Monday, November 30, 2009
Gravestone Podcast
Free Podcast about Gravestones!
Recently, Professor Robert Cassanello at the University of Central Florida conducted a podcast interview with Joy Giguere of the AGS.
To access this interview on iTunes, please follow this link to the UCF Public History page: http://publichistorypodcast.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Sometimes a quick family snapshot can become a family treasure. I took this shot of my parents watching the Macy's parade on TV in 1993. It was one of the last Thanksgiving Days where they would be healthy.
My mother is enjoying her glass of wine and my dad his beer. They liked to be warm so we turned up the heat and had a fire in the fireplace. I was busy being the cook so I am surprised I had time to find the camera but I'm glad I did.
My dad died in 1998 and my mother in 2002. I put this photo out every year on my mantel in remembrance.
My mother is enjoying her glass of wine and my dad his beer. They liked to be warm so we turned up the heat and had a fire in the fireplace. I was busy being the cook so I am surprised I had time to find the camera but I'm glad I did.
My dad died in 1998 and my mother in 2002. I put this photo out every year on my mantel in remembrance.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Birdbath Curiosity
Last week, Randy Seaver posted a Wordless Wednesday about his adventures with a birdbath. I couldn't stand thinking about it any longer, I MUST post my own birdbath photo. [1952]
Tombstone Tuesday: Bill Broadfoot
Tombstone Tuesday 24 Nov 2009
This is the headstone for my paternal uncle, William B. Broadfoot, who lies resting as the undefeated croquet champion of our family, in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Hopkinton, Washington, RI.
He is listed with his parents in the 1920 and 1930 census.
Uncle Bill, my father's brother and youngest sibling, was born 23 Aug 1919 in Westerly, Washington, RI. He was epileptic and was not expected to live. But, he did and although disabled lived until the age of 71 with the loving care of his wife Hannah (who is still living). He and Hannah did not have children of their own so they were doting on us, my two first cousins and myself.
When I interviewed the family, I discovered that Uncle Bill and Aunt Hannah were married on 30 June 1951 in Preston City, CT. and shortly after that were involved in a car accident which left Uncle Bill even more disabled. However, he was always one to smile and joke and he managed to play croquet at family outings. His hair was red and he did resemble my Dad.
Uncle Bill died with my father present in the Westerly Hospital. He is buried with his wife's family. I am thankful for the kindness of my friend Scott Bill Hirst who took these photos for me.
This is the headstone for my paternal uncle, William B. Broadfoot, who lies resting as the undefeated croquet champion of our family, in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Hopkinton, Washington, RI.
He is listed with his parents in the 1920 and 1930 census.
Uncle Bill, my father's brother and youngest sibling, was born 23 Aug 1919 in Westerly, Washington, RI. He was epileptic and was not expected to live. But, he did and although disabled lived until the age of 71 with the loving care of his wife Hannah (who is still living). He and Hannah did not have children of their own so they were doting on us, my two first cousins and myself.
When I interviewed the family, I discovered that Uncle Bill and Aunt Hannah were married on 30 June 1951 in Preston City, CT. and shortly after that were involved in a car accident which left Uncle Bill even more disabled. However, he was always one to smile and joke and he managed to play croquet at family outings. His hair was red and he did resemble my Dad.
Uncle Bill died with my father present in the Westerly Hospital. He is buried with his wife's family. I am thankful for the kindness of my friend Scott Bill Hirst who took these photos for me.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Arrived!
In today's mail was the 2010 calendar that bears the photograph of my grandmother and her children. I was so stunned to see it on the month for November 2010 as I remember fondly my grandmother's lovely Thanksgiving dinners in her beautiful English Tudor house.
Family Tree Magazine sent me a free copy because I contributed a photo. Thank you Family Tree Magazine!
This photo taken by the Bachrach Studio in Providence RI in 1920, it shows my mother (she hated the big bow) and her brother, my uncle. It is one of the clearest photographs in my collection.
