BURIAL-GROUNDS. BY GEORGE LINCOLN. INDIAN BURIALS. THERE are several localities in Hingham where the rude imple- ments of Indian warfare, of fishing and hunting, of husbandry, and of household use have been unearthed, which were occupied as burial-grounds by the aborigines prior to the settlement of the town by Englishmen. These burial-places were principally near the seashore. They have been found at Downer Landing, at Old Planters' Hill, at the head of Weir River, and at or near Cuba Dam or Little Harbor in Cobasset, which was originally a part of Hingham. From these localities have been taken at short dis- tances below the surface of the earth stone hatchets, axes, gouges, a t!Lar, and arrow heads, sinkers, corn-crushers, pestles, copper k ts, pottery, etc., which in most instances were near human bones ; and, although Do record has come down to us relating thereto, they indicate unmistakably where some of the Indiana who preceded the English, probably of the tribe of Wompatuck, were buried. BURIAL-GROUND OF THE EARLY SETTLERS. The first spot of land in Hingham consecrated to burial pur- poses by the emigrants from England was that which adjoined the first meeting-house. It was situated on rising ground in front )f what is now the Derby Academylot, and for fiftyyears ornioro vas the only burial-place for the inhabitants of the town. A Bar- -ow roadway skirted its northern and southern boundaries, while n the cast and west the ground sloped down in conformity to its irroundings. Several stately trees beautified its westerly decliv- y, and a single tomb facing southward, used probably for winter iterment8, is still remembered by persons who are now living. jare, with few exceptions, most of the early settlers were bu ried. Ithe monuments which were erected to their memory had been Teerved rouvb and unartistic as thev were thev would have 1~56 History of Hingham. served as a more forcible reminder of the noble men and women who first settled here, and overcame the difficulties and hardships which Life early planters of the Colony were obliged to encounter, than can ail), written record, however carefully preserved, which irarely set s ,, or brought to the notice of the people. Occasional interments were probably made in this ground after the sale of burial-lots had been commenced elsewhere; but just when they were discontinued is uncertain. Tradition says that one of the Acadialis (French Neutrals) wits the last person buried here. This would have occurred from 1760 to 1763 ; but Hing- hani. Records furnish nothing by which to verify this statement. After the locality had been a[landoned as a burial-place, several buildings were ercited on its northerly margin. One of these was owned successively by Joseph Loring and Solortion Blake, and used as a cooper's shop. Later it was rented for various purposes. At one time it was the residence of John Murphy and his wife Jane. Next west was the district schoolhouse; and beyond this stood a shop, the easterly part of which was last occupied by Thomas Loud for the maitufacture of hats, and the westerly end by Samuel Norton, Jr., a repairer of watches and silverware. The hill was lowered to its present condition by a vote of the town in 1831, and the remains which were unearthed at that time were by the same vote reinterred ill the Ringloun Cemetery. The shop of Messrs. Norton and Loud was taken to South Street, near Magoon'g Bridire, where it was rented to different tenants for several years. It was afterwards removed again, and is now oc~rtihpeiedlas a dwelling-house on Thayer Street. se icadhouse was taken to the west part of the town and there used for some time as it had been. It has since undergone another change, and at the present writing is located as a dwell- ing-house on Thaxter Street. Ilunian remains; were found in this locality, in front of the estates of Catch B. Marsh and John Siders, as late as 1877, when the drain leading to Broad Bridge was constructed. They were placed with those previously reburied. 13EECHWOOD CEMETERY. In 1737 Aaron Pratt and Isaac Bates, yeomen," both Of ',in re 0 t hain, second precinct, in consideration of X7, current money, . 1~ conveyed to Jonathan Pratt, Israel Whitcomb, Stephen Stoddard. Jr., Prince Joy, Ebenezer Kent, and Joshua Bates, Jr., all o Hingham. . . . a tract of land containing eighteen rods, . - . situated 11 in front of our house lots where we now dwell ill fit Township of flingham," and bounded as follows: S. by the wa or road ; E. with the land of Isaac Bates ; N. partiv with file ]all of said Bates and partly with the land of Aaron Pratt; and N with said Pratt 11 as the same is now staked out." The deed J )f Buriat-grounds. 367 conveyance shows that each of these purchasers was to have and bold a lot one half-rod if,. width by six rods in len~-th 11 after the following manner, that is to say : ;' Beginning W., file first lot to Jonathan Pratt; the second to T srae I WI';rC(alL' Tl" , fol, - ."' I 11ell . low the usual conditions of a warranty deed. Acknowledged Dec. 5, 1737, before Benjamin Lincoln, Justice of the Peace. The tract of land thus conveyed for burial purposes is the older part of the present Beechwood Cemetery. Additions to this pill-- chase have been made at different times since, so that the grounds now embrace about one and a half acres. It is situated oil Becch- wood and Doane streets, and is accessible from both streets. Within the past fifteen years it has been greatly improved and beautified in various ways. Two substantial irou entrance-cir teS Ca have been erected, upon which the name of the cemetery and date of its incorporation (1874) are wrought, lind its tablets and monuments are creditable specimens of the sculptor's art. Among the older and noticeable inscriptions in this ground are the following: - Jsrael Whitcorn, soil of M, JSrael & Mrs Hannah