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Subject: [NYKings] Old Gravestones1877
Date: Sat, 4 May 2002 08:15:27 EDT

Brooklyn Union Argus
11 September 1877

OLD GRAVESTONES
In my recent reference to New Haven I had no space for the old cemetery,
which is certainly worthy of attention. New Haven contains the oldest
gravestone in New England. It is a rough block of granite on which can be
deciphered "1650." This stands in the beautiful public square, beneath the
majestic elms, a spot which was the original burying ground. Three stones
in that vicinity still indicate this use, all others having been removed.
These three are the ones above referred to; also one marked "E. W. 1658,"
and another marked "J D died 1688 in the 82 year of his age." In those days
there were so few burials that the initials were sufficient to identify the
name. "J D" stands for John DIXWELL, one of the three regicides who found
shelter in the vicinity of New Haven - the other two being GOFFE and WALLEY.
Some years ago all the old headstones were removed to the general cemetery,
which is a place of rare beauty. It includes eighteen acres, and contains
a remarkable number of distinguished names.
I found in this burial ground a very striking array of old headstones, set
closely in a row against the north wall, and covering a range of 500 feet.
They had been removed from the public square and placed here so as to be
seen in a convenient manner. I found a number of persons studying these
half legible epitaphs and indeed it is a frequent resort. Among the
inscriptions were the following: "Joseph ALSOP dessaced in ye 42 Yeare of
his Age Janvary ye 12 1691." "Here lieth the Body of John ROCKWELL SCHOOLER
of Windser who died Feby ye 3 1725 aged 24 years." "Here lies enterred ye
Body of David PIERSON of Bridgehampton Long island a Student of Yale
Collidge who departed this life in ye 19 Year of his Age." "Lydia
TROWBRIDGE Deseaced in ye 24 Yeare of her Adg May ye 6 1690." "Lievten
John SACKETT desceased Nov ye 6 1703." Another stone is inscribed "E P
1686." There are many more of this rude style of which the above is a
sufficient sample. - Cor. Troy Times

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