?\\\V * cP u rs °o ^ V * Y * °* s* ^ ^ *>,V/k p o^ THE SEXTON'S soira©: <% AND DORCHESTER CQBnUHW S2E52©ESA^i " Thbroi? among his travels found A broken statue on the ground, And searching onwards as he went, He traced a ruin'd Monument ; Mould, moss, and shades had overgrown The sculpture of the crumbling stone ; Yet, e'er he passM, with much ado, He guessed and spelt out SCIPIO."" B.OXBTTRY, MASS. PRINTED BY THOMAS S. WATTS. 1826. F 'K • Jis-Ji IS" / DEDICATION, To Rev, Thaddeus Mason Harris, D. D. Pas- tor of the First Church in Dorchester, Permit me, dear Sir, to inscribe this lit^ tie Collection to you, in token of my affec- tionate regard, and of my gratitude for the benefit I have derived from your preaching. I have been your Sexton ever since April 1st, 1799, and have attended 810 fu- nerals ; 74.5 of which have been in the First Parish, and the rest in the other Par- ishes, and in South Boston. That it may be many years before you, or your family may need my services in this solemn vocation, is the sincere wish of your friend, DANIEL DAVENPORT. Dorchester, January 1, 1026. SPSS? A Mr profession as Sexton, has made mo familiar with the Burying-Ground ; and I observed several very ancient inscriptions on Monuments and Grave- Stones, which were becoming illegible from the. mouldering effects of time. Being desirous that they should be preserved, I have copied them, togeth- er with some which I thought curious and inter- esting ; and, that others might have the perusal of them, I have for a long time purposed to have them printed. 1 have arranged them nearly in the order of their dates ; and have added some from Grave Yards which I have visited in other places. I have called the little Book " The Sexton's Mom- tor." because, while his work in digging graves reminds him of death, the leading of Monumental Inscriptions repeats to him the solemn lessons of warning ; and because I have ventured myself to give some serious and well intended advice. I hope that all my readers will excuse any imper- fections that they may discover; and remember him in their prayers, who, having buried others, must be Luried himself, — for, in the words of Job, " If I wait, the grave is in mine house." D- B. A2 '. »SOT®w mm; ADDRESSED TO SEXTONS IN GENERAL. My Friends ; — We are called »o bury the dead. A serious calling indeed ! It ought to make us very thoughtful and considerate. When we dig the grave, or prepare the tomb, and toll the mournful bell, or lead the solemn procession to the house appointed for all the living, and at last cover up the dark abode of mortality with earth, and spread the sods of the val- ley over it,— we should think that " Death is the end of all men, and the living should lay it to heart." And we, of all others, must Be very insensible if so often called to these funeral services, we are not seriously impressed by them. Our assistance, also, is needed, and on many occa- sions wished for in preference to that of others ; par- ticularly for laying out the corpse, and placing it in the coffin, and in making the arrangements for the funeral, and the interment. Therefore, we ought to be sober, and aim so to conduct, as by our helpfulness and tenderness, to relieve the feelings of those who employ us, and secure their good opinion. We ought to pay great attention to the common ceremonies of funerals, for the minds of the mourners are very tender at such times, and they look for indulgence and sympathetic respect ; and we must be viii REMARKS. V careful not to wound or hurt the feelings of any in- tentionally. Likewise, we must aim to he punctual * and prompt in our attendance ; and not presume to dictate and give orders, unless we perceive it to be necessary, and expectad of us, but to follow the di- rections which are given. We should attend the prayer with devout serious- ness, that we may have our hearts properly affected by the solemn occasion, and that we may be more + and better prepared for the committing of dust to dust, which we are expected to do with great solemnity. < 1 need not to say any more, but to wish you all temporal and spiritual good ; and as we ere long must have some one to commit our lifeless remains to the si~ T lent grave, we may be prepared to be laid down there in peace, with a well founded hope of a blessed resur-. reclion and eternal life. Adieu ! v , " Farewell, my friends, I must be gone, I have no home nor stay with you ; HI take my staff and travel on, 'Till I a better world can view. Til march to Canaan's happy land, I'll rest on Canaan's peaceful shore. Where real pleasures never end, And mortal troubles come no more.'