3-1 GRAVESTONE INSCRIPTIONS, LEE, MASS* INCLUDING ALL EXTANT OF THE QUARTER CENTURY 1801-1825. Carefully Repr-oduceJ. LEE, MASS.: Press of The Vali.ey Gleaner, 1901. 3 9 '? / -0 3 NOTES. The followiug priuted iuscriptions represent the lettering aud its arraugemeut ou the gravestones as well as possible with ordinary type. The exact orthography, including carets and letters interlined, and also the raised letters of abbreviations with the marks under them, so much used at that period, are preserved. As the in- scriptions were carefully copied, and after being put in type, were compared with the originals and corrected, their accuracy is assured. Several inscriptions on the plates are not very distinct, owing to the difficulty of obtaining good photographs from the stones. The lower lines on a few of the stones which have been broken and reset are hidden below the surface so that a spade is required to bring them to view. The town records inform us that the north graveyard was fenced aud cared for as early as 1803, and that considerable attention has been paid to it ever since, also that the south graveyard was likewise fenced and cared for at an early date; so it is probable that few, perhaps none of the early gravestones have been lost, although from disintegration by water and frost, especially at their junction with the ground, some may have fallen and become covered with earth or broken to pieces and removed — something most likely to happen to the small and thin stones at childrens' graves. In the center cemetery there are 186 stones, and in that at South Lee 20 , bearing the memorials of 219 persons who died during the first quarter of the last century. The following, buried here among kindred or friends, were not residents of the town: Mrs. Adah Eells, Mrs Abigail Hamblin, Nathaniel Hauiblin, Jr., Mrs. Betsey Thatcher, Mrs, Luciuda Bill, William Ulark Davis, Eliza Judd, Mrs. Anna Prich- ard, and probably. Margaret Van Deussu. Jonathan Tuttle, whose memorial appears, was doubtless buried at Redfield, N. Y. , where he died. The death records of the town were not systematically kept by its clerks until 1804, but a very accurate record was kept by Dr. Hyde, pastor of the Congrega- tional Church, during his entire pastorate from June 6, 1792 to the time of his death in 1833. His record gives 413 deaths in town during 1801—1835, of whom 9 were non-residents. To these should be added that of David Blossom, of Lenox, found dead by the roadside in Lee, and of three infants shown by the gravestones. but not recorded, which make a total of 417. The records give also, the names of 7 residents who died out of town; only one of whom— Jonathan Thacher— seems to have been buried here. Dr. Hyde also records the deaths of 4 members of his church who were residents of Lenox, and of a child of a Mr. Hale of Tyringham. The population of the town was 1267 in 1800; 1395 in 1810, and 1384 in 1820. The average annual mortality of the town during the 25 years under consideration was something less than 12 in the 1000. At that period a large majority of the people living here was of the farmer class. Strangely enough dates on gravestones are often wro'ig: as witness those below from thefoUowng iuscriptions. In each case the records of the town clerk and Dr. Hyde agree, and are undoubtedly correct. Date in rt^cords. Date on stone. Lanson Crocker died Nov. 3, 1808 Nov. 4, 1807 Philander Crocker Nov. 12. 