The Fall River Daily Monitor, Monday, July 9, 1866
CITY ADVERTISEMENTS
RELATING TO THE NORTH BURIAL GROUND.
SECTION 1. The Burial ground belonging to the city formerly known as the Town Burial Ground shall be called the North Burial Ground, and shall be under the control of a superintendent. To be called the superintendent of North Burial Ground who, subject to the direction and control of the mayor and alderman shall execute all such ordinances and regulations as may be adopted from time to time in relation to said burial ground.
SECT. 2. It shall be the duty of the superintendent to have a general oversight of the burial ground, to keep the fences enclosing it, the walks, etc., in good repair, and the gates sufficiently secured by locks, bolts or other fastenings, and to see that the trees, shrubbery, monuments and the grounds generally, are preserved from injury.
SECT. 3. The mayor, by and with the advice of the board of alderman, may grant permits for laying out lots on so much of the North Burial Ground as has not been otherwise disposed of, and give titles thereto on such terms and conditions as he and they may deem proper.
SECT. 4. No grave shall be opened in the burial ground except under the direction of the superintendent, and notice shall be given him in all cases when interments or deposits in any tomb are to be made in said burial ground. All burials shall be made between sunrise and sunset, unless otherwise permitted or directed by the mayor, and the top of every coffin deposited in the ground shall be at least three feet below the usual surface thereof.
SECT. 5. A certain portion of said burial ground shall be set apart by the city council for common burial, from which a single burial lots may be disposed of upon such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the mayor and aldermen; and such arrangements shall be made for interest of this character as shall best conduce to economy in the disposition of the ground care being taken that the usual space be allotted for each-body interred, and all such measures as good order and propriety require being adopted; and in disposition of that part of the burial ground devoted to burial as aforesaid, no reservation shall be made of any part of the ground, with a view to its prospective occupancy, unless so ordered by the mayor.
SECT. 6. No tomb shall be erected in the burial grounds unless leave by first obtained therefor by the concurrent action of both branches of the city council, upon a petition in writing present for that purpose; and in the erection of monuments, gravestones, or any other structure. In placing inscriptions or figures thereupon, or in the erection and maintenance of fences, and the planting and training of trees and shrubs, all persons shall be governed by the laws of propriety and decency, and shall improve their lots in such manner, as in no way to prejudice or impair the rights of any one, or to the general appearance and convenience of the grounds.
SECT. 7. The superintendent may grant permission for the deposit in the city-tomb in said burial grounds, of the body of any person who at the time of decease was a resident in the city, but in no case shall permission be granted for the deposit of any person who, at the time of decease, was not a resident in the city. Until permission shall be first obtained from the mayor, or, in his absence from the city clerk. It shall be the duty of the superintendent to keep a record of all burials made in said burial ground, and deposits made in the tomb, in which shall be entered the name, age, place and date of death, date of internment or deposit in tomb, sex and condition, occupation, place of birth, names of parents, disease or cause of death, whether a citizen or stranger, of every individual whose body is there deposited or interred.
SECT. 8. All bodies that shall be deposited in the city tomb at North Burial Ground in the months of June, July, August, or September, shall be removed therefrom within ten days after the same are deposited; all bodies deposited in the months of April, May, October, or November, within twenty days after the same are deposited; and all bodies deposited in the months of December, January, February, or March, shall be removed on or before the first day of April then next ensuing, or as soon thereafter as the same shall have been in the tomb twenty days, unless special permission for the continuance of said deposit, in any case beyond the times before specified, be granted by the mayor. And in case any bodies deposited as aforesaid are not removed within the times respectively above mentioned, nor permission for their continuance obtained above, the superintendent shall cause the same to be removed and buried in that part of the burial ground set apart and appropriated for common burial; the expense of said removal and burial to be a charge to the estate of the deceased.
SECT.9. Any person who shall be guilty of defacing the monuments, tombstones, or injuring the tree, shrubbery, in and around said burial ground, or of violating any of the provisions of this ordinance or any regulations which may be prescribed by the mayor and alderman in conformity thereto, shall forfeit and pay a sum not less than two dollars, or more than twenty dollars, and costs of prosecution, for each and every offence.
