THE JAPAN GRAVE-YARD (aka Jennings graveyard) Near Jennings Brook IN BRIDGEWATER, PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ *** All information transcribed herein is taken from the book titled, "Epitaphs Of Old Bridgewater - 1882" and which was written by Williams Latham. This book covers many old graveyards in the Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater and Brockton area. The numbers refer to a small map with all stones given a number. *** Directions: From Rt. 106 in East Bridgewater, heading easterly towards Plymouth, take the first right about 1/2 mile beyond the Family "Y", across the street from a farm with a silo, onto Bridge Street. Go past one stop sign and the grave-yard is about one mile on the left. From Plymouth area, take Rt. 106 until you come to Rt. 104 on the left. Follow Rt. 104 Just one mile and turn right turn onto High Street. (There is a stone and gravel pit just opposite). 4 tenths of a mile ahead the cemetery will be on the right. From Rt. 24, take Rt. 104 East thru Bridgewater Center following Rt. 104 carefully. Cross over the river about 2 miles from the town center and Bridgewater Farm Supply will be on the left. Take an immediate left onto Mill St. and follow to the end (1/4 mile) take right onto High St. and the Cemetery will be on the left 100 yards ahead. *** The description below comes directly from the book mentioned and I feel it is necessary to have as much information and detail as can be printed. This cemetery is still being used, but none of the later interments are listed here.. *** The old grave-yard near Jennings Brook, sometimes called Japan Grave-yard, contains fifty square rods, was given for that purpose about 1766 by Samuel Jennings who lived on the homestead of his father, Richard Jennings, on the northerly side of High Street, about forty rods in a southerly direction from these premises. The well and cellar still to be seen. (I don't think so today.) This Richard Jennings was in the Swamp Fight of King Phillip's War, Sunday, December 19, 1675; married Mary Bassett of Sandwich, and was living here in Bridgewater, on her land before 1686, had four daughters, all well married; and four sons. In 1735, sixty years after the fight, this Richard and one Daniel Hudson, two of the 14 men from Bridgewater in that engagement, were alive, living here in Bridgewater and then obtained their land bounty for serving in that war. In 1729, he gave his son, Samuel, a deed of the homestead, reserving a life estate on account of his lameness, and died in 1751, and was buried in the old graveyard near the Unitarian Meeting House. His son, Samuel, never married; became insane, 1776; and from that time to his death, 1785, was under the guardianship of Edward Mitchell, Jr. this family has become extinct - or at least no descendants of the male line are known to be living. This ground has a face stone wall with an iron gate in Front on the south side of the ground, next to high street, there measuring ninety-three feet; and a wooden fence on all other sides (since disappeared) measuring 103 1/2 feet on the easterly side; 140 feet on the north, or back side and 139 feet on the westerly side, next to Plane (sic) Street. See plan. No deed is known to exist; but Samuel Jennings is said to have given this land for this purpose about 1766. The oldest grave-stone in this yard is that of Nathaniel Haywards's wife, Elizabeth, who died Nov. 7, 1766. Joanna Tinkham who was housekeeper for Samuel Jennings, died March 6, 1763 and was buried in the old yard at the Unitarian Meeting House, and probably would have been buried in this yard if the land had previously been given for that purpose. Within a few years past, Havilla Dunphe has added to this old yard on the north side, and enclosed with a wooden fence, a strip of land about 106 feet wide, north and south, and about 160 feet long east and west: about 61 square rods, and has laid the same out in burial