1818 July 22, 1818 Son of Sylvanus Foot " Feb. 25. 1817 Feb. 11. 1817 Relief Hall Aug. 28, 1804 Aug. 28. 1805 Horace H. Lewis " Dec. 27, 1824 Dec. 27, 1825 Milton B. Nye Apl. 21, 1815 March 20, 1815 Sarah Smith March 20.1815 March 19, 1814 Harriet Spencer Aug. 9. 1816 July 1817 ^^-o?e^n. ^^^6 v GRAVESTOfslE INSCRIPTIOhlS LEE, MASS. Including all Extant of the Quarter Century J 80 1 — J 825. CENTER CEMETERY. John O. Backus sou of Thomas & Rebecca Backus Died March 19 18] 6 aged 7 Mou^ Catharine Dauf of Joseph & Es- ther Ball died Aupr 29. 1821 aged 11 Mou'' Harriet B. daut"" of Isaac & Lydia Ball, died July 14. 1824 aged 1 1 weeks & 4 days lu memory of Rhoda Ball Daut"" of Cap* Nathan & Mrs Fear Ball who Died July 23, 1809 in the 3rcl Year of her age Slt>ep on sweet babe & take thy reft Go I eall'd th'^e home he saw it beft Memory of Lemuel Barlow, /'•/lo d'u'd March to. t8/j, in the ^^ year of his Age. Now rlos'd ill. death beneath the dust he lies, Silent hix voice, forever clou' d his eyes, The immortal part has on sw- ift pinions floivn To titJci' Its sentence in the wor- ld nnknoivn. In memory of Mrs. lydia BARLOW. who died March 1st aged 25. 1822 There is a caJin for those tluit weep, A rest for wcari/ jiih/i'lms found, And luhile the mouldering ashes sleep, Loiv in the (/round; The soul of origin divine, Gods glorious image freed froin clog, In Heavens eternal sphere sliall slilne, A xt<,r >,fdn,j. Center Cemetery JULIA, daughter of Dr H & Mrs K. Bartlett died March 20. 1818 aged 1 year 17 days WILLIAM, sou of Doct. H. & Mrs K. Eartlett ^ied May ^, 1824. aged 1 year. In memory of Mrs Abigail Bassett; wife of Mr Cornelius Bassett j^ who died Dec. 8*1^ 1812, in the 54^i^. Year of her Age. My days are paft, my glass is run. My friends I've left my death to mourn In memory of Mr Cornelius Bassett, who died Nov. 21, 1821, in the 69 year of his Hge. Look down upon this sacred spot and see What death can do to you as well as me h Sweet bosom friend your falling sand is nig Children prepare 't is God that calls on high ThI. /fi memory of El[sha Bassett, who died Dec-; 22*!^ 1822. /;/ the 7 /•''■' year of his age. jhIs ct- J'ln/slri,ijis cunUI not .syn iJivrtiil hinh/ fniiii tlw (irarc, ran flic grarr cuiijiiu' it hen', II JcxiiK callx It iiiii>rst. An Infant Son of Jeremiah and Betsey (Jlark, who died June, 11, 1823, aged 7 days. WILLIAM, sou of Henry, R. & Ehza. B. Conch , died Octr 2, 1821 aged 10 days. In memory of Lanson sou of Jedediah Crocker Esqr & Mrs Sarah his wife who kov 4, 1807 departed this life in the 5 year of his age In memory of M'" Noah Crocker who died April 10 1807 in the 84*11 year of his age Philander, son of. Mr Eleazer & Mrs Patience Crocker Died July 22, 1818 aged 3 Months & 12 days Erected by his hrotlier Thomas Crosby. Li Meniory of JOHN CEOS BY, IV ho died Sep* 2, 1822, M. 55 Y'fc*. Also his daughter ANNA, who died March, 21, 1821, M. 17 Y's. A son of Thomas & Susan- na Crosby died Feb aut 1805 aged 9 days George Woodwai'd, son of Samuel & Lucy Cumings, died Octr 20, 1817. aged 14 Months and 2 days. Center Cemetery. In memory of Mr Calvin Davis vy^ho died Dec. 16th 1803 in tlie 25th year of his age In youthful bloom death laid me down Here to await the trumpets sound When GOD doth call I muf t arise Aud meet my Saviour in the fkies Bourn Green, Son of Nathan & Rebecca Dillingham, Died March 14. 