Whitcom, who Died March y, 29 J737 A it lo Wet Elizabeth Whitcorn Davghter of M, Jsrael & Mn Hannall, Whitcom Died March Y' 26 1737 Aged 3 years job Whitcorn Sol, of Mr Jsrael & Mrs llannah Whitcorn Died March Y' 27 1737 In yL 611, year 4 his age CATROLIC CEMETERY. The ground upon which this barial-place is located was par- chased of Mrs. Catherine Beebe, widow of John A. Roche, March 3, 1877, by the Most Reverend John J. Williams, Archbishop of Boston. Rev. Peter .1. Leddy was at that time Inestor of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Ilinglialn, and through him the land was se- cured. It was consecrated the 13th of Noveniber following. The lot contains about three acres, and is approached by ,in avenlic loiding from Ilersey Street. Situated as it is on high table 858 History of Hingham. ground, it commands the most extensive as well as diversified views of any of our local cemeteries. Its walks and paths are conveniently arranged ; its memorials are tastefully conceived, ~ .1 . . .. - - and tile inscriptions thereon are oticeable for LUCIF UApticit and appropriate wording. A large granite monument in the form of a cross is one of the many features of attraction which meet the eye upon entering this cemetery. It consists of a massive granite plinth, surmounted with a well proportioned base; this is succeedcd by a die, aboNo which rises the cross-shaped. shaft. The inscription on the die reads as follows: - FIDFLI" .4 XNIMAF PER MISERICORDIAAI DZI REQUIESCANT IN PACE. Upon the larger monuments, many of which are quite attrac- tive, are the surnames Burns, Carr, Casey, Corbett, Cronin, Crowe, Daley, Fagan, Farrell, Fee, Foley, Halley, Hayes, Keating, Loden, Moore, Quirin, and Tully. Over the door of the receiving tomb are tile figures 111881." What the future may reveal in the way of further improvements in this hallowed ground cannot be known or prophesied. But if the rapid strides and marked progress which have been made here within the past ten years are any criterion to judge by, it will soon rival in attractiveness many of the older burial-grounds. CEDAR STREET CEMETERY. On the old road leading from Hall Street to the present thor- oughfare between Hingham and Cohasset is a small burying- ground of perhaps a quarter of an acre in extent, in which lie the remains of several families whose surnames are found among the earlier settlers of Hingham. The spot has been occupied as a place of interment for the fathers, mothers, and children of those whose homes were in thiB vicinity for a century and a half or more, and contains all that was mortal of many who were pioneers of this locality. It is a sequestered spot yet easy of access, and tile surrounaings are quiet and picturesque. Several tombs, monuments, and tablets, of modern construction have been erected upon the grounds within the last half-century, but many of the more ancient headstones are rough, moss-cov- ered, and unintelligible. The surnames most noticeable upon these memorials are Beal, Freeman, Humphrey, Litchfield, Lo- throp, Nichols, Phinney, and Stoddard. Among the older ill- scriptions are the following: - Burial-grounds. ~59 Ifere lies buried ye Body of NI" Sybil Be,], y- wife of W Obadiah Beal. She Died May 4, 1760 Aged 25 years. Here iye the remains of 14- Ann- Beal, wife of Cap, Ebenezer Beal, who Departed this life Sept 5 (25 ?) , 768, ill Ye 35th year of her age. Here lies the remains of M' Thomas Humprey who Died Sept. In, 177o. Aged 83 YeIrs- COHASSET CENTRAL CEMETERY. This conveniently located burial-place, situated 'it tile corner of North Main Street and Joy Place, ill Cohasset, (lid not include moro than half the ground it does flow when the town was legally known as the Second Precinct of Ilingloun. The row of antique tombs toward the street was then tile f rout boundary line; and just below the knoll on the opposite side was the rear line. Be- fore the middle of tile present century the laud Iving between the range of tombs and North Main Street, upon which bad been a small dwelling, with its adjoining garden, and a schoolhouse, was added to tile cemetery t,rounds. But ei en with this increase of territory the demana 'for burial-lots was found to exceed the supply. Accordingly an association was forined in May, 1867, and on the 3d of September following a piece of land containing one and three-eighths acres, adjoininp, the cemetery in the rear, was purchased and added thereto, so that the area of the inclosed ground at the present time is about four acres. Concerning, tile early history of the original site but little call be said, for it undoubtedly dates back to the coin inencenient of the last century, when tire locality was settled by the son-, of the first planters in Hingham, and the burials as well as the transac- tions of that period arc nearly all involved in obscurity. As seen from our modern standpoini, this early occupied wround looks rough and untidy. Its tombs show evidcn~es of neklect as well as of decay, and many of its memorials are raoss-covered and unin- telligible. With a comparlitivelv trillitur expenditure of time and money, however, this nriciont 1:1ndinark would be it source of 360 History of Hingham. great attraction to many persons ; for much valuable information lies partially concealed here, which is not accessible elsewhere. Of the surnames more noticeable upon the older stones are Rates, loe'l, TT__1 T:.1--l_ VIA-1. P-++ q,--, 0+, ; fit. 11 Ul ~Ullbl ~ -1, 1 _- of these having been erected to the memory of Sarah Pratt, wife to Aaron Pratt, who died July 22, 1706, aged 42 years. There also are two well preserved memorial stones in this old ground which attract attention from an historical point of view. They bear the following inscriptions : - M- LYDIA HOBART WIFE OF Y~ REV- NEHEMIAH HOBART OBIT FEBRUARY x2th 1731l ANNO &TATIS 32- Here Lyeth y~ Body of y~ RevD