Epitaphs - The Old Common Burial Ground, Lancaster, Worcester, Mass, by Henry S Nourse, 1890

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Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth    farns10th@aol.com


The Old Common Burial Ground, Lancaster, Mass.
Source: Birth, Marriage and Death Register, Church 
Records and Epitaphs of Lancaster, Mass. by Henry S. Nourse, A.M. 
Lancaster,  1890.

p.408
When in 1706, after long debate, the third meeting-house
was built, far from the old site, upon the east side of
the river, a suitable lot of land across the highway
near it was given to the town for burials, by Capt.
Thomas Wilder, second of the name. The donor's grave
is the oldest in the enclosure, the date of which is
known. Inscriptions prior to 1850, beginning with thos
of the Wilder family, are as follows - the first given
geing upon a cenotaph of modern erection:

Sacred to the Memory of Thomas Wilder, from Lancaster in
England, who first settled at Hingham, Mass. in 1641 and
came to this Town July 1, 1659 and died October 23, 1667,
leaving three sons - viz: Thomas, John and Nathaniel, from
whom are derived all of the name of Wilder in this Town 
and vicinity.

Here Lyes Buried ye Body of Capt. Thomas Wilder, who dec'd
August 7th, 1716, about ye 70th Year of His Age.

In Memory of the Honorable Joseph Wilder, Esq., who died March
29th A Domi, 1757, AEtatis 74.
He was enrich'd with strong Powers and good Accomplishments
which were exerted in his numerous public, & private connect-
ions. He was pleasant to Conversation; in Life, exemplary;
& a steady friend to his Country, to ye Good, to the Poor,
to Virtue and to God.

In Memory of Mrs. Lucy Wilder, Relict of ye Honorable Joseph
Wilder, Esq., who died May ye 13th, AD: 1763 AEtatis 84.
Hark! from the tombs a doleful Sound;
My Ears attend the Cry,
Ye living men, come view the Ground,
Where you must shortly lie.

Erected in Memory of Col. Caleb Wilder, who died June 19, 1776,
AEt. 59. Also of his wife, Mrs. Abigail Wilder who died Oct 1,
1804, AEt 92 And of their daughter, Abigail Smith.

Erected to the Memory of Mrs. Sarah Wilder, who was transferred
from time to eternity on the 31 day of August 1819, Aged 66 years.
Hope wipes the tear from sorrow's eye.
While faith points upward to the sky.

Erected in Memory of Mr. Levi Wilder, who departed this life,
January 5th, 1793, aged 42 years.
How loved, how valued, once availed thee not.
To whom related or by whom begot;
A heap of dust alone remains with thee.
Tis all thou art and all we soon shall be.

Here Lies Ye Body of Mrs. Prudance Wilder Ye Wife Of Mr.
Josiah Wilder, Aged 33 Years, 1 Month With 4 of Their
Children, All between 12 and 2 years of Age, Viz: Rufus,
Martha, Josiah and Sarah. All died by fire, January ye 23d
1739.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Col. James Wilder, Esq., Who
Departed This Life May Ye 13th A.D. 1739 In ye 59th Year
of His Age.

In Memory of Mrs. Abigail Wilder, Relict of Col. James
Wilder, Esq., Who deceased on ye 18th Day of Sept. A.Dom:
1761, Aetatis. 80.
O Death, thou'st conquered me.
I by thy dart am slain.
But Christ has conquered thee,
And I shall Rise again.

Sacred To The Memory of Josiah Wilder, Esq., who deceased
on ye 20th of December AD. 1788 in ye 45th year of his Age.
Every man at best state is altogether Vanity; 
Cease ye from Man, Whose breath is in his nostrils;
And trust in the ever living God.

Here lies Buried ye Body of Mr. Titus Wilder, Son of
Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Susanna Wilder, Who deceased May
ye 1st, A.D. 1749, Age 25 Years & 4 Months.

p.409
Jonathan Wilder Died Jan. 13, 1836, AET 80. Ruth Prescott,
his Wife, Died Nov. 19, 1826, AEt. 69,

In Memory of David Wilder, Son of Lieut. Jonathan Wilder,
& Mrs. Ruth Wilder, who died Jan. 29th 1786; Aged 4 years
& 4 months. In Memory of John Wilder, son of Lieut. Jona-
than Wilder & Mrs. Ruth Wilder, who died Jan 25th 1786
Aged 3 years and 3 months.
Death like an overflowing stream,
Sweeps us away - our life is a dream.
An empty tale, a morning flower,
Cut down and withered in an hour.

Here Lies Buried ye Body of Mr. Asaph Wilder, Who 
Departed This Life July ye 8th Anno Domini 1747 Aged 23
years, 7 M. & 12 Days.

