POWDER HOUSE GRAVEYARD, West Bridgewater, Plymouth co, 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. ************************************************************************ Epitaphs In the Directions: From Rt. 24 take exit for Rt. 106 East, go to the intersection of Rt. 28 about 1-1/2 miles. Turn left onto Rt. 28 towards Brockton and travel approximately 1 mile. Turn right after the golf driving range, opposite Pine Hill Cemetery, onto Matfield Street and the Powder House Cemetery is on the immediate left. All information transcribed herein was taken from the book titled, "Epitaphs of Old Bridgewater - 1882" which was written by Williams Latham. The numbers refer to gravesites as shown on an accompanying map in the book. 1. Lt. Jonathan Packard, died May 27, 1805, in his 73rd year 2. Mrs. Martha, wife of Lt. Jonathan Packard, who died March 11, 1810, in her 82nd year 3. In memory of Miss Silence Haywood, who died Dec. 13, 1823, in the 73rd year of her age 4. In memory of Mrs. Silence, wife of Mr. Elijah Haywood; she died Oct. 22nd, 1803m aged 75 May angels guard this lovely clay Till comes the great decisive day When she shall wake for to put on The robe which Christ prepared so long 5. In memory of Mr. Elijah Hayward, who died July 31, 1800, his age 78 My children dear, this place draw near, A father's grave to see, Not long ago I was with you, And soon you will be with me. 6. In memory of Mrs. Betty Hayward, wife of Mr. Luther Hayward, who died Nov. 9, 1793, in the 28th year of her age. My friends draw near and drop a tear, In this dark grave I lie; O think of me when this you see, And be prepared to die. 7. Erected in memory of Mr. Luther Hayward, who died Nov. 12, 1832, aged 74 years. 8. In memory of Mr. Daniel W. Lewis, who died Aug. 17, 1815 in the 28th year of his age. Friends nor physician could not save, My mortal body from the grave; Nor can the grave confine me here When Christ shall call me to appear . 9. Erected in memory of Caleb K. Reed, who died Oct. 2, A.D. 1837 aged 38 years Death, like an overflowing stream, Soon bears us to the tomb; But immortality and life Dispel the darksome gloom. 10. Erected in memory of Mrs. Hannah Reed, widow of the late Timothy Reed, Esq., who died Dec. 23, 1848, aged 81 years. There is a land of pure delight, Where friends once parted shall unite; And, meeting on that blissful shore, With fond embrace shall part no more. 11. In memory of Mr. Timothy Reed, Jan. 20, 1813 in his 56th year. Daily our mortal flesh decays, But Christ our life shall come; His unresisting power shall rise, Our bodies from the grave. 12. In memory of the Widow Mary Orcutt, who died Nov. 16, 1807 in her 100th year. 13. Here lies Miss Lydia Edson, died Aug. 18, 1793 in her 83rd year. This friend of Christ shall wake and rise; Shall mount triumphant to the skies; When bright this love, the grace divine, This mortal shall in glory shine. 14. In memory of Mr. Joseph Edson, who died Aug. 27, 1791 ye 36 year of his age. 15. Rebecca, wife of Ezekial Reed, died Jan. 3, 1845, aged 74 years, 6 mo., 27 days. In her was manifested that wisdom which is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruit, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 16. Jesse, son of Mr. Jesse Edson, died Aug. 12, 1768 in ye 4th year his age. ("of" left out?) 17. In memory of Mr. Jesse Edson, who died Nov. 18, 1787, in the 60th year of his age. 18. Here lies buried Mrs. Lydia Edson, wife of Mr. Jesse Edson, who died Jan. 23, 1762, in ye 36th year of her age. 19. Here lies buried Mrs. Lydia Edson, ye wife of Dea. Joseph Edson, who died Jan. 24, 1762 in ye 80th year of her age. 20. Here lies buried, Dea. Joseph Edson , who died Aug. 26, 1768 in ye 90th year of his age. 21. In memory of Luther, son of Mr. John Richards and Kezia, his wife, who was born Dec. 26, 1764 and died Nov. 5, 1776. 22. In memory of Daniel, son of Mr. John Richards and Kezia, his wife, who was born Feb. 4, 1757, and died Jun. 28, 1776. 