1808 aged 9 Months & 13 Days. In memory of Mr Elifha Dodge who Died March 13, 1807 in the 32"^ Year of his age George Buckley, sou of Samuel & Abigail Dorr, Died Sept i8th 1813 aged 5 Years In silence here I lie On Earth I niit,'lit not stay When lite began Deaths summons came And hasted me away In memory of Mrs Nancy Dunn, Wife of Mr John Dunn, who died July 23, 1817 aged 38 years. Farewell my weeping husband dear Farewell my friends & daughter near Be ready then to meet the Lamb Of God the Judge the great I AM Thomas Alonzo son of Mr Thomas & Mrs Sibyl Durant died Dec 3 1818 aged 6 Months In Memory of Mrs ADAH EELLS; Consort of Mr JOHN EELIvS Junr aud daughter to Dea. Rowland Thatcher, who died March S3d 183 2 in the 39th year of her age. In faith fhe died in dnft fhe lies. But faith foresees, that duft muft rise; When Jesus conies, while hope assumes, And boafts her joy among the tomljs. M?? NANCY FESSENDEN departed this life June 23, 1813. aged 34^ years; The Wife of Cornelius. T. Fessenden She's gone nor angels could prevent her flight I of eternal light [ Her lovely soul has winged its way to regions There gentle spirit may you find. That happiness denied you here. There peace and harmony are joined. Nor can destraction enter there, There no aspersing tongue can send, It's venom to thy feeling heart, Jesus is thy immortal friend, Nor will he er'e depart. But where, O where.shall her poor husband find One beam of light to cheer his drooping mind All sad he wanders round the earth & skyes, But nu soft solace meets his failing eyes. To the memory of Mrs Anna Foot, Consort of Mr AsAUEL Foot, who died Jan. 21. 1820, Aged 49 Years. WhnI r,i„ ami the )-sixtlesii heavenly faith Iiinntnitil tJimi caiixf iE. 68 YRS. ELIZABETH HIS WIFE DIED MAR. 25, 1824, PL. 60 YRS. In memory of Miss RHODA INGERSOL, Daut»- of Jared & Elizabeth Ingersol, who died March 8, 1816. aged 18 years. In Memory of M'^^ Mary In- gersoll, wife to M? Elijah Ingersol], who died Dec's 16% 1807, in the 44*^ year of her age. 18 Center Cemetery. Beneath this stone are interred the mortal reiiiains of Mr. MOSES INGERSOLIv, who died, September the 9th, 1813, aged 65 years. lieJi/Ing on the truths of God's word and eunscious of being united to Christ, fie calmly resigned his breath In full hope of a glorious immortality Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord. J?. memory of LOIS KELLOGG who died Sep. 17, 1824, n the 24 year [Stone troken.] In memory of Haeriet Maria Daughter of Mr. Winthrop.aud Mrs. Fanny Laflin; Who died Oct 13th 1823; aged 7 weeks. Happy infant early bless'd Rest in peaceful slumber , rest In Memory of Mr Henry Leonard Son of Mr Elijah & Mrs Hannah Leonard who Died Dec'" 16 1815, ^.18. 8 Prepare to meet your C-rod In memory of HORACE. H. LEWIS, who was blown up in a Powder-Mill Dec 14 1825 & died the 27, in the 29 year of his age. Farewell my friends cfc Children dear Prepare for death while I sleep here. In memory of Mr Joseph Nichols who died April 2nd 1805 in the 71ft year of his age Ye living mortals f top and read A solemn warning from the dead Your life is frail your death is sure Believe on Christ and Heav.n secur IN memory of BELINDA NOLCOT, wife of fohn Not cot, ivho died Nov 27, 1825, a^-^^/ 36 Memory of SIMEON D. NORCUT Who died Oct. x8. 