lots and sell them to individuals as wanted. Seven graves with stones are found in this new ground but are not taken into this account; and there are probably in the old yard as many graves without stones as with stones, the town paupers being buried here for many years. EPITAPHS 1. Marble monument - Abby, died July 20, 1858, ae 4 yrs., 5 mos. Dearest Abby thou hast left us, Though thy loss was deeply feel: 'Tis God that hath bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal. 2. In memory of Ruth Price, died Dec. 5, 1858, ae 83. Dearest mother thou hast left us, Though thy loss we deeply feel; 'Tis God that hath bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal. 3. In memory of Benjamin Price, died Jan. 5, 1833, ae 80. My children dear, this place draw near, A father's grave to see; Not long ago I was with you, And soon you'll be with me. 4. In memory of Mrs. Hannah, wife of Sylvanus Hall, died Oct. 18, 1830 ae 74 years, 7 mos., 6 days. 5. In memory of Mr. Sylvanus Hall, who died July 24, 1815, ae 52. 6. In memory or Mr. Asa Hall, who died Feb. 10, 1817, ae 56. 7. Almeriah, Dau, of Mr. Ebenezer and Nancy Hall, died Jan. 22, 1825, aged 3 years and 5 days 8. Nancy, dau. of Mr. Ebenezer and Nancy Hall, she died, Mch. 3, 1825, ae 5 yrs., 10 mos., 23 days. 9. In memory of Mrs. Hannah Hall, died May 9, 1827, aged 31 yrs., 10 mos., 26 days. 10. Lavina Hall, dau. of Sylvanus and Hannah Hall, died Jan. 8, 1862, ae 68 yrs., 10 mos., 23 days. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 11. Nancy, wife of Ebenezer Hall, died Mar. 6, 1863, aged 74 yrs., 4 mos., 5 days. My mother in heaven, a little while And I will be with thee. 12. Nancy D. Pratt, born Aug. 9, 1828, died Aug 10, 1872. 13. Ebenezer Hall, born Oct. 16, 1788, died Apr. 29, 1874 14. Lemina Lewis, died Nov. 11, 1849, ae 3 yrs., 7 mos. Celia Loretta, died Mch. 14, 1852, aged 4 mos. Also an infant son, died March 21, 1843, aged 21 days. Children of Daniel and Huldah Darling. So fades the lovely blooming flower, Frail smiling solace of an hour; So soon our choicest comforts fly, And pleasures only bloom to die. 15. In memory of Mrs. Abigail, the wife of Mr. Perez Waterman, who died Jan. 19, 1872, in the 66th year of her age. 16. In memory of Mr. Perez Waterman, who died Aug. 9, 1793, in the 80th year of his age. 17. In memory of Martin, son of Mr. Perez Waterman, who died Nov. 7, 1782 in the 20th year of his age. 18. In memory of Mrs. Hannah, the wife of Mr. Nathaniel Hayward; she died Jan. 15, 1795, aged 62. 19. In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Hayward, who died Nov. 7, 1766, in the 47 year of her age. Wife of Mr. Nathaniel Hayward. 20. In memory of Nathaniel Hayward, who died Nov. ye 9, 1780, in 63d year of his age. Reader, stand still and shed a tear, Think on the dust that slumbers here; And when (the epitaph ends here) 21. In memory of Phillip Hayward, who died Aug. 20,1769, in 22d year of his age. 22. In memory of Adam, son of Mr. Nathaniel and Hannah Hayward, who died Mch. 7, 1777, aged 1 yr., 12 days. 23. Levi Loel Carr, died Aug. 17, 1854, aged 23 years. An opening bud, a blooming flower, Cut down and withered in an hour; 'Tis thus our earthly comforts fly, And prospects brighten but to die. Thy life is o'er, thy race is run, Thy days were few, thy work is done, Thy soul has fled to worlds above, We trust to rove in fields of love. 24. Maria Adelaide, died July 17, 1854, ae 15 months. George Walter, died May 31, 1852, ae. 19 mos., 19 days. Alma Amelia, died Sept. 26, 1855, ae. 11 mos., 20 days. Children of Nelson O. and Sarah E. Carr. Sleep, little children, sleep, Not on thy mother's breast, But in thy Savior's arms, Henceforth shall be thy rest. 25. Sarah E. Carr, wife of Nelson O. Carr, died Oct. 2, 1863, aged 32 yrs., 5 mos. Sarah thou hast gone before us To thy calm and happy home, There to join the heavenly chorus With angels that surround the throne. Thy life on earth is ended, And thy works do follow thee, Where thy footsteps have ascended To a world of purity. 