Of course, I needed to photograph it with my mini-Thanksgiving scene on my hearth. You too, can have a 2010 calendar in your home too so why are you still reading this? You should be ordering them right now.
Family Tree Magazine sent me a free copy because I contributed a photo. Thank you Family Tree Magazine!
This photo taken by the Bachrach Studio in Providence RI in 1920, it shows my mother (she hated the big bow) and her brother, my uncle. It is one of the clearest photographs in my collection.
Of course, I needed to photograph it with my mini-Thanksgiving scene on my hearth. You too, can have a 2010 calendar in your home too so why are you still reading this? You should be ordering them right now.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Pilgrim's Pride
Because of where I currently live, I am always up for finding the memorial stone for the "Pilgrims" that seem to be scattered all over Plymouth County. It's a fun project. If you know of any others, please let me know. Remember, these are memorial gravestones not the ones put there when they died.
These are the ones I have located so far (please feel free to add them to your collection.)
George Soule
John Howland
Elizabeth Tilley (his wife)
John Alden
Priscilla Mullins (his wife)
Myles Standish
I had a great comment to this post. John Howland is buried on his own land in Duxbury but that resting place is not marked. The memorial stone is in Burial Hill in Plymouth but as it is a memorial stone it doesn't mark a grave. Elizabeth Tilley's memorial gravestone is in the Ancient Burial Ground RI Cemetery #5 in East Providence, RI (which once was Swansea, MA). She may be buried with the Brown family, but that I don't know. The stone is a memorial gravestone.
When John Howland died, his wife Elizabeth went to live with her daughter who married a Brown and died there.
These are the ones I have located so far (please feel free to add them to your collection.)
George Soule
John Howland
Elizabeth Tilley (his wife)
John Alden
Priscilla Mullins (his wife)
Myles Standish
I had a great comment to this post. John Howland is buried on his own land in Duxbury but that resting place is not marked. The memorial stone is in Burial Hill in Plymouth but as it is a memorial stone it doesn't mark a grave. Elizabeth Tilley's memorial gravestone is in the Ancient Burial Ground RI Cemetery #5 in East Providence, RI (which once was Swansea, MA). She may be buried with the Brown family, but that I don't know. The stone is a memorial gravestone.
When John Howland died, his wife Elizabeth went to live with her daughter who married a Brown and died there.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Back Side of Bradford's Monument
This is the view of William Bradford's obelisk which lists his traditional birth year and information about his life in Massachusetts.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Denison-Gallup Family Reunion
From the Denison Society Web site comes this news:
Denison Day 2010- New Date, August 21, 2010
Denison Day 2010- New Date, August 21, 2010
"Denison-Gallup wedding reenactment of Mercy Gallup to William Denison and Denison Society Annual Meeting.
10 AM – Business meeting of Denison Society in DPNC building, Noon– Joint Gallup and Denison Societies catered lunch under a tent in our meadow or side lawn. Afternoon– Reenactment of Mercy Gallup marrying William Denison, Tours of Homestead, Reservations will be required to rent enough chairs, tent size, order food etc.
William and George were brothers and grandsons of Captain George. William married Mercy Gallup on May 10, 1710. George married Lucy Gallup on June 4, 1717. Mercy and Lucy were sisters. George built the Homestead as a gift for his new wife."
Hebrew Inscription
Jim Baker's book, A Guide to Historic Plymouth, says that the inscription in Hebrew, was inscribed here to recognize that Bradford was trying to teach himself to read Hebrew. [imagine doing that with no help in the 1600s!]
It says, "Jehovah is the help of my life".
Last year, I showed it some friends who came to visit who are Jewish and they were surprised to see it inscribed here so we took them on a stroll by the synagogue in downtown Plymouth.
It's nice to be able to remember everyone's religion since the Pilgrims wanted to make a new life here in the New World. Shouldn't we continue to strive for a better world?
It says, "Jehovah is the help of my life".