23. In memory of Rhoda, dau. of Mr. John Richards and Kezia, his wife, who was born Dec. 11, 1760 and died Mar. 27, 1775. 24. In memory of Mrs. Kezia, wife of Mr. John Richards, who died June 9, 1807, in her 73 year. 25. In memory of Mr. John Richards who died Dec. 26, 1812, in the 90th year of his age. 26. In memory of Ruhamah, Daughter of Capt. Josiah Snell and Mrs. Ruhamah, his wife; she died March ye 15, 1786, in ye 17th year of her age. Ruhamah bid a long farewell To all below, where she did dwell; She trod the dark, the gloomy road, To dwell forever with her God. 27. In memory of Mr. Barnabas Snell, who died Jany. ye 28 1783, in the 27th year of his age. My time is spent, my days are past; Eternity must count the rest; My glass is out, my race is run; The holy will of God is done. 28. In memory of Mrs. Ruhamah Snell, wife of Capt. Josiah Snell, who died Jan, 25, 1792 in ye 61st year of her age. 29. In memory of Capt. Josiah Snell, who died Feb. 17, 1803, his age 73. 30. Here lies buried Mrs. Rebecca Brett, ye wife of Deac. Nathaniel Brett who was born Feb. 25, 1700, and died May 12, 1771. (Deac. N. Brett was fourth town clerk, 1736, to 1770 - in the book only) 31. Here lies buried the body of Mr. Uriah Brett, only son of Mr. Nathaniel and Rebecca Brett, who was born Feb. 25, 1740, died March 28, 1768. (This Nathaniel Brett was a deacon and fourth town clerk, 1736 to 1779. Book only) Transcriber's note: See the discrepancy between #30 and #31 as to Deacon Nathaniel Brett dates of service. 32. In memory of Miss. Martha, dau. of Lt. Jonathan Packard and Mrs. Martha, his wife, who departed this life Jany. ye 19, 1784, in the 19th, year of her age. Hail! Happy youth gone, thou hast took thy flight, Through Christ to dwell, in realms of glorious light; Thy stay was short on each, yet made to know, The pains of parting with thy friends below. 33. In memory of Mr. Caleb Packard, who departed this life May ye 27, 1783, in the 24th year of his age. See here's the youth whose chreeful bloom (note spelling error) Promised a train of years to come; Whose soft address and graceful air Had obtained the yealding (sp) fair. When fate divides, thro' exploded joy, And all his flattering hopes destroy. 34. In memory of Jonathan Packard, ye son of Mr. Jonathan Packard and Martha, his wife, he died Jan. 2, 1762, aged 6 years, 10 mo., 12 days. 35. In memory of Mrs. Susanna, daught. Of Lieut. Jonathan Packard and Mrs. Martha, his wife, who departed this life Augst. Ye 5th, 1785 and ye 24th year of her age. A life agreeable, And death triumphant Through a savior 36. In memory of Mrs. Abigail, daughter of Lieut. Jonathan Packard and Mrs. Martha, his wife, who departed this life Nov. ye 20, 1786 in ye 17th year of her age. Father I give my spirit up, And trust it in thy hand; My dying flesh shall rest in hope, And rise at thy command. 37. Mrs. Aletha Packard, died Dec. 30, 1805, in her 52nd year. 38. Mrs. Sarah Snell, wife of Mr. Caleb Snell; she died Aug. 27, 1807, in her 27th year. Over thy now departed friend The tears of sympathy descend; The ground where thou art bedew, And bring thy features plain to view. 39. Catherine, daughter of Caleb Snell, died Aug. 31, 1807, aged 9 mos. 40. In memory of Mrs. Anna, wife of Dea. Elijah Snell, who died April 2oth, 1800, in her 50th year. 41. In memory of Mrs. Susanna Snell, wife of Deac. Elijah Snell, who died June 19, 1795, age 53 years, 1 mo., 14 days. 42. In memory of Anna, wife of Mr. Edmund Hayward, who died February 12th, 1776, in ye 45th year of her age. 43. In memory of Mr. Edmund Hayward, who died February the 12th, 1781, in the 61st year of his age. 44. In memory of Abigail Snell, daughter of Mr. Josiah Snell, Jun., and Abigail, his wife, who was born May 30th, 1739, deceased May ye 13th, 1747. 45. In memory of Macey Snell, daughter of Mr. Josiah Snell, Jr. and Abigail, his wife, who was born Sept. ye 30th, 1736, deceased May ye 27th, 1747. 