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NOTES: Note 1 - This Stone
Erected By Thaddeus Burr & Eunice Burr to the memory of their
dear friend, Mrs. Lydia Hancock;
Relict of the Honble Thomas Hancock, Esqr., of Boston.
Whose remains lie here interred, Having retired to this Town
from the calamities of war, during the Blockade of her native
City in 1775. Just on her return to the reenjoyment
of an ample fortune On April 15, A.D. 1776. She was seized
with the apoplexy and Closed a life of unaffected Piety.
Universal Benevolence & extensive Charity.
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Note 2 -
Judge Peter Burr - a fac-simile of
whose head stone is given, was of the first generation of Burrs
born in this country, his Father and Grandfather being natives
of England. He was an important personage who assisted in
making the Burr name illustrious. A graduate from Harvard
in 1690, he commenced his career as a teacher in Boston;
subsequently he studied law, and settled in Fairfield in the
practice of his profession. In 1700 he was Auditor of the
Colony; also, Deputy for Fairfield; in 1702 Speaker of the
House; in 1708 Assistant in the Government; Councilor on the
French and Indian War, and was Justice of Peace, Judge of
Probate for Fairfield; Judge of County Court; Judge of Superior
Court, and Chief Judge of the Superior Court. In 1724, the
year of his death, he held the three last offices named, besides
being Auditor and Assistant. His influence for good in the
Colony was not exceeded, and rarely equalled by any of
the leaders in the Commonwealth, and in ability, attainments and
public service he was not eclipsed.
A silver tankard is in the posession of Mr.
William Burr, (1882) which is an heir loom inherited from his
ancestry, Judge Peter Burr's family, bearing this inscription:
"The Gift of Thaddeus Burr Decd to Abigail Burr 1755"
Judge Peter Burr has many descendants residing in
Fairfield, highly respected Citizens, under the name of Burr,
Lyon, Jennings, and Morehouse.
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Note 3 - In Memory of
Rev. Andrew Eliot A.M. Born at Boston,
Mass. Jany - 11th - 1743; Ordained Pastor
of the first Church of CHRIST in Fairfield, June 22d.
1774, in which station, he served God with fidelity until Sept.
26th. 1805; when he rested from his labors in the 63d.
year of his age, and 32d. of his ministry. They
that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and
they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and
ever.
Also NOTE: Rev. Mr. Eliot suffered in common with the
citizens of Fairfield, during the Conflagration in 1779.
He resided on Holland Hill previous to his owning the house in
possession of Mrs. Henry Burr. He was a ripe scholar, a
prudent, faithful and beloved pastor. When the
Congregation advised him to seek more prosperous fields of
labor. this one being crippled in its finances and demoralized
through its great losses, he showed himself in all the nobleness
of a man by saying: "I've been with you in your prosperity, and
I'll stay by you in your adversity." He left one son,
Andrew, who was the beloved pastor of the Congregational church
in New Milford, Ct. for several years; and five daughters,
Eunice who married a Mr. Bibbins; Ruth, Dr. Wm. B. Nash, late of
Bridgeport; Elizabeth, Gershom Burr, Brig. General of the
militia from 1816 to 1824; Mary, a Mr. Joy; and Susan became the
wife of Rev. Nath'l Hewitt, D. D. The records
left in Mr. Eliot's writing of the scenes he witnessed are
valuable additions to Fairfield and Revolutionary history.
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Note 4 - In Memory of
Mary Eliot, Relict of the late Rev'd
Andrew Eliot and Daughter of the Honble. Joseph
Pynchon of Boston, and Mary his Wife. She was born at
Brookfield, Mass., was married July 19th, 1774, and died Decemr.
10th, 1810, in the 62d year of her age.
Her flesh rests in hope.
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Note 5 -
Mrs. Eunice Burr - Mrs. Eunice Burr
was a beautiful and accomplished daughter of Jaems Dennie, Esq.