Last year, I showed it some friends who came to visit who are Jewish and they were surprised to see it inscribed here so we took them on a stroll by the synagogue in downtown Plymouth.
It's nice to be able to remember everyone's religion since the Pilgrims wanted to make a new life here in the New World. Shouldn't we continue to strive for a better world?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
William Bradford
One of the most visited graves on Burial Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts is the memorial gravestone for Governor William Bradford.
Jim Baker, a noted Mayflower historian, has written a fine book, "A Guide to Historic Plymouth". My favorite chapter is Plymouth Walking Tour 2: Burial Hill (p. 80-89).
This obelisk style memorial was erected in 1825. It may or may not mark any actual burial of Bradford's remains as it is not known where he was laid to rest in 1657. His son, Major William Bradford, wished to be buried by his father's side and this is where he was laid to rest in 1704 so perhaps the tradition is correct. No one knows.
Plymouth is not too far from my home and we often go here and take photos. It is on a very steep hill and you must pay attention to your feet while you are looking at graves. (Jack and Jill tumbling down the hill). It overlooks Plymouth Harbor and it is freezing there when it is windy. You have to have sympathy for those who came here under less than ideal weather.
Jim Baker, a noted Mayflower historian, has written a fine book, "A Guide to Historic Plymouth". My favorite chapter is Plymouth Walking Tour 2: Burial Hill (p. 80-89).
This obelisk style memorial was erected in 1825. It may or may not mark any actual burial of Bradford's remains as it is not known where he was laid to rest in 1657. His son, Major William Bradford, wished to be buried by his father's side and this is where he was laid to rest in 1704 so perhaps the tradition is correct. No one knows.
Plymouth is not too far from my home and we often go here and take photos. It is on a very steep hill and you must pay attention to your feet while you are looking at graves. (Jack and Jill tumbling down the hill). It overlooks Plymouth Harbor and it is freezing there when it is windy. You have to have sympathy for those who came here under less than ideal weather.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Cemeteries in the News 18 Nov 2009
News Worth Reading
Massachusetts Police Charge 4 with Vandalism [AP News Boston.com] 16 Nov 2009
The teens who vandalized a cemetery in Kingston, MA, not too far from my home, have been arrested. The one who is age 17 got his photo in the paper. Because, they toppled over only the graves of Vet's on Vet's Day, there has been a public outcry. Even the local high school asked for "information" on who did it and they got student responses. [Article]
A Race Against Time to Save History by Brian MacQuarrie [Boston.com] 15 Nov 2009
An article about our Cape Cod gravestones crumbling in front of the eyes of their ancestors. Robert Carlson, long know for his work with gravestones, speaks out about neglect. [Article]
Massachusetts Police Charge 4 with Vandalism [AP News Boston.com] 16 Nov 2009
The teens who vandalized a cemetery in Kingston, MA, not too far from my home, have been arrested. The one who is age 17 got his photo in the paper. Because, they toppled over only the graves of Vet's on Vet's Day, there has been a public outcry. Even the local high school asked for "information" on who did it and they got student responses. [Article]
A Race Against Time to Save History by Brian MacQuarrie [Boston.com] 15 Nov 2009
An article about our Cape Cod gravestones crumbling in front of the eyes of their ancestors. Robert Carlson, long know for his work with gravestones, speaks out about neglect. [Article]
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tombstone Tuesday: Morgan-BURROWS
This hefty granite gravestone has been in my collection since 30 May 2007 and somehow it got missed the day I posted the graves from the large Denison plot at Elm Grove Cemetery. I always worry that I will miss a photo!
Yesterday, while looking for a gravestone of the sea-faring Holmes family in this folder of photos, I said," Wait, isn't that a Burrows grave?" and put in in the center of my desktop to look up and thought it would make a great Tombstone Tuesday post.