1830, B. 21 Ys. CHARLES, son oj fohn & Me tin da Norciit, died May, 15, 1825, M. 6 Ys. In memory of Mrs Anna, widow of Mr Abraham NoRTHRUP, died Sep* 29, 1815, aged 84. In memory of Miss Abigail Nye; Dauf of John Nye Esq>" & Mrs Lois his wife, who died Sept 15,1820, aged 18 Years. Mortals be still, twas Gods decree; Go youth prepare to follow me. Center Cemetery. 13 In memory of Harvey Nye foil to Mr Levi & Mrs polly Nye who departed this life March the 8 1805 aged one year and 12 days. Sacred to the Memory of >U John Nye, who died May 15*r^ 1810, aged 87 years; and of M?-? Annis Nye, his second wife, who died June 6*^ 1811, aged 85 years. The memory of the Just is blessed. Miltou Brewster, .so// uf Ira & Almira Nye, died March '20, 1815 aged 6 Montli d- 6 Days. BRADFORD, Sou of Bradford & Mrs Deborah Packard, who died Sepf. 14, 1824, aged 8 Mo, & 17 D? Like rt« o hud, nipt from the 'tree, Death liatf parted you and me. In memory of Remem- ber Parker daufto M*" Jorge Parker who died June 26 1803 in the 19 year of her age God is juf t supreme his power Mortals be silent & adore In memory of Mrs Sally, wife of Mr Elisha Percival *^'" who died June 28, 1815.^. 30 Years. Farewell nuj friends ct children dear, Prepare fur deatJi while I sleep here, Could you hut know as much as I, How soon you would prepare to die. In memory of M""^ Catharine Perry wife of M"" Arthur Perry who died Feb^ 5, 1817 in the 86 year of her age Through life in virtues path she trod In death her hope was plac'd in God Beujamiu Frank - liu ion to Mr Anfelm & Mrs Polly Phinney died Septr 2d 1802 aged 1 year & 3 Months John. Y. Porter son of Ebenezer & Eunice Porter died March llt^ 1808 aged 4 months & 2 days In memory of Mrs Prudence Porter, wife of Mr Samuel Porter, who Died Mayl6, 1813 in the G2d Year of her age. Death is my doom my glass is run ,, My friends Iv'e left my death to mour But f top tis right dont shed a tear For God commands the whole affair 14 Center Cemetery. W William Front <^/*<2 c/c«CC ^^U^t/. iS/A hi memory of Mr. Amos Roberts who died March s, ^823 ^. 66. Laviented 7nost, by those who knew him best. In memory of M""^ Susanna Roberts wife oj W Amos Roberts who died f^ine 20^^^ 18 1 J aged ^6 years In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Levi Robinson, who died Oct. 19. 1820, ]^. 59 Years. Uer languishing head is at rest, Its thinkings & achings are oe'r, Her quiet ik immoveable breast; Is heard by affliction no more, The lids she so seldom could close, By sorrow forbidden to sleep, Seal'd up in eternal repose, Have strangely forgotten to weep. LEVI ROBINSON, DIED April 16, 1843, JE. 82 Y's. ELIZABETH DIED Aug. I, 1825, JE. 39 Y's. FANNY, died Dec. 12, 1839, JE. 45 Y's. Both daughters of Levi & Elizabeth Robinson. In memory of George. G. Sanford son of Mr Elihu & Mrs Penelope Sanford, who Died August 31. 1815 in in the 2'id Year of his age. Here lie interred the Children of Doctr Eraftus and Margaret Sergeant Nancy died Feby 17th 1805 .^tat 1 year 8 months & '22 days. Deaths cliilling froft soon nipt the opening Bud: Her body duf t, the soul returned to god A Son ftill-born March 11 1806. Oliver P Skrgent, died Am/ust 17,1814 ^,15 Ms c(-25Da also Martha O Sergent, died Aprils, 1831,^ 3 Ms 20 Ds AARON, son of Aaron and Lucinda Shepardson, who died Sept 16, 1822, aged 2 years. Center Cemetery. 15 In memory of Mr Benjamin Smith who died April 4*i^, 1813 Aged 62 Years 9 Months & 18 Days Down to the dead All muft decend The Saints of God muft die While Angels gard Their souls to reft In duf t their Bodies lie In memory of JESSE SPARKS, who was instantly killed in a Powder-Mill, Sep. i8, 182^, aged ig Years. Lemuel Sparks, died July 18. 1822 aged 52 Years. Depart my friends dry up your tears I must lie here till Christ appears Mrs Sarah Smith died March 19. 1814 aged G6 years & 5 months. In Memory of Mrs Mary Sparks wife of Mr Lemuel Sparks who Died March 6 1818 M 45 Benjamin Smith 2nd died June 22. 1822 as:ed 40 years & 7 months. In memory of M'' James Stevens T/ie Grave of Miss Jane Smith who Died July 31" 1811 who died Oct! 22^ 1809 in the 43 year of his age Aged 44 Years (tone Here beneath this gloomy I sleep in quiet and alone Henry F. sou of Moses and Sarah In memory of Mr Samuel Smith Strong, died Dec. 14. 1822 aged 15 Months who Died March 29 1819 aged 95 years Formerly from Conaettieut Lying at his right hand Harriot Dautr of Jonathan and Sally Spencer who died July 1817 aged 1 year ELIZA Sturges. Dautr of Wm.& Sally Sturges. Died April 28, 1816 aged 1 Year «fe 9 Men those little rites, a tear a atone receive; tis all a father, all a friend can give. 16 Center Cemetery In memory of Mrs Elizabeth Sturges, wife of Mr Jonathan l?turges, who Died March 17, 1813 aged 58, Forgive blest shade the tributary tear That mourns thy exit from a world like this Forgive the wish that would have kept thee her And stay'd thy progress to the seats of bliss HARRIET datigh\ of Nehemiah ct Hannah STURGES died April 21, 1820, M. 8 M's. There is rest in heavn. In memory of Lydia Stukges, wife of Nehemiah Sturges, who died March 29. 1816, aged 29 years. Through life in virtueous path she trod In death her hope was placd in God. IN Memory of NEHEMIAH STURGES, DIED March 9, 1821, M. 34 Y's. In MEMORY OF WIIvIylAM STURGES jb. WHO DIED SEP 14, 1825 AGED 25 YEARS. Thou ulecjH'st but ivf mil] remcmher thee This ftone erected by Row- land THATCHER jun'- to perpetuate the memory of Mrs Betsey THATCHER his wife who died JanY i6 1804 aged 24 years 9 months & 20 days My friends behold as you paf s by As you are now so once was I As I am now so you mutt be Prepare for Death aud follow me In memory of Mt Rowland Thatcher*^*' who departed this life May 5*^ 1809 in the 31^* year of his Age. Behold we see, while here we look; The dearef t ties, of Friendfhip broke ; Tho srief & sorrow, pinrce the hearr. The deareft Friends, we see muft part. '-^n memory of Betsey F. Thatcher, DauP. of Timothy & Dorothy Thatcher, wJio died March 28, 7820, ^. 16 Years. Fareicell my weeping Parents dear Farewell my Brothers <& Sisters near I u'ish you all to live in love, And make your peace with GOD a- bove. Ill memory of Content Thatcher, who died March 1st 1825, in the 84 year of her age. Center Cemetery. In memory of Mt Jonathan Thach- er, son of M^" Jethro & W.^. Hannah Thacher, who died at Alford, DecL 14*^ 1807, of the kick of an horse, in the 28 year of his age. Friends nor Physicians could not save My mortal body from the grave Nor can this clay confine me here When Ohrif t fhall call me to appear In memory of Mr Rowland Thatcher, Son of Mr Jethro, & Mrs Hannah Thatcher, who died October 4th 1813, aged 25 Years. Farewell my v^eeping Parents dear, Farewell my friends & Sisters near, I wish you all to live in love, ' And make your peace with God above. ELIEL: Last member of the Family of Mr Nathan & M'"^ Lucy TOBEY, died of a wound Rec'^ by a rakes-tail on sliding from a hay-mow, Dec"! 