* > £XTRACT5. ix « O lovely appearance of death, No sight upon earth is so fair ; , Not all the gay pagesnts that breathe, Can with a dead body compare." « When the vale of death appears, Faint and cold this mortal clay ; Kind forerunner soothe my fears, Light me through the darksome way, And break the shades, and usher in eternal day T « Think, oh ye, who fondlj languish O'er the graves of those you love ; While your bosoms throb with anguish, They are warbling hymns above." THE GARDEN OF GRAVES. Come with me to the Garden, That sacred spot of earth, Where ne'er is heard the airy song, Nor the wanton sound of mirth. There sleep the Widow and Fatherless^ Deep beneath the sod, And there the bud of innocence Beside " the man of God." And there is the grave of beauty, The form that was once divine ; There grows the weeping willow, And the yew-tree shades the shrine. EXTRACTS. There is the bed of the Lover, The cold sod wraps his head ; His bower of bliss is changed, And all its gay hopes fled. And there too sleeps the Tyrant, Despoiled of earthly power ; His robes of state and grandeur, The worms of earth devour. But around that lonely garden, The Spring of Time yet blooms j And fair, though fading blossoms Exhale their rich perfumes. Then come with me to the garden, Where the race of mortals lie Like seed that's buried in the earth, To grow above the sky. TABLE OF THE NUMBER OF DEATHS ANNUALLY. [From 1630, to the end of 1656, the yearly number of deaths cannot be ascertained ; probably they did not exceed 5 a year.] Number Number Number Numbe r Year. of Year. of Year. of Year. of Deaths. Deaths. Deaths. Deaths 1657 17 1700 15 1743 r: 7 1786 25o 1658 9 1701 19 1744 22 17S7 29 1659 7 1702 14 1745 26 17 33 11 1660 6 1703 o u 1740 27 1789 16p 1661 7 1704 12 1747 36 1790 35 1662 5 1705 6c 1748 28 1791 32 1663 5 1706 10 1749 29 1792 36? 1664 8 1707 12 1750 37 1793 39 1665 5 1703 14 1751 o- 36 1794 19r 1666 6 1709 It 1752/i o) 1795 17* 1667 7 1710 10 1753 26 1796 22 1668 5 1711 14 1754 18 1797 21 1669 6 " 1712 16 1 755 20 1793 34 1 1670 4 1718 13 1756 19 1799 33 1671 5 1714 22 1757 19 1800 41 1672 1715 13 1753 18 1801 44 1673 6 1710 10 1759 28 1802 61tf 1674 4 1717 15 1760 28 1803 50w 1675 13 1718 £3 1701 53 1 804 53 1676 Oo 1719 11 17^2 26 18G5 61 1677 12 1720 o 1763 25 1 806 67 1678 20 1721 12<^ 17G4 23 1807 38 1679 lo 1722 14 1765 24 1 808 56 1680 o u 1723 22 1766 on 1809 45 1681 17 1/24 15 1767 29 1810 45 1682 12 17 25 13 1768 26 1811 55 1683 19 1726 9 1769 29 1012 43 1684 8 1727 6 1770 1813 52 1685 4 1723 10 1771 13 1814 30 1686 m t 1729 9 17 7 2 23 1815 37 1687 10 1730 11 1773 24 1310 1 CO 1688 20 1731 16 1774 26- ; 1817 60 1689 13 1732 e 19 1775 71 j 1813 Of) 1690 Ofl„ 1733 13 1 7 76 b6k (8!9 42 1691 20 1734 15 177 7 3 L> I 1820 54 1692 16 173"> 13 1778 4'2r>i 1 oo i 50 1693 17 1700 20 1179 19 18 !2 50 1694 12 1737 18 1780 18 1823 , 1695 96 1738 13 1781 13 1 OS) i * J 169G 7 1739 21 1 !• OO 1 1 u- 17 1825 104 1697 6 1740./ 1 20 1783 27 1698 7 1741 12 1^84 25n 1692 11 B2 1742 1 10 1 1785 13 \ NOTES AND REFERENCES TO THE PRECEDING PAGE. (a) In Mr. Blake's Manuscript Annals, is this record, " In my Fathers' book there is a memorandum in the account he kept, that from the first of April, 1690, unto the first of July, 1691, that is one year and four months, there died in Dorchester fifty seven persons^ thirty three of them of the Small Pox, the rest of a fever, and most of them of a middle age. About the same time, (1690.) lost at sea forty six soldiers that went to Canada. In all, one hundred and three." (6) This year died Mrs. Anne Pierce, widow of Mr. Robert Pierce, being 104 years old. (c) Feb. 6, 1705, died the widow Wyat, aged 94 ; " having as a midwife, assisted at the birth of one thousand, one hundred and more children." (rf) This year, 1721, the Small Pox went through Boston, and it was in twenty nine families in this town, whereof thirteen persons died, two of them being strangers." (c) In 1732, several aged people died of a prevailing epidem- ic cold. (f) In 1740. died Mr. John Trescott, aged 90, and his wife aged 90. (g) In 1751*, twelve persons died between November 22, and December 24. (Ji) In 1752, several died of an epidemic plurisy and ner- vous fever ; twenty in January. (i ) In 1774, several aged persons died, viz. one of 95, two of 86, one of 85, one of 84, one of 73, one of 62, and one of 58 years of age. (j) In 1775, more aged persons died, viz. one (Mr. Israel Leadbetter) of 97, one of 88, one of 86, two of 72, oneof67, and one of 64 years of age. This year also, 40 soldiers were buried. (fc) In 1776, four died of the Small Pox. (J) In 1777, twelve died of the Small Pox. (m) In 1778, nine died of the Small Pox. (n) In 1784, several aged persons died, viz. one of 87, one o. 86, one of 84, one of 82. one of 76, one of 73, and one of 72 years of age. (o) In 1786, died