Lydia BURROWS was the daughter of John Burrows and his wife Roxanna BROWN who are buried nearby. Daniel MORGAN was a postmaster. Daniel must be part of the seafaring MORGAN family, I think.
Off to put this information in my database and see what kind of information I can find!
Yesterday, while looking for a gravestone of the sea-faring Holmes family in this folder of photos, I said," Wait, isn't that a Burrows grave?" and put in in the center of my desktop to look up and thought it would make a great Tombstone Tuesday post.
Lydia BURROWS was the daughter of John Burrows and his wife Roxanna BROWN who are buried nearby. Daniel MORGAN was a postmaster. Daniel must be part of the seafaring MORGAN family, I think.
Off to put this information in my database and see what kind of information I can find!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Cemetery Vandalism
I was in a good mood yesterday until I got home and looked at our local newspaper and saw that a nearby town's cemetery had been vandalized on Veteran's Day. Those who did this targeted the vet's graves. I have been by this cemetery and it was on my list of "visits" until a local woman who was murdered with her child by her husband and she has been laid to rest there.
I did learn from this article that cemeteries can have insurance which I did not know so at least there is hope that the graves will be repaired. The penalty for vandalism should be stronger, don't you think?
I did learn from this article that cemeteries can have insurance which I did not know so at least there is hope that the graves will be repaired. The penalty for vandalism should be stronger, don't you think?
Perpetual Care in Massachusetts
My recent post with perpetual care as its title has produced some interesting comments. Today, I searched for more information about perpetual care and came up with a great blog post about Oak Grove Cemetery in Fall River, Massachusetts where my mother-in-law's family is buried.
This cemetery, is famous because it is where Lizzy Borden is buried. It is a very large cemetery [Find a Grave] and I have only been there once when my husband's great aunt was buried. It occurs to me that the only time I don't take photos at a cemetery is when I attend a burial or a funeral.
It looks to me that "perpetual care" is now to be included in the fee that is paid to the cemetery at the time of burial. States must have different laws concerning this and it would be great if one of our Graveyard Rabbits wrote a newsletter about this topic. I think it would take some knowledge of the law.
This cemetery, is famous because it is where Lizzy Borden is buried. It is a very large cemetery [Find a Grave] and I have only been there once when my husband's great aunt was buried. It occurs to me that the only time I don't take photos at a cemetery is when I attend a burial or a funeral.
It looks to me that "perpetual care" is now to be included in the fee that is paid to the cemetery at the time of burial. States must have different laws concerning this and it would be great if one of our Graveyard Rabbits wrote a newsletter about this topic. I think it would take some knowledge of the law.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Charles E. BURROWS
Third Row, Left Section [Grave #20 Photo # 3029]
Charles E. BURROWS, eldest son of Simeon S. BURROWS and his wife Frances G. LEWIS was born at New London, CT on 17 Jan 1849 and died 19 Jan 1886. His mother and father and siblings are buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London so he is the only descendant of his line buried here. [Source: Burrows genealogy, p. 163]
The Burrows genealogy says he married a woman named Nellie Ellen Jones who was born in England and they had one child named Raymond S. BURROWS who married Caroline COLLINS. This couple is buried at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic. [Source: Burrows genealogy, p. 164]
This gravestone is white bronze and although it looks like granite, is metal. I think they are so interesting. I always rap my knuckle on them as I pass by. Often, the back side lists another name but I took a photo of that and there is nothing on that panel. These graves were bought by mail order.
Charles E. BURROWS, eldest son of Simeon S. BURROWS and his wife Frances G. LEWIS was born at New London, CT on 17 Jan 1849 and died 19 Jan 1886. His mother and father and siblings are buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London so he is the only descendant of his line buried here. [Source: Burrows genealogy, p. 163]
The Burrows genealogy says he married a woman named Nellie Ellen Jones who was born in England and they had one child named Raymond S. BURROWS who married Caroline COLLINS. This couple is buried at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic. [Source: Burrows genealogy, p. 164]
This gravestone is white bronze and although it looks like granite, is metal. I think they are so interesting. I always rap my knuckle on them as I pass by. Often, the back side lists another name but I took a photo of that and there is nothing on that panel. These graves were bought by mail order.