29 1809 JB 16 years. ANNA wife of JONATHAN TUTTLK died March 8, 1841, JE. 61 Y's. JONATHAN TUTTLE DIED /71 Redfield Jefferson Co. N. Y. June 19, 1814, R. 41 Y's. In memory of Mf Matthew Yandusen, who Departed this Life, March 7*^ 1807, in the 68 "k year of his age. In memory of Lowrence son to Mr Matthew Yan- dusen junr who died Jan. 30th 1805 aged 4 mouths & 27 days In memory of William fon to Mr Matthew Yandusen junr who died Nov. 19th 1803 aged 3 Mo & 7 da In Memory of Mils Margaret Vandeu- sen, Daut: to M tjohn, & Mrs Katharine Vandeusen, of Gt. Barrington, who died April 25,1807 in the 24 year of her age. Marshal Van Dusen, son of Mathew & Betsey Van Dusen, died May 21. 1820. aged 14 years, & 6 months. In Memory of George Warren Son of John dc Phila Warren who died June 30. 1821. M 1 year 18 Center Cemetery. lu memory of Amasa Weft son of Mr Joshua & Mrs Mary Weft who died Sep 3, 1813 Ae;ed 4 Years An Infant son of Joshua Weft Died Deem 1813 In Memory of Caleb West son of Joshua & Mary West who Died August 3, 1817 aged 6 years In memory of Mrs Lois Weft wife to Mr Ephraim Weft who died May 3d i8o6 aged 19 years In memory Mehetabel r Dautr of Mr Ebeneze & Mrs Mehetabel Weft who Died March 17*^ 1810 Aged 1 1 Years and 10 Months In memory of James Westcoat son of Mf Ambrose & Mrs Polly Westcoat who died June 12th 1809 in the 8% year of his Age HENRY, son of James Whiton Esq. & Mi-^ Deborah his wife. Died Ocf 14,1818 aged 16 Months. Suffer littlr chUdren t<> come unto me, aiiiifv«j' -' Sf /A Mocf{if.s. dt€f/ '.> -iro>jjs2<^, ^ r.".iY>. Illl^^^lg^^^ PLATE NO Cknter Ckmetery. m. 1 in, 111,..: ot ■^n \ Fi'>i:i:.MAN, Ins ,ons...t,>lrs r.ETM F^lEEMA^, d 7.3V..11V (l« church ky '• ' " . .; !! ... • •/)-i6 is «///» * n/. Iti/iiff /lope oj'd fthsscd titt mortal- /.I, ^.,.f ,M-| l/i< < HI./. ditff Juii^ 5^ - T/. ,.,r.. ,or^c/U,.^„,/, ;.',!,.,(({. [ 'O ;^6ii ^^^^ PLATE NO. 2. Center Cemetery. PLATE NO. 3. fi^ictS ADDENDA. The names of two children were ornitted from the proper place, uot having been found antil the precediugj piges were prince 1. They are on the pedestal of tho Taylor monument, which stands on a part of the cemetery not used for burials until many years later than 18v;5. The inscription containing them is: CHAUNCEY F. BORN September 1'), 1809. OIED OuroaKK G, 1809. ELIJAH J. BORN OcroBEit 9, 1807, DIED OcroBSR 30, 1810. Children of Abne;r & M.\RY Taylor. Other inscriptions on tlip monument are: ABNER TAYLOR BORN March 15, 1784, DIED Feb. 11, 1853. His record is on high . MARY WIFE OF ABNER TAYLOR, BORN Jan. 8, 1786, DIED April 7, 1865. TAYLOR [west faceI WILLIAM TAYLo/^ BORN June 6, 1811, DIED Aug. 8. 1878. REBECCA H. WIFE OF WILLIAM TAYLOR BORN Jan. 19, 1821. DIED Feb 3R, 1885. [north face] HORACE TAYLO/? DIED May 11. 1886, vE 71 Y's. ISOUTH face! n South Lee Cemetery Plate No. 4 SOUTH LEE CEMETERY. WIFE OF ROSWELL BILL, DIED Dec. 29, 1813. ^. 32 Y's. Mrs Meribah Brown, wife of Mr Horatio Brown died July i8. 1822. in the 42 year of her age. Jesus said unto Iht, I aniJJtc resurcrt'inn and llw life: he fhiit hrJirrrlh In inr, ilmnqli he irn-r