46. In memory of Mrs. Abigail, wife of Capt. Josiah Snell; she died Dec. ye 2, 1784, in ye 76th year of her age. Remember me as you pass by, For as you are so once was I; As I am now so you must be, Prepare for death and follow me. 47. In memory of Capt. Josiah Snell, he died Aug. ye 20th, 1785 in ye 85th year of his age. Here in this gloomy nursery of the dead, A neighbor good, a faithful friend is laid; Just, peaceful, careful, punctual and sincere, A father kind, a tender husband dear. 48. Here lies buriedMr. Josiah Snell, who dec'd. April ye 4th, 1753, in ye 79th year of his age. 49. In memory of Luther, Mr. Nathan Snell and Betty, his wife; he died Nov. ye 12th, 1787, in his 5th year. 50. Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Betty Snell, wife of Mr. Nathan Snell, who died Jan. 5, 1830, ae 80. 51. In memory of Mr. Nathan Snell, who died Jan. 20, 1802; his age 54. 52. Linthea Snell, died Apr. 5, 1859, aged 64 years, 6 mo. and 4 days. 53. In memory of Mrs. Betsey, wife of Mr. Cyrus Snell; she died Dec. 14, 1805, in her 28th year. Think on the parents, mother, think how great; How favored with your children in your view; While you enjoy your health, your wealth and state, Prepare to follow me; teach them to follow you. 54. In memory of Mr. Cyrus Snell, who died Oct. 29, 1805; ae 27 years. Death is a solemn scene you all must pass, When you draw near, Oh! Mortals, think how soon, My blooming hopes and years are fled in haste, So may your morning sun go down at noon. 55. In memory of Mrs. Mary Brett, wife of Dea. Nathaniel Brett, dec'd, who departed this life Jan. ye 21st, 1780. 56. Erected in memory of Caleb Kingman Reed, son of Mr. Timothy Reed and Mrs. Hannah, his wife, who was born July 20, A.D., 1789, and departed this life Oct. 10, 1796, which made his residence in this world, 7 years, 2 mos, 2 days. God, my redeemer, lives, And often from the skies, Looks down and watches all my dust Till he shall bit it rise. 57. In memory of Mr. Caleb Kingman, born Sept. 25, 1744, died Sept. 16, 1807, ae 63. All husbands kind and good, a parent dear, To all obliging and to all sincere, True to his offspring, friend and guide, He lived beloved and lamented died. 58. In memory of Freelove Kingman; she died Jan., ye 3d, 1815, aged 69 years. In praise I'll spend my latest breath, Then yield it to the call of death, In hope that thou my flesh will raise, To celebrate thy deathless praise. 59. Mrs. Sarah, wife of Mr. Steaven Vinall, she died Nov. 4, 1785, in the 75th year of her age. 60. In memory of Deborah, wife of Mr. Jacob Packard, who died Feb. ye 9th, 1780 in the 54 year of her age. 61. In memory of Aney Jess, she died Aug. 21, 1814, in her 28th year. 62. Clara S., dau. of James and Betsey B. Hayward, ae 10 m. and 3 days. Happy infant, early blest, Rest in peaceful slumber, rest; Early rescued from the cares Which increase with growing years. 63. In memory of Mr. Luther Hayward, Jr. who died Nov. 16, 1824, aged 38 years. 64. In memory of Mrs. Clarissa R. Hayward, wife of Mr. Luther Hayward, Jr., who died Nov. 28, 1824, aged 36. 65. In memory of George, son of Mr. Luther Hayward, Jr., and Mrs. Clarissa, his wife, who died Oct.17, 1824, aged 4 years, 6 mo. 66. In memory of Mr. James Ingalls, who died Sept. 11, 1816, in the 54th years of his age. Art thou a man of honest mould, With fervent heart sincere? A husband, father, friend behold, Thy brother slumbers here. 67. In memory of Samuel, son of Mr. Samuel Willis, and Susanna, his wife, who died April ye 10th, 1780, in his 20th year. Depart my friends, Wipe off your tears, Here I must lie, Till Christ appears. 