My Veteran
This is my favorite photo of my husband taken while he served with Special Forces in Vietnam.
George W. BURROWS
Veteran's Day Memorial 11 Nov 2009
Second Row, Left Side [Grave #18 Photo # 3027]
George W. BURROWS7 (Benjamin6, Nathan5, John4, John3, John2, Robert1) was born 17 Feb 1829 in Groton, CT, son of Benjamin Burrows and his first wife Rebecca Thompson. George died 3 Jan 1895 in Providence, Providence, RI.
George enlisted in the Civil War in Company E, Connecticut 21st Infantry Regiment on 05 Sep 1862. He was discharge for disability 27 Mar 1863 [Burrows Genealogy p. 169] Official records say he mustered out on 27 Mar 1863. George was a mechanic.
George was married first, on 7 Nov 1847 in Warwick, RI to Sarah Maria BURDICK, who was born in 1831 in Griswold, New London, CT to Barton D. BURDIICK and his wife Alice who lived in Voluntown, CT. George and Sarah had a daughter, Lillian R. BURROWS who was born in 1849. When his wife Sarah died 2 Feb 1884 in Groton, he married second, Ann MAJOR on 23 Jan 1886 of Providence, RI
His wives are not buried with him.
Source: Burrows Genealogy p. 169
Second Row, Left Side [Grave #18 Photo # 3027]
George W. BURROWS7 (Benjamin6, Nathan5, John4, John3, John2, Robert1) was born 17 Feb 1829 in Groton, CT, son of Benjamin Burrows and his first wife Rebecca Thompson. George died 3 Jan 1895 in Providence, Providence, RI.
George enlisted in the Civil War in Company E, Connecticut 21st Infantry Regiment on 05 Sep 1862. He was discharge for disability 27 Mar 1863 [Burrows Genealogy p. 169] Official records say he mustered out on 27 Mar 1863. George was a mechanic.
George was married first, on 7 Nov 1847 in Warwick, RI to Sarah Maria BURDICK, who was born in 1831 in Griswold, New London, CT to Barton D. BURDIICK and his wife Alice who lived in Voluntown, CT. George and Sarah had a daughter, Lillian R. BURROWS who was born in 1849. When his wife Sarah died 2 Feb 1884 in Groton, he married second, Ann MAJOR on 23 Jan 1886 of Providence, RI
His wives are not buried with him.
Source: Burrows Genealogy p. 169
Monday, November 09, 2009
Edna BURROWS
Second Row, Left Side [Grave #17 Photo # 3026]
Edna E. Burrows was born 30 Mar 1881 in Groton, New London, CT. She was the daughter of Benjamin Burrows and Anne B. Greene. She married Alfred Owen Colby 27 Nov 1902 in Groton. The service was performed by Rev. Byron U. Hatfield. Edna died in 1957
Alfred Owen Colby was born in 1870 and died in 1939. Alfred and Edna had two daughters who were born at Mystic, CT. Their names were Elizabeth and Alice.
Burrows Genealogy p. 154
Edna E. Burrows was born 30 Mar 1881 in Groton, New London, CT. She was the daughter of Benjamin Burrows and Anne B. Greene. She married Alfred Owen Colby 27 Nov 1902 in Groton. The service was performed by Rev. Byron U. Hatfield. Edna died in 1957
Alfred Owen Colby was born in 1870 and died in 1939. Alfred and Edna had two daughters who were born at Mystic, CT. Their names were Elizabeth and Alice.
Burrows Genealogy p. 154
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Modern Monuments
My new Twitter pal, Chris Hill, tweets about funeral customs, modern technology in services and bereavement. Browsing around his Web site has been most informative and following his tweets is adding to my knowledge. I was quite taken with the modern mourning jewelry.
