Indian Attack!

Story of Susanna Eastman
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel

This is the story as it appears in the History of Haverhill and is repeated in Judge Wheeler's History of Stonington,

I had to copy and paste this together from the History  of Haverhill, MA at Google books so I could show the footnote at the bottom of the page that clearly says it is ORAL HISTORY. Judge Wheeler cited it from this source but didn't say that this was oral history! I was glad I went looking for the original story.

I will leave you to read this story and wonder at the power of a woman who had previously lost a husband and a child to an Indian attack. Armed with a baking spit (think a javelin), I certainly would not want to get in her way. I loved that a man called Capt. was described as a "timid" man!

Even if it is an embellished story, still we should marvel at this woman nearly living to her 100th birthday.

The stories of the gravestones are not always factual but they sure are a learning experience! I would not have wanted to live in this time period and I am glad I found and photographed these gravestones!

Tombstone Tuesday: Susanna EASTMAN

Susanna EASTMAN
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel

Tombstone Tuesday Treat!

This is the gravestone of Susanna EASTMAN aged 100 years, widow of Thomas WOOD and widow of Capt' John SWAN.

She was born in Massachusetts and died in North Stonington, CT. Her gravestone is in the Great Plain Cemetery in North Stonington, New London, CT

"In Memory of Susanna Wife of Cap't John Swan. She died March the 20th AD 1772 in the 100th Year of her Age."

Wheeler's History of Stonington lists in the Swan family section (p. 609-617) a remarkable history of Susanna's life before she married Capt. John Swan.

Stay tuned for more information...