26. Here lies Esther Negus; she died May 14, 1785 in the 88 year of her life. Wife of Mr. Jonathan Negus. 27. Here lies Mr. Ichabod Pope, who died May 8, 1795 in the 55th year of his age. 28. Alles, relict of Joseph Pratt, died Oct. 13, 1803, aet. 96. By long experience I have known, God's sovereign power to save; At his command I venture down, Securely to the grave. 29. Capt. Thomas Cushman, born 25th Sept. 1736, died 15 Oct. 1820. Mrs. Bethia Cushman, born 15 Nov. 1755, died 28 Nov. 1822. A son of Capt. Thomas and Bethia Cushman, still-born 11 Sept. 1797. 30. Edwin, born 11 July 1824, died 21 Sept. 1826. Franklin, born 23 Oct. 1825, died 20 Sept. 1826. George, born 11 July 1835, died 23 Oct. 1854. Julius, born 30 Sept. 1843, died 5 April 1844. Children of Thomas and Lucy Cushman. 31. Mary A. Perkins, Oct. 21, 1840, ae. 7 weeks. George D. Boardman, died Oct. 17, 1843, ae. 3 mos. Children of Benjamin and Sarah W. Darling. We bend in anguish over you, Yet feel that you are blest; Loved ones so early summoned, To enter into rest. 32. Sarah W., wife of Benjamin Darling, died Aug. 30, 1868, aged 61 yrs., 10 mos., 11 days. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. 33. In memory of Lydia, wife of Samuel Rider, who died July 8, 1854, aged 85 years. 34. In memory of Samuel rider, who died June 18, 1837, in his 69 year. 35. In memory of Miss Sarah Rider, died June 4, 1829, aet. 64. My flesh shall slumber in the ground, Till the last trumpet's joyful sound; Then burst the chains with sweet surprise And in my Savior's image rise. 36. In memory of Abner Rider, died Sept. 13, 1843 in his 78 year. 37. James Bouldry, died Oct. 7, 1855, aged 75 yrs., 9 mos. For as in Adam all die, Even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 38. Wilson F., son a J. and A.M. Bouldry, died Jan. 11, 1860, ae. 4 yrs., 1 mo., and 16 ds. But Jesus said, suffer little children And forbid them not to come unto me, For of such is the kingdom of heaven. 39. Sally, daugh. Of Lieut. Ephraim Jackson, died 14 Aug't. 1811 in her 20 year. 40. Mr. Samuel Crane, died May 31, 1809, aged 71 years. Death is a debt to nature due Which I have paid and so must you. 41. Lucy, wife of Zeba Hayward, died Apr. 5, 1824, aet. 70. Death is a debt to nature due Which I have paid and so must you. 42. In memory of Mr. Zeba Hayward, who died Dec. 17, 1837, aged 88 years. 43. Sarah, wife of Zeba Hayward, died Oct. 15, 1878, aet. 93 years. 44. Ziba Hayward, died Oct. 1, 1832, ae. 58 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. 45. William, son of Benjamin and Cynthia Hayward, died June 20, 1833, aged 1 mo., 27 days, 46. In memory of Sophia W., daughter of Benjamin and Cynthia Hayward, who died Nov. 10, 1844, aet. 7 yrs., 10 months. May angels hover round the bed Where now her cold remains decay; And may sweet flowers bloom o'er her bed, Emblems of bliss in endless day. 47. Jeremiah Hayward, died Jan. 18, 1870 ae. 87 years. 48. Here lies Polly, daughter of Mr. Elijah and Mrs. Mary Howard, who died June 2d, 1794, aged 13 days. 49. In memory of Edward Hayward, died May 9, 1832, in his 36 year. Death is a debt to nature due Which I have paid and so must you. 50. In memory of Mary, widow of Elijah Hayward, died Sept. 20, 1846 in her 90 year. 51. In memory of Mr. Elijah Hayward; he died Sept. 30, 1815, aged 74 years, 3 mos. and 12 days. 52. N-----, son of --- John Harden, Junr., died March 9th, 1806 in his 2nd year. Of such is the kingdom of God. 53. In memory of Mr. Ward Harden, son of Mr. John and Mrs. Lucy Harden, died March 16, 1832, in his 38 year. Friends nor physicians could not save, This mortal body from the grave; Nor can the grave confine it here, When Christ commands it to appear. Lucy H. Harden, as a tribute of respect to her brother, has erected this monument. 