I spend most of my time working on ancient New England gravestones but as I have been working on researching more modern graves, I have been wondering about the names of some of the styles of headstones currently in use. I discovered this page which has good information some of which I summarize here.
Flush or Grass Makers are stones that are set in the ground on a level with the grass. [Photo]
Bevel Markers are angled at 6 to 8 inches higher [Photo]
I chose to write about this because I am noticing that the monument makers in the cemeteries I have visited must have favored a certain style of stone in particular years. My paternal grandparents chose the rough back to their stones and didn't opt for the raised lettering. I am trying to find out more about these later stones.
Markers, the journal of the AGS has put their back issues up [for members?] and it could be some help.
I spend most of my time working on ancient New England gravestones but as I have been working on researching more modern graves, I have been wondering about the names of some of the styles of headstones currently in use. I discovered this page which has good information some of which I summarize here.
Flush or Grass Makers are stones that are set in the ground on a level with the grass. [Photo]
Bevel Markers are angled at 6 to 8 inches higher [Photo]
I chose to write about this because I am noticing that the monument makers in the cemeteries I have visited must have favored a certain style of stone in particular years. My paternal grandparents chose the rough back to their stones and didn't opt for the raised lettering. I am trying to find out more about these later stones.
Markers, the journal of the AGS has put their back issues up [for members?] and it could be some help.
Working with Find a Grave
Although I have been a member of Find a Grave for 6 years and 7 months (they list that for you in your profile), I have not contributed many gravestones as I have been putting my photographs up at Flickr and working with this blog since June 2006. After the kindness of two or three people who have photos posted at Find a Grave, I decided today to really learn how to add my photos, information and relationship links.
I improved my profile, added a link to this blog, and uploaded my profile photo so people can contact me if they have a question or wish to have one of my photo for their collection.
Judging from the number of people who have looked at the gravestone of Capt. Samuel Fish, whose gravestone is in the Old Packer-Burrows Cemetery in Groton/West Mystic, Connecticut, both at Flickr, in my blog and attached it from my tree at Ancestry.com to their tree, I decided that my Fish ancestors are of the most important photographs to start with. Capt. Samuel Fish is the oldest gravestone in my personal collection. It is in quite good shape physically and it is very readable.
I find adding photos and information to Find a Grave quite easy except that I have to shrink down the photos in size to fit their requirements. As I put my photos up at Flickr, I found today that if I download my own photo in a smaller size, to my desktop and then upload it to Find a Grave that works nicely for me.
As I have been accessing the Fish genealogy through Genealogy.com, I decided today to buy a bound copy of it from Higginson Books. I don't know why Ancestery has not merged all their content from Genealogy.com to Ancestry.com but I wish they would.
I improved my profile, added a link to this blog, and uploaded my profile photo so people can contact me if they have a question or wish to have one of my photo for their collection.
Judging from the number of people who have looked at the gravestone of Capt. Samuel Fish, whose gravestone is in the Old Packer-Burrows Cemetery in Groton/West Mystic, Connecticut, both at Flickr, in my blog and attached it from my tree at Ancestry.com to their tree, I decided that my Fish ancestors are of the most important photographs to start with. Capt. Samuel Fish is the oldest gravestone in my personal collection. It is in quite good shape physically and it is very readable.
I find adding photos and information to Find a Grave quite easy except that I have to shrink down the photos in size to fit their requirements. As I put my photos up at Flickr, I found today that if I download my own photo in a smaller size, to my desktop and then upload it to Find a Grave that works nicely for me.
As I have been accessing the Fish genealogy through Genealogy.com, I decided today to buy a bound copy of it from Higginson Books. I don't know why Ancestery has not merged all their content from Genealogy.com to Ancestry.com but I wish they would.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Friday, November 06, 2009
Phebe Greene Burrrows
Second Row, Left Side [Grave #16 Photo #3035]
Thia gravestone is the reason I went in search of this private graveyard.
