Remember the names of those who rest here. That’s what Milton Cemetery asks of us. Established in 1672, Milton Cemetery is the town’s only municipal burying ground. It is a historic site. It offers a serene landscape. It is a place to remember. Let’s take a walk and explore its rich history.
Milton Cemetery spans 102 acres. It is divided into three sections. The original burying ground dates back to 1672. A new section was added in 1854. This section reflects the rural cemetery style popular at the time. The modern section was established in 1945.
As we wander through Milton Cemetery, notice the gravestones. They tell stories of Milton’s past. Some markers are simple. Others are elaborate works of art. The oldest stones are in Purchase No. 1 and Purchase No. 2. These areas contain historically significant monuments.
Look closely at the carvings. Many stones feature mortality and resurrection images. Skulls, winged skulls, and crossbones are common. You might spot a snuffed candle or an hourglass. These symbols remind us of life’s fleeting nature. Some stones even feature attempted portraits.
The earliest gravestones came from William Mumford’s shop in Boston. Later stones came from various artisans. The Foster family of Dorchester was a popular source. The variety of styles reflects these different origins. Interestingly, stones from Daniel Hastings in Newton are absent.
Consider the artistic quality of these gravestones in Milton Cemetery. Early Milton families invested in high-quality monuments. They transported massive slates from distant quarries. The cost was impressive for the time.
Let’s look at some unique examples. The Mary Milton stone from 1704 is simple. It represents early gravestone design. The Mary Bates stone from 1799 shows a changed design. A skull was altered to look like a cherub. This reflects changing fashions. The Isaiah Crehore stone from 1776 is a reused gravestone. Its inscription was recarved. The Patience Holman stone from 1713 is made of brownstone. This is unusual for early gravestones in this area. The Seth Sumner stone from 1771 features a rare design. It depicts spirits reigning in the cosmos. The Ann Crehore stone from 1797 includes a hairy sun face. This is a strange and comical detail. The Joseph Fenno stone from 1767 is an elaborate masterpiece by Geyer. The Elizabeth Clap stone from 1701 reuses part of an older gravestone. The Lieut. Robert Vose stone from 1760 displays symbols of mortality. These include a scythe and a snuffed candle. The Rev. John Wadsworth stone from 1766 features a portrait of the deceased. The Theodora Thacher stone from 1697 is a table stone with fleur-de-lis. The Samuel Bent stone from 1797 is signed by B. Adams. Signatures are rare on gravestones of this era. The Sarah Thacher stone from 1764 shows strange designs. The Ann Swift stone from 1762 is another masterpiece by Geyer. It includes a three-quarter view spirit effigy.
These gravestones represent different phases of American fashion. The landscaping complements the memorial art. Milton Cemetery has been used continuously since the town’s beginning.
Among those interred here are notable figures. Dennis Miller Bunker was an American Impressionist painter. James A. Burke was a United States Representative. Howard Deering Johnson founded the Howard Johnson’s chain. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist and orator.
The cemetery faces challenges. Delamination is a major threat to the old slates. Water seeps into fissures and causes layers to split. Past repair attempts have failed. The cemetery is working to conserve these historical stones.
Milton Cemetery’s mission is to provide comfort. It is a place for the bereaved and visitors. The landscape has evolved over 330 years. It holds an important place in the history of the rural cemetery movement.
As we leave Milton Cemetery, remember its significance. It is more than just a burial ground. It is a testament to history. It’s a reflection on life and loss. It is a place of art. It is a sanctuary of peace.