one person aged 86, and one 71. (/;) In 1789, one person died, aged 90, one 84, and one 75. {cf) In 1792, about 600 persons had the Small Pox this year : six the natural way, of whom three died, and nine died 0. those that had been innoculated. (/) In 1794, died one person aged 86, one 83, four 78, and one 77. (s) In 1795, died one person aged 97, one 88, and two 78. (t) In 1798, died aged persons, 85, 83, 81, 78, 71, and 70 ; and Mtetn children under three years of age. (u) In 1802, aged persons 87, 77, two of 72, one of 71, and one of 70. Eight persons died of a malignant fever, six of them children 01 Mr. Belcher, between the ages of 14 and 30. (r) In 1803, aged persons, 86, 85, two of 80, one of 73, 76, 55. 74, 70. UP TO THE END OF 1825. "rom June 1630 to the end of the year 1656, being 25 years and 7 months, there died, ■■ - 100 perhaps, From 1657, to the end of 1825, - - - 39 88 Whole number ofdeaths since the ) m _ 408 8 first settlement of the town, ^ The present population of the town is by es- timation, - - 4342 * If this be correct, there are now living in the town, 254 more than have died out of it, since it was first settled. In 17P2, the number of inhabitants, was 1722 ; and in 1820 the number was 3684; so that in 28 years, the population lias more than doubled. In the last 33 years, (that is since the settlement of *This sum is ascertained by the ratio of increase ; that is, in 1820, the number of inhabitants was SG84, and, if it doubles in 28 years, then in 5 yf.ars there would be an addition of -658. More than a hundred children are born in a year in the town. In the. year 1796, there were baptized 61, in 1806, there were 63 baptized. 10 RECAPITULATION. Dr. Harris,) there have died 1500* — and it is a very striking evidence of the increase of population in the town, that more than one third of the whole number that have deceased out of the town since it was set- tled, have died within the last thirty three years. For those thirty three years the average number of deaths has been about 46 a year. The smallest number that died in any one year since 1793, was 17. This was in 1797; the greatest num- ber, before the last year, was 68 ; this was in 1824. In the year 1825 there died, 9 in the Third Parish, 30 in the Second, and 65 in the First. Making 104 in the whole town. *From the beginning of the year 1793, to the end of 1825 the whole number of deaths, was 1515 ; But Dr. Harris wa* settled on the 23d of October 1793, and from that time, to the close of the year, 24 died, which number only is taken into the above calculation. P.ART L « Let's talk of Graves, and Worms, and Epitaphs ; Make dust our paper, and with rainy eyes Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth."-SHAKESPEARE. ^WTS:^ eDtSs Q I. Here lie the bodies of Mr, Barnard Capen, and Mrs. Jane Capen, his wife. He died Nov. 3, 1638, aged 76 years ; and she died March 26, 1653, aged 75 years. II. On two children lying in one grave, covered with a flat stone, but so broken, that the upper part, which probably bore the name of the parents was gone. Abel, his offering accepted is ; His body to the grave, his soul to bliss. On October twenty, and no more, In the year sixteen hundred 44. Submit submitted to her heavenly king, Being a flower of the eternal spring ; Near 3 years eld she died in heaven to wait, The year was sixteen hundred 48. III. Taken from a stone which had been broken into forty five pieces. Here He three Clerks, their accounts are even, Entered on earth, carried up to heaven. 14 EPITAPHS. [Note. This is a very ingenious reference to Mer- cantile affairs, and the business of a clerk, to enter ac- counts in the day book, and carry them up to the Ledger ; it is casting up the reckoning for Time, and striking the balance for Eternity.] IV. Submit submitted down to dust, Her soul ascends up to the just : At near old she did resign, Her soul's gone to Christ, year '59. V. On the Honorable Major General Humphrey Atmer- t©n, who died Sept 16, 1661. He was killed by fall- ing from his horse on returning from Boston. Here lies our Captain and Major of Suffolk was withal, A God!) Magistrate was he, and Major General. Two troops of horse with him here came, such worth his love did crave, Ten companies of foot also, mourning marched to Ms grave ; Let all that read be sure to keep the faith as he has done ; With Christ he lives now crownM, his name was Humphrey Atherton. VI. D. O. M. Sacer. Riciiardus hie dormit Mathf.rvs. (Sed non totus, nee mora diuturna ) Laetatus genuise pares. Incertum est utrum Doctior an Melior. Animura ct gloria non quaeunt humari. Divinely rich and learned PacHARD Mather, Sons like him, prophets great, rejoie'd this father. EPITAPHS. 