SECT. 10. In case of absence, sickness, or temporary disability of the superintendent, his duties shall be performed by such persons as the mayor may appoint.
The Fall River Daily Herald, Tuesday June 5, 1894
ENLARGING THE CEMETERY
The committee on burial grounds is considering the advisability of enlarging the North Burial Ground, which is very crowded. Negotiations are pending by which a portion of the former baseball grounds may be purchased and included in the cemetery land.
TO IMPROVE NORTH BURIAL GROUNDS
An order was introduced by the committee on burial grounds recommending the purchase of a strip of land 60 feet wide adjoining the north burial grounds on the south side. The cemetery is now in an overcrowded condition, and Superintendent Morris has had demands for graves that he was unable to fill. The land which the burial ground committee propose to purchase is a strip of what is known as the North End grounds. The owners of the latter property offer it to the city to be paid for only as the lots are sold or leased to grave holders. The matter was referred to the committee on finance.
The Fall River Globe, Tuesday, June 5, 1894
AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDEMAN
MISCELLANEOUS
An order for the sale of land on the southerly side of North Burial grounds, 60 feet wide, at a price not to exceed $25 a rod was referred to the committee on finance.
The Fall River Daily Evening News, Tuesday, June 5, 1894
A QUIET MEETING
A proposition was presented for the city to go into the land agent business. Ald. Wiley introduced it to the committee on burial grounds of which he is chairman and the committee recommended it. The proposition was to authorize the committee on burial grounds to buy a strip of land south of the North Burial Ground and pay for it from the sums received in payment for lots. There are many strong objections to any extension of the grounds reserved for burial anywhere in the rapidly growing section of the city. The section about the North Burial Ground is now being rapidly built up and it is hardly a desirable proposition to enlarge the burial ground there. The only ground reserved by the city for the burial of poor persons is in the North Burial Ground, and a new ground for the purpose on some section more removed has been needed for a long time. The space is now so crowded that boxes have been put in one above another. As the city never sells lots in its burial grounds, but merely sells the privilege of burial, the proposition could not be carried out. The order was not adopted by referred to the committee on finance.
The Fall River Daily Herald, Tuesday, February 5, 1895
ORDERS ADOPTED
Orders adopted as follows: for the establishment of a hose cart or extinguisher in the lower part of ward three; that an appropriation be made for the laying out of the additional land lately annexed to the north burial ground; allowing $225 for clerical and sinking fund department; authorizing the appropriation of the different amounts from the different sources as shown upon the prepared appropriation list; authorizing the committee on real estate to consider the advisability of selling a piece of land on east side of Davol street near President avenue; and to report upon the advisability of selling any other city lands.
The order accompanying the communication from Mayor Greene in reference to the grade crossing matter, which authorized the mayor to employ such council as we saw fit to defend the city`s rights, was adopted.
The Fall River Daily Evening News, Tuesday February 5, 1895
MILLION AND A HALF
In a recommendation to the government the mayor called attention to the pressing need of a suitable place for the burial of persons interred at the city’s expense, the accommodations hitherto provide having been exhausted. The recommendation was referred to the committee on burial grounds.
An order was adopted that the committee on burial grounds be requested to prepare and present at an early date, an order providing for the setting apart and appropriating for burial purposes the tract of land recently acquired, or to be acquired, south of and adjoining the North Burial Ground. The committee was also ordered to provide for the division of the tract into burial lots, to fix the prices for lots, the manner of disposing them, the form of deed or certificate to be issued, and attend to all other matters pertaining to them.
IN COMMON COUNCIL
Concurrence was also given in the adoption of orders and acceptance of reports as follows: Report of the sinking fund commission; auditors report; chief of fire departments report; board of health’s report; fixing the salary of the inspector of wires: laying of water pipe on New Boston Road east to Oak Grove avenue and on Osborn Street easterly; the taking of land south of and adjoining the North Burial ground and joining to the burial ground for burial purposes ….