68. In memory of Mrs. Susanna, wife of Mr. Samuel Willis, who died Dec. ye 10, 1783, in ye 58 year of her age. Stop, kind reader, and drop a tear; Think on the dust that slumbers here; And while you read the fate of me, Think on the glass that runs for thee. 69. In memory of Mr. Samuel Willis, who died Nov. ye 20th, 1778, in ye 54th year of his age. Behold and see as you pass by, For as you are, so once was I; And as I am now, so you must be; Prepare for death and follow me. 70. In memory of Miss Martha Snell; who died Sept. 2d, 1817, ae 64. Could grateful love recall the fleeting breath, Of fond affection sooth relentless death; Then had this stone ne'er claimed a social tear, Or read to thoughtless man a lesson here. 71. Here lies Mrs. Sarah Snell, she died Nov. 17, 1800 in her 39th year. 72. In memory-of Mrs. Martha, wife of Mr. Jonathan Snell, she died Nov. 16, 1781, in ye 54th year of her age. 73. In memory of Mr. Jonathan Snell, who died Nov. 22, 1800, in his 83rd year. My time is spent, my days are past; Eternity must count the rest; My glass is out, my race is won; The holy will of God is done. 74. In memory of Mr. Jonathan Snell, Jr., son of Mr. Jonathan Snell and Martha, his wife; he died March 9th, 1782, in the 30th year of his age. 75. In memory of Edward, son of Mr. Jonathan Snell and Martha, his wife, he died Dec. 22, 1782, in the 18th year of his age. 76. In memory of Mr. Israel Packard, Jr., who died April 20th, 1752, aged 35 years and 14 days. 77. Rhoda, daughtr of Mr. Robert Packard and Lydia, his wife, born Oct. 4, 1749 and died April 4, 1750. 78. Erected in memory of Mrs. Anne, wife of Ephraim Snell, who died June ye 9th, 1790, in ye 34th year of her age. 79. In memory of Capt. Ephraim Snell, who Sept. 30, 1805, in his 50th year. 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. 80. Mrs. Hannah, widow of Caleb Snell, formerly widow of Josiah Williams and Capt. Ephraim Snell, died July 5, 1846, in the 83rd year of her age. 81. Erected to the memory of Ephraim, son of Ephraim Snell and Mrs. Anne, his wife, who died July ye 10th, 1790, aged 7 weeks and 1 day. 82. In memory of Miss Bathsheba Snell, who died Oct. 7, 1734, aged 47. 83. Florette, daughter of Levi P. and Melora A. Bailey, died Sept. 1, 1846 aged 7 mos. and 6 days. Early fled life, care and sorrow, Lowly in the grave to rest; She shall rise on a glorious morrow; Rise to mingle with the blest. 84. Edward Snell, born Aug. 2, 1804, died June 8, 1858 Gone home 85. In memory of Mary W., wife of Edward Snell, who died May 29, 1844, in her 31st year. 86. In memory of Mrs. Hannah T., wife of Mr. Edward Snell, who died Nov. 3, 1840, in her 30 year. Also their infant dau., died Oct. 29, 1840, aged 3 weeks. 87. In memory of Emmeline S., wife of Edward Snell, who died April 7, 1838, in the 30th year of her age. 88. Samuel, son of Calvin and Sally Jackson, died Dec. 15, 1810, ae 11 days 89. In memory of Mrs. Lydia Richards, widow of Mr. Benjamin Richards, who died April ye 23, 1788, in ye 93d year of her age. Worn and with age we did receive Our death by Adam and by Eve; But life and pardon that is shown To us by Christ, God's only son. 90. In memory of Mr. Ezra Richards, Sept. ye 26th, 1786, in ye 59th year of his age. 91. In memory of Deac. Josiah Richards, who died April 6, 1815, aged 90 years. 92. Mrs. Anne, wife of Dea. Josiah Richards, died Aug. 12, 1828. Ae 81. 93. In memory of Marcus, son of Mr. Daniel Hartwell and Mehetable, his wife, he died May ye 9, 1781, aged 9 mos. And 8 days. Depart my friends, Wipe off your tears; Here I must lie Till Christ appears 94. In memory of David, son of Mr. Daniel Hartwell and Mehetable, his wife; he died Oct. ye 24th, 1782, aged 6 mos. 13 days. 95. Betty, daughter of Mr. John Copeland, Jr., and Mehetable, his wife, born Feb. 17th, 1770, and died May 19, 1775. 96. In memory of Ambrose, son to Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Mary Marshall; he died Decmr. ye 5th, 1784, aged 6 mos., 23 days 97. John, son of Mr. Eleazer Churchill and Lucy, his wife; he died Oct. 2d, 1801, in infancy. 98. Deborah, daughter of Mr. Eleazer Churchill, and Lucy, his wife; she died Sept. 17th, 1804, in her 9th year. 99. In memory of Mrs. Hannah O. Douglas, wife of George Douglas, who died Nov. 25, 1836, aged 30 years. 100. Hugh Carr (no inscription) 101, 102, 103, 104, and other graves near this place, are colored people, without stones, such as Thomas Sutton,Peter and Parmenas Pierce, Levi, John and Jacob, Jr., Tarbut or Talbut, and the wife of Jacob, Jr., and two wives of Jacob, Sen., Sally Cardner, Frank Sutten, and others.