In Memory of Mrs. Zipporah ye Wife of Mr. John Phelps,
and formerly ye Wife of Mr. Asaph Wilder, who died June
ye 20th ADomi, 1758, AEtatis, 34.
Thou hast by Death, cut short my days, But I am Immortal, 
Thou shalt raise.

Here Lyes ye Body of Hannah Wilder, Daughter of Mr. John
& Mrs. Sarah Wilder, Who deceased Sept 30th, 1723 in ye
16 Year of her Age.

Here lies buried Ye Body of Mr. Ebenezer Wilder Who 
Departed This Life December ye 25th A.D. 1745 In Ye
65th Year of His Age

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Mrs. Mary Wilder, Ye Wife of
Mr. Ebenezer Wilder, Who Dec'd January ye 6th, A.D. 1733/4,
 Age 54 Years 9 mos. & 22 Days.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Mrs. Anna Wilder, Ye Wife of
Mr. David Wilder, Who Dec'd September Ye 20th, A.D. 1744
In Ye 35 Year of Her Age.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Mrs. Eunice Wilder Ye Wife of Mr. 
David Wilder Who Dec's Feb'ry Ye 17th A.D. 1750/1
In Ye 30th Year Of Her Age.

In Memory of Josiah, Son of Capt. James & Mrs. Martha
Wilder, who died April ye 4th 1736, Aged 5 months & 16
days.

In Memory of Manasseh, Son of Capt. Ephraim & Mrs. Anna
Wilder, who died Dec. ye 17, 1741 in ye 4th Year of His
Age.

Ephraim, son of Capt. Ephraim & Mrs. Anna Wilder, was
born June ye 17th, 1732 and Died on the Day of his Birth

In Memory of Katherine, Daughter of Capt. Ephraim & Mrs.
Anna Wilder, who died December ye 21st, 1741, in ye 7th
Year of her age.
The small and Great are there. Job.

Anna Maria, daughter of S. V. S. & Electa Wilder, died
June 20, 1834 Aged 18 months.
The blood of Christ, a ransom paid.  Ere death with friendly care; 
The opening bud to heaven conveyed, And
bade it blossom there.

Sampson Vryling Stoddard, only son of S.V.S. & Electa
Wilder, died Feb 20, 1832 Aged 3 years & 8 months.
The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; Blessed 
be the name of the Lord.

Sarah Vryling Stoddard daughter of S.V.S. & Electa
Wilder, died July 23, 1823 Aged 23 months.
Jesus said, Suffer little children to come unto me and
forbid them not; for of such is the Kingdom of God.

Sacred to the Memory of Francina Melanie, daughter of
S.V.S. & Electa Wilder, died in Paris, March 20, 1818
Aged 8 months.
Exept ye be converted and become as little children ye
shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Matt. XVIII, 
3.

Here Lyes ye Body of Rhoda Willson, daughter of Mr.
Benjamin & Mrs. Rebeckah Willson; Died Aug 1, 1732, in
ye 15th Year of her Age.

Mors vincit omnes.  Here lies interred ye Body of Capt.
Nathaniel Wilson, who departed this Life August ye 19th
A.D. 1778, in ye 67th Year of his Age.
Death with his warrant in his hand, Came rushing on
amain; And I was forced to obey, But shall arise again.

To be continued Part 2 - p. 410
Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth



The Old Common Burial Ground, Lancaster, Mass.
Source: Birth, Marriage and Death Register, Church 
Records and Epitaphs of Lancaster, Mass. by Henry 
S. Nourse, A.M. Lancaster, 1890
                   Part 2
p.410

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Mr. Jeremiah Wilson Who
Departed This Life March Ye 22d A.D. 1743 In Ye 77th
Year of His Age.

Here Lies The Body of Josiah Whetcomb Sen. Deceased in
His 80 Year - JW Dyed March The 21, 1718.

Here Lyes Buried Ye Body of Mr. David Whetcomb Who Died
April 11, 1730 in Ye 62d Year of His Age.

Here Lies Buried ye Body of Mrs. Mary Whetcomb Wife to
Mr. David Whetcomb, Who Died Jan'ry 5th, 1733/4 in ye
67th Year of Her Age.

Here Lyes Buried Ye Body of Mr. Hezekiah Whetcomb Who
Died May 6th, 1732 in ye 31st Year of His Age.

Here Lies The Body of Rebekah Warner the Daughter of 
John Warner and Sarah His Wife, R.W. Who Deceased 
March the 30 Day 1718, Aged 20 Years.