54. Lucy, widow of John Harden, died Nov. 30, 1846, aged 77 yrs., 10 mos., and 10 days. When lingering pains her bosom tore, Resigned, she kissed the chastening rod, Each mortal pang with meekness bore, And smiled in death to met her God. Lucy H. Harden, as a tribute of respect to her brother, has erected this monument. 55. In memory of Mr. John Harden, died Dec. 28, 1824, in his 68 year. Hushed all our sorrows, all our tears be dry, 'Tis Christ that calls submission, we obey; He's gone to blessed mansions in the sky, To sing his Savior's praise in endless day. 56. Betsy, wife of Jotham Dunphe, died Nov. 29, 1858, aged 61 yrs., 4 mo., 22 days. We loved her on earth, may we meet her in heaven. 57. Jotham Dunphe, died Jan. 12, 1870, aged 70 yrs., 9 mos., 10 days. A kind husband and father. 58. In memory of Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Jotham and Mrs. Betsy Dunphe, died Dec. 27, 1813, aged 6 weeks and 6 das. This flesh must slumber in the ground, Till the last trumpet's joyful sound; Then burst the chains with glad surprise, And in her Savior's image rise. 59. Lucy Holmes, daut. Of Jotham and Betsy Dunphe, died Sept. 5, 1826, aet. 9 mos., and 19 days. May angels guard this lovely clay, Until the great decisive day; Then in her Savior's image drest, She'll wake to be completely blest. 60. Joanna, daughter of Mr. Jotham and Mrs. Betsy Dunphe, died Dec. 15, 1831, aet. 8 years and 9 mos. In this cold grave her body lies, Once blooming, young and fair; All read these lines that have a mind, And then for death prepare. 61. Lowell Quincy, son of Jotham and Betsy Dunphe, died May 14, 1838, ae. 18 yrs., 9 mos., and 10 days. But God, who cannot err, knows what is best, And thus hath early called him home to rest; And now from his circle he is gone, We wish to say, O Lord, thy will be done. 62. In memory of Jonathan Hayden, who died July 18, 1839, aet.59 Affection's sigh nor filial love, Can stay death's sure unerring dart; Jehovah calls and mortals prove, That dearest friends on earth must part. 63. Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Deborah Harden, died Jan. 9, 1833, aged 24 years. To dust returned, consigned to earth, In early life, in beauty's bloom; Then leave your pleasures, leave your mirth, Prepare for death, your certain doom. 64. Miss Deborah Harden, died Feb. 18, 1834, in her 92 year. (Daughter of Samuel Harden) My time is spent, my days are past, Eternity must count the rest. 65. Mary Harden (No inscription. Died June 5, 1835, aged 77 yrs., 9 mos., 8 days. Daughter of Samuel Harden.) 66. In memory of Mrs. Jane, wife of Mr. Edward Mitchell, died Jan. 30, 1829, aet. 87. Organic forms with many changes strive, Live but to die and die but to revive; Immortal matter braves the transient storm, Mounts from the wreck unchanging but in form. 67. In memory of Edward Mitchell, who died Nov. 26, 1828, aet. 89. His mind was tranquil and serene, No terrors in his looks were seen; His Savior's smiles dispelled the gloom, And smoothed his passage to the tomb. 68. Ophir Mitchell, died Nov. 21, 1823, ae. 43; Ruth his wife, died June 17, 1863 ae. 80. 69. Leonard M., son of Leonard and Veleary Ann Mitchell, died Nov. 9, 1832 aet. 14 mos. Here lies the fairest bud of hope, That 'ere to fondest wish was given; If thou wouldst know its perfect state, Repent and seek the flower in heaven. 70. Leonard, son of Leonard and Veleary Ann Mitchell, died Dec. 2, 1829, aet. 25 mos. Closed is the eye of youthful mirth, A parent's fondest hopes are fled; Scarce done rejoicing at his birth, Ere we must place him with the dead. 71. Lucy Ann, daughter of Leonard and Veleary Ann Mitchell, died June 25, 1832, aet. 2 yrs., 11 mos. This lovely bud so young and fair, Called home by early doom, Just come to show how sweet a flower, In paradise would bloom. 72. Veleary Ann, wife of Leonard Mitchell, died Sept. 11, 1832, aet. 23. In all the bloom of life I felt, Death's fatal arrow pierce my heart; My husband dear and tender babe, I, with them both, was called to part. 73. Martha S., wife of Benj. H. Price, died Nov. 30, 1855, ae. 47. Kind partner, I now take my leave of you, Brothers, sisters, friends, I bid you all adieu; My body soon will mingle with the dust, My spirit be with Christ in whom I trust. 