15 Short time his sleeping dust's here's covered down Not so his ascended spirit or renown. V. P. M. in Angl. XVI annos. In Dor. N. A. 34 an. Ob. Apr. 22, 1669 ; Otatis suae 73. [The following lines were composed for him.] Richard Mather : anagram, « a third charmer,*' Third in New-England's Dorchester Was this ordained Minister ; Second to none for fruitfulness Abilities and usefulness. Divine his charms, years seven times seven : Wise to win souls from earth to heaven. Prophets' reward he gains above But great's our loss by his remove. Sacred to God his servant Richard Mather, Sons like him good and great did call him father ; Hard to discern the difference in degree, 'Twixt his bright learning and high piety. Short time his slumbering dust lies covered down, So can't his soul, nor his deserv'd renown. From his birth six lustres and a jubilee To his repose : hut labour'd hard in thee O Dorchester, for more than thirty years His sacred dust with thee thine honour bears. VII. [On an ancient School Master in Dorchester, who died Feb. 24, 1674 ; aged 81. Written by himself.] WILLIAM POLE. Ho Passenger! its worth thy pains to stay, And take a dead man's lesson by the way. c 10 EPITAPHS. I was what now thou art, and thou shalt he What I am now, what odds 'twixt me and thee. Now go thy way, but stay, take one word more, Thy staff, for ought thou knowst, stands nest the door Death is the door, the door of heaven or hell : — !Je warn'd, be arm'd, believe, repent, Farewell ! ] VIII. John Cornel, aged 64 years, died July 31, 1G75. IX. Els Leke aged 80 years deceased Oct. 20. Thomas Leke aged 70 years deceased Oct. 27 1678. X. Rev. Josiah Flint, died September 15, 1680, aged 35. A man of God he was, so great and good, His brightest worth was hardly understood. So much of God and Christ in him did dwell, In grace and holiness he did excel. An honor and an ornament hereby Both to the Churches and the Ministry. Most zealous in the work of reformation To save this self-destroying generation. With courage strove 'gainst all this peoples sin, He spent his strength, his life, his soul therein. Consumed with holy zeal for God, for whom He lived and died a kind of Martyrdom. If men will not lament, their hearts not break, No wonder this lamenting stone doth speak. EPITAPHS. 17 His tomb-stone cries repent, and souls to saye Doth preach repentence from his very grave. Gainst sinners doth a lasting record lie This monument to his blest memory. Psal. cxii, 6. Prov. x, 7. XI. The ingenious Mathematician and Printer, Mr. John Foster, aged 33, died Sept. 9, 1681. Astra colis vivens, morienssuperae thera Foster Scande precor, ccelum m^tiri disce supremum ; Metier atque meum est, emit mihi dives Jesus, JN"ec tenior quicquam nisi grates solvere. [On the foot stone was this inscription.] " Ars illi sua census erat." — Ovid. Skill was his cash. XII Miss Mary Bradlay, aged 17, died March 8, 1684. XII. Mr. Nathan Breadley, aged 70, died July 26, 1701. XIV. In memory of Mrs. Ann, the wife of Mr. Robert Pierce, died December the 31, 1695, aged about 104 years. XV. Mrs. Thankful Baker, relict of Mr. John Baker, aged 58 years, deceased the 29th of January 1697 — 8, XVI. Elder James Humphreys, who died May 12, 1686, aged 78. Inclosed within this shrine is sacred dust, And only waits for the rising of the just. 18 EPITAPHS. Most useful while he lived ; adorned his station, Even to old age he serv'd his generation : Since his death thought of with great veneration. How great a blessing this Ruling Eider he Unto the Church and Town and Pastors three. Mather he first did by him help receive ; Flint he did next of burdens much relieve ; Renowned Danforth he did help with skill. Esteemed high by all ; — bear fruit until Yielding to death his glorious seat did till.* XVII. Gulielmus Stoughtonus, armiger Provincial Massachusettensis in Nova Anglia Legatus, tjeinde Gubernator ; Nec-non Curiae in eadem Provincia Superioris Justiciarius Capitalis, Hie jacet. Vir conjugii nescius, Religion e sanctus, Virtute clarus, Doctrina Celebris, Ingenio acutus, Sanguine et animo pariter illustris j iEquatatis aaaator, Legum propugnator, Collegii Stoughtoniani fundator, Literarum et Literatorum fautor, celeberrimus, Impietatis et vitii hostis acerrimus. Hunc Rhetores amant facundum, *\ote. The initial letters make an Accrostic on his name. EPITAPHS. *19 Hunc Scriptores norunt elegantem, Hunc Philosophi qtixrunt sapientem, Hunc Doctores laudunt theologum, Hunc Pii venerantur austerum, Hunc omnes mirantur ! omnibus ignotum Omnibus licet notum. Quid plura viator ? Quern perdidimus — Stoughtonum 1 lieu ! Satis dixi ; urgent lachrymae ; Sileo. Vixit annos septuaginta. Septimo die Julii Anno Salutis 1701 Cecidit. Heu ! Heu I Qualis Luctus ! XVIII. [Copied