In Memory of Dorothy W., Daughter of Lieut. Nathaniel &
Mrs. Elizabeth Willard.  She Died May ye 25th, 1765, 
Aged 2 Years, 2 mos & 17 days.

Here Lies Ye Bodys of Wright & Dorothy, Children of Mr.
Aaron & Mrs. Mary Willard. Died March 28 1754 Ye Son

Records and Epitaphs of Lancaster, Mass. by Henry S. Nourse, 
A.M. Lancaster, 1890

p.408

When in 1706, after long debate, the third meeting-house
was built, far from the old site, upon the east side of
the river, a suitable lot of land across the highway near
 it was given to the town for burials by 
Capt. Thomas Wilder, second of the name.

The donor's grave is the oldest in the enclosure, the
date of which is known.  Inscriptions prior to 1850,
beginning with those of the Wilder family are as follows, 
the first given being upon a cenotaph of modern
erection:

Sacred to the Memory of Thomas Wilder, from Lancaster in
England, who first settled at Hingham in 1641, and came
to this town July 1, 1659 and died Oct 23, 1677, leaving
three sons - viz. Thomas, John and Nathaniel, from whom
are derived all of the name of Wilder in this town and
vicinity.

Here Lyes Buried ye Body of Capt. Thomas Wilder who dec'd 
August 7th, 1716 about ye 70th Year of his Age.

In Memory of the Hon'ble Joseph Wilder, Esq., who died
March 29th A Domi 1757. Aetatis 74. 
He was enriched with strong powers, and good Accomplish-
ments, which were exerted in his numerous public, & 
private Connections.  He was pleasant in conversation; 
in Life exemplary: & a steady Friend to his Country, to
ye Good, to the Poor, to Virtue and to God.

In Memory of Mrs. Lucy Wilder, Relict of ye Hon'ble
Joseph Wilder Esq'r. who died May ye 13th A.D.: 1763,
Aetatis 84.
Hark! from the Tombs a doleful sound; My Ears attend the
Cry, Ye living Men, come view the Ground, Where you must
shortly lie.

Erected In Memory of Col. Caleb Wilder, who died June 19
1776, AEt 59.  Also of his wife, Mrs. Abigail Wilder, who died 
Oct 1, 1804, AEt 92 And of their daughter, Abigail Smith.

Erected to the Memory of Mrs. Abigail Smith daughter of
Caleb Wilder, who died Sept 8, 1778, aged 32.

Sacred to the Memory of Mrs. Sarah Wilder who was
transferred from time to eternity, on the 31 day of
August, 1819, Aged 66 Years.
Hope wipes the tear from sorrow's eye, While faith points 
upward to the Sky.

Erected in Memory of Mr. Levi Wilder, who departed this
Life January 5th, 1793 aged 42 Years.
How loved, how valued, once availed thee not, To whom
related or by whom begot.  A heap of dust alone remains
with thee - Tis all thou art and all we soon shall be.

Here Lies Ye Body of Mrs. Prudance Wilder, Ye Wife of
Mr. Josiah Wilder, Aged 33 Years, 1 month, with 4 of
their children, all between 12 & 2 years of age, viz:
Rufus, Martha, Josiah & Sarah.  All Died by Fire January
Ye 23d 1739.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Col. James Wilder, Esq.,
Who Departed This Life May Ye 13th A.D. 
1739 & In Ye 59th Year of His Age.

In Memory of Mrs. Abigail Wilder, Relict of Col. James
Wilder, Esq., Who deceased on ye 18th Day of Sept. A.
Dom. 1761, Aetatis 80.
O Death, thou'st conquered me, I by thy Dart am slain,
But Christ has conquered thee And I shall rise again.

Sacred To the Memory of Josiah Wilder, Esq., who 
deceased on Ye 20th of December A.D. 1788, in ye 45th
Year of his Age.
Every man at best state is altogether Vanity. Cease Ye
from Man, whose breath is in his Nostrils, And trust in
the ever living God.

Here Lies Buried ye Body of Mr. Titus Wilder Son of Mr.
Thomas and Mrs. Susanna Wilder, Who deceased May ye 1st
A.D. 1749, Age 25 Years & 4 Mo.

p.409

Jonathan Wilder Died Jan. 13, 1836, AEt 80. Ruth Prescott, 
his wife, Died Nov. 19, 1826. AEt 69.

In Memory of David Wilder, Son of Lieut. Jonathan Wilder, 
& Mrs. Ruth Wilder who died Jan. 29th 1786;
Aged 4 years & 4 months.  In Memory of John Wilder, Son
of Lieut. Jonathan Wilder & Mrs. Ruth Wilder, who died
Jan. 25th, 1786, Aged 3 years & 3 months.
Death like an overflowing stream, Sweeps us away, our
life's a dream, An 4 days.  The Girl, 11 y. & 18 Days.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Elizabeth Willard, Daughter
of Ensign Aaron & Mrs. Mary Willard, Who Dec'd Sept'br 
25 A.D. 1746, Age 11 Years 10 mos. 25 Days.