At the time of the conflagration in 1779, Mrs. Burr's residence
occupied the site of O. W. Jones, Esq., which she determined to
save by her personal efforts, that proved of no avail, as the
mansion was sentenced to the flames and speedily set on fire.
She appealed to Gov. Tryon for protection both for herself and
property which was refused, and in consequence their house well
filled with every thing which contributes to comfort or
elegance, was laid in ashes. When the house was to be
rebuilt, John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress,
presented the frame, his own being the model after which his
structure was made; the latter has since undergone some changes.
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Note 6 -
Thaddeus Burr was a son of Thaddeus
and grandson of Judge Peter Burr. His mother was abigail
daughter of Jonathan Sturges, Esq. He graduated from Yale
in 1755, and subsequently filled various offices: Deputy
of the General Court for several Sessions, Justice of the Peace
for several years, and High Sheriff of the County, which
position he held when his house was consumed in the general
conflagration in 1779. He early espoused the cause of the
Colonies against the King, and in 1775 was a member of the Town
Committee of war. His was a princely hospitality.
Washington was his frequent guest, as were Franklin, Lafayette,
Otis, Quincy, Dr. Dwight Trumbull and Copley. At his house
Governor Hancock was married in state to Miss Dorothy Quincy, of
Boston; Madam Hancock died here; and Aaron Burr spent many of
his youthful days on this historic ground.
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Note 7 -
Mrs. Abigail Hall - Modest, yet free,
with innocence adorned; to please and win, by ARt and Nature
formed; Benevolent and wife, in Virtue firm; Constant in
Frindship in Religion warm; A partner tender, unaffected, kind;
A love Form, with a more lovely mind, - The scene of Life, tho'
short sh' improved so well, No Charms in human forms could more
excel; Christ's Life her copy; His pure law her Guide; Each part
She acted, perfected, and dy'd.
Lyman Hall was one of the Signers of the Declaration of
Independence. He probably married again, and was buried in
Georgia where he was Governor in 1783. The Mrs. Hall
commemorated here was the grandaughter of Judge Peter Burr.
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Note 8 -
James Dennie Sayre - The Corruptible of James Dennie
Sayre, Son of James Sayre Minsiter of the Gospel & Sarah his
wife, who fell asleep on the 25th day of May A.D. 1793, aged
almost 17 years. Young man! trust not they Youth, Health
or Strength; Trust in the Lord with all they Heart & remember
they Creator, who is also they Redeemer.
Also Note - Altho' Scarlet Fever was then little known, this
young man was a victim.
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Note 9 - Revd. James Sayre
departed this Life Feby. 18th 1798, Ae. 53
Also Note: This Rev. Mr. Sayre was an able and sincere
divine who was the Episcopal Clergyman at the time of the
Conflagration; he vainly tried to stay the destructive hand of
Gen. Tryon, his countryman; he preserved much of the property of
the others through his influence, though his own shared the
general fate of being consumed by the flames. He married
Sarah Dennie, daughter of James Dennie, Esq., of Fairfield, and
sister of Mrs. Eunice Burr. Of his daughters, Jane married
Uriah Bulkeley, who died in 1874; Eunice married Frederick
Girond; Esther, Moses Judah; the two latter gentlemen were from
New York.
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Note 10 -
Alas! how changed that flow'r
Which bloom'd and cheer'd my heart
Fair fleeting comfort of an hour
How soon we're called to part.
Also note: The name of Nichols is of early date in
Fairfield, and has been associated with men of prominence, who
have been patriotic and faithful in their labors both in Church
and State. Probably two or three generations of them lie
unmarked by stone or monumental shaft in this ground. Many
of the Nichols lie in Greenfield ground. Other members of
this family lie in the East burying ground. Samuel A.
Nichols was the Town Clerk for 26 consecutive years, also
Selectmen and Deacon in the Cong. Church for 24 yrs. He
married Wilsana, daughter of Capt. Wilson Wheeler. He and
other members of his family lie in the East ground.
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Note 11 - In Memory of
Lieut Gideon Hawley who died April 11th 1784; Aged __ years.