Phebe was someone I knew as she was a friend of my grandmother. Because of her, I listened to the family history story that a Denison woman had married a Burrows man and raised his children which made them "family" to my Denison line.
Phebe's husband William Elijah BURROWS is buried with his parents in Pocasset Cemetery in Cranston, RI as he chose to bury his wife with her family here in the Burrows Cemetery and as he lived to be 95, it looks like his name may have been added to his parents gravestone.
In my minds eye, I can see my grandmother and Phebe sitting side by side in their beach chairs, chatting endlessly while the waves pounded the nearby beach.
I'm planning to add more to this post as I have done more research.
Thia gravestone is the reason I went in search of this private graveyard.
Phebe was someone I knew as she was a friend of my grandmother. Because of her, I listened to the family history story that a Denison woman had married a Burrows man and raised his children which made them "family" to my Denison line.
Phebe's husband William Elijah BURROWS is buried with his parents in Pocasset Cemetery in Cranston, RI as he chose to bury his wife with her family here in the Burrows Cemetery and as he lived to be 95, it looks like his name may have been added to his parents gravestone.
In my minds eye, I can see my grandmother and Phebe sitting side by side in their beach chairs, chatting endlessly while the waves pounded the nearby beach.
I'm planning to add more to this post as I have done more research.
In the News
Graveyard Rabbits: In the News [December 2009]
Article in local newspaper about a woman, a "ghost hunter", in East Bridgewater, MA leads me to another gravestone photographer. Who knew? I hope that she and I can get together and compare notes on local cemeteries. I located her on Face book and we have been exchanging a few messages.
Westerly's Villages are a Window to the Past [Boston.com] mentions the fine monuments in the River Bend Cemetery in Westerly, RI where many generations of my family are buried. It even mentions the tiny village of Bradford where my paternal grandparents lived. Since I used to go to Bradford when I was little I remember these mill houses clearly. The Bradford Dye Association is the local mill now. They dye cloth for the military. Many members of my family that mined the quarry also worked a second job in the various textile mills in Rhode Island.
That's all the news for today!
Article in local newspaper about a woman, a "ghost hunter", in East Bridgewater, MA leads me to another gravestone photographer. Who knew? I hope that she and I can get together and compare notes on local cemeteries. I located her on Face book and we have been exchanging a few messages.
Westerly's Villages are a Window to the Past [Boston.com] mentions the fine monuments in the River Bend Cemetery in Westerly, RI where many generations of my family are buried. It even mentions the tiny village of Bradford where my paternal grandparents lived. Since I used to go to Bradford when I was little I remember these mill houses clearly. The Bradford Dye Association is the local mill now. They dye cloth for the military. Many members of my family that mined the quarry also worked a second job in the various textile mills in Rhode Island.
That's all the news for today!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
William Burrows Allen
Second Row, Left Side [Grave #15 Photo # 3024]
William Burrows ALLEN was the most recent person buried in this private cemetery. His family has not put his death year on the stone but it will read 2009.
Mr. Allen bore the name of his Burrows ancestors as he was the only child of William Elijah ALLEN and Phebe GREENE. His mother Phebe is buried beside him but his father, William Elijah BURROWS died first and he is buried with his parents in the Pocasset Cemetery in Warwick, RI. I used Find a Grave to locate that gravestone.
William Burrows ALLEN 10 (William Elijah9, Benjamin8, Benjamin7, Benjamin6, Nathan5, John4, John3, John2, Robert1) was born 5 Feb 1915 in Cranston, Rhode Island. This is the city where I grew up!