Here Lyes Buried ye Body of Mrs. Mary Willard Wife to
Mr. Aaron Willard.  She died April ye 27th A.D. 1767,
Aged 63 Years, 2 months & 8 Days.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Mrs. Martha Joslyn, ye wife
of Capt. Peter Joslyn & formerly ye wife of Mr. Josiah
Wheeler.  She Died May ye 21st, 1748 in ye 69th Year of
her Age.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Mr. Josiah Wheeler Who Died
December ye 8th, 1738 & in Ye 64th Year of His Age.

Miss Rebecah, Daughter of Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Rebecah
Woodberry.  Died Febr. 25, 1815 AEt. 24.

Timothy Whiting. Obt. Jan 12, 1826. AE. 67. Abigail Wife
of Timothy Whiting. Obt. Oct 1, 1798. AE. 39. Resurgamus.
Lydia, Wife of Timothy Whiting. Obt. Jan 15, 1851, AE
75. In Memoriam.

Erected In Memory of Miss Olive Butlar who died Feb 24,
1822 Aged 59.
Come my Friends, behold, This bed of clay how cold;
But let us look above.  And see our Saviour drest in
Love. Oh! Happy it would be to meet a smileing God.

William J. died May 23, 1806; AEt 9 months. Son of Mr.
Charles & Mrs. Ruth Chase.

Albert R. died April 4, 1825; AE 8 months, son of Mr.
Alanson & Mrs. Maria Chase.
O envy not his blest estate, He is happiness complete.

In Memory of Amia Ann Chace, who died Feb 4, 1831; AEt
21.

In Memory of Mrs. Mary Carter, wife of Capt. James
Carter, who died April 18th, 1795. Aged 66 Years and
15 Days.
Captain James Carter who died July 15, 1800. AE 79.

In Memory of Mrs. Prudence Carter, Wife of Capt. James
Carter, who died Jan'ry ye 10th, A.D. 1747 Aged 19 
Years, 3 months and 16 Days.
My Youthful Days cut short by Theee are lengthen'd to
Eternity.

In Memory of Mary Louisa Carleton, died Jan. 22, 1837.
Aged 16 Years.
O blest! thus pure to pass away.

Sacred To the Memory of Mrs. Mary Carleton, wife of Mr.
Moses Carleton, who died May 7, 1832.  AEt 32.
In the death of Mrs. Carleton, her Husband is bereft of
an affectionate and amiable Companion and her Children
of a kind and tender Mother.

p.411

George Henry, son of Mr. Moses and Mrs. Mary Carleton,
Died Sept 8, 1829 AEt 4 Years.
No taint of earth, no thought of sin, Ere dwelt thy
stainless breast within.  And God hath laid thee down
to sleep. Like a pure pearl below the deep.

Theodore, Son of Mr. Moses & Mrs. Mary Carleton, died
Oct 23, 1823, AEt 1 Year.
Unclose thy narrow portals silent tomb! Take this fair
flower blighted in earliest bloom. Pure, as when first
its infant charms had birth. It faded, ere it caught one
stain from earth. 

The cherub came to show what angels are.

Then fled to heaven to open a pathway there.

Sacred To the Memory of Mrs. Mary Carleton, Wife of Mr.
Moses Carleton; who died Feb. 7, 1816; AEt. 23.
In deaths calm shade beneath this sculptur'd stone -
Sleeps lovely Mary, silent and alone. But wasted in the
grave, her precious dust. Shall live again when God
revives the Just. Then dry your tears, her upward flight
pursue.  She waits in Heaven, ere long to welcome you.

James, Son of Jonathan Carleton of Boston. He was a pupil
at the Academy in this Town and was drowned while bathing
near the Centre Bridge June 29, 1819 in his 12th Year.

Mary Cleveland, wife of William Cleveland, died May 7,
1815, Aged 36.

Joseph Hiller, Esq. Died Feb. 9, 1814, Aged 66.

Joseph Hiller, Son of William & Mary Cleveland, Died
June 28, 1817, Aged 3 Years.

Moses Emerson died Oct 22, 1822 aged 48.  Judith Kelly
died Dec. 5, 1798, aged 23.  Sally Carleton died Oct 16
1808 aged 29. Lydia Carleton died Jan 13, 1813 aged 32.
Eunice Wright died Sept 27, 1844 aged 58. Hazen died
April 4, 1807 aged 3 years. Sally C. died Nov. 26, 1817
aged 3 years.  Moses K. died Oct 27, 1825 aged 27 years.
Francis P. died Aug. 24 1835 aged 25 years - Children of
Moses Emerson.