mr Nehemiah Hobart firft pallor of y~ Church of Christ in thif place died May 31 an 1740 in y~ 44 year of his Age & 12th Of his piftorate. The first addition, in which "old Corpy's" (Corporal Beal) house previously referred to stood, has a front entrance on North Main Street, which affords easy access to this portion of the ground. The later acquisition is approached from Joy Place. It has the waters of Little Harbor near by, which are dotted with pic- turesque island views, and the strong contrast between the now and the more antique place of sepulchre is made especially no- ticeable from its close connection with the latter. Its avenues and walks are conveniently arranged ; the grounds and copings are well kept; its monuments and memorials are of modern design, and evince good taste in their selection. They are all of recent construction, are finely executed, and pleasing to the eye. At its organization in 186T the following officers were chosen: George Beal, Jr., President ; Edward Tower, Secretary; Levi N. Bates, Treasurer; Edward E. Tower, John Bates, Philander Bates, Directors. The officers chosen at the annual meeting of the proprietors in 1892 were: Charles A. Gross, President; Newcomb B. Tower, Secretary; Caleb Lothrop, Treasurer; Edward E. Ellms, Pbilan- der Bates, Directors. The President, Secretary, and Treasurer are also Directors ex officiis. Burial-grounds. 361 FORT HILL CEMETERY. The Fort Hill Cemetery, as it was used for more than a cen- tury, consisted of less than a half-acre of ground 13 ing oil the southeasterly Bide of the road leading from the westerly part of Hingham to Weymouth. This small piece of land was probably one of the many pieces not granted by the original proprietors, .1114 like many of these pieces was taken possession of and occu- I 'ied without the formality of a grant. When the Proprietors gave their remaining undivided lande to the town, in 1788, this burial-place passed to the town and thuB became one of the two public burial-places in the town. It Seems to have been used by a few families residing in the vicinity, likatnely: Ward, Waterman, French, Beal, Lincoln, and a few others. Most of these family names have now ceased to have representatives in this locality. The part of the highway now Fort Hill Street, bordering upon this burial-place was discontinued and enclosed and became a part of it, but from its rocky character it is of little benefit. On this portion, and near the southeasterly line of the old road, three tombs were erected about the year 1825, and Bince that time others have been built. These now occupy nearly the whole extent of the older portion of the road. For many years few interments had been made in the old ground and the few memorial stones had become displaced and broken, as well as moss-grown ; and the stray cattle disputed possession of such scanty herbage as Btruggled for growth amid thorns and briers, while the old neglected ground was waiting the advent of the spirit of some 11 Old Mortality " to redeem it from waste and desecration. This came at last, as so many excellent things do come, from the devotion and labor of woman. The women of this vicinity, who by organized effort and well-directed labor, had obtained sufficient funds to warrant the beginning of a work of improve- inent, caused a ineeting of those interest7ed in the burving-ground to be called in November, 1851. This meeting was well attended, and out of it came the orgqn- ization of the Fort Hill Cemetery Corporation the same Year. This was immediately followed by the purchase of about ilirce acres of land ill the rear and to the west of the old ground, the laying out of the land into lots, the grading and sale of a portion of the same, the fencing of the land, the planting of trees and lltdgeg and the general work pertaining to a well ordered ceme- terv, and this has been continued to the present time. in the meantime the ladies continued their well-directed efforts, holding a fair each Year for the sale of the products of their labor, the results froin which have been sufficient to meet the 362 11istory of Ilinghain. quite large expenditures required. In 1884 they bad fu~id .. to the treasury of the corporation $4,482.67, $286.67 of wb tell wa's appropriated for placing in the Ulu groullu a glalilw monu- ment commemorative of the 11 Early Settlers of the West part of Hingham." In addition to ~he sum of $4,482.67, con- tributed by the ladies, who are now organized under the stat- utes as 11 The Ladies Fort Hill Sewing Circle in Hingham," they have given to the proprie- tors of the cemetery $2,000, to be held as a fund, the income of which is to be devoted to the care of the cemetery. In 1890 a chapel similar in form to the one in the Hingham cemetery, but of smaller size, was erected. The contractor was J. F. Vinal of Weymouth. In 1866, the proprietors pur- chased of the estate of David Brown about one acre of land on the northwesterly side of Fort Hill Street, for the rnatc- rial to be used in filling and grading lots ; the ledges under- EARLY SETTLERS' MONUME,1jT, FORT HILL CEMETERY. lying much of the cemetery ground requiring large filling to fit. the lots for burial purposes. The town by vote have given the proprietors the care and man- agernent of the " Old Burying Ground," reserving therein a lot for the burial of such as may have no one to provide for them and the town also appropriated $75 towards building the fence on the line of the cemetery and the schoolhouse lot. Since the proprietors organized in 1851 they have sold one hundred and forty lots. The officers of the Fort Hill Cemetery Corporation since it organized have been as follows: - Presidents : David Stoddar, 1851-52; Marshall Lincoln, 1852- 54; Martin B. Stoddar, 1854-55. Joseph A. Newhall, 1855-68; William Lincoln, 1868-79; Henry L. Fletcher, 1879, and ill successive years following. Secretary: Quincy Bicknell, Jr., 1851 to 1856 ; now Quincy Bicknell, and annually re-elected to the present time. Treasurer#: Thomas W. Stoddar, 1851-81; Isaac W. Our, 1881, and to the present IiTo Directors: Warren A jlelse~' 1851-52; Ezra Bicknell, 1851- Burial-grounds. 