North American Cemeteries

Megalith - Swan Point

2012-02-01T06:57:00.002-05:00

Thomas Boynton Ives Brown - Old North Burying Ground

2012-01-31T10:18:00.002-05:00

Thomas Boynton Ives, only son of

Moses Brown and Ann Allen Ives,

was born in Providence,

January 17, 1834.

He devoted himself

to the service of his country

in the darkest hours

of its fortunes,

and by efficient and

gallant conduct

attained the grade of Lieutenant Commander

in the Navy of the

United States.

He persevered in the

fulfillment of duty until the

restoration of authority

and peace,

and closed a life worn out

in the labours of his calling,

November 17, 1865,

at Havre, France.

_________

Faithful unto death.

Woodland Cemetery in Coventry

2012-01-29T13:01:00.003-05:00

OK, so this may or not be Woodland Cemetery (Historic Cemetery 66) in Coventry. There are no signs at what appears to be a cluster of cemeteries around the junction of Routes 116 and 117 in Coventry, most with very old and, in some case, abandoned and neglected stones and lots.

George Corliss - Swan Point

2012-01-23T06:58:00.000-05:00

Lynch family - Old North Burying Ground

2012-01-22T10:07:00.000-05:00

William H. Lynch July 14, 1823-Nov 24, 1894. "A man of marked fidelity, strictly honorable and nobly generous he was respected and loved by all who knew him/."

Lydia W. Lynch, Jan 27m 1823-Mar 21, 1910. "A faithful wife, a fond mother, a sympathizing and helpful friend, blessed was her life."

William H. Aug 7, 1848-Mar 7, 1849. "A few days here, then paradise."

Ann E. Sept 13, 1846-Jan 29, 1861. "Sweet bud of promise, in bloom above.

William H. d. June 10, 1876. "Just bud."

Willis S. March 23, 1879-Nov, 17, 1886. "Darling, still ours, but in God's keeping."

Willis H. Freeman May 31 1849-Dec 2, 1927. "He hath done what he could"

His wife Annie E. Lynch, June 23, 1853-May 30, 1940.

Dean brothers - Old North Burying Ground

2012-01-15T10:08:00.008-05:00

John F. Dean

Born Sept. 9, 1803.

Died in Apalachicola, Fa.

June 15, 1831

in his 31st year.

Simon A. Dean

Born May 17, 1818

Died at Zanzabar, Africa,

on board Bark Montgomery

Feb. 1, 1816,

in his 26th year.

Swan Point in Providence

2012-01-15T08:11:00.000-05:00

Torrey Monument revisited - Mount Auburn

2012-01-14T05:51:00.014-05:00

Two views of Edward Torrey's subtle yet powerful monument in Mount Auburn Cemetery. The first is a 1853 daguerreotype by Southworth & Hawes and the second is my photo from 2010.

Epitaphs:

Ch's. T. Torrey.

Born at Scituate Nov. 21 1813,

Graduated at Yale College Aug. 1833.

Ordained at Providence March 1837

Arrested at Baltimore June 24, 1844.

Died in the Penitentiary of that city May 9, 1846.

The friends of the

American Slave

erect this stone

in his memory,

a martyr for Liberty

"Where NOW beneath

his burthen

The toiling slave

is driven.

Where now a tyrant's

mockery

is offered up

to heaven.

THERE shall his praise

be spoken,

redeemed from

falsehood's ban.

When the fetters shall

be broken,

And the slave shall

be a MAN."

It is unknown where Torrey is actually buried.

Tripe family - Old North Burying Ground

2012-01-08T10:09:00.001-05:00

In Memory of Bernon Tripe

son of Capt. Samuel & Mary Crawford Tripe

Died in Providence, RI

August 14, 1823,

Aged 36 years, 2 mos. & 14 days.

Here rest the remains of

Mrs. Mary Crawford Tripe,

Relict of Capt. Samuel Tripe,

(who was lost at Sea in the year 1778.)

and Daughter of Mr. Gideon

and Mrs. mary Crawford.

She departed this Life

Feb. 12, 1816,

in the 74th year of her Age:

having, through Life, discharged her

various Duties with exemplary Fidelity

and Christian Zeal.

"Mourn not, my friends, I feel no more the smart

Of the afflicted head or aching heart;

Mourn for your sins against a gracious God,

Believe in Christ and taste his precious blood.

This stone is witness that the warning's given;

Choose the good part that safe conducts to heaven."

Old North Burying Ground December 2011

2012-01-07T05:10:00.001-05:00

Incredible light and shadows even at midday -- what a cemetery should look like. . .

Abby Brown Francis - Old North Burying Ground

2011-12-25T10:08:00.003-05:00

Abby Francis

daughter of

John Brown and Sarah

his wife

Born in Providence

on the 20th of November

1766.

Marred to John Francis

on the 1st of January

1788.

And died ont he 5th of March, 1821.

________________

A most vigilant and affectionate mother

and in every vicissitude of life a warm

and faithful Friend.

Courteous, hospitable and benevolent,

she was distinguished by the uniform practice of every social virtue and a conscientious performance of every

Christian duty.