He graduated from Cranston High School [East] in Cranston, RI, attended Bowdoin College in Maine but graduated in 1939 from the University of Rhode Island with a BS in Biology [source of date: URI's alumni magazine Quadangles Fall 2009, p. 38 and his obituary] Mr. Allen held a Master's degree in geology from the University of Missouir at Columbia. He was a WWII vet and played tennis beyond his 80th birthday. [More information can be found in his obituary and on page 156-157 of the Burrows genealogy]
Mr. Allen married Agnes DROVER, who was born 27 May 1912, in St. John's, Newfoundland. She came to the United States in 1938 and lived in New Hampshire prior to her marriage. I see from her gravestone that she may have been called Ada. Agnes died in 2004.
William and Agnes were the parents of four children all of whom may still be living as they were about my age.
I remember Mr. Allen as his parents had a beach cabana near my grandparents.
He died 20 Apr 2009 [source: Obit from Tucker-Quinn Funeral Home]
William Burrows ALLEN was the most recent person buried in this private cemetery. His family has not put his death year on the stone but it will read 2009.
Mr. Allen bore the name of his Burrows ancestors as he was the only child of William Elijah ALLEN and Phebe GREENE. His mother Phebe is buried beside him but his father, William Elijah BURROWS died first and he is buried with his parents in the Pocasset Cemetery in Warwick, RI. I used Find a Grave to locate that gravestone.
William Burrows ALLEN 10 (William Elijah9, Benjamin8, Benjamin7, Benjamin6, Nathan5, John4, John3, John2, Robert1) was born 5 Feb 1915 in Cranston, Rhode Island. This is the city where I grew up!
He graduated from Cranston High School [East] in Cranston, RI, attended Bowdoin College in Maine but graduated in 1939 from the University of Rhode Island with a BS in Biology [source of date: URI's alumni magazine Quadangles Fall 2009, p. 38 and his obituary] Mr. Allen held a Master's degree in geology from the University of Missouir at Columbia. He was a WWII vet and played tennis beyond his 80th birthday. [More information can be found in his obituary and on page 156-157 of the Burrows genealogy]
Mr. Allen married Agnes DROVER, who was born 27 May 1912, in St. John's, Newfoundland. She came to the United States in 1938 and lived in New Hampshire prior to her marriage. I see from her gravestone that she may have been called Ada. Agnes died in 2004.
William and Agnes were the parents of four children all of whom may still be living as they were about my age.
I remember Mr. Allen as his parents had a beach cabana near my grandparents.
He died 20 Apr 2009 [source: Obit from Tucker-Quinn Funeral Home]
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
The Sarcophagus
Bones of the Forefathers (Pilgrims) that were buried on the hill in Plymouth the first two winters washed down the hill in a storm in 1735 into the street.
They were placed in a metal box and set to rest in another location (Do you know where?) before being placed inside this stone sarcophagus.
They were placed in a metal box and set to rest in another location (Do you know where?) before being placed inside this stone sarcophagus.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
William Williams
As part of my extensive Williams family, I discovered a Tombstone Tuesday post about the grave of William Williams. Great job!
Tombstone Tuesday
Tombstone Tuesday, 3 Nov 2009
Elizabeth Denison Brown was a teacher. I knew I felt connected to this gravestone when I saw the name DENISON clearly on this stone! The 1880 census lists her occupation.
Elizabeth DENISON, was born and died in November. She was the daughter of Allen DENISON and Elizabeth PARKE. Lizzie married Elias BROWN on 6 Dec 1865 and had no children.
Denison Genealogy #3062 page 103-104
Elizabeth (Allen6, Robert5, Benadam4, William3, William2, George1) was born 27 Nov 1843 and died 8 Nov 1924.
Elizabeth Denison Brown was a teacher. I knew I felt connected to this gravestone when I saw the name DENISON clearly on this stone! The 1880 census lists her occupation.
Elizabeth DENISON, was born and died in November. She was the daughter of Allen DENISON and Elizabeth PARKE. Lizzie married Elias BROWN on 6 Dec 1865 and had no children.
Denison Genealogy #3062 page 103-104
Elizabeth (Allen6, Robert5, Benadam4, William3, William2, George1) was born 27 Nov 1843 and died 8 Nov 1924.
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