Gideon, Son of Gideon & Hannah Hawley, died Jan. 6th, 1788; Aged
3 years & 6 months.
"Death like an overflowing stream,
Sweeps us away, our life's a dream;
An empty tail; a morning flower;
Cut down and wither'd in an hour."
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Note 12 -
Susanna Hull, daughter of David &
Susanna Hull - This was one of Dr. David Hull's daughter;
her parents lie in the Fairfield East Burying Ground. She
has two sisters now living in Fairfield.
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Note 13 -
Mrs. Molly Pike - was a daughter of Capt.
Eliphalet Thorp, who died in 1795 with the yellow fever.
She married (1) Jonathan Darrow, who was taken prisoner by the
British, and died on their prison ship. She married (2)
William Pike, who was Lieutenant, under George Washington.
They were the parents of fifteen children, one of whom, Capt.
Robert Pike died on Barnegat Beach after humanely preserving the
lives of his crew from shipwreck in a terrible gale, Dec. 6th,
1830. His was the first body interred in Fairfield West or
Mill Plain Ground. Mrs. Molly Pike lies there also.
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Note 14 - Nathan Beers -
(See Abigail Beers) - This Nathan Beers built a "Colonial
House," which stands on Mill Plain and is now owned by Abraham
Gould.
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Note 15 - Epitaph of
Mrs. Ruamah Thorp -
"O empty name of earthly bliss
'tis all an airy dream"
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Note 16 -
Walter Thorp, Esq. - The Thorps were of maritime
tastes, taking their vessels to all ports open to American
commerce. Many are the beautiful articles which they
collected on their trips to grace Fairfield homes. They
were very estimable men as well as worthy sea captains.
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Note 17 -
David Osborn - David Osborn died with the typhus
fever, an epidemic at that period. He built the "Colonial house"
west of Mill Plain public school building. His son
Hezekiah built the house occupied by Mrs. Burr Clemons.
His son David, the one opposite the school house, at the north
east and kept a store with his father on the corner of his
father's premises. The sons Daniel and David lie in this
ground, but Hezekiah removed to Herona, N.Y., where he and his
wife Nancy Perry Osborn died, but his children moved to Kansas.
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Note 18 -
Charles Struges - "Sad was the hour that summoned
they away - Deep was the grief that wrung a parent's heart - But
He who gave forbade they longer stay; - Too pure, too bright,
too beautiful for earth."
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Note 19 -
Mrs. Mary Osborn - Howes
Osborn left a "Colonial House," heired from his father John
Osborn, in Southport, now owned by Charles Rockwell. The
King's Highway was past his door; and there Gen. Washington was
entertained. Probably the Osborns originated from that
vicinity - their "Long Lot" is said to extend from there.
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Note 20 - In this spot are
deposited the remains of William Pitt Beers
(Late of Albany in the State of New York) Called to the Tomb in
the meridian of life and of usefulness, his memory will be
cherished in the affections of a bereaved family and a numerous
circle of relatives and friends. He died 13th Sept. 1810,
Aged 44 yrs.
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Note 21 -
Col. Andrew Burr - He was a Lawyer,
Assistant & Magistrate of Colony, Speaker of the House often,
and influential in the Councils. His military services
were many and varied. He led a regiment successfully
against the fortress of Louisburg on the island of Cape Breton,
which was one of the most brilliant of the Colonial exploits.
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Note 22 - Here lyes Buried
ye Body of Mrs. Sarah Burr. Wife of Collo.
Andrew Burr, Who departed this life Decembr 9th
Anno Domni 1745 Aged 45 Years wanting 13 D's.
Also Note: She was the daughter of Jonathan Sturgis and
the mother of 13 children.
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Note 23 -
Julia Anna Burr - "And though our Julia's body
lies - In the cold prison of the tomb; - Her Soul we trust above
the skies, - Has found in Heaven a happier home."