from a grave stone on the north westerly part of the first laid out burying ground/] Mrs. Mieiam Wood formerly wife of Mr. John Wood. who died October 19, 1706. An ancient School Mistress. A woman well beloved of all Her neighbours for her care of small Folks education, their numbers being great, That when she died she scarcely left her mate. So wise, discreet was her behaviours That she was well esteemed by neighbors. She lived in love with all to die, So let her rest to eternity. G2 $0 EPITAPHS. XIX. [On Deacon James Blake. Note. — " He languished about seven years with an ulcerous leg, very painful, but at last died with an epidemic cold, which carried off many aged people.] Seven years strong pain do end at last, His weary days and nights are past. The way was rough, the end is peace ; Short pain give place to endless ease. XX. On Elder Hopestill Clap who deceased September 2d, 1719, aged 72. His dust waits till the Jubilee Then shall shine brighter than the sky; Shall meet and join to part no more. His soul that's glorified before. Pastors and Churches happy be With Ruling Elders such as lie ; Present useful, absent wanted, Lived desired, and died lamented. XXI. Here lien interred the bodj of Mr. Jonathan Mason, late of St. Christophers. He was the third son of Mr. Arthur, and Mrs. Joanna Mason, of Boston. He died at Stouguton house May 9th, 1723, in the 47th yearol his age. XXII. Here lieth the body of William Royal of North Yar- mouth in the Province of Maine, who departed this life November the 7th, 1724, in the 85th year of his age, EPITAPHS. 21 This stone is erected to the pious memory of his Fa- ther by his eldest son Isaac, as the last act of a duti- ful remembrance. Here lies the body of the Honourable Isaac Royal, Esq. who departed this life at his seat in Charlestons, June the 7th, Anno Domini, 1739, Mtntia 67. He was a gentleman of superior natural powers, and great ac= quired knowledge ; Civil, affaMe, courteous, and just to all men; remarkably dutiful to his parents, kind to his relations, and charitable to the poor. He was a faithful husband, a tender father, a kind master, and a true friend. He delighted in doing good. He was highly esteemed and respected during his residence at Antigua, which was near 40 year«, and advanced to the most honorable and important public enrployments civ- il and military, which he discharged with the highest reputation and fidelity. He returned with his Family to New England, his native Country, July 27th, 1737. XXIII. Here lies the body of Mr. Hezekiah Meroth,* who died March 1G, 1749, aged 74. XXIV. In memory of William Marion, son of Mr. William and Mrs. Thankful Manon. He died December 11th, 1750, aged 3 years and 3 days. XXV. lr memory of Mr. James Baker, who died Nov. 18, 1776, Hged 64. Preserve O grate inviolate thy tnist. Till life divine reanimates this dust. *The name is now sptit Muurce* 22 EPITAPHS. XXVI. Capt. Abraham Wheeler, died June 20, 1778, aged 43, How loved, how valued once, avails thee not, To whom related, or by whom begot. XXVII. Thomas Clap, son of Mr. Ezra and Mrs. Mary Clap, died August 3, 178G ; being still born. * XXVIII. Mr Isaac Fenno, aged 33, died 1796. O life, frail offering of a day, > 'Tis puff'd with one short gasp away. Swift as the short-lived flower it flies, It springs, it blooms, it fades, it dies. XXIX. F^om the grave stone of Mr. Thomas Clap, who died August 11, 1798 ; aged 84. c; Ho supplied the office of Sexton from the year 1760 to 1797, making thirty seven years ; and buried in that time 1080 persons." 1 * f *This is shewn by the foregoing Table of deaths ; but must include also the soldier^ buried in 1775. XXX. Taken fro m the grave stone of a child of Mr Solo- mon and Mrs. Rachaf.l Hall, aged 10 months, died 1803. Parents of children take a last adieu, And so must children ol their parents too. p./mT n. Consisting of Epitaphs and Inscriptions, eopicd by myself from stones in several grave yards in different towns- 11 And now each humble, narrow, nameless bed Whose grassy hillock not in vain appeals To eyes that pass by Epitaphs unread, Rises to view. — How still the dwelling of the dead I It is a scene that well may call me back, If any could, to solemn, tender themes : Let me then once more turn me to the track My thoughts were journeying : it is one that teems With truths of high import, — not baseless dreams.'" Bernard Barton's Poems, p. 68. Meditations in a Church Yard* PART II. [Taken from Newbury burying- ground April 23d, 1821, when employed to convey the body oF Captain Isaac Green Pierson to Newburyport.] Mr. Henry Sew all, (sent by Mr. Henry Sew all, his father,) in the ship Eliza and Dorcas, Capt. Watts Commander, arrived at Boston 1634, wintered at Ips- wich, began this Plantation 1635, furnishing English servants, neat cattle and provisions ; married Miss Jnne Plummer, March 25, 1646 ; died May Lii^ 1700, aged 86. His fruitful vine being thus disjoined Fell to the ground Jan. 13, following. NEWBURYPORT. Here lies the body of Nicholas Pike, A. M. aged 76. x\cting Magistrate from July 4. 