Here Lies Buried ye Body of Mrs. Deliverance Fife, Wife
of Mr. William Fife, who Deceased ye 4th A.D. 1750, age
37 years, 10 mos & 4 Days

Memento Mori. Erected in Memory of Mr. William Fife, Who
departed this life May ye 5th, 1790 in ye 74th Year of
his Age.
Friends and physicians could not save My mortal body from
the Grave; Nor can the Grave confine me here, When Christ
shall call me to appear.

Memento Mori.  Erected in Memory of Mrs. Abigail Fife,
Wife of William Fife who departed this life, April ye
30th 1790 in ye 69th Year of her Age.
Retire my friends, dry up your tears. Here I must lie
till Christ appears.

In Memory of Mr. Joseph Fife who died Nov'r 3, 1810,
Aged 22 Years.
Friends and physicians could not save, my mortal body
from the grave. Nor shall the grave confine me here,
When Christ shall call me to appear.

Here lies interred ye Body of Mrs. Charity Fallas ye
Wife of Mr. William Fallas, who departed this life Oct.
ye 29th, A.D. 1786, in the 65th Year of her Age.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.

Here Lies the Body of Mr. Ephraim Farnworth Who Died
February The 18th 1737 In The 35 Year of His Age.

In Memory of Jonathan, son of Mr. Jonathan and Thankful
Fairbank who Died Sept'r 14, 1741 in ye 2 year of his
Age.

Martha, Wife of Silas Fairbanks, died Dec. 8, 1849, AEt
68.

Silas Fairbanks died Aug. 26, 1847. AEt. 67.

In Memory of Mrs. Hannah Flagg, Relict of Mr. Gershom
Flagg, who died Oct ye 13th, 1784, Aged 73.

In Memory of Mr. Paul Faulkner, died Feb. 9, 1841, aged
75 yrs.  Also of his wives, Mrs. Abigail F. died Sept
23, 1811, aged 42 yrs.  Mrs. Hannah F. died Oct 4, 1817
aged 46 yrs.  Mrs. Eunice F. died Oct 5, 1846, aged 62
yrs.

To be continued Part 3 - p. 412
Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth

The Old Common Burial Ground, Lancaster, Mass.
Source: Birth, Marriage and Death Register, Church 
Records and Epitaphs of Lancaster, Mass. by Henry S. 
Nourse, A.M. Lancaster, 1890
                   Part 3 of 4
p.412

Mrs. Emily Faulkner wife of Mr. Horace Faulkner, died
Aug 24, 1825, AEt 22.

Here lies Buried ye Body of Mr. John Goss, who Dec'd
October ye 5th A.D. 1747 In ye 30 year of His Age.

Mr. John Goss died March 24, 1843 AEt 73. 
Farewell fond wife and children too.  For Christ hath 
called me home; In a short time he'll call you, Prepare
yourselves to come.

In Memory of Mr. John Goss Jr. Son of Mr. John and Mrs.
Mary W. Goss, who died Jan. 13, 1828, AEt. 23.
And, is he gone? Tis true he is. His glass how soon tis
run. How pleasant were his youthful ways. But now his
work is done.

In Memory of John Goss, Son of Mr. John & Mrs. Mary W.
Goss who died Oct'r 1, 1803, aged 1 year, 7 mos & 22 days.
Sleep on my babe & take thy rest. God called thee home,
he thought it best.

In Memory of Joseph Goss, Son of Mr. John & Mrs. Mary W.
Goss, who died Aug. 16th 1801, Aged 1 Year 10 months &
2 days.
So fades the lovely blooming flower. Frail smiling solace of an hour.

In Memory of James Goss, son of Mr. John & Mrs. Mary W.
Goss, who died Dec. 30th, 1800, Aged 3 Years, 18 months
& 2 days.
So soon our transient comforts fly. An pleasures only
bloom to die.

Here Lyes ye Body of Dinah Houghton, daughter of Mr. 
Jonas & Mrs. Mary Houghton, who died Sept 23d 1723 Aged
12 Years & 5 mos.

Here Lyes ye Body of Mr. Jonas Houghton Who died Sept 20
1723, Aged 60 Years & 5 mos.

Here Lyes the Body of Mrs. Mary Houghton, Wife to Mr.
Jonas Houghton, Sen'r. Deceased December 31st 1720 in ye 
60th Year of her Age.

Here Lies Buried ye Body of Capt. Jonas Houghton Who
Departed this Life August ye 15th A.D. 1739 In ye 57th
Year of His Age.

