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It would have been a nice end to the story about a “Road Trip” if I had taken photographs of the Bennington Cemetery stones or even written down those moving messages. However, I did not do either. To help give you a feel for what you can find, there are several sources that you can explore for New England epitaphs of the same period in history. One source is the Internet and the other, a book written by Jane Greene entitled “Epitaphs to Remember.”

Newbury, Massachusetts

Here lys ye body of Mr Daiel Noyes Who Died March ye 15th 1716
Aged 42 yrs
4 mos & 16 days

As you were, so was I God did call
and I did dy Now Children all whos
name is Noyes Make Jesus Christ
Your only choyes.

Madison, Connecticut

Capt. E. Griffin, 1767

The Boreas’ blasts and Boistrous
waves Have tost me too and fro In
spite of both, by God’s decree I
harbor here below. While I do now
At Anchor ride With many of our
Fleet Yet once again I must set
Sail My Admiral Christ to meet.

Boston, Massachusetts

Major John Pitcairn

Fatally wounded
while rallying the Royal Marines
at the Battle of Bunker Hill
was carried from the field to the boats
on the back of his son
who kissed him and returned to duty.
He died June 17 1775 and his body
was interred beneath this church.

Ridgefield, Connecticut

In defense of American Independence
At the battle of Ridgefield, Apr. 27, 1777
Died Eight Patriots
Who were Laid in These Grounds Companioned by
Sixteen British Soldiers;
Living, Their Enemies
Dying, Their Guests.
In Honor of Service and Sacrifice, this
Memorial is Placed For the
Strengthening of Hearts.

Burlington, Vermont

The Corporeal Part of
Genl. Ethan Allen
rests beneath this stone
the 12th day of Feb. 1789
aged 50 years.

His spirit tried the mercies of his God
In whom alone he believed and strongly trusted.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

John Smith 1786

In Memory of
Me JOHN SMITH
who Departed this Life
Jan’ry 10th 1786
in the 57th Year
of his Age

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord
that they may rest from their labours

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

John Gorham 1715

HERE LYES THE BODY OF THE
HONOURED JOHN GORHAM, ESQ.
COLL. OF THE REGIMENT AND ONE
OF HIS MAJESTIES JUSTICES OF THE PIEASE
IN THE COUNTY OF BARNSTABLE, WHO
DEPARTED THIS LIFE, NOV. THE 11TH 1715,
IN THE 65TH YEAR OF HIS AGE.

Here Lyes a Valient Soldier and A Saint
A Judge, A Justice, Whom no Vice could taint
A Perfect Lover of His Countrys cause,
Their Lives, Religion, Properties and Laws,
Who in His Young, yea, very Youthful Years,
Took up His Sword, with Philip and His Peers,
And when that Prince and His black Regiment
Were all Subdued, He could not be content
to take West
But in the rest

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

In Memory of Mr
John Thacher he died
Aug’st ye 12th 1799 in
his 60th year

Why should we fear the hour of Death
Since life is but a span
By length’ning out our feeble breath
Are more involved in sin
Here I resign my mortal frame
Submissively to GOD
In hopes to meet a Heavenly Train
Through our Redeemer’s Blood

And my personal favorite:

Thurmont, Maryland

Here lies an Atheist: All Dressed Up and No Place to Go.