Henry H. Moulton - Old North Burying Ground

2011-12-18T10:07:00.002-05:00

Henry H. Moulton 1872-1939

George and Phila D. Ross Smithfield Cemetery

2011-12-04T15:17:00.000-05:00

George W. Ross and Phila D. Ross


George W. Ross, d. 28 Feb 1869 "Weep not; he is not dead but sleeping"

Phila D. Ross, wife of George Ross, d. 11 Apr 1866

"How much we miss her no tongue can tell

How much we loved her, O how well,

God loved her too and thought it best

To take hr home and be at rest."

Robert Aldrich Smithfield Cemetery

2011-11-27T15:18:00.000-05:00

Robert H. Aldrich, died 3 Jan 1867, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Thomas Angell Smithfield Cemetery

2011-11-20T15:19:00.000-05:00

Smithfield Cemetery Scituate, RI

2011-11-13T09:09:00.000-05:00

Looking east

Looking west

Theodore Dexter and Irving Dexter Smithfield Cemetery

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

Theodore Dexter, Jr, 1924-1944, buried Military Cemetery, Hamm, Luxembourg

Irving Dexter, 31st Infantry, Siberia

Mt. Hope Cemetery August 2011

2011-11-06T10:36:00.000-05:00

A return visit to this wonderful cemetery in the wild north woods of Maine yielded some very nice results. But I'll let you be the judge of that:

Memorial to the Second Maine Infantry

Mary Ross, "The Loved One"

Stratton - Worcester, MA

2011-10-05T08:22:00.000-04:00

Stratton

Died

June 1, 1886

Ae 39 yrs 3 ms.

There is no death, no darkness

no tears, in that bright world

where thou dost dwell

Thomas Plunkett - Worcester, MA

2011-10-03T08:21:00.000-04:00

From Hope Cemetery

Serg't

Thomas Plunkett

Co. E 21 Regt Mass Vol.

who lost both arms

in defence

of his country's flag

at the battle of

Fredericksburg, Va.

Dec. 13, 1862

Died in Worcester, Mass

Mar 10, 1885, Ae. 44.

An honest man, a brave

soldier and a friend

of the poor

Requiescat in pace

Memorial to Worcester Firemen - Worcester, MA

2011-10-01T08:21:00.000-04:00

Iver-Johnson- Worcester, MA

2011-09-27T08:21:00.000-04:00

Mt. Auburn

2011-09-25T07:00:00.003-04:00

Livermore

Frank Coes- Worcester, MA

2011-09-21T08:20:00.000-04:00

Side 1:

Sergeant Frank L. R. Coes

Co. A 25th Regt. Mass Vols.

Son of Loring & Harriet N. R. Coes

died Nov. 1872

ae. 35

[base:] Gum Swamp

Side 2:

Roanoke Island

Our cherished son Christ is your anchor

we trust in him to meet again

Side 3:

Fresh roses on your pillow

bright flowers on your breast

by a loving hand strewn o'er you

as peacefully you rest

Slater- Worcester, MA

2011-09-19T08:20:00.000-04:00

In memory of four sons of

Capt. Peter and Mrs. Zilpah Slater,

Luther died Aug 21, 1796, aet. 3 years

John, died Sept. 10 1796, aet 4 years & 3 mon

James, died Sept. 30, 1796, aet 11 years & 5 mon

Israel, died July 26, 1806, aet 5 days

So fades the lovely blooming flower,

Frail smiling solace of an hour

So soon our transient comforts fly

And pleasures only bloom to die

In memory of Mrs. Zilpah Slater

wife of Capt. Peter Slater

who died July 18, 1818,

aged 53 years

How blest is our mother, bereft

Of all that could burden her mind!

How easy the soul that hath left

This wearisome body behind.

In memory of Capt. Peter Slater

who died October 13, 1831, aged 72 years

He was one of the number who

threw the Tea overboard in Boston

Harbour 1773 and afterwards

served in the Revolutionary war --

was a brave soldier, valuable citizen,

and an honest man.

Erected on the Slater lot, as a memorial to the members of the Boston Tea party

Leonard Sikes Hudson - Worcester, MA

2011-09-13T08:06:00.000-04:00

Bourne - Mt. Auburn

2011-09-11T09:58:00.001-04:00

Albee - Worcester, MA

2011-09-09T07:58:00.000-04:00

Amos P. Albee

died

Jan 11, 1877

aged 65

He wears the crown, we bear the cross

Susan E.

wife of

Amos P. Albee

died

May 29, 1881

aged 64

Gone home to meet the loved ones

Patience Borden - Old North in Providence

2011-09-07T11:20:00.000-04:00

Patience Borden

commonly called Sterry

A free woman of colour, and

humble disciple of Jesus,

She gave to the first Baptist

Church in this Town,

of which she was a member,

230 dollars, as a fund for

the relief of the Poor of Colour

of that church;

She died

April 1st 1811,

in the 53rd year of

her age

Hannah Brown - Old North in Providence

2011-09-05T05:35:00.000-04:00

This is stone is erected

to the memory of

Hannah Brown,

wife of the late

Capt. William Sanford

Brown, Senr.

Who died April 15, 1812,

In her 54th year.

Hail happy spirit while thy friends

deplore,

A loss which ages never can restore,

Thy bright example wipes their tears

away

And points their passage to the

realms of day.