74. Fanny Grundy, died March 31, 1863, ae. 16 yrs. and 10 ms. For death we trust thou wast prepared, Thy work below was done; Thy aching head is now at rest, Thy earthly race is run. 75. Ruth L., died Aug. 19, 1863, ae. 6 yrs. and 6 mos. Samuel, died Aug. 29, 1863, ae. 2 yrs. and 5 mos. Children of Oreb and Ellen Mitchell. These lovely buds so young and fair, Called hence by early doom; Just come to show how sweet a flower, In paradise would bloom. 76. Carrie Morton, dau. of Wm. F. and Hannah P. Harden, died Sept. 20, 1865, ae. 3 yrs. and 8 mos. Our darling is an angel now. 77. Emma Perkins, daught. Of Wm. F. and Hannah P. Harden, died Dec. 27, 1858, ae. 9 ms. and 22 days. Sweet emblem of a lovely flower, This infant child did die; Taken from its parents arms, To dwell with blissful saints on high. 78. Joshua S. Ramsdell, Co. C, 29th Reg. M.V. died at Mill Creek Hospital, Va, Oct. 6, 1862, ae. 23. 79. Mary Thompson, wife of Orville Leonard, born Nov. 18, 1815, died May 16, 1850. An affectionate wife and faithful mother; she was called away in the midst of life. She died too soon for those who depended on her care, and who are left to mourn her loss; but not too soon for her freed spirit. We trust that through the mercy of her God, she has already tasted the sweetness of immortality. There is a world above, Where parting is unknown, A long eternity of love, Formed for the good alone; And faith beholds the dying here, Translated to that glorious sphere. 80. Lydia Darling, dau. of Erastus and Mary Hayward, died April 3, 1850 aged 32 years. This fragrant rose too pure for earth, Was siezed (sic) from earth to bloom in heaven. 81. Hannah Pope, dau. of Erastus and Mary Hayward, died Feb. 16, 1843, aged 18 years. My youthful friends when you do view, This cold dark bed of clay, Think when on earth I was like you, Like me you'll pass away. 82. Erastus Hayward, died Sept. 25, 1844, in his 54 year. Great God I own thy sentence just, When from my friends I was called to die; I yield my body to the dust, Till I am called to dwell on high. 83. Ella Josephine, only child of Erastus C. and Joann Hayward, died July 28, 1850, ae. 13 mos. and 11 days. Dear babe thy days are o'er, While here thy dust shall rest; Thy home shall be forever more, In thy Redeemer's breast. 84. Addie. It was hard to part with thee, But of such is the kingdom of heaven Hayward. (a true copy) 85. Laura L. wife of Freeman Jones, died Oct. 24, 1857, ae 26 yrs., 2 mos., 10 days. Not forgotten 86. Lieut. E.H. Leonard, Co. I, 11th Reg., Vt Vols; killed at Petersburg, Va, June 28, 1864, ae. 19 87. Everett Thomas, adopted son of Thomas and Ellen Trask, died Dec. 3, 1858, aged 4 years, 3 mos., 9 days. Ere sin could blight or sorrow fade, Death came with friendly care; The opening bud to heaven conveyed, And bid it blossom there. 88. Hattie E., wife of Oreb F. Mitchell, died May 16, 1878, aged 34 years, 5 mos. 89. Francis Bryant, son of Oreb F. and Hattie, E. Mitchell, died July 25, 1865, aged 2 years, 4 mos., 2 days. Our darling is an angel now. 90. (Dr. Benjamin Palmer, an Englishman, married Silence Price, and was father of James Bouldry's wife; died April 10, 1807, aged 79, and was buried in the northwest part of this yard. No stone to mark his grave.) 91. (Prince Richards, born a slave, in Halifax; bought his freedom of the Waterman family; lived on the west side of Robbins Pond; (East Bridgewater) married, first, Hannah Quoy, a sister of Aunt Lyd, of S.B. (South Bridgewater?); and second Anna Pegin; had several children and died Feb. 17, 1833, aged 87 years, a worthy and respected citizen of East Bridgewater. He, one of his wives, and several of his children were buried in this yard, but there is no stone to mark their graves.)