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October 30th, 2009

Eerie, but fascinating graveyards near my home in Bedford

One year ago, I took you on a Halloween adventure through the cemetery located at the St. Matthews Church in Bedford, NY. I received so many interesting comments from that blog, so I thought it would be fun to continue the tour. As it turns out, there happens to be thirty cemeteries located throughout Bedford. Some are tiny family plots, overgrown and neglected. Others, like the St. Matthews and the Old Bedford cemeteries are located in high traffic areas and are maintained nicely.
Cemeteries are considered by many to be eerie places, however, I find them fascinating. There is much to be learned about the history of an area by reading old grave markers, such as family lineage and how young or old people were when they passed away. I was very happy to hear from the Bedford Historical Society that there is now a committee, which has been working on clearing overgrown cemeteries and on properly cleaning and restoring many of the ancient headstones. I feel it's so important to preserve history in all its forms. Please enjoy this year's jaunt through the cemeteries and I wish all of you a creepy and spooky happy Halloween!

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1 This little cemetery was for the Miller family. According to records, there are 59 graves marked with field stones, with the oldest one dating to 1804.

2 This headstone is shared by Joseph H. Miller and Hannah Miller, who died in the 1800's.

3 In memory of Sally Miller, who died at 43 years of age. Sally was the wife of Abijah, which is a name of Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my father.'

4 Martha Smith lived to the ripe age of 86 years.

5 This stone belongs to Belinda, however, the rest is difficult to decipher.

6 Almira, wife of Jeremiah Ruscoe, was only 35 years old.

7 It looks like this says - In memory of Mercy, wife of Enoch Clason who died April 5, 1830 Aged 80 yrs 2 mos.

8 James H. Miller and his wife Elizabeth - they lived long lives and died in the 1860's.

9 Enoch Clason died in 1855 aged 80 years 6 mo's & 23 days.

10 Zilpha R. Miller - a rather uncommon name

11 A lichen encrusted tombstone

12 Jerusha, another uncommon name, is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'married, a possession.'

13 John Holmes - his stone really needs a cleaning.

14 Another Miller, but sadly, this is all that remains.

15 These lichen-covered steps lead to another cemetery down the road.

16 in memory of Jesse, son of James & Polly Williams, who departed this life April 26, 1833.

17 These are footstones, marked only with initials.

18 Sadly, Emily Williamson was just 7 years of age.

19 Someone has tried to save this headstone - it's bolted together.

20 Charlotte Reynolds was just a baby of only 3 years.

21 Not much can be read on this stone.

22 This is the gate to the Old Bedford cemetery. There are 191 graves marked with field stones. The oldest grave, which is unmarked, is of Rev. Thomas Denham from 1689!

23 I wonder if there is still a key for this lock?

24 Members of the Little family, including James, who lived to 88.

25 Little Willie, age 1 Year 5 months 7 Days, 'Ere sin could blite or sorrow fade, Death came with friendly care, To heaven the opening bud conveyed and bade it blossom there'

26 In memory of Henry Furman

27 This orange lichen is so unusual.

28 This stone is marked 1817.

29 The weeping willow symbolizes mourning and grief.

30 Ester Jennings was just 29 years old.

31 The roses may be symbolic of someone who died in the prime of her life.

32 I hope someone will repair Elizabeth's stone.

33 Cloe Bostwick died in 1833. Her stone says she was a resident of Bedford.

34 The toppled stone of James Tyler

35 Doct. Ezra Wilson was 41 when he died in 1787.

36 Doct. Henry Wilson died in 1799 at age 36.

37 Dr. Henry Wilson's wife, Ann, lived a much longer life - 86 years.

38 Another beautiful stone in pieces

39 A very primitive-looking stone.

40 I wonder what this little face is symbolic of?

41 The Old Bedford cemetery extends up a hillside.

42 This angel of grief represents sorrow.

43 Isaac, the son of Amos & Theodocia Canfid died June 24, 1818, by the explosion of gun powder at age 13 years.

44 The stone of Iacob Brown dates to 1760.

45 Ester Haine departed this life in 1854 at 75 years of age.

46 The headstone of Issac Smith, now sharing space with a tree.

47 The Bedford Historical Society provided this map of the locations of the thirty burying grounds in this area. I would like to visit each and every one of them.

Posted on October 30th, 2009 in Holidays, Photo Gallery | Permalink |

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