Isabella Stewart Gardner - Mt. Auburn

2011-09-04T09:58:00.003-04:00

Statuary at Swan Point

2011-08-29T09:09:00.000-04:00

If you have ever been in Providence, RI and never been to Swan Point, you've missed an incredible opportunity to see one of the best garden style cemeteries on the East Coast.

Sited on the west bank of the Seekonk River Swan Point is home to Union General Ambrose Burnside, a controversial military figure during the American Civil War, and H. P. Lovecraft (1890-1937), whose epitaph reads: "I am Providence." According to the cemetery guide, he wrote these words to a friend in 1927 upon a return from an unpleasant journey to New York City. (Lovecraft was a lifelong resident of Providence.)

The cemetery also possesses some of the finest outdoor sculpture in New England:

Byron Smith

Freeman Rose

Bushiel family

Abell family

Anthony family

Rose-Nestell

When you go to the cemetery be sure and stop in at the office, located to the left as you pass through the impressive rock entrance. Even if the office is closed, a handy map and historical walking tour guide are always available and free.

Harriot Kezia Hunt - Mt. Auburn

2011-08-29T08:16:00.004-04:00

"The Goddess Hygeia"

Harriot Kezia Hunt "For forty years a physician in Boston"

Joab Hunt and Kezia Wentworth - Mt. Auburn

2011-08-28T09:59:00.012-04:00

Joab Hunt died 1827 Kezia Wentworth Hunt died 1847

Remember me at Burial Hill in Plymouth, MA

2011-08-22T17:50:00.001-04:00

There was a time when people were remembered long after they left this mortal coil -- remembered for who they would like you to believe they were. And maybe still are.

William Watson

In Memory of

Hon William Watson,

faithful in public trust,

in every relation

exemplary,

this stone is erected

with grateful recollections

of his kindness and worth

by his surviving children

_____

Born May 6 AD 1750 OS

Died April 27 AD 1813

Patience Turner

In memory of

Miss Patience C. Turner

Daughter of

Cap. Lothrop Turner and Mrs. Susan his wife

who died Nov. 10, 1816

aged 15 years

and 9 months

____________

The pale consumption sure, but lingering power

Nip'd at an early date the tender flower;

She marked is near approach without a sigh

Mildly resigned alike to love or die.

Three children of Ichabod and Rebekah Holmes

To the memory of

3 Children of Ichabod Holmes & Rebekah his wife

1st a son Ichabod died 11 days

2nd a daughter Rebekah died Nov 13, 1780 aged 2 months & 14 days

3rd a son Ichabod Died Jan 13 1799 aged 17 months

_____

Fresh in the morn the summer rose

Hangs withered ere its noon

We scarce enjoy the balmy gift

Deborah Davie

In memory of

Deborah C. Davie

who died

July 13, 1838, aged

28 years, 5 mos. & 27 days

_________

She winged her way to realms above,

Where all is light, and life, and love;

Forever with her Saviour blest.

Her home His bosom, there to rest.

Lieut. Edgar Marshall Newcomb - Mt. Auburn

2011-08-21T10:00:00.015-04:00

"Until the day break and the shadows flee away. . . "

"Edgar M. Newcomb, Lieut 19 Reg Mass Vols Died Dec 20, 1862 at Falmouth, VA of wounds received in the battle of Fredericksburg aged 22 years."

Hope Cemetery - Worcester, MA

2011-08-19T07:53:00.000-04:00

Cemetery Grave Plain - Westborough, MA

2011-08-17T07:42:00.000-04:00

When North America was known still as the new world and where constant uncertainty determined each moment of life.

John & Mary Hosmer - South Burying Place, Concord, MA

2011-08-15T08:27:00.000-04:00

John Hosmer

Died Feb 16 1836

AE 84

Although in arms at

the Battle of Concord

and a soldier of the

Continental Army, he

was in all his life after

a man of peace

______

Also

Mary his wife. Died 17 of

June, 1814,

and faithful wife, she

aided her husband and

shared with him the

love and memory of

ten children

Binney - Mt. Auburn

2011-08-14T10:00:00.014-04:00

Amos Binney MD, died at Rome Feb. 18, 1847, aged 41

Henry Prentice Binney died April 17, 1878, aged 40 years William Greene Binney died Aug 3, 1909, aged 75 years

Ebenezer Parkman - Westborough, MA

2011-08-11T07:34:00.000-04:00

Here lies deposited the mortal of

the man of God, the Rev. Ebenezer

Parkman who was born Sept. 5th 1703;

ordained the First Bishop of the Church

in Westborough Oct. 28th, 1724, and died on

the 9th of December 1782 having

completed his 79th year of his age on

Sept. 16th and the 58th year of his

inistry on Nov. 8th preceding.

He was formed by nature and education

to be able minister of the new

testament and obtained grace to

be eminently faithful in the work of the

Lord. He was a firm friend to the faith,

order and constitution of the New

England churches.

He was a learned, pious good man and

full of the Holy Ghost and faith

unfeigned and answered St. Paul's

description of a scripture bishop being

blameless, vigilant, sober, of good

behaviour, given to hospitality,

apt to teach.

Be thou faithful unto death and I will

give thee a crown of life says Christ.

Persis Gleason - Westborough, MA

2011-08-09T07:37:00.000-04:00

In memory of

Mrs. Persis Gleason

wife of

Mr. Phinehus Gleason

Who died

Nov. 18, 1821,

aged 80.