Here Lies Buried ye Body of Mr. Josiah Houghton Who Dec'd 
Sept. ye 29th 1723 aged 24 Years & 11 mos.

Ephah Houghton, daughter of Lieut. Jonathan & Mrs. 
Thankful Houghton, Died Sept 27th, 1729, Aged 2 Years 7
3 mos.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Mary Houghton, Daughter of
Ensign Jacob & Mrs. Mary Houghton, Who Died August ye
30th, 1736 Age 3 Years, 10 mos & 29 Days.

Here Lyes Buried ye Body of Lieut. John Houghton, Who
Dec'd April ye 5th, 1724 Aged 51 Years.

Here Lyes ye Body of Mrs. Mary Albert Wife to Mr. Daniel
Albert, Who Dec'd Oct'r 23d 1726, in ye 25 Year of Her
Age.

Here Lies ye Body of Levinah Houghton ye Daughter of Mr.
Jonathan & Mrs. Mary Houghton, Who Died July ye 5th, 1738 & 
in ye 5th Year of her Age.

Here Lies ye Body of Silance Houghton, ye Daughter of Mr. 
Jonathan & Mrs. Mary Houghton, Who Died September
ye 4th, 1728.

Here Lies Buried the Body of Mrs. Rebekah Houghton, Wife
of Mr. Jacob Houghton.  Died October ye 22 A.D. 1752,
Age 80 years, 20 mos. & 29 Days.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of John Houghton, Esquir, 
As You Are So Ware We.  As We Are So you Will be.  Who
Died February ye 3d Anno Domini - 1736/7 and in ye 87th
Year of his Age.

Here Lies Buried ye Body of Mrs. Mary Houghton ye Wife 
of John Houghton Esq'r. Who Died April ye 7th Ano DM,
1724, & In ye 76 Year of Her Age.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Mr. William Houghton.  As
You Are, So Were We.  As We Are So You Will Be.  Who
Departed This Life July Ye 15th Anno DM 1743 Age 48 Yrs.
2 Mos & 20 Days.

p.413

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Mr. Robart Houghton Who Dec'd 
November ye 7th A.D. 1723 In ye 65 Year of His Age.

Here Lyes ye Body of Mr. Ebenezer Houghton Who Dec'd
October ye 13th 1723 in the 24th Year of His Age.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Mrs. Esther Houghton Relict
Widow of Mr. Robart Houghton Who Dec'd January 13th A.D.
1740/41 In ye 82nd Year of Her Age.

Rufus Houghton Born Nov. 28, 1796; Died May 31, 1846.
Solon Georgiana.

Martha P. Wife of Rufus Houghton, born June 12, 1803;
Died Dec 17, 1835.

Sacred to the memory of Mr. Simon Houghton of Weare, N.H. 
& a native of Bolton, Mass. Who Died July 7, 1814
AEt. 41.
In peace here rests a traveler's dust.  His journey's
at an end.  He praiz'd esteem among the just. A censure
from a friend. Broke loose from Time's tenacious chains,
And Earth's revolving gloom. To range, at large, in vast
domains. Of radient worlds to come.

Sacred to the Memory of Mrs. Martha Houghton wife of Mr.
Simon Houghton of Bolton who Died April 3, 1823 in the
73 Year of her Age.
No pain, no grief, no anxious fear, Invade thy bounds;
no mortal woes can reach the peaceful sleeper here. 
Whilst angels watch her soft repose. So Jesus slept;
God's dying son.  Pass'd through the grave and blest the
bed; Then rest, dear saint, till from his throne, The
morning break & peirce the shade.

Sacred to the Memory of Mr. Simon Houghton of Bolton who
departed this life March 25, A.D. 1814 in 77th Year of
his Age.
The dust and ruins that remain, Are precious in our eyes; 
These ruins shall be built again, And all this dust shall rise.

In Memory of Lieut. Thomas Hooker Who died September ye
18th 1768 in ye 79th year of his Age.
When death unto you calls, Your Soul rejoined must,
To God that judgeth all, Both Wicked and the Just.

Here lies Buried Ye Body of Mr. Uriah Holt who departed
this life August ye 24th A.D. 1741 Age 40 Years, 2 mos.,
& 10 Days.

In Memory of Mrs. Phebe Jenks, Relict of Mr. William
Jenks of Wrentham who died Oct 11, 1822 Aged 88.

In Memory of Miss Mary Jenks who died May 17,1817, Aged
44.

Here Lies the Body of Mrs. Sarah Knight the Wife of Mr.
Daniel Knight. Died April the 30, 1722.  Died in the 38
Year of her Age.