1776, to the vear 1819. ROWLEY. Here lies the body of Deacon Joseph Chaplin, food for worms till the glorious resurrection morning. Born 1752, died 1813. MILTON. In memory of Mr. Jazaniah Sumner, who died May, 6, 1778, aged 66. Also his wife, Mrs. Judith Sumner, who died Nov. 15, 1799, aged 68. So sleep the saints, and cease to groan, When sin and death have done their worst, 26 EPITAPHS. Christ hath a glory like his own, Which waits to clothe their waking dust. II. Miss Mary McCarney died Jan. 4, 1791, aged 2~0 years. I sleep in darkness till that glorious day When Christ my life shall roll the stone away ; Prepare to meet me in the world above, Where all shall join to sing redeeming love. III. Here lieth Deacon Roger Sumner, aged 66 years ; died May £6, 1691. IV. Here lies the body of Mrs. Mary Watt, the wife of Mr. Edward Wayt, aged 92, died Feb. 6, 1705. V. As corn maturely ripe is gathered home, So his remains are brought into the tomb ; To sieep in silence till that glorious day, When Christ his life shall role the stone away. ROXBURY, Jamaica Plains. I. Mr. David White, aged 70, died 1816. Death is a debt which I have paid ; And soon with me you must be laid. IT. On Mrs. Mary Lethbridge, aged 32.— 1818. How blest the change to give a world like this, Fer robes of glory, and a crown of bliss. EPITAPH?. * 7 HI. On Mr. Gulliver Winchester, aged 79, died 1811. This modest stone, what few vain marbles can, With truth may say, here lies an honest man. IV. On Mr. George Woods, who died 1815, aged 73. Deprived of health, though e'er so long, His patience good, his faith was strong. V. On Miss Sarah Sturtevant, aged 5 years ; 1791. And is the infant snatched away ? Must all this beauty now decay ? Must it no more delight our eyes, Nor fill our souls with fond surprise. V. Mary Wood, aged 5, died 1795. Just like a flower she was cut down, While reason began to bud, She early felt the stroke of death, It was the will of God. [From the Burying Ground in BOSTON, near the Old Granary.] On a tomb stone. Mr Samuel ToRREY.died Sept. 6, 1748, aged 7o. Mr. Samuel Torrey, died July 15, 1766, aged 68. Mr. Samuel Torrey, died Nov. 13; 1708, aged 42. Mr. Samuel Torrey, died May 27, 1815, aged 57. D 28 EPIT/\PIIS. II. Here lieth the body of Anna Sarch, the wife of Mr. John Sarch, aged 85, died May 11, 1674. IIF. Here lieth buried the body of Mr. John Wiswall, servant of Jesus Christ, Elder of the first Church in Boston, aged 86 years : departed this life the 17th day of August, A. D. 1687. IV. Mr. John Downing, aged about 53 years, deceased April 29, 1694. I bargained with Christ for room below, He grants me a mansion in his upper story, Thus God gives more than we ask or know, And instead of grace, uninterrupted glory. V. Here lies Richard Bellingham, Esq. late Governor of the Colony of Massachusetts, who departed this life on the 11th day of Dec. 1672, in the 81st year of his age. Virtue's fast friend within this tomb doth lie, A foe to bribes, but rich in charity. [The Bellingham Family being extinct, the Select- men of Boston, in the year 1782, assigned this tomb to James Sullivan, Esq. The remains of Governor Bellingham are here pre- served, and the above inscription is restored from the acient monument.] » The family tomb of James Sullivan, Esq. late Gov- ernor and Commander in Chief of the Commonweatlh EPITAPHS. 29 of Massachusetts, who departed this life on the 10th of December, A. D. 1808, aged C4 years. His rfcmnina are here deposited. During a life of remarkable in- dustry, activity and usefulness ; amidst public and pri- vate contemporaneous avocations, uncommonly various, he was distinguishd for zeal, intelligence and fidelity. Public spirited, benevolent, and social, he was emin- ently beloved as a man, eminently esteemed as a citi- zen, and eminently respected as a magistrate. Huic versatile ingenium, sic pariter ad omnia fuir, ut natum ad id unum diceres, quod cunque ageret. [From the North Burying ground in Boston.] I Here lieth buried the body of Mr. John Sweet, aged 82 ; died 25th of April, 1685. II. Here lieth the body of Edward Grant, aged about 60, deceased the 12th of June, 1630. III. Mrs. Ann McMillian, wifeto Mr. James McMillian, deceased Feb. 28, 1805, aged 81. Happy soul, thy days are ended, All thy mourning days below ; Go, by angel guards attended, To the sight of Jesus go. IV. A Samuel returned to God In Christ after a short abode, 30 EPITAPHS. On earth to shun earth's henious crimes, Was here well put to bed betimes. . The grave's as short as thou prepares, Lest thy death comes at unawares. V. Mary the wife of Cjesar Augustus, servant of Mr. Thomas Ball, aged 25. [From a tomb stone.] The Rev. Doctors Increase, Cotton, and Samuel Ma- ther, were interred in this vault. 5 Tis the tomb of our fathers. H. Mather Crocker. Increase died April 27, 1723, aged 84. Cotton died February 13, 1727, aged 65. Samuel died June 27, 1785, aged 79. Hodie mihi, eras tibi. VI. Here lies buried the body oi Mr. Obadiah Gill, dea- con of the North Church in Boston, aged 50, deceas- ed June 6, 1700. VII. Mrs. Lydia Mason, died 30th Dec. 1803, aged 29. Her peaceful soul has (led, / From this vain world of sin ; "With her two infants dear are laid, Soon to rise, never to fall again. VIII. [From a tomb stone.] Charles Jarvis died Nov. 1 5, 1 807, aged 59 years. A Physician, a Statesman, a Patriot, and an honest EPITAPHS. 31 man ; whose dignified deportment, sublime eloquence, unbounded philanthropy, and other virtues, endeared his memory to his fellow citizens. IX. Mr. Edward Barber, aged 80, June 9, 1677. X. Thomas, son of Edward and Martha Carnes, was ac- cidentally killed Dec. 22, 1818, aged 5 years. Many are the shapes of death, and many are the ways that lead to his grim cave. All dismal. XI. William Francis, of Connecticut, died June 26th, 1804, aged 20. Like flowery fields youth blooming stands, Pleased with the morning light; The flowers, beneath the mowers hands Lie withering ere 'tis night. XII. Mrs. Alice, relict of Lieutenant William Howard, aged 72, deceased Nov. 18, 1681. XU1. Mr. Robert Fowle, died May 6, 1805, aged 63. Death thou hast conquered me, And by thy dart I'm slain ; But Christ hath conquered thee, And I shall rise again. XIV. Here rests the body of Mr. John Buckley, Jun. of D2 - 3*2 EPITAPHS, # Saddleworth, near Manchester, Old England, who de- ceased 23d August 1798, aged 23. In peace here rests a traveller's dust, His journey's at an end; He prized esteem amongst the just, ^ A censure from a friend. Broke loose from Time's tenacious chains, And earth's revolving gloom ; To range at large in vast domains Of radiant worlds to come. ROXBURY, East Burying Ground. I. Taken from a grave stone, removed from the place where ft stood, and piled with several others, and which measured five inches in thickness. Samuel Dunkin, aged 6 w. died 23, 10th M. 1G72. x II. In memory of Edward Devotion, aged about 64 years; died Sept. 28, 1685. in. On two children of Mr. Otis and Mrs. Ruth Gould, one died in 1799, and the other in 1807. \ Farewell, sweet babes and take your rest, God called you home, he thought it best. IV. On Mr. Benjamin Thomson. 4 Sub spe immortali ; The herse of Mr. Benjamin Thomson, learned School master and Physician, and the renowned poet of New England. Obiit Aprilis * t 1 I I EPITAPHS. 33 13, Anno Domini, 1714, et aetatis, suge 74. Mortuus sed immortalis. V. Mary, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Thomson, aged one year and six months 13 d. Died Sept. 10, 1716. VI. On Mrs. Elizabeth Clafton, aged 20, died 1814. When on her dying countenance was seen A smile, the index of a soul serene. VII- Here lies buried the body of the Rev. Shearjashub Bourne, late minister of the first Parish in Scituate, and son of the Hon. Melatiah Bourne, Esq. of Sandwich, who died 14th August, 1768, ae.t. 69. Cautions himself, he others ne er deceived, Lived as he taught, and taught as he believed. CONCORD. [Furnished to me by a young man, a relative, who resided at Concord.] God wills us free ; Man wills us slaves. I will as God wills, God's will be done. Here lies the body of John Jack, a native of Africa, who died March, 1773. aged about 60 years. Though born in a land of slavery, he was horn free ; though he lived in a land of liberty, he lived a slave, till by his honest, thongh stolen labours, he acquired the source of slavery, which gave him his freedom, though not long before his death. The grand tyrant gave him his final emancipation, and set him on a footing with kings. — « 34 EPITAPHS. Though a slave to vice, he practised those virtues without which kings are but slaves. QUINCY. I. Here lies the body of the Rev. Mr. Henry Flynt, who came to New England in the year 1635, was or- dained the first Teacher of the Church of Braintry 1639? and died 27th April, 1663. He had the character ofa gentleman remarkable for his piety, learning, wisdom, and fidelity in his office. | By him, on his right hand, lies the body of Margery, ' his beloved cousort, who died March 1686 — 7. Her maiden name was Hoar. She was a gentlewoman of piety, prudence, and peculiarly accomplished for in- structing young gentlewomen, many being sent to her from other towns, especially from Boston. Descendants of goodly families in Old England. i II. Ilerr lies buried the body of Joanna Quincy, the wife of Mr. Edmund Quincy, aged 55, died 16th May, 1680. 