Behold! Look here as you pass by

As you are now, so once as I,

As I am now, you soon must be

Prepare for death and follow me.

Joseph Barrett - South Burying Place, Concord, MA

2011-08-07T08:44:00.000-04:00

"Here lies buried the Body

of Capt Joseph Barrett

son of Deacon Humphry and

Mrs. Mary Barrett, who died

the 4th Day of April, Anno

Dom. one Thousand Seen Hundred and Sixty three

in the Eighty fifth Year of

his age."

Caroline Veazey Ward - Mt. Auburn

2011-08-06T10:01:00.005-04:00

Westborough, MA

2011-08-03T09:14:00.000-04:00

South Burying Place in Concord, Massachusetts

2011-07-31T06:18:00.001-04:00

A block and a half down Main Street from Old Hill Burying Ground, at the intersection of Keyes Road, is the South Burying Place, also known as the "Main Street Burying Ground." Comprised of some 300 graves, this small burial site dates back to the late 17th century. According to local history, this site was opened "to accommodate people living on the south side of a mill pond dam where Main Street is now." Most of the headstones are replacements following the destruction of the originals during the 1938 hurricane.

Main street to the right

R. S. Wade - Mt. Auburn

2011-07-30T10:02:00.003-04:00

Betsey Fay - Westborough, MA

2011-07-29T07:30:00.000-04:00

Betsey Fay

In memory of

Mrs. Betsey Fay

wife of Mr. John Fay, who died

May 10, 1810, in the 21 year of

her age

Also Betsey N. Fay, daughter of the above named persons, who died July 23

1810, aged 2 months & 14 days

Husband, farewell my life is past

Move love to you till death did last;

For my decease no sorrow take

But love our offspring for my sake

Your loss I trust, tho fraught with pain

Will prove my everlasting gain.

Captain Jonathan Fay and family - Westborough, MA

2011-07-27T07:19:00.000-04:00

Capt. Jonathan Fay

Here lies

the body of

Capt. Jonathan Fay

who died March 3, 1800

Aetatis 75

An honest man, the noblest work of God

Mrs. Joannah Fay

Mrs. Joannah

Fay wife of Capt.

Jonathan Far, departed

this life June 10 1788: in the 60th

year of her age

And I heard a voice from heaven,

saying unto me, Write, Blessed are

the dead which die in the Lord,

from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spriit,

that they may rest from their labours:

and their works do follow them.

Rev. XIV Chap. 13 V

Joannah Fay, daughter

Joannah Fay

Daughter of Capt.

Jonathan & Joannah Fay

departed this life Oct. 24th

1775, in the 16th year

of her age

For all flesh is as grass, and

all the glory of man, as the

flower of grass. The grass

withereth, and the flower

thereof fall away: But

the word of the Lord

endureth for ever.

1 Peter 1 Cha. & 24 V

Mrs. Mary Fay

Wife of Capt. Jonathan Fay

departed this life June

the 29 day 1796:

in the 61 year of her age

Love and friend hast thou put

far from me, and my acquaintance

into darkness.

88th Pslam 18 Verse

Ralph Waldo Emerson - Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA

2011-07-24T08:21:00.000-04:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Born in Boston May 25 1803

Died in Concord April 27 1882

"The passive master lent his hand

To the vast soul that o'er him planned"

Henry S. Calkins - Maplewood Cemetery, Lamont, Michigan

2011-07-23T13:39:00.000-04:00

Henry served in Company D, 3rd Michigan Infantry

James and Emma Gay - Mt. Auburn

2011-07-23T09:57:00.006-04:00

Lidian Emerson - Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA

2011-07-17T08:22:00.002-04:00

Lidian

Wife of Ralph Waldo Emerson

Daughter of Charles & Lucy (Cotton) Jackson

Born September 20th 1802, close by

Plymouth Rock, as she loved to remember

Died November 13th 1892 in Concord.

Lidian Emerson

In her youth an unusual sense of

the divine Presence was granted her

and she retained through life

the impress of that high Communion.

To her children she seemed in her

native ascendancy and unquestioning

courage a Queen, a Flower in

elegance and delicacy.

The love and care for her husband and

children was her first earthly interest

\but with overflowing compassion

her heart went out to the slave, the sick

and the dumb creation. She remembered

them that were in bonds as bound with them.

A stroll through Mt. Auburn in early Spring

2011-07-16T14:25:00.000-04:00

Along Hazel Dell Path. . .

Mary Moody Emerson - Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA

2011-07-10T08:21:00.000-04:00

Mary Moody Emerson

daughter of

William Emerson, Minister of Concord

and Phebe Bliss his wife.

born in Concord 23 August 1774

died in Wiliamsburgh, L. I. 1 May 1863

She gave high counsels --

It was the privilege of certain boys

to have this immeasurably high standard

indicated to their childhood a blessing

which nothing else in education

could supply

(reverse)

Ah me! it was my childhood's thought

If He should make my web a blot

On life's fair picture of delight

My heart's content would find it right.

Rose Martin in her Corvair

2011-07-04T17:27:00.000-04:00

Pocasset Hill Cemetery in Tiverton, RI.