36 55; Ebed S. Stoddar, 1852-54; Daniel Lincoln, 1854-55 ; Rober W. Lincoln, 1855-59; Stephen Stowell, 1855-58; David Cain 1858-59; Charles Spring, 1859-60; Stephen Stowell, 1859-63 D--U 'n 102A 01. Andr ~. .~-" , - .1. -- lavlu UU111, 18604 , , An OW T 0-A_ 1 Q9Q 9Q . VZrn P;~], Hell, 1867-79; Henry Binney, 1868-72; Ebed S. Stoddar, 1872 73 ; Andrew J. Gardner, 1873-81; Alphonse Cain, 1879, an annually re-elected since; Henry Binney, 1881-82; Lewis Stod dard, 1882-88; Ellen W. Cain, 1888. The President, Secretar and Treasurer are also Directors, ex officiis. Superintendents: Ezra Bicknell, 1874-79; Andrew J. Gardner 1879-81; Alphonso Cain, 1881, and annually since. HIGH STREET CEMETERY. This well kept and conveniently located burial-place for tb inhabitants of the south part of the town has been enlarged twic and within the past twenty years has been greatly improved an beautified. But as is the case with all our ancient graveyards, it early history is somewhat obscure. Tradition says that it wa originally used as a burial-place by Indians; and in support of tbi theory it is said that Indian remains, rolled up in blankets an lying face downward, were exhumed here at the time, of it first general renovation. By others it is claimed that thes remains were in tarred blankets, - that they were of person who died of small-pox in Hingham soon after the war of th Revolution; but as the Indians lead neither blankets nor tar to us before the locality was inhabited by Englishmen, the reliabilit of the tradition is questioned. In neither instance, however, d these statements detract from the antiquity of this cemetery, f there were families bearing the surnames Bacon, Chubloick, Dui bar, Jacob, Russell, Tower, Whiten, Wilder, etc., residing hei several years before 1681, when the new mecting-house w erected ; and without doubt these families found it more co verilent to have a burial-ground in their locality than to pirt ii with the inconvenience of conveying their dead a distance ( three or four miles. The oldest stone in this yard from whic any information can be gained was designed and is inscribed follows: - HERE LIETH BURIED Y~ BODY OF JANE RUSSELL WIFE TO GEORGE RUSSELL AGED ABOUght 83 YEam DIED FEBRUARY Y 23, 1688 ENTRANCE TO HIGH STREET CEMETERY. Other inscriptions prior to 1700 are: - HERE LYETH YE BODY OF M" MARY IACOB Y- WIFE OF CAPT IOHN IACOB SHE DIED OCT' 2 i6gi. HERE LYETH Y Body of Capt JOHN JACOB Aged A~' 63 Dyed Seoftmw ye 19, 1~93- HERE LYETH BURIED ~ BODY of GEORGE RUSSELL AGED 'YEARS Die(ry- 26th of MAY t694- HERE LYETH BVRIED Y-BODYofSAMURL IACOB AGED NERE 24 YEARS DYED OCTOBER Y' 29 1695. MARY IACOB ~ DAVGTER of IOSEPU IACOB AGED 8 YE-- 6 M 6 Dayes DYED MARCH ~ 22 t6g4- MARY CUSHING AGED 9 YEARs DIED AVGVST y. 8 1699. RACHEL CUSHING AGED 2 YEARY DIED SEPEM r 9. 1699- Burial-grounds. 365 From 1797 to 1855 this cemetery was controlled and supported b n y the Parish, and, singular as it inay How appear, the records show that from 1806 to 1811, inclusive - certain income was re- ceived Horn lettliq the sunic annually to t1le hIgHust bidder lor a sheep and calf pasture. Land was purchased and annexed to the origilial site in 1804, and again in 1866. In 1885 it was incorpo- rated as the 11 High Street Cemetery Association." rhe )present officers of the association are as follows : President, Arthur R. Whitcomb ; Secretary, Loring H. CushinIg ; Treamrer, Alonzo Cushing; Directors, Webster llerse~, Allred Cushin,,, David Cashing, 2d, William Cushing, and tl~e Presidek, Secret , tiry, and Treasurer, ex officii,~,- Suj)erintendent, Christopher 13. Hill. The association lots a trust fund for the care of lots, of which Arthur It. Whitcomb is trustee. It is in a flourishing condition, and additional improvements are contemplated in the iiear future. HINGHAM CEMETERY. The year in which the older part of this cemetery was first used for burials is uncertain. It probably was Hot far from the time the new meeting-house was erected, in 1681 ; as it had been a custom in old Hingham, England, for several Igenorations bef ore the early planters came here, to bury the dead in the grounds ad- joiningg the church, or even autedating that period, when their ancestors buried in the grounds around the old nionastery which stood where the famous old (St. Andrew) church, of Ilin ' gliam, England, which was rebuilt in 1316, does now. Some light, how- ever, upon the questioti of the earlier burials in this cemetery may be gained by the following conveyances L S. R. of D., Vol. 22, p. 172 (abstract) : John Coombs of Hing. Taylor " and Elizabeth his w., in consideration of 9120, sell to Nathaniel Hall of Hin.g. 11 Physician," home lot of A 6 acres situated near the meeting-house with a dwelling-house, etc. thereon; bounded on the high- way or common land S. W. and W. and N. W.; Samuel Thaxter on the E. "and some of it towards the N. E. and part of the front of which heth towards the burying place." This conveyance wai recorded in 1703. S. R. of D., Vol. 27, p. 79 (abstract) : Nathaniel Hall of Hing' 11 physician " and Anua his w., for X1 25, sell to joshua rm-ker of sd. Hin," all that their home, lot of 6 acres (as previously described and bounded) 11 and part of the front lying towards the bur.yinc-phee, and southerly upon a square rode of ]an(] bounded upon the front fence by the grave of Josiah Loring, deceased, and upon a square rodo of land bouaded upon the front fence by the grave of Rachel Fearin I q and upoa the lgraveg at the soutA corner of said land," etc. This (Iced was ackuowl~ edge,l the 28th of 31arch, 1713. ENTRANCE TO 13INGIIAN CEMETERY, III, (Abstract.) In a deed dated at Hing. June 17, 1718, Joshua Tucker (before-mentioned) conveys to sundry persons hereinafter named, for a burying-place, lots of from one-half to one rod each, at the rate of log. per square rod. The boundaries of the said burying-place are described as follows: "towards the S. E. with the land of Samuel Thaxter as the fence now standeth; S. W. with the Common behind the incefing-house as the fence now standeth ; and N. F, and N. W. with the residue of my d lot.,, The persons to whom lots were sold and the quantities pur- chased by each, were as follows: - rod.No. 3. To several persons was granted by Doct. Hall to bury their rel- ations here. 2. Luke Lincoln 3. John Fearing 4. 