by six, and the entire height about fifteen feet.
To the lovers of, architecture this is a treat. It is a happy adaptation to, and expression of purpose, of beauti- ful proportion, covered with ornament, yet no confusion of lincs. All aid in the general fine effect-none can be dispensed with. The flowing lines of the arches, the mouldings, and the ornaments, are worked with rare truth and delicacy, showing great skill, care, and experience, on the part of the workmen, and fine taste in design, with judgment of effect, in the architect, and no stint on the part of the liberal proprietor., There can have been no haste nor slighting in its execution, being highly finished in all its parts, as if for a drawing-room ornament.
The construction insures its long endurance : its base is of one stone; the entire roof or covering is likewise in
38
LAUREL HILL.
one. The marble used is from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The design and execution by Mr. John Notman, architect of the Cemetery .* The ground around is tastefully planted : several cedars of Lebanon, a most suitable cemetery tree, have lately been placed within the enclosure. -
* To prevent injury in removing, this monument was exe- cuted throughout on the Laurel Hill grounds, by Philadelphia workmen.
L
-
MONUMENT TO W. Y. BIRCH .
39
LAUREL HILL.
JULIUS R. FRIEDLANDER-WILLIAM YOUNG BIRCH.
IN the lots belonging to the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind, situated about mid dis- tance between the river and the Ridge Road, and at no great distance from the southern fence, rises a granite obelisk, after the design of Cleopatra's Needle, to the memory of the Founder of the Institution, and the devoted Friend and Instructer of the Blind, with the following appropriate inscriptions, on two marble slabs, at its base : -" In memory of JULIUS R. FRIEDLANDER, Principal of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind, from its foundation. Born in Upper Silesia, A. D. 1803. Died in Philadelphia, March 17, 1839. Erected by the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind. A merited tribute of respect to pure philanthropy and disinterested devotion, and for unwearied and successful labours to ameliorate the condition of the Blind."
In the same enclosure will be found a beautifully carved marble monument, erected by the Institution to the memory of its chief Benefactor, who bequeathed a large estate for the benefit of the Blind. It bears the annexed inscription, in block letters :- " WILLIAM YOUNG BIRCH, born, Nov. IX, MDCCLXIV, at Manchester, England. Died, June II, MDCCCXXXVII, at Philadelphia. Erected by
-
-
40
LAUREL HILL.
the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind, in memory of an carly friend and munificent bene- factor.
· " When thou makest a feast call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind : and thou shalt be blessed ; for they cannot recompense thee."-LUKE, xiv. 13, 14.
HENRY W. WILSON. -
THE marble obelisk, the only one which at present over- looks the turnpike road, bears on its front the evidence of youthful friendship, in the annexed lines :- "Cadet HENRY W. WILSON, of the U. S. Military Academy, West Point. Erccted by his classmates, the first class of 1840-41."
-
REMARKS ON MARBLE MONUMENTS.
THE fewer the number of pieces composing the marble monument the better for its durability. Water entering fissures between marbles, and there becoming frozen, de- stroys the structure. The foundations, in all cases, it is of the utmost importance, to have built of a suitable depth and solidity. In preparing these memorials, and in the enclosure of lots, we should keep in view the uncertainty
41
LAUREL HILL.
of life, as well as that those we now look to for the pre- servation of our iron and marble, are also mortal; and if they were not so, it is desirable to entail as little trouble and expense as possible. In the history of a cemetery like Laurel Hill, half a century, or even a century, is not a long period to look forward to. Fears may be enter- tained, that even before the first-named period has elapsed many of the marbles and railings will be so dilapidated as to compel the successors of the present generation to replace them with more solid structures, or to dismiss them altogether.
Granite will undoubtedly be less liable to being defaeed by time than marble, though when first erected its appear- ance to most is not so fresh and attractive.
REMARKS ON IRON RAILINGS, CHAINS, AND ENCLOSURES GENERALLY.
LOT-HOLDERS, in preparing for enelosures, will do well to remember that iron railings and chains are subject to become rusty when exposed, as they must necessarily be at the Cemetery. Every precaution that can be taken, where iron is decided on as the material to be used, should be observed. Railings which expose the smallest number of joints, or points of union, should be selected ; their connexion by means of screws, &c., where these are
5
42
LAUREL HILL.
exposed so as to admit the moisture, cannot of course be expected to endure any great length of time. Every portion of the iron should be completely coated, as soon as erected, with lead paint, which should extend over and into every crack. After this has stood some time, another coat will be required, and the railing will then probably be preserved for several years without care or retouching. Where white lead has not been used in the first instance, the surface is apt to become cracked, and the varnish to peel off; railings and chains in this state require imme- diate attention, otherwise they will soon be destroyed. Where any union occurs between marble or stone and metal, the latter should, if practicable, be of brass. The corrosion of iron, if it is not regularly painted, soon dis- colours marble and stone, and renders it very unsightly.
The best permanent hedge will be found to be that of Holly, if it can be procured. The attention of several gardeners has been called to this fact, and much of it has been planted in anticipation of a demand. Its slowness of growth, patience of the shears, and length of life, are all strong recommendations, while its appearance in a hedge would be unrivalled for beauty.
Two or three attempts at planting hedges of Chinese Arbor Vitæ, have been successful on a small scale. The objection to hedges will be found to be mainly that they require annual trimming as long as they remain. Some- thing which requires no further attention, after it is once placed, is surely the most desirable to those who look into the future.
(
--
VAULT OF E. W ROBINSON ESQ R .
1
LAUREL HILL.
43
-
CHAPTER IV.
"Mine be the breezy hill that skirts the down, Where a green grassy turf is all I crave, With here and there a violet bestrown, Fast by a brook or fountain's murmuring wave,
And many an evening's sun shine sweetly on my grave."
REGULATIONS OF LAUREL HILL CEMETERY.
ADMITTANCE.
PERSONS on foot will be admitted at the North Lodge on all days of the week, except Sundays, from 9 o'clock, A. M .; subject to such regulations as the Managers may from time to time prescribe. The gate will be closed at -
sunset.
CARRIAGES, ETC.
The carriages of lot-holders only, have access to the grounds on each day of the week (except Sundays) at the hours above specified. In driving through the grounds, lot-holders are respectfully requested to walk their horses. Saddle-horses and dogs cannot be admitted.
SUNDAYS.
Admittance can only be granted on this day of the week to funerals, and the relations and friends accom- panying them ; or to lot-holders on foot with their tickets,
1
44
LAUREL HILL.
(which are in no case transferable,) with members of their families, or friends in company.
COACHMEN.
Lot-holders are requested to instruct their coachmen to keep on the roads ; and after setting down, to require them to drive into the court-yard, provided for their accommo- dation.
- VISITERS GENERALLY.
Visiters are requested to keep on the walks, and not to pluck flowers or shrubs, or to injure the trees. Children are not admitted, unless accompanied by their parents, guardians, or caretakers, who in all cases will be held responsible for their good conduct. No refreshments, and no party carrying refreshments, will be permitted to come within the grounds of Laurel Hill.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.