Rose Martin resting in her Corvair

Ellen Tucker Emerson - Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA

2011-07-03T08:22:00.000-04:00

Ellen

Tucker Emerson

Daughter of Ralph Waldo &

Lidian Emerson

Bor February 24, 1839

Died January 14, 1909

Her life was happy in that

"Among the scenes of real life, she wrought

Upon the plan that pleased her childish thought."

She cherished the old Religion.

It was her Guide through each day and the

Temple to which in solitude she withdrew.

The joy of her Father and Mother and

the comfort of their last years, her love

embraced the widest circle of kindred and friends.

She loved her Town.

She loved the simple and hardy life of old

New England, but exercised a wide and joyful

hospitality, and she eagerly helped others.

Of a fine mind, she cared more for persons than books, and her faith

drew out the best in those around her.

Ruth Haskins Emerson

2011-06-26T08:20:00.000-04:00

Ruth

widow of Rev. William Emerson

and daughter of John & Hannah (Upham) Haskins

Bor in Boston Nov 1776 died in Concord 7 Nov 1853

"Blest in every domestic relation, in her father's house

in her own, and in those of her sons, she yet endured lasting trials with courage and patience.

Here grandchildren, who learned their

letters at her knee, remember her as a

serene and serious presences; her sons

regarded her with entire love and reverence

and in the generation to which she belonged

it was said of her that she resembled

a vessel laid up unto the Lord

if polished gold without

and full of heavenly manna within.

Comstock brothers died at sea

2011-06-25T10:35:00.008-04:00

In memory of. . . in the Old North Burial Ground in Providence:

Benjamin Comstock

Benjamin W. Comstock

Son of

Jesse & Ann Comstock

Born Dec. 17, 1808

Died on board

Steam Ship Empire City

on her passage from

Chagres to New York

Nov. 4, 1859

In the 42d year of his age

His remains are here interred

Husband and father

[next stone]

Catherine Corhan

Wife of

Benjamin Comstock

Born July 9, 1809

Died Dec. 9, 1901

Jesse Comstock

Erected in Memory

Jesse

aged 20 years & 7 months

son of

Jesse & Ann Comstock

who perished in Long Island Sound

on the evening of

Jan 13, 1840,

by the destruction of

Steam Boat Lexington

He lies beneath the lone blue sea

He sleeps where the pearls lie deep

He was loved of all yet none

by his grave may keep

[side 2]

The Steam Boat Lexington

was destroyed by Fire

in Long Island Sound

opposite

Huntongton Lighthouse

on the evening of Jan. 13,

1840

by which disaster

of 150 persons, passengers

and crew

only 4 were saved.

William Comstock

Erected in Memory

William W. Comstock

Third son of

Jesse & Ann Comstock

Born in providence

March 29, 1813,

Lost at sea, Sept. 27,

1854

[side 2]

Wm. W. Comstock perished at sea

Sept. 27, 1854

in Laty. 47 N Long 52 W.

while on his passage home from Europe

on board the U.S. M. Steam Ship Arctic

by collision with the French Steamer Vesta.

The Arctic foundering in 5 hours

carrying down 200 passengers and

over 100 of her officers and crew.

His estimable character,

and enduring qualities as a husband,

father, son, brother, and friend. . .

Frances Leseur - Mt. Auburn

2011-06-25T09:12:00.001-04:00

Is it the perspective or was she really all that angry?

Joseph Story - Mt. Auburn

2011-06-24T15:00:00.015-04:00

Joseph Story (1779-1845) was one the America's early notable jurists, and would eventually sit on the US Supreme Court. A resident of Cambridge he was the first president of the Mount Auburn Cemetery Association and one of the principal speakers at the opening of Mt. Auburn Cemetery in 1831.

Oakes - Mt. Auburn

2011-06-22T10:04:00.004-04:00

Ephraim Brown - Old Hill Burying Ground, Concord, MA

2011-06-20T08:16:00.001-04:00

Erected

In Memory of

Deacon Ephraim Brown,

who departed this Life Oct 9th AD 1788

Aged 78

By the fruit we may judge "He was a good man

full of the Holy Ghost and of Faith"

His pious Soul urged on the rage

T' improve the pow'rs which God hath given

Till full of days and ripe with grace

He left the earth and hew to heaven

Waldo Emerson - Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA

2011-06-19T08:19:00.000-04:00

Waldo Emerson

Died 27 January 1842

Five years and three months old

The hyacinthine boy for whom

Morn well might break and April bloom

The gracious boy who did adorn

The world where into he was born

Eli Jones and his wife Mary - Mt. Auburn

2011-06-18T09:04:00.007-04:00

Was he really as hard as he looks?

Richard Waterman - Swan Point

2011-06-17T09:56:00.000-04:00

Side 1:

The Burial Place

Col. Richard Waterman

one of

the original proprietors

of the town of Providence

and of

the town of Warwick

Side 2:

He came from Bristol, England,

to Boston

with Roger Williams,

in the ship Lion A.D. 1631,

resided several years in Salem,

and came to Providence

in the spring of 1638.

In May 1644, he was before the general court

of Massachusetts,

and found to be "erroneous,

heretical and obstinate,"

and was "banished

upon pain of death

if he return."

Side 3:

He died, in October, 1673;

and on the 26th day

of that month

was buried on this consecrated spot,

where also rest the remains

of his descendants

to the third generation.

Side 4:

Erected 1840

Richard Waterman

Son of Rufus

Sn of Amaziah

Son of Richard

Son of Nathaniel

who was the son of

Richard Waterman

Merrill - Mt. Auburn

2011-06-15T10:10:00.003-04:00

Swan Point - Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-13T09:42:00.001-04:00

Keyes-Prescott - Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA

2011-06-12T08:51:00.000-04:00

Reportedly the founders of the cemetery:

Turkey at Mt. Auburn

2011-06-11T09:02:00.000-04:00

Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA, is a well-known birder hangout -- and the first weekend of May saw birders out in force. This is one reason why. . .

Samuel Greene - Swan Point

2011-06-09T09:40:00.000-04:00

Samuel Greene

Born April 16, 1809.

Died Oct. 2, 1852.

For earth, his motto was,

my country - my family - my business.

To the first, a patriotic son.

To the second,

a devoted husband, and kind father,

and affectionate brother.

And in the last, energetic, exact,

and honest in an eminent degree.

For heaven,

it was the great creator:God here, God there,

God always,.

Laura Tyler Green

wife to Samuel Green

Daughter of Capt. Solomon Tyler

March 15, 1805

May 5, 1881

Rest in peace.

Edith Wolt - Mt. Auburn

2011-06-08T09:56:00.009-04:00

Daughter of Peter and Mary Helen Wolt, Grandchild of Baker and Mary McNear, born Aug 21 1869, died Feb. 8, 1881.

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA

2011-06-05T07:02:00.001-04:00

Sleepy Hollow, Concord's largest cemetery with some 10,000 gravesites, is located one block east of Monument Square, on Bedford Street. One of the first "pastoral" cemeteries in the United States, Sleepy Hollow is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Two of the most visited areas are "Authors Ridge" and the Melvin Memorial.

"Mourning Victory," commonly known as the Melvin Memorial was and commissioned by James Melvin in memory of his three brothers who died during the Civil War, was created by his boyhood friend, Daniel Chester French. Mr. French who also designed the Minuteman Statue at Concord's North Bridge and the Lincoln Statue in Washington's D.C.'s Lincoln Memorial. French is himself buried nearby, on the ridge directly behind the monument.

To the right of the Melvin Memorial, up a short stretch of road lies a hollow, on the far side of which is "Authors Ridge." Here you will find the graves of Henry Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Louisa May Alcott and her father, Bronson Alcott. Each is buried in a family plot and marked with modest stones. Hawthorne's marker, in keeping with his personal reserve, bears only his last name, while Emerson created his own epitaph: "The passive master lent his hand to the vast soul which o'er him planned." (from his poem, The Problem).

Emerson's stone faces a large boulder at the base of the hill, which covers the resting place of Ephraim Wales Bull, the originator of the celebrated Concord Grape. At the Alcott plot, Ms. Alcott is surrounded by her father, mother and sisters, whom she made famous in Little Women. Except for Louisa May, the Alcott stones bear only the occupants’ initials. Tragedy hovers here. Bronson Alcott died on March 4, 1888, and Louisa May, gravely ill with pneumonia and shaken by his passage, died two days later. Both were buried on the same day later in the spring when the ground had thawed sufficiently.

Visit the cemetery website: http://www.concordma.gov/Pages/ConcordMA_Cemetery/sleepy

Swan Point - Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-04T14:23:00.001-04:00

A gorgeous late spring day in Providence demanded a stroll through one of New England's premier garden cemeteries -- and being Memorial Day, what we used to call "Decoration" Day, it was doubly important that we stop and pay our respects to so many who have lived, loved and left.

Vinton

Waldo

Richmond

Snow

W. O. Briggs

Robbie Aldrich

Amy Fletcher

Anthony-Bullock

Charles Gauch

Capt. Thomas Vaughn Swan Point - updated 6/7/11

2011-06-02T14:15:00.003-04:00

In celebration of Memorial Day, re-enactors from Battery B, 1st Rhode Island Artillery held a quiet ceremony at the graveside of Captain Thomas Vaughn. Recalling his service as the first commanding officer of the battery and his exemplary service in the Civil War, the tribute also noted his strength of character was not confined solely to the army. His death by drowning in 1874 while trying to save the lives of others was recalled with a poignancy that still resonates after more than 135 years.

After the wreath and rose were laid and speeches set aside, the bugler finished the ceremony with Taps.

Mount Auburn - Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-06-01T13:38:00.001-04:00

Technically, we were there on Friday morning, not the beginning of the weekend per se. Still, it was a gorgeous day, and where better to spend it than in one of America's landmark garden cemeteries?

Walker

Wince-Edwards

Green

Hunt-Brewster

Norcross

John Dix Fisher

Melvin Memorial - Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA

2011-05-29T08:24:00.013-04:00

The Sprague Children at Swan Point

2011-05-28T09:08:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite stops when I visit Swan Point is the touching memorial to the two Sprague children:

Mt. Auburn - Maria Coppenhagen by Martin Milmore

2011-05-27T08:53:00.001-04:00

Martin Milmore (1844-1883), the noted 19th century sculptor, executed this wonderful sculpture of an angel holding the trumpet. Milmore also designed the American Sphinx located directly across from the Bigelow Chapel at Mt. Auburn as well as the Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument on the Boston Common.

Susannah Hatch - Mt. Auburn

2011-05-25T10:02:00.003-04:00

"Mother and Daughter. . . ."