6. Smarrel. Gill . . . . 6. Heirs of Josiah Lor- ing ~ . . . . . . TDd. No. 7. Hein of Ephraim Lane, deo' . . . . . I 8' Joshua Hersey - . - I 9. Heirs of Samuel Ho- bart, dec' . . . . 10, James Heargey, Jun. 11. David Lincoln . 12 ' James Hearsey, S1;1. 13. James Lincoln . . . A 14. Ambrose Low . . - i rod. No. 15. Josiah Lane . . . . 16 Lieut. The$. Andrews 1 17. Thomas Joy . . . . 18. John Langlee 19. John Lewis . . . . 20. Caleb Beal . 21. John Beal, Jun. 22. Nehemiah Lincoln No. 23. Isaac, and Jonathan ~d. Lane . . . . 24. Heirs or T be Mp 1 0 0 _~ng_ field, dec4 . . . . 25. Benjamin Lincoln . - I 26. Heirs of Jacol) Beal, dee .. . . . . . The six-acre lot of land mentioned in the foregoing deeds, was originally granted to Thomas Gill, one of the early settlers of this town. During the last and the early part of the present Century the successive owners of this ground sold grave-lots to vario~ir in- dividuals for what would now be considered n. very trilling sum. These sales were usually recorded in the private account-books of the proprietors. They were made not only by Joslina Tucker, lint also by Elisha Leavitt, Colonel Nathan Rice, and other suc- cessive owners, Thomas Lend being tile last person who sold grave-lots here in this way. As an illustration of the small core- Persation received from these sales before the present century, I copy from the day-b(ok of Col. Rice the following: 11 Jan. 7, 1793. Rufus Lane, Dr. To half a rod of land for a burying- ground, 8 shillings"It should be remembered iii this connection, however, that these grounds were in a rough, unkept condition, without avenues, paths, or shrubbery, and that they were frequently used as common pasturage for cattle, and also as a playground by children who resided in the vicinity. In 1832 an article appeared in the Hingham Cilzette, sugp%ting that some measures be taken to render the north burild-grounds more re%pectable in the eyes of strangers, more worthy of our own character as citizens, and more creditable to the feelings of respect entertained for those who have left the stage of human action forever." On the 9th of March, 1837, Adam W. Thaxter, of Boston, who wag a native of Ifingliam, purchased of Thomas Loud The bury- ing-ground lot in the rear of the old inecting-house, and adjoininlo the estate of Rev. Charles Brooks on the east. By act of the Legislature the Hingliam Cemetery was incorporated Feb. 28, 1838, and by gift of Mr. Thaxter, dated Jan. 1, 1839, his purchase became the property of certain persons named in the act of in- corporation, and of all who should afterwards purchase lots and thereby become proprietors. Mr. Thaxter made a second gift to the proprietors of a lot of land which he purchased May 21, 1838, of Jacob H. Loud. This adjoined a part of his first pur- ,hage, and extended to the mill-pond. Nov. 15, 1848, lie bought )f Atherton Tilden a tract of land which soon became the third gift of Mr. Tbaxter to the cemetery corporation. 370 IIistonj of Hingham. The earliest headstone erected in this cemetery, although no doubt there were other burials here previously, has upon it the following: - Here Lies ye R~rl. f Fnh,~in~ M_ar.,Wlq~d _,4 Years Died Jan'y ye 2. 1703 Of the historic monuments of the present century are the sar- cophagus hearing an inscription to the memory of Alaj.-Gem. Bon- jamin Lincoln, the monument 11 To the First Settlers of Hing- ham, Erected by the Town, 1839," the soldiers' and sailors' monument, and the statue of Governor Andrew. Since the Act of Incorpora- tion the officers of this ceme- tery have been as follows:- Presidents. Adam W. Thretter, 1838-63; Solomon Linco~u, 1853- 55; John Bassett, 1855-70; Solo- Men Lincoln, 1870-81 ; Henry C. Harding, 1882. Secretaries: Jairus Lincoln, 1838--44; Robert T. r. Fiske, 1844-66; Elijah L. Whiton, 1866-70; George Lincoln, 1870- 79; Charles B. W. Lane, 1879- 88; Charles A. Lane, 1888. Treasurffs - Up to 1870 the office, of Treasurer was held by the Secretary; since then it has been separate duty. Elijah L. Whiten, 1870-81 ; Enos Loring, 1881. Directors: Adam W. Thrurter, 1838-53; Juirus Lincoln, 1838-44; Jotham Lincoln, 1838-41 ; Edward Thaxter, 1838-42; Solomon Lin- coln, 1838-55; Robert T. P. Fiske, 1838-66; Rufus Lane, 1838-41 ; Charles Lane, 1841-54; Royal Whiton, 1841-65; Charles W. Seymour, 1842-51 ; John Todd, 1844 -has been annually re-elected since; Bela Whiton, 1851-70; Amos Bates, 1853-54; Joseph Sprague, 1854-55; Rufus Lane, Jr., 1854-63; John Bassett, 1855-70; Elijah L. Whiten, 1855-81 ; George M. Soule, 1863-68; Enos Loring, 1865, and annually re-elected since; Isaac Barnes, 1866-70; Daniel Bassett, 1868-70; Solo- men Lincoln, 1870-81 ; George Lincoln, 1870-79 ; Samuel Easterbrook, 1870-83; Albert Fearing, 1871-75; David Whiton, 1875-77; John 1). Long, 1877; Joseph Sprague, 1882; Charles W. S. Seymour, 1883; John C. Hollis, 1887 ; Henry Stephenson, 1887, died same year; Charles B. Barnes, 1888. Committee on JrMprovements: JahruB Lincoln, 1838-42; Rufus Lane, 183849; Robert T. P. Fiske, 1838-66; Solomon Lincoln, 1839-42; Barial-grounds. 371 Royal Whiten, 1842-53 ; Charles Lane, 1842-4k; Charles W. Seymour, 1848-53; Bela Wbiton, 1853-67; John Todd, 1853-67; Elijah L. Whitem, 1855-67; Enos Loring, 1866-67. In 1867 the Directors voted not to choose a Committee on Im- provements, but in place thereof to create the office of Auperin- tendent, to which office John Todd was elected. Mr. Todd still holds this position, having been re-elected annually since the date of its adoption. HINGHAM CENTRE CEMETERY. The older part of this centrally located, well-kept, and easily approached cemetery was probably' first occupied for burial pur- poses as early as 1700. Its ancient memorials are numerous, well preserved, and carefully arranged; and they afford much valuable information in the wav of Dames and dates to the an- tiquary and genealogist. In the absence of any record by which to fix the precise time when burials were first made here, the in- scription upon the oldest stone originally erected bere (uhich corresponds in date with that first erected in the 11ingliain Cem- etery) will throw some light upon its early occupancy. The in- scription reads thus: - ERECTED In Memory of Hezekiah Leauitt Who Died April the 2otb 17o8 Aged 71 Years & 7 Months There is, however, another stone in this inclosure of still greater antiquity, which originally stood in the lirst burial-ground where the early settlers were buried; but which within the pres- ent century was taken to Ilinghain Centre and re-erected in this cemetery. It bears the following inscription:- HERE LYES Y~ BODY OF MATHEW HAWKE AGED 74 YEARS DEC- DECEMBER Y~ tit". 1684 Concerning the early history of this burial-place but little in- formation can be obtained. It was undoubtedly, rough, unfenced, and almost uncared for until after the Revolution. But with the establishment of our National Independence there seems to have come a desire for improvement, and this was made manifest both by individual and corporative acts. From an authentic source dating back a century ago I copy the following: - 372 History of Hingham. 11 At a legal meeting of the Proprietors of the common and undivided land in Hingham held on the first Monday in April 1788, it was ,, Voted, That all the Proprietors ways and undivided land be given up -4 hanpilt. fnrpvpr on thil fallnWinff M~11L tions ' viz; That a highway be laid out beginning at the northerly end of the road leading from The. Cushing's house to extend North 27' west, and 4 rods in width 'till it comes into the road leading from Great Plain. Also that a road be laid out beginning at the northwest corner of the road leading from Elisha Lane's shop, to extend north 49' west, 3 rods in width 'till it comes into the aforesaid town road; and that the land be. tween the two roads aforesaid be reserved for a training field ; and that the land to the eastward of the said ways be reserved for a burying-place and that no building be erected upon the said training field, or burying ground ; that the town accept of the aforesaid roads, and all the Propri. etors ways and repair them as other public roads Care] if necessary." At a legal town meeting held on the first Monday in April, 1788, it was " Voted, To accept of the Proprietors' ways, and of the Proprietors' land, not before disposed of, which they at a meeting held this present day made a grant to the town of Hingham." Report of a committee made April 4, 1796: - "Whereas several persons have requested leave of the town to set up a fence in front of the burying-ground on the Plain, the committee ap- pointed to take their request into consideration have examined the ground and report that the petitioners have leave to set up a fence beginning at the southeasterly corner of Elijah Waters' land, and to run northerly in a direct line until it strikes twelve feet westward of the monument of -Fearing's tomb; thence Dorthwardly until it strikes the town gar- den; to make a proper gate to pass and repass to and from the town's barn, with cart, etc. ; and that the town reserve the right to direct said fence to be removed; and that the said burying-ground to be laid com- won whenever they shall see fit." This report was amended, and then accepted. The amendment reads thus: - 11 The town sball be at the expense of fencing out a way to their barn, or removing said barn from their land." [Signed] David Cushing, per order. At a town meeting held May let, 1820, it was " Voted, That the people who occupy the burying-ground on the Plain have leave to appoint a committee to regulate said burying-ground, %ad that Hawkes Fearing, Esqr., be authorized and requested to notify a meeting for the purpose." May 12, 1848, the town, after several previous applications which had been ineffectual: - 11 Moted, To remove the two School Houses from the burial-ground oil lower plain to the adjoining land purchased of Samuel Waters." VIEW IN HINGHAM CENT11H CKMETCRY. An Act of Incorporation was granted to the proprietors, May 21, 1849, by the Legislature, and at the annual meeting, in May, 1850, the following officers were chosen, viz. : Luther Stephenson, President; Thomas Cushing, 2d, Secretary ; Martin Fearing, John Leavitt, Robert Burr, David Whiton, and Hawkes Fearing, Jr., Directors. To enlarge and improve the grounds of this cemetery, pur- chases have been made as follows: - June 1, 1849. The President and Directors bought from the estates of Robert Burr, Pyarn C. Burr, and Justin Ripley, Jr., land to straighten the cemetery line. June 2, 1849. The town Bold to the President, Directors, and Company of this cemetery a piece of land containing one acre and twenty rods, bounded northerly on land of Robert Burr, Pyarn C. Burr, and Justin Ripley, Jr., easterly, on Back [now Spring] Street, southerly on land of the grantors occupied for schoolhouses, and westerly on the old burying-grotind. The affairs of this cemetery are now in a very satisfactory con- dition. It has a trust fund, contributed by sundry individuals, the income of which is devoted to the care of their lots. The grounds, which embrace about three acres, are agrecablY diversi- lied with a variety of trees and shrubs ; the avenues and paths are conveniently arranged and in good order; and nomy excel- !cut specimens of the sculptor's art, which beautify and add at- tractiveness to the place, have recently been erected. 374 History of Hingham. At the annual meeting in 1892, the following officers were chosen, viz. : Flood L. Ripley, President; Joseph H. French, Seereta7~y and Treasurer; John K. Corthell, William Thomas, Justin Ripley, William Fearing, 2d, and Hawkes Fearing, Di . rec- tors; William Thomas, Superintendent of Grounds. JERUSALEM ROAD CEMETERY. On the southeast side of Jerusalem Road, a short distance from Hull Street, is a picturesque driveway leading to elevated ground, on the left-band side of which the old burial-place on Jerusalem Road is located. It takes in a most charming ocean, lake, and landscape view, and nearly all the summer residences of this neighborhood are brought vividly into prominence, and add greatly to the effect and be~uty of the scene. The cemetery of itself, however, receives but little care, and therefore presents but few attractions. It needs to be judiciously modernized and embellished by a skilful hand to be in keeping with its sur. roundings and with the spirit of the age. The part originally used as a burial-ground was undoubtedly consecrated to this purpose more than one hundred and fifty years ago, or soon after the locality was settled and a mill erected. Its improve- ment, therefore, should interest all who reside in this vicinity, even if no higher motive be considered than to adorn, and beau- tify, and preserve it for its antiquity, as well as for the hallowed memories which cluster around it. The inscriptions upon the older stones are as follows: - HERE LIES THE BODY of M- MARTHA HUDSON Wife to MrJOSEPH HUDSON DI D NOV' 13 Y 17J5 in the 81b EA~ of M AGE. IN MEMORY OF Ml~ MARY HUDSON Wife of M, Heze kiah Hurisox Who Died Dec ember 5 1763 in Y~ 22d year of Her Age. IN MEMORY OF M~ ANDREW BEAL he Died Janu 10 176z Agelo 77 Years. IN MEMORY OF M- RACHEL Widow of M, Andrew Beal. She Died Nov Y~ 20'h 1780 Aged 84 yrs. IN MEMORY OF M DEBORAH Wife of M, ABEL BEAL She Died June jr~ 15. 1788 In her 54th year. Several years since, additional land adjoining the original ground was purchased, thereby increasing its area to about two acres. Its present proprietors were granted an Act of Incorpo- ration as the Nantasket Cemetery Association, April 22, 18-4 9. The officers of this association are, Joseph Hicks, President; Walter S. Beal, Secretai%y. Burial-grounds. 875 Further along on the right, or southeast side of Jerusalem Road, near the little stream known as 11 Rattle Snake Run," is a small. uncared-for burial-DIaCe. which probably belonged to the Nichols family. It contains some ten or twelve ancient gravestones which mark the last resting-place principally of the children of parents who early settled in this locality. The old- est stone bears the following inscription: - HERE LYETH Y~ BODY of SOLOMON NICHOLS S.n of M, ISRAEL NICHOLS Who Dyed March y~ 2d in 1697 Aged 2 Years. LIBERTY PLAIN CEMETERY. On the 28th of February, 1755, David Garnett, in consideration of X1 12s. conveyed to 11 Samuel Garnett, Sanniel Dunbar, Samuel Garnett, Jr., Enoch Whiton, Benjamin Garnett, Jr., Stephen Garnett, Thomas Garnett, Solomon Loring, Jr., David Garnett, Jr., Nathaniel Garnett, Samuel Wyton, Jr., Daniel Wyton, Jere- miah Chubbuck, Nehemiah Sprague, Robert Dunbar, Hannah Dunbar, and David Farrow, all of Hingham, in the County of Suffolk, and Benjamin Dunbar, Ilezekiah Stodder, Benjamin Tower, John Corthell, and Jacob Whiten, of Scituate, in the County of Plymouth, and Robert Corthell and Benjamin Whiting, of Abington, one quarter acre of land in the Great Plain, so called, now used and appropriated for a burying-place." Although the foregoing conveyance was not made until 1755, yet for sixteen years previously the land had been used for burial purposes as will be seen by the I ollowing: - "August the 29th 1739 Seth Cushings Dafter Deborah Died at 10 months old -and was the fust that was Buryed in the new Burying. plate wich was purched of Dauid Garnet by the pepell at the Sent End of the town." -Extract from Samuel Camet's Diary. The original ground contained twenty-five lots, with a walk the entire length on the north side. Within these lots lie the remains of the earlier settlers of 11 ye Great Plain," so called ; and the surnames Whiten, Garnett or Garnet, and Dunbar are the more numerous ones upon the ancient gravestones. With but few ex- ceptions, there were not many early residents of Liberty Plain who reached their 11 three score years and ten," a large percentage having passed away between the ages of forty-five and sixty, as is shown by the inscriptions upon .ionic of the ancient gravestones. The oldest person buried in this ceincter ' y was Mrs. Sarah Pratt. The inscription upon her gravestone reads thus: - 376 11istory of 11ingham. HERE LIES BURIED Y, BODY OF SARAH PRATT WHO DIED OCT. 22"~ J70- -1 OF HER AGE LATELY YE WIFE OF LIEUT JOHN PRATT* 13UT FORMERLY YE WIFE OF m, STEPHEN GARNET BY HIM SHE HAD A NUMEROUS POSTERITY RUNNING TO Y~ 50, GEN ERATION IN NUMBERS 187 Other ancient inscriptions here ar e as follows: HERE LIES Y~ BODY OF OBADIAH GROSS WHO DIED FE&Y Y~ 23 1750IN Y~ 49'h YEAR OF HIS AGE HERE LVES THE BODY oFMR PETER DUNBAR wHo DIED MARCH VE 1611117 50/51 IN Y' v, YEAR OF H~S AGE In memor of Mr Daniel ;yVhiton who died September 15th 1768 in Y~ 45'h Year of his age. IN MEMORY OF CAPT ENOCH WHITON wmo DEPARTED THIS,~AFF NE THE , 7;8 JJU 2 N Y~ 43 r6 YEAR OF HIS AGE For a period of more than half ft Century the little burial-ground was large enough for the requirements of this section of the town; and it was not until 1817-18 that additional land was needed or secured. The loss of all records prior to this date renders it im - possible, therefore, to furnish the names of persons who were con- nected with its supervision or management. In 1844 James Gardner, William Young, Samuel' W. Loring, and others, organized as a corporation, their first meeting being * Lieut. John Pratt, of Weymouth, and Ramh Garnet were married. Nov. 15, 1737, he being at that time sevent3401'r years old; and if the age given upon her grave- stone at her decease is correct, Mrs. Gamet must have been seventy-seven years old at Burial-grounds. 