The Fall River Daily Evening News, Tuesday, November 7, 1899
ROUTINE BUSINESS
The reports of Superintendent Smith, of Oak Grove cemetery, and Superintendent O’Brien, of the North Burial Ground, on the amounts expended from funds for perpetual care of lots, were received and referred to committee on burial grounds. The total expended at Oak Grove was $1594.33, and at North Burial ground, $93.03.
MISCELLANEOUS
Supt. Charles Smith, of Oak Grove cemetery, and Supt. O`Brien, of the North Burial Ground, submitted reports on the work that has been performed on the perpetual care lots under their respective charges. The reports were referred to the committees on burial grounds.
The Fall River Daily Herald, Tuesday, August 7, 1900
IN AND ABOUT THE CITY
The committee on burial grounds held a meeting last night and approved bills. It was voted to authorize the superintendent of the North Burial ground to open the north gate of that cemetery, as petitioned for by a number of residents of that section.
The Fall River Globe, Tuesday, August 7, 1900
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
DIFFERENCE OF OPINION OVER A GATE AT THE NORTH BURIAL GROUND.
Last night in City Hall the committee on licenses didn’t meet as scheduled to, but transacted its business in the board of alderman. The committee on public instruction rejected all offers for fencing, grading, and concreting new school lots and voted to call for new bods for the work. Architect Destremps was present at the meeting.
The burial grounds committee met and approved bills and voted to open the gate in the North Burial ground over which there has been so much talk of late.
There is quite a story behind this matter. It seems that some time ago, this gate, which is on North Main Street and opens into a hollow portion of the ground was closed by Superintendent O`Brien for good and sufficient reasons, even the committee, before which he appeared later, admitting that he had displayed good judgement and sanctioning the move.
Besides the superintendent there is only one man employed in the cemetery, which has a frontage of about 800 feet on North Main Street and the depth is fully as great as the latter. More or less of the time that the cemetery is open the superintendent has to spend in the office at the extreme southeast of the place. The assistant spends all his hours of employment on the outside and is a busy man. On account of the depression in the land and the obstruction of trees the portion of the grounds in the rear of the gate under discussion and the number of nuisances that had been committed by passers-by who could not be seen from the office or by the assistant unless he was in the vicinity it was decided to close the entrance.
When this move was decided on the fact that another gate some 70 yards away was considered, and it was thought that it would answer all requirements for those who own lots in the neighborhood of both gates. Since the gate was closed no nuisances have been discovered and no flowers stolen or vandalism committed.
Recently the Brightman and Boomer families made known a desire to have the gate re-opened. Mr. O`Brien explained his reasons for closing it, which were accepted as satisfactory, and in order to offer every convenience possible, added that he would have extra keys made that they might keep and use when necessary. Later, however, a woman and a man appeared as remonstrates. They wanted the gate opened at all times and the superintendent refused, maintaining that he was responsible for the appearance of the cemetery and in order to keep it in a presentable condition the gate should bar all but those who had business in the cemetery.
A short time afterwards, when the superintendent had been before the committee on burial grounds and made explanations and was upheld by that body, the woman appeared at his office with a paper purporting to have been signed by all the members of the committee and requesting that the gate be opened. He courteously informed her that he must have an order through the proper channels from the chairman before he would act.
Last night, as stated, the committee voted to order him to open the gate. The action of the committee has caused considerable talk and is much censured, particularly in the north end, where the facts of the affair are well understood. In connection with the matter, it should be stated that someone went around with a petition and some 60 names were secured. Some of the signers subsequently stated that they had penned their names simply to get rid of importuning.
The Fall River Daily Evening News, Tuesday, May 14, 1901
TO BEAUTIFY THE CEMETERIES.
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR PLANTS AND FLOWERS FOR BURIAL GROUNDS.
The committee on burial grounds met, Monday night, and opened bids for furnishing plants and flowers for Oak Grove cemetery and the North Burial ground. N. P. Reddy & Sons put in the lowest bids, both in detail and in total, and the contract was awarded to them.