Grave Carvings, Symbols and Epitaphs - Old Hill Burying Ground, Concord, MA

2011-05-22T07:56:00.000-04:00

Sarah Wheeler

Here lies buried

the Body of Mrs. Sarah Wheeler

Wife of Ens. William Wheeler

who Departed this Life

Sept 23 A.D. 1744

Age 75 years 7 M & 1 Day

Mary Chandler

In Memory of

Mrs. Mary Chandler

Consort of Mr. James Chandler

who died

May 4th 1746

Aged 26 years

3 months & 4 days

Mary Minot

Erected

in memory of Mrs. Mary Minot

consort of

Capt. Jonas Minot

who was virtuous and exemplary

in life manifested a steady hope

in the mercy of God through a redeemer

and died in the 34th year of her age

Ephraim Whittaker

Sacred

to the Memory of

Mr. Ephraim Whittaker

who departed this Life

on the 3rd day of June 1799

AE 79

Diseases fore long time I bore

Physicians proved in vain

Till Death did seize and God did please

to ease me of my pain

As you are now once was I

Reader As I am now so you must be

Prepare for death and follow me

Charlestown 1792

Mary Ingraham

Here lies the Body of

Mrs. Mary Ingraham

wife of Duncan Ingraham

who died the 15th of Nov 1794

in the 64th year of her Age

Esther Buttrick

Here lies the Body of Mrs. Esther Buttrick

wife of Mr. Willard Buttrick

who died Nov 3, 1775 n the 27th year of her age

She was a loving wife, a desirable

Companion, a tender & loving mother,

A peaceable, kind & good Neighbor.

Insomuch that she gained a good report

& love of all her Neighbors, in Many

Things she was Exemplary.

Being in her a Meek & humble Sperit

Given to acts of Charity & kindness;

Liberal to the poor, in her Life she

Seemed to behave like a Christian; &

towards her latter end endured long

Sickness with Remarkable patience;

At last with a Resigned will to God's

will laid down her Life with hopes

That through Christ she might

Obtain Eternal Life.

Job Brooks

Memory of

Mr. Job Brooks

who departed this life

Oct 26 1788,

In the 91st year of his age

He lived in the belief of the truths

of the Gospel of Christ,

and died in the hope of salvation

through his merits,

and was considered by survivors

as coming to the grave in a full age

as a shock of corn cometh in

in his season

______________________

"Now let my death be all serene

Exclaimed the ancient saint

Since thy salvation I have seen;

I die without complaint"

H. P. Lovecraft at Swan Point

2011-05-21T09:08:00.000-04:00

Mt. Auburn - Earle family

2011-05-20T08:31:00.007-04:00

This is an odd pair of stones -- apparently the same family but set in such a way as to keep the two as far apart as possible and yet still remain in the same plot.

Both are heavily weathered and Caroline's has probably been in place since early 1885.

"My John" - John Earle Jr.

Caroline Earle Crose - "born into the other life March 28 1885"

Eleanor H. Porter - Mt. Auburn

2011-05-17T09:35:00.011-04:00

Located along the shore of Halcyon Lake, a stone's throw from Mary Baker Eddy is this dramatic and inspiring monument to Eleanor Porter. That's right, the Eleanor Porter who wrote Pollyanna. (My first serious crush was on Hayley Mills who starred in the title role circa 1960-61. But this was before I discovered Annette Funicello.)

William Emerson - Old Hill Burying Ground, Concord, MA

2011-05-15T07:44:00.002-04:00

William Emerson

"Erected by this town

in memory of their pastor

Rev. William Emerson

who died at Rutland, VT, 1777

aet. 33

on his return from the American Army

of which he was a chaplain

Enthusiastic Eloquent

Affectionate and Pious

He loved his family his people

his God and his country

and to this last he yielded

the cheerful sacrifice

of his life"

Burial Hill in Plymouth

2011-05-14T09:11:00.001-04:00

Aside from being one of the oldest cemeteries in New England Burial Hill offers the visitor today nearly the same view the first pilgrims had.

Mt. Auburn - Charles Turner Torrey

2011-05-13T08:13:00.032-04:00

This small, unassuming stone set in the middle of the intersection of Fir and Spruce avenues tells a very large tale.

Ch's. T. Torrey.

Born at Scituate Nov. 21 1813,

Graduated at Yale College Aug. 1833.

Ordained at Providence March 1837

Arrested at Baltimore June 24, 1844.

Died in the Penitentiary of that city May 9, 1846.

The friends of the

American Slave

erect this stone

in his memory,

a martyr for Liberty

"It is better to die in prison with the peace of God in our breasts, than to live in freedom
with a polluted conscience."

Torrey's Letter, Feb 7, 1846

Long before the Freedom Riders of the 1960s hit the Deep southern US in busses, there were abolitionists like Torrey who also pursued the cause of Freedom at the risk of their own life. According to his epitaph:

"Charles Turner Torrey was arrested for aiding slaves to regain their Liberty. For this humane act he was indicted as a Criminal, convicted by the Baltimore City Court and sentenced to the
Penitentiary for six years.

While on his death bed he was refused a pardon by the Governor of Maryland, and died on consumption after two years confinement, a victim of his sufferings."

"Where NOW beneath

his burthen

The toiling slave

is driven.