37T called by James S. Lewis, Esq., Justice of the Peace, and interest . d in this ancient burial-round. was again revive n The present 11 Liberty Plain Cemetery Association " was incor- porated in 1866; since when there has been a steady and con- tinued improvement each year in and around the Cemetery. Additional land has been obtained and tastefully laid out in lots; driveways and walks have been constructed, and the old burying-place has put on a more cheerful and modern aspect. The officers of the association are Seth Sprague, President and Treasurer, and John C. Gardner, Secretary. A few of the earlier residents of this village had, as was cus- tomary in olden times, private tombs on their own premises; but there were none of earlier origin than the burying-ground. These have all been removed, and the remains which they contained were placed in the Liberty Plain and High Street cemeteries. THE BIER AND HEARSE. Prior to the year 1824, the dead were carried to the grave upon a bier, the handles of which were placed on the shoulders of the friends or neighbors who bad been selected as 11 under- bearers." Where the distance was great, two and sometimes three sets of "bearers " officiated by turns for the purpose of relieving those who first started with the body. Many of our elderly people remember this method of burial. Another singular feature in connection with the old-time in- terments, as viewed from our modern standpoint, is, that up to the present century it was customary to distribute gifts among the relatives or near friends of the deceased at funerals, such as handkerchiefs, gloves, neckwear, and even ornamental trinkets; also refreshments, includin.- a bountiful supply of liquors, the latter being freely furnished to all who entered the house of mourning. Before the Revolution the price of a coffin lined with cambric and cotton, and having one stationary square of glass at the top, was from 8 to 9 shillings. A winding sheet cost about 3ft. or 3s. and 4d. For tolling the bell, including a passing bell, two shillings; and for digging a grave, four shillings was the current price. A hearse was first used in Hingliarn at the burial of Miss Martha Thaxter, who died the 6th of Sept. 1824. She was to have been buried the 8th, but, owing to a slight disagreement upon some minor point between the 11 bearers " and others, the interment did not take place until the 9th, when a hearse was borrowed for the occasion from Weymouth. qlioi-tlv after, a meeting of the citizens residing within the limit,; of ibe North Parish was held (Sept. 11 and 15) at the north male school- 378 History of Hingliam. house, at which a committee was appointed to procure a funeral car and harness, at a cost Hot exceeding one hundred and seventy d o I In rq A hnildinv was then erected near the Dresent entranen ]gate of the 11ingham. Cemetery, Hear the old meeting-house, in which the car, or hearse, was kept, until it was removed to Elm Street. The hearse with its equipments was owned by proprietors, and there were about three hundred shareholders to the capital stock. Single shares were placed at $1 each, and were transferable. This hearse was completed Dec. 18, 1824, and was first used at the burial of Mrs. Martha S., wife of Benjamin S. Williams. She died the 21st of Dec., 1824. After more th4n forty years of service the old hearse became somewhat antiquated, as well as out of repair, and unsuited to the solemnities of a funeral occasion. The committee, therefore, who had charge of the same issued the following notice: - At a meeting of the Proprietors of the 11 Funeral Car" in this town, held Wednesday eveniug,.Jqn. 25th, it was Voted, To procure a new Funeral Car. Voted, To assess old proprietors $1- Voted, That all persons who have paid $I- for the use of said Car may become proprietors by DOtif.yiDg either of the Committee chosen for that parpose and paying $I- within thirty days from the time of holding this meeting, to Henry Siders, Joseph Ripley, or Bela 11. Whiton. Voted, That new proprietors pay $2- per share. Voted, That Henry Siders, Joseph Ripley and Bela 11. Whiten, be a Committee to procure a new Funeral Car, etc. (Signed) JOHN TODD, 07erk. HiNGHAm, Feb. 3, 1865. The new "Car" was completed in April, 1865, at a cost of about $300. It was first brought into use at the funeral of Capt. Thomas Andrews, April 14, 1865; and five dmls later(April 19, 1865),was drawn byfour white horses in tbe procession at the funeral solemnities of President Abraham Lincoln. Within the memory of manyof ourcitizens theinhabitantiof South Ilingharn were dependent upon the hearse located at the .north part of the town for the means of transporting their dead to a place of burial. This method of conveyance, with an occa- sional use of the bier, was kept up until 1843, when a hearse was purchased, and the present hearse-house near the church was erected in which to keep it. In 1870 a new hearse, to replace the one first used, was pro- cored, and, as in the case of its predecessor, was paid for by subscription. The proprietors at their last election chose the following of- ficers, viz.: Elijah Shute, President; William Cushing, Olerlc