111. I [Inscription on the monumental stone to the memory of the Rev. Moses Fiske, of Brantree, who was ordain- ed 11th Sept. 1672, and died 10th of August, 1708, x in his 66th year.] Braintree, thy prophet's gone ; this tomb inters The Reverend Moses Fiske his sacred herse. Adore heaven's praiseful art that formed the man, Who souls, not to himself, but Christ oft wan ; Sailed through the straits with Peter's family, EPITAPHS. 35 Renowned, and Gains' hospitality ; Paul's patience, James 1 prudence, John'? swe^t love, Is landed, entered, cleared, and crowned above. IV. Inscription on the Monument of the ever revered ,-md learned Leonakd Hoar, D. P.I. and sometime Presi- dent of Harvard College, who died Nov. 28, 1675, aged 45. Three precious friends under this tombstone lie. Patterns to aged, 3011th, and infancy, A great mother, her learned son, vvith's child, The first and least went free, He was exiled. 1 In love to Christ, this country, and dear friends, He left his own, crossed seas, and for amends. Was here extolled, envied, all in a breath, His noble consort leaves, is drawn to death. Strange changes may befall us ere we die, Blest they who well arrive at eternity. God grant some names, O thou New England's friend, Don't sooner fade than thine, if time's don't mend. His aged and pious relict, the late Madam Usher, was brought hither from Boston, and interred in the same grave, according to her desire, May 30, 1723. V. Sacred to the memory of Josiah Quincy, jun. of Bos- ton, Barrister at Law, youngest son of Josiah Quincy, Esq. late of this place. Brilliant talents, uncommon eloquence, and indefatigable application raided him to the highest eminence in his profession. His early, en- lightened, inflexible attachment to the cause of his 36 EPITAPHS. country is attested by monuments more durable than this, and transmitted to posterity by well known pro- duction? of his genius. He was born the 123d of February 1714, and died the 26th of April, 1775. His mortal remains are here de- posited with those of A big-ail, his wife, daughter of William Phillips, Esq. born the Mlh of April, 1715, died the 25th March 1793. Stranger, in contemplating this monument as the frail tribute of filial gratitude and affection ; Glows thy bold breast with patriotic flame ? Let his example point the path? of fame ! Or seeks thy heart, averse from public strife, The milder graces of domestic life ? Her kindred virtues let thy soul revere, And o'er the best of mothers drop a tear ! [On the other side of this monument is this inscription.] Josiah Quincy, jun. Esq. born 23d Feb. 1744, died 26th April, 1775. Abigail Quincy, born 11th April 1745, died 25th March, 1793. To their united and beloved memory, this monument was erected by their only surviving child, 1802. VII. On Dr. Benjamin Vinton, aged 38.— 1813. No pains, no grief, no anxious fear, Invade thy bounds ; no mortal woes Can reach the peaceful sleeper here, Whilst angels watch his soft reposec t EPITAPHS. 37 VIII. Mrs. Mary Brackett, aged 70, died 1805. Sleep here awhile concealed in earth, 'Till the glad spring of nature's second birth ; Then quit the transient winter of the tomb, To rise and flourish in immortal bloom. IX. Sacred to the memory of Master Ichabod Johnson-, a celebrated teacher of music, who died 5th August, 1307, aged 42 years. And let this feeble body fail, And let it faint and die ; My soul shall quit this mournful vale, And soar to worlds on high ; Shall join the disembodied saints, And find its long sought rest, That only Miss for which it pants In the Redeemer's breast. 33 REFLECTION?. CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS, 44 When I look upon the tombs of the great, every motion of pnvy dies within me. When I read the Ep- itaphs of the beautiful, every inordinate desire goes out. When I meet with the grief of parents on a tomb stone, mv heart melts with compassion. When I see the tombs of parents themselves, I consider the vanity of grieving for those whom we must quickly follow. When I see rivals placed side by side on the same low level, and those that divided the world by their con- tests and disputes, now humble and peaceable, — I re- flect with sorrow and astonishment on the little com- *- petitions, factions and debates of mankind. When I read the several dates on the tombs, of some that died as yesterday, and some centuries a^o, I consider that great day, when we shall all of us be contemporaries, and make our appearance together." I i . ** .0° ^ vP