Where now a tyrant's

mockery

is offered up

to heaven.

THERE shall his praise

be spoken,

redeemed from

falsehood's ban.

When the fetters shall

be broken,

And the slave shall

be a MAN."

It is unknown where Torrey's body actually lies today.

Charles and Fern Bedaux - Mt. Auburn

2011-05-11T09:27:00.002-04:00

I first came across Charles Bedaux (1886-1944) in Charles Glass' illuminating study of Americans in Paris: Life and Death under the Nazi Occupation. In fact, Bedaux, a French-American, is one of central and perhaps most controversial characters in this fantastic peek into a corner of WW2 history that few have discussed until now. Collaborator? Traitor? Or something more complex and complicated?

We'll never know since Bedaux committed suicide in Miami, Florida, in 1944, shortly after his arrest for treason.

May Day in Mt. Auburn

2011-05-09T09:54:00.000-04:00

These were taken last Sunday. . . .

Blackburn

Clark

Miss Elizabeth Blood - Old Hill Burying Ground, Concord, MA

2011-05-08T10:03:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth Blood

Here lies the Body

of Miss Elizabeth

Blood daughter

of Cornet Stephen

Blood & Mrs. mary

his wife who de-

parted this Life

Oct 19 1775 In the 34

Year of her age

Affliction fore long time I bore

Physician was in vain

Till God did please & death did seas

To ease me of my pain.

Ho all you who passeth by

As you are now so once was I.

As I am now so you must be

prepare for death and follow me.

Josiah Blood - Old Hill Burying Ground, Concord, MA

2011-05-01T10:14:00.000-04:00

Josiah Blood

Here Lyes Buried

the Body of

Josiah Blood

who Departed this

Life July 2 A.D. 1731 in

the 68th Year of His Age.

Mary Melven - Old Hill Burying Ground, Concord, MA

2011-04-17T09:03:00.002-04:00

Mary Melven

Eleazer Melven - Old Hill Burying Ground, Concord, MA

2011-04-10T09:50:00.002-04:00

Eleazer Melven

"Here lies the body of

Capt. Eleazer Melven, who

died October 18th, 1754, in

52nd year of his Age.

His Martial Genius, early engaged

him in his Country's cause under the

command of the Valiant Capt Lovel;

in that hazardous enterprise where

in our our Hero, his commander, with many

brave & valiant men bleed & died.

He was a bold, & intrepid office, a

cheerful Christian, beloved while living

and in death greatly lamented."

David Melven - Old Hill Burying Ground, Concord, MA

2011-04-03T09:48:00.000-04:00

David Melven (center)

"Here lies buried

the body of Capt.

David Melven

Who departed

this life November

the 18th A.D. 1745

in the 56th year

of his age."

Jonathan Melven - Old Hill Burying Ground, concord, MA

2011-03-27T09:43:00.000-04:00

Jonathan Melven (right)

"Here lies the Body of

Mr. Jonathan Melven

who died February 15th

1737 in the 49th Year

of his age.

____

Job XIV. 12

So man lieth down, and not

till the heavens be no more

they shall not awake nor be rallied

out of their sleep"

Henry David Thoreau jailed on this spot in Concord, Massachusetts

2011-03-18T07:02:00.001-04:00

This marker, located next to Monument Square in Concord, reads:

"Henry David Thoreau was imprisoned for one night in a jail on this site, July, 1846 for refusing to recognize the right of the state to collect taxes from him in support of slavery - an episode made famous in his essay 'Civil Disobedience'."

Old Hill Burying Ground - Concord, MA

2011-03-13T06:14:00.000-04:00

"On this hill

the Settlers of Concord

built their Meeting House

near which they were buried

on the southern slope of the ridge

were their Dwellings during

the first winter

below it they laid out

their first Road and

on the summit stood the

Liberty Pole of the Revolution"

On the hillside overlooking Concord’s Monument Square is the oldest of the three cemeteries, the Old Hill Burying Ground. Comprised of nearly 500 graves Old Hill was the original burying ground for Concord residents after securing their settlement in 1635 (although the earliest existing stone is dated 1677).

The entrance is from Monument Square through the gate between St. Bernard’s Church and the "brick-end" house. According to local history, the burying ground was located was on land that could not be farmed, and because of its height, it was the first area to thaw in the spring. This thawing allowed for early burial of those who died during the winter and waited silently for a place in the warm earth.

Of the nearly 500 burial markers in Old Hill, the oldest belongs to Joseph Merriam who died April 20, 1677.

Of interest, is the grave of Major John Buttrick who led the fight at the North Bridge and died 16 years later, on May 16, 1791. His son, buried in the same family plot, was at the bridge as a fifer. Old Hill also contains the graves of 40 other veterans of the Revolution.

For more information visit the Old Hill Burying Ground page on the Concord City website.

Hinman family - Petersburg Cemetery, Illinois

2011-02-01T06:51:00.000-05:00

Family of Smith J. Hinman, Civil War veteran, in the Petersburg Cemetery, outside Petersburg, Illinois.

William Pelby redux - Mt. Auburn

2010-12-07T12:57:00.002-05:00

Look closely. . . .

"All that live must die/Passing thro' nature to eternity."

Celts in Mt. Auburn

2010-12-05T13:48:00.003-05:00