The bids of Reddy & Sons were in detail as follows:
Oak Grove Cemetery:
Bedding plans – 1000 alternanthera, 2 ½ inch pots, 4 cents each; 200 asters, out of flats, 1 ½ cents; 300 begonias, tuberous, 5 cents; 260 canna, 5 inch pots, 6 cents; 1000 coleus, 3 inch pots, 3 cents; 4450 geraniums, 4 inch pots, 6 cents; 300 lobelias, 4 inch pots, 3 cents; 150 salvia, 4 inch pots, 6 cents; 150 verbena, 3 inch pots, 3 cents.
Filling vases – 225 ageratums, 4 inch pots, 5 cents; 500 coleus, 4 inch pots, 4 cents; 160 dracaena, 6 inch pots, 25 cents; 800 geraniums, 4 inch pots, 5 cents; 800 vincas, 4 inch pots, 10 cents.
North Burial Grounds:
150 border plants, 5 cents; 250 coleus, 3 inch pots, 3 cents; 500 geraniums, 4 inch pots, 6 cents; 20 vases to be filled, $1.50 each.
Their total bids were $610.72 for Oak Grove and $75 for North Burial Ground, the combined total being $685.72
The other bids received were in totals as follows:
George Smith – Oak Grove, $650; North Burial ground, $96; Total $746
John Lambert – Oak Grove, $700; North Burial ground, $100; Total $800
Chatterton Warburton – Oak Grove, $849; North Burial ground, $101; Total $950
Edward Weidner – Oak Grove, $1000; North Burial Ground, $100; Total $1100
The bills for flowers and plants furnished last year amounted to $889.95 for Oak Grove and $98.20 for North Burial ground, a total of $988.15. The number of plants and flowers furnished was, however, much below the total covered by the specifications made by the committee in calling for bids on the contract.
The Fall River Globe, Friday September 18, 1903
NORTH END NOTES
BREIF BITS OF BOWENVILLE AND BORDER CITY INFORMATION
For several years past there has been more or less talk of securing for North Burial ground the office accommodations that it requires. The facilities there now are very poor. A small wooden building at the north side of the entrance serves as an office for the superintendent, a store house and any other purpose suggested. It is said that the park commission that has charge of cemeteries has been convinced that a change is required and will shortly take some action tending to make it. It is proposed to move the old building to the rear of the cemetery and use it as a tool house. Superintendent M. O`Brien is now preparing to make suggestions that will guide the commission in securing plans for a new building that will be a credit to the place. He has visited many cemeteries and inspected the buildings upon them and the one that has impressed him most favorably is the one at Greenwood in Brooklyn. He believes that there should be two buildings of brick or stone, one each side of the entrance and have the two connected in such a way as to make the upper floors one and the lower part an arch over the entrance. One section could be used as an office and the other as a reception room. Nothing definite has been decided upon as yet but the genial superintendent is satisfied that he will soon have a place in which he can receive visitors in a becoming manner.
The Fall River Globe, Tuesday January 12, 1904
NORTH END NOTES
BRIEF BITS OF BOWENVILLE AND BORDER CITY INFORMATION
Superintendent Michael O`Brien of the North Burial ground announced this morning that there were some lots for sale. This is occasioned from the fact that the city has purchased a strip of land on Cory Street boarding on the North Burial ground. This land was owned by the Sandy Harrison heirs and a settlement was effected last week whereby the city possesses enough land to make about 30 or 40 lots, which will be divided into six and 12 grave sections. The strip purchased has about 50 feet of frontage and is about 106 feet deep. The land extends from Cory Street to the track and the city also has an option on a good slice of the remainder of this land. Within the past few months numerous instances have been recorded of demands for lots at the North Burial Ground but up to the time of the city purchasing this land, there was not one for sale. Every available piece of ground in the cemetery has been used for burial purposes, with the possible exception of the Potter’s field section, and this is rapidly being used up. The announcement that new land has been acquired will be hailed with satisfaction by a great number of people throughout the city who desire lots at the North Burial ground, and the chances are that these 30 or 40 lots will soon be sold. If necessity compels the purchasing of more land, it is believed that arrangements can satisfactorily be made whereby another strip of this now unused property can be disposed of to the city. It is probable that the old fence will not be torn down and as noon as more favorable weather sets in, work on laying out and grading the newly acquired land will commence. There is a possibility that it will have to be filled in considerably to conform with grade of the cemetery land itself. This will not require a great amount of material or labor. The fact that this section is building up considerably should hasten any action that the proper authorities contemplate doing. The amount expended on the land bought last week was left over from the appropriation of last year.