George.  Son of George & Eunice Marshall formerly of
England.  Died May 17, 1847, aged 18 months.
Suffer little children to come unto me; and forbid them
not, for of such is the kingdom of God.

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Joseph Moors son of Deacon
Joseph & Mrs. Rebekah Moors, Who deceased October ye 25
A.D. 1746, Age 3 Years, 6 mos., 28 Days.

Here Lies Ye Body of Rebekah Moors, daughter of Deacon
Joseph & Mrs Rebekah Moors Who Dec'd September ye 22d
A.D. 1746 Age 1 Year, 7 mos and 10 Days.

Here Lies ye Body of Rebekah Mores, ye daughter of Mr.
Joseph & Mrs. Rebekah Mores, Who Dec'd June ye 26th
1740 in ye 6th Year of her Age.

Here Lies ye Body of Cathorign Mores Daughter of Mr.
Joseph & Mrs. Rebekah Mores Who Died June ye 23d 1740
in ye 2d Year of her Age.

Here Lies Buried Ye Bodies of Ephraim & Hannah & Jacob
Mores. Deceased June ye 15th & Ye 17th & 18th 1740 Age
of E 7 Years 6 mos & 22 days. & HM 3 Years 1 mo. & 7 days. 
& J M 11 Years 8 mos & 6 days.

To be continued Part  4 of 4 - p. 414.
Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth


The Old Common Burial Ground, Lancaster, Mass.
Source: Birth, Marriage and Death Register, Church 
Records and Epitaphs of Lancaster, Mass. by Henry S. 
Nourse, A.M. Lancaster, 1890
                   Part 4 of 4
p.414

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Lucy Moors, daughter of Deacon 
Joseph & Mrs. Rebekah Moors, Who Dec'd Octob'r
ye 7th A.D. 1744 Age 3 Years, 6 mos. & 15 Days

Here Lies Buried Ye Body of Lucy Mores Ye Daughter of
Mr. Joseph & Mrs. Rebekah Mores, Who Dec'd August ye 22,
A.D. 1740 in ye 14th Year of Her Age.

Harriet, Daughter of Mr. Henry & Mrs. Achsah Moore, died
April 8, 1826 AEt 14 mo & 14 days.

In Memory of David Steuart Robertson, Second son of the late 
John Robertson, Esq'r. of Foveran House, Aberdeenshire.
Born in Scotland, Educated at Rugby in England and at
Giessen in Germany, In which country as well as in Sicily 
he had spent several years. At the age of twenty-
three, He came to America.  Having, after various ex-
perience of the Old World, acquired an ardent love for
the New, He settled in the town of Lancaster and became
a Citizen of the United States.  Deceased on the twenty-
first of July, A.D. MDCCCXLIX.  In the thirtieth year of
his Age. [1849]

"Here Steuart sleeps and should some brother Scot
 Wander this way and pause upon the spot,
 He need not ask, now life's poor show is o'er,
 What arms he carried, or what plaid he wore -
 So small the value of illustrious birth,
 Brought to this solemn, last assay of earth;
 Yet, unreproved, his epitaph may say,
 A Royal soul was wrapt in Steuart's clay.
 And generous actions consecrate his mound
 More than all titles, though of kingly sound."

Mrs. Ann Quincy, Relict of Josiah Quincy, Esq. Late of
Braintree.  Died Feb 17, 1805 AE 80.
A cheerful heart was hers and free from guile; She showed
 that piety and age could smile; Religion had her
heart, her cares, her voice.  Twas her last refuge as her 
earliest choice. Like a tired traveler, with sleep
oppressed - within her children's arms she sank to rest.
Heaven did her life prolong to spread its praise. And
blessed her with a patriarch's length of days

Here Lie the Remains of Eloise Richards Payne, Who De-
parted this life July 3, 1819 aged 31.  She will be talked of 
but a little while, and forgotten by society.
Will survive only in a few hearts, where the memory of
such a Being is Immortal. Sink into dust, frail covering of 
a purified spirit! Parent earth receive thine own! God in Heaven, 
take her Soul to Thee!

Here sleeps what was mortal of Eliza Quincy Packard, 
dau. of Rev. Asa Packard.  She died suddenly Nov 18th 
A.D. 1816 AEtat. 24.
An improved mind, a heart and Life enriched with early
Piety, endeared her where she was known, and rendered
her death deeply lamentable.  Thy will, Father, be done!
I am the resurrection and the Life!  Listening for the
triumph of the Arch Angel.  In Christ they sleep who bore 
on earth his cross. 'Til from the tomb their dust
shall rise. In his own image to the skies.