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Note 24 - Here lyes Buried the Body of
Lieut. James Bears who departed this
life April the 29th 1772 in ye 79th year of his age. -
Also Note: James Beers of Fairfield, first mentioned as a
land holder April 27, 1659. He was probably brother of
Richard Beers of Watertown, Mass and of Anthony Beers of
Stratford, Ct. He left two sons: James died in 1691;
Joseph in 1696; and three daughters. This James was the
son of Joseph Beers and Grandson of the first Beers settler in
Fairfield. The name of Beers is associated for generations
with thrift, enterprise and public service which has always been
well rendered and appreciated.
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Note 25 -
William Morehouse - "Why do we mourn
departing friends - Or shake at death's alarms; - "Tis but the
voice that Jesus sends - To call them to his arms.
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Note 26 - Here lies the
Body of Thomas, Son to Mr. Ebenezer & Mrs.
Mary Bertram, he was Born February 22d A.D. 1764 &
Died July 28th, A.D. 1764, Aged 5 Months & 6 Days.
Epitaph as follows:
"Happy the Babe who privileged by Fate.
To Shorter Labour and a Lighter weight.
Receiv'd but yesterday the Gift of Breath
Order'd to morrow to Return to Death.
Sine all the downward Tracts of Time
God's Watchful Eye Surveys
O' who So wife to Choose our lot
And Regulate our ways.
Since none Can doubt his Equal Love
Unmeasurably kind.
To his unerring gracious will
Be Ev'ry wish Resigned.
Good when He gives Supremely Good
Nor Less when He denies
Even Crosses from his Sovereign hand
Are Blessing in Disguise."
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Note 27 - Here lyes the Body of
Mr. Samuel Burr. Master of Arts.
Was Born in this Town of Fairfield April 2nd in ye Year 1679,
was Educated at Harvard College in Cambridge under ye Famous Mr.
Wm. Brattle and Thare He Was Graduated, ye first time in ye Year
1697, ye Second time in ye Year 1700 ut Moris est. Who
after he had Sarved his generation by ye will of God in ye
Useful Station of a Grammar School Master; at Charlestown about
Twelve years, upon a Visit to this His Native Place.
Departed this Life August 7th in ye Year 1719 Aged 40 Years, 4
Months & 5 Days.
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Note 28 - Epitaph for Hetty
Cornelia Jennings born 1817 died 1821 &
Hetty Cornelia Jennings born 1823 &
died 1824 as follows:
"Sleep on dear babes - And take your rest - God called you home
- He thought it best."
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Note 29 -
Rebecca Hoyt Beers - Epitaph as
follows:
"This lovely bud tho' young & fair - Called hence by early doom;
- Just come to show how sweet a flow'r - In Paradise would
bloom."
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Note 30 - MEMEMTO MORI. Here lyes ye Body of
Mr.
Joseph Bartram. He was Born February ye 21st O. S. 1728-9
and Died March 73 28th N. S. 1759, Aged 30 Years & 24 Days.
"Princes this Clay must be your bed in spite of all your towers
the tall, the wife, the Reverend head must lie as low as ours.
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Note 31 -
Joseph Perry, - a fac-simile of whose head stone is
given - was the son of Nathaniel Perry who died in 1681, and
grandson of Richard Perry who died in 1657 or 8; the bodies of
both, probably were placed in this ground. Joseph Perry
married three times: (1) Sarah, daughter of John Bulkley;
(2) Deborah, widow of Joseph Whelpley, and daughter of Daniel
Burr I of Fairfield; (3) Mary, daughter of Michael Clugstone and
granddaughter of the Rev. Sam'l Wakeman. The last wife
afterwards married (2) Thomas Edwards. The first two wifes
probably occupy the vacant unmarked places near their husband.
Joseph Perry bought the present site of Perry's Mill and built
the dam in its present place, in 1705. This property was
purchased from the town and has continued in the family ever
since. He had other grants from the town, and was an
important personage. The house in which he dwelt early in
the eighteenth Century is still preserved, and is doubtless the
oldest structure in Fairfield.
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Note 32 - MORE
TO COME......
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