The Fall River Globe, Tuesday, February 2, 1904
NORTH END NOTES
When superintendent O`Brien of the North Burial ground called at the office yesterday afternoon after dinner, he found a Scotch terrier comfortably reclining near the stove (not the new one. The superintendent tried to drive the stranger out, but it would not go, preferring the warmth of the stone to the wintery blasts outdoors. The genial superintendent concluded he would let the dog remain for the afternoon, and in the meantime try to find its owner. An answer to this inquiry was not forthcoming when it was time to close up yesterday afternoon and this canine was left behind the stove. This morning it was the first to greet the superintendent, and the latter thought it time the canine had something to eat. Several butcher charts were stopped, and finally a beef wagon, and at last the dog seemed to have had enough. If the owner does not put in an appearance by this evening, the superintendent will take it home, and subsequently make a presentation to the Holmes Social club on Davol Street, the quarters having need of a watch dog, owning to a break alleged to have occurred at the club rooms Sunday night.
The Fall River Daily Evening News, Friday February 26, 1904
CEMETERY ADDITION
Park Commission Purchases New Tract for North Burial Ground
The park commission has voted to purchase another lot from the land adjoining the North Burial Ground on the south. This land formally was part of the North End athletic grounds, and now belongs to the estate of the late Sandy Harrison. A lot about 80 rods was purchased some years ago and added to the cemetery. This land has been cut up into burial lots and all sold. Last December the commission purchased a lot between 16 and 17 rods extending from the south line of the previous purchase to Cory Street.
This land was paid for from a surplus of $569 left from the appropriation for North Burial Ground and receipts for 1903. It was originally intended by the commission to use this surplus for the construction of a new office building for the cemetery. No bids anywhere near as low as the amount available could be secured for a suitable building and the project of providing a new office building has been abandoned for the present.
The additional lot to be purchased contains between 18 and 19 rods. It is to be paid for with money received and to be received for burial lots into which the lot purchased last December has been cut. The commission has an option on the remainder of the unoccupied land west of their recent purchases, extending south to Cory Street and west to the railroad track. This tract originally comprised about 120 rods. A narrow strip was sold to Charlotte Chatterton to add to the property adjoining the east line of the tract. With the cemetery occupying a portion of the tract there will probably be no demand for the remainder of this tract. The average length of the remainder to the railroad is about 230 feet, and the tract comprises between 82 and 84 rods.
As stated, the commission has an option on this land, and will, eventually, purchase all of it. The land already purchased is about opposite the north end of Wiley Street. It gives the opportunity for an entrance to the cemetery from Almy Street.
The commission proposes to purchase the remainder of the tract upon which it has option, in sections, using the proceeds from burial lots in the acquired new sections as they accumulate. In this way the added land will be secured without calling upon the government for money. The further extension of the cemetery is greatly needed, as all lots in both the older portion and in the tract of 80 rods purchased some time ago have been sold. There was not even room available for separate graves.
The Fall River Daily Evening News, Friday, July 13, 1906
THE NORTH END
The North Burial ground office building is to be removed a few feet south of its present location, where it will stand until the new office structure is built. The main cemetery entrance will be blocked up in consequence, and the funerals will enter by the center east gate.
The Fall River Globe, Saturday, November 10, 1906
NORTH END NOTES
Work on the interior of the North Burial ground office is about completed and it will only be a week at the longest when Superintendent O`Brien will be able to move his effects to the handsome new structure.
The Fall River Daily Evening News, Tuesday, November 20, 1906
ALDERMEN ACT ON MANY MATTERS
On petition, after hearing, an order was adopted, granting to Ellen Nickerson, permission to remove a building, 16×20, from the North Burial Ground on North Main Street, opposite Weetamoe, through North Main and Vestal streets to a lot at the corner of North Main and Vestal Streets.
THE NORTH END
The old office building of the North Burial ground will be started at midnight, to-night, on its removal to the corner Vestal and North Main Streets. The telephone was removed, this morning, to the new office building, which will be occupied in a few days.
The Fall River Globe, Tuesday November 20, 1906
IN THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
A permit was granted Ellen Nickerson to remove a small structure from the North Burial Ground across North Main Street to corner of North Main and Vestal Streets
NORTH END NOTES
The old North Burial Ground office building, which has been one of Bowenville`s landmarks, will be removed from the cemetery tonight. It will be taken to the Nickerson property on Vestal Street. It is understood that a cottage will be made of it. Superintendent O`Brien will now move into his new office home. The new building is a very commodious one and there is every convenience. It is up-to-date in every particular.
The Fall River Daily Herald News, Friday, December 21, 1906
NORTH END
Electrical fixtures and the copper conductors are being placed in position at the North Burial Ground office today
The Fall River Daily Globe, Wednesday, January 2, 1907
NORTH END NOTES
Work on finishing the interior decorations of the North Burial ground office have been completed and the new furniture was installed recently. The office has every facility for the accommodation of callers and Superintendent O’Brien can be depended upon to exercise his duties of caretaker in his usual satisfactory way.
The Evening Herald, Saturday January 19, 1907
NORTH BURIAL GROUND OFFICE
The new office of the north burial ground has been completed and was turned over to the Park and Cemetery commission last week. The building is constructed of field stone with brown stone trimming and a slated roof, which gives it a fine appearance from the outside. Upon entering there is a reception room 12 feet square, neatly furnished. The office is of the same dimensions as the reception room with the necessary Office appliances.
The interior is of a hardwood finish with the walls tinted and pea green. In the basement is located the heating apparatus, which consist of a large hot air furnace, which does its duty nobly. New gateways are constructed of field stone with brownstone caps and two ornamental iron gates. Work was started on the building last July and was in charge of James Hughes, the plans being drawn by J. F. Darling. The woodwork was done by Edward Hardy of Swansea. The office is considered one of the finest in the city and adds much to the beauty of the north End.
Fall River Daily Evening News, Thursday, August 15, 1907
North End Notes
There is a vacancy at the north burial ground office, and while it is only temporary it is a sure bet that the Bowen will miss one of its leading promoters during the next week or 10 days. Michael O’Brien superintendent of the burial ground is on his annual vacation and he has not told the number of towns and cities that he will visit.
The Evening Herald, Friday, July 1, 1910
THE NORTH BURIAL GROUND
One of the prettiest and most interesting spots in this city is the North Burial ground on North Main Street. Its wide lanes overhang with trees, together with the well-kept and excellently laid out flower beds, form a scene which is indeed beautiful. This city of the dead is one of the points of interest and daily hundreds avail themselves of the opportunity to walk leisurely about and gaze upon the many magnificent monuments erected to the memory of the departed; pausing here and there to read an epitaph which has been carved into the block of marble many years ago at the instance of some grateful survivor.
The North Burial ground is one of the oldest cemeteries in the city. In it are graves of practically unknown date, which undoubtedly contain the remains of some who settled here when the Indian roamed unmolested. It was a part of Tiverton and the Town hall where all the issues of the day were settled stood at the north end on the Brightman street side. The building was removed many years ago to Central Street, where it was used as a storehouse by Jeremiah Brown. Recently a grave was being dug and the workmen brought to light a part of the foundation of the old meeting house.
One of the graves of interest is that of David A. Olney on the Olney plot. David A. Olney was born March 27, 1798, and died on April 29, 1885. He was a descendent of Thomas Olney, one of the principal owners of the Providence plantation in 1636. Buried in the same lot is Mrs. Elizabeth T. Olney, wife of David A. Olney, who was the daughter of Capt. Joseph and Elizabeth Dean of Berkley. A son, Eugene W, was born in this city in 1832, but died 20 years later in 1862 in Shanghai, China. His remains were brought home and interred into the North Burial ground. Others buried in the Olney lot are Georgianna, David B., George D. C., Lillian and Josephine Olney, all of whom passed away before 1850.
Revolutionary Warrior
A beautiful monument marks the spot where lie the remains of col. Joseph Durfee, an officer in the Revolutionary army. Col. Durfee was born in Fall River, which at that time was known as Freetown. In 1775, the struggle for independence was started and Col. Durfee lent his assistance in the effort to strike off the shackles of a tyrannical government. He fought in the Long Island and White Plains conflicts, during which he rendered valiant services. He also took part in the battle of Rhode Island. Col. Durfee was promoted from time to time until he was placed in command of a number of troops. He was in command of 125 men when they routed the British at the battle of Fall River, a conflict which took place at the site of the present City Hall, and upon which building today there stands a bronze tablet in commemoration of this conflict. The colonel was one of the pioneers in cotton cloth making.
City`s First Irishman
Adjoining the grave of Col. Durfee, in the same lot, rest the bones of Robert Irving. The following inscription further enlightens the visitor: “A soldier of the Revolution, he was the first Irishman to become a citizen of Fall River.” Robert Irving was born in 1751 in Ireland and died in this city in 1831. An interesting story, known by few, is related of how the pioneer Irishman happened to assist in the fight for liberty. The story goes that Col. Joseph Durfee at one time desired to introduce some new stock on his farm and accordingly purchased a species of sheep in Ireland for transportation in this city. The sheep were somewhat of an unknown quantity in this section and a request was made then that a man be sent along who had had considerable experience with the stock. Accordingly, Irving was sent along. He was conscientious and faithful and soon grew to be a favorite with Col. Durfee. He became a citizen of the town and when the war for independence broke out was one of the first to shoulder a gun and start out to fight for his adopted country under the leadership of his employer. Irving, indeed, practically became a part of the Durfee family and when both men, who had been almost inseparable companions, had died, their remains were buried close together. Robert Irving is said to have become blind in his old age. It is related that he was allotted cider at a certain time of the day, and he had a habit of reaching for the face of the old clock and feeling of the hands to ascertain the time.
The Warren lot is another interesting spot. James Warren, who was born in Middleboro in 1710 and died in Tiverton, now Fall Rover, in 1790. He was one of the fifth generation of Richard Warren, who landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620. Upon his death, he was buried on his farm, his remains being later removed to the North Burial ground by his great grandson, Theodore Warren.
Among the others buried in the Warren lot is Charles D. Warren, who died in Greenwood Valley, Col,. In 1850. James H. Warren died in French Carroll, Cal., in 1865.
One of the oldest persons buried in the cemetery was Mary Sweeney, whose tombstone inscription shows that she was born in 1790 and consigned to eternal rest in 1891, after having lived 101 years.
The resting place of Mary Dollard also marks a hidden tale. Thomas Dollard, some of Mary, left for the western part of the country many years ago. He took up the study of law and became so proficient in his profession that he was elected attorney general of South Dakota. A few years ago, he communicated with Supt. O`Brien and completed arrangements for the erection of a handsome monument in memory of his beloved mother. At the present time, Thomas Dollard is located in San Monica, Cal., Joshua Boomer dies Dec. 15, 1773, and his remains are interred in this cemetery.
Died in Congress.
While it may seem strange to many persons that a congressman from Fall River and a man who also represented the town in the Legislature should be entirely forgotten by relatives and friends, nevertheless such is the case of Orin Fowler. A handsome monument marks the resting place of the man who died while a member of the National House, but no trace has ever been found of his relatives. A number of attempts have been made by the superintendent, but the results have been unsuccessful. Orin Fowler was ordained 2 minister of the city of Farmington, Conn., in June, 1816. He was a pastor at ————– in 1832. He was relieved from this charge at his own request Jan. 1821. He became a pastor in Fall River July, 1849. The following inscription is on the monument: “This trust to which he was called without having sought it he accepted and resigned his pastoral office. He was twice elected and died in the service at Washington on September 3, 1852, at the age of 61. As pastor, he labored affectionately and successfully. Temperance, keeping holy the Sabbath day, the liberation of innocent persons held in the bondage by cruel laws were subjects to which he gave such attention as to prove himself a servant of God and a friend of man.”
Rev. Mr. Fowler was born at Lebanon, Conn., July 29, 1791, and was baptized November, 1802. He joined the Church of Christ in 1809 and was graduated from Yale College in 1815. His only child, a girl, died Nov. 7, 1827, in her sixth year. The wife is also buried on this spot. She was Amaryllis Payson Fowler, born Dec. 14, 1863, and died Jan. 27, 1879. The monument of Rev. Orin Fowler is inscribed as follows: “We loved thee: we love thee still. We would remember thy motto: ‘Own no man anything, but to love one another.’ Ro. 13-8.”
One of the prettiest lots is the French and Lindsey lot. There are 32 bodies interred in it. The epitah on the stone that surmounts the grave of Sarah French, wife of Enoch French, is as follows: “And is she gone! Our lovely sister fled? And now she sleeps among the silent dead. Yes, She is gone and we her loss deplore. Submissive now and silently adore,”
On the stone of James R. French, who was born October 20, 1836, and who died Oct. 3, 1850, is the following inscription: “I looked for a great light, but I only heard a still small noise calling me from the foot if the cross where I lie to heaven.”
In the Church lot, Hannah P. and George P. Church are buried. The epitah reads: “His trials now are done. Ended the weary strife, He`s kept the faith: He`s won. Eternal life.”
Another inscription on the Church monument is: “The casket has faded and perished, but the gem that once adorned it now sparkles in glory.”
In the same lot is buried Benjamin ——- who died at the age of 28 years. The following is inscribed on his stone: “He`s gone, that manly form has fled and left his friends in tears. Early enrolled among the dead, to sleep till Christ appears.”
Silas J. Darling, who died in 1840, is remembered thusly: “Hush, my friends, weep not for me, prepare yourselves to follow me, placed in this tomb to mould to dust, through hope my spirit`s with the just.”
Borden Lot.
The Borden lot contain the remains of many pioneers of this section, the descendants of whole are today among the prominent residents of the city. Richard Borden died in 1795, while Mrs. Hope Borden, wife of Richard, preceded her husband by four years. Thomas Borden died in 1831 and his tombstone bears the following: “Boast not thyself of tomorrow for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”
Joseph Borden, who died in 1812, has a brief but eloquent inscription on his stone: “Frail as the leaves that quiver on the sprays, like them man flourishes, like them decays.”
The private tomb which faces on North Main Street is known as the old Horton tomb and is at present owned by J.C. Millard of Providence. The remains of the father and brother of the owner are in the tomb.
Of the more recent burials, the inscription on the stone of John Cooper, who died Nov. 18, 1898, at the age of 74 years, is the most touching. It is: “Oh, father, thy gentle voice is hushed, thy warm true heart is still and in thy pale and peaceful face is resting death`s cold chill. Thy hands are crossed across thy breast. We have kissed thy marble brow, and in out aching hearts we know we have no father now.”
The potter`s field also contains the remains of many people the burials averaging about 100 a year.
The superintendents from 1854 have been as follows: 1854-1865, Thomas E. Brightman; 1866-71, Francis Horseman; 1872, George Cohen; 1873-74, James G. Hyland; 1875-76, Owen Corbett; 1877, James G. Hyland; 1878, Owen Corbett; 1879-88, Stephen White; 1889, Walter White; 1890, Charles P. Hoar; 1891-91, Walter White; 1893-97, John Morris. The present superintendent, Michael O`Brien has been in charge of the cemetery since 1898.
The Fall River Globe, Thursday, April 26, 1917
ALDERMAN LAKE STILL INSISTS HE WAS RIGHT
Michael O`Brien, Superintendent of the North Burial ground, called at the office of the board of health this morning, very much exercised because of an impression which he believed had gotten about that Agent Morris had criticised conditions at the North Burial ground. It was explained to him that the agent had merely mentioned the North Burial ground because he owned a burial lot there. The agent had said that depressions occurred at other cemeteries when the frost came out of the earth, but the officials in charge kept very close watch and quickly filled them in.