Ann Guild. Daughter of Rev. Charles & Rebecca P. Packard, 
Died April 28, 1846; aged 10 weeks.
                  Transplanted.

Anna Marsh Packard, Eldest child of Rev'd Asa Packard,
Sleeps here.  She died June 6th, 1796 Aged 5 Years.
Of such is the kingdom of God.

Memento mori.  Here lies Buried the Body of Mr. John
Phelps who departed this Life January 14, 1776. In the
28th year of his Age.

Erected in Memory of Mrs. Sally Phelps Wife of Mr. Aaron
Phelps, who Died April 12th 1794, Aged 36 Years.
Behold and see as you pass by. As you are now, so once
was I. As I am now, so you must be. Prepare for death &
follow me.

Mr. Peter Phelps Died March 7, 1847 Aged 72 Years. 
Ariel S. Phelps Died Oct. 15, 1825.  Aged 14 Years.

p.415

Charles, son of Farnham & Nancy Plummer, died May 25,
1818 AEt. 9 mos.
Thomas, 2nd son of Farnham & Nancy Plummer, died Oct 2,
1814 AEt 5 mos.  Also Thomas 1st son Died at Beverly
June 12, 1808 AEt. 9 mos.

Here Lies Buried the Body of Mr. John Priest, who Departed 
this Life Sept. 29th, A.D. 1756 in ye 75th Year
of his Age.

Here Lies Buried The Body of Mrs. Anna Priest. Wife of
Mr. John Priest Who Departed This Life April 3 Anno
Domini 1751, In ye 67 Year of Her Age.

Here Lies Buried ye Body of Jonathan Priest Ye only Son
of Mr. John & Mrs. Anna Priest, Who Dec'd April ye 23d
1738 Aged 12 Years & 7 mos.

Here Lyes ye Body of Abigail Priest, Daughter of Mr. John & 
Mrs. Anna Priest; Who Dec'd Sept 25th 1723 in ye
17th Year of her Age.

In Memory of Charlotte Richardson, daughter of Mr.
Ephraim & Mrs. Eunice Richardson who died Nov 13, 1827
aged 15 Years.
Like roses cropped before their bloom.  She's carried to
the silent tomb.

Abigail H., Wife of Luke Stowe, Died Feb 15, 1847 aged
54 Years.
Farewell dear friends, and children too.  For Christ has
called me home.  In a short time he'll call for you.
Prepare yourselves to come.

Luke Stowe Died August 19, 1846 aged 49 Years.
Friends and physicians could not save my mortal body
From the grave. Nor can the grave confine me here. When
Christ shall call me to appear.

Here Lies the Body of Mr. John Sawyer Who Died October
the 2d 1731 in the 43 Year of his Age.

Here Lies the Body of Sarah, the daughter of John &
Ruth Sawyer.  Deceased December the 21, 1717.

Here Lyes ye Body of Mrs. Dinah Sawyer Wife of Mr. Seth
Sawyer.  Who dec'd Oct'r 25th 1727 in ye 23d Year of her
Age.

Here Lies Buried The Body of Mr. Elias Sawyer Who Died
ye 20, A.D. 1752 in ye 63 Year of His Age.

Here Lie Buried ye Body of Mr. Moses Sawyer Who Departed
This Life November ye 24th A.D. 1739 Age 27 Years, 2 mos. & 29 days.

Here Lies Buried the Body of Mr. Thomas Sawyer. Who died
November ye 29, 1752 in ye 63 Year of his Age.

Erected in memory of Mrs. Lydia Sawyer, Relict of Mr.
Elijah Sawyer of Bolton. Who Died May 5th, A.D. 1799
aged 72 Years, 6 mos & 1 day.

Erected in Memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Sawyer, Wife of Mr.
Thomas Sawyer, who died Feb 14, 1799 in the 34th year of
her Age.

Amos Sawyer, a native of Danvers, Mass. died June 13,
1821; AEt. 68.

In Memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Safford, wife of Thomas 
Safford who died March 11, 1818, AEt 49.

In Memory of Mr. Thomas Safford who died June 20, 1825
AEt. 59.

In Memory of Catharine Safford, daughter of Mr. Thomas
& Mrs. Elizabeth Safford, who died July 4th, 1798 Aged
15 months.
Now she is numbered among the children of God and her 
lot is among the Saints.

In Memory of Mr. Joshua Townsend a native of Boston, who
departed this Life Jan 20th, 1790 In the 90th Year of his age.

Here Lies Interred ye Body of Mrs. Elizabeth Townsend
ye Wife of Mr. Joshua Townsend who departed this Life
Feb. ye 8th Anno domini 1799 in ye 76th Year of her Age.

End.
Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth.