This stolen tombstone for two year old Abigail Chase has been returned to Newbury, Massachusetts, settled in 1635. An astute auctioneer in Bucks County Pennsylvania is responsible for the recovery of this looted hand-carved folk art grave marker. This article speaks to the diphtheria epidemic that raged through colonial New England for five years between 1735 and 1740 taking out 22 of every 1000 people, mostly children. At the same time, scarlet fever advanced from the south, the two plagues eventually meeting in Essex County in the autumn of 1735. The Museum of Old Newbury is planning a ceremony later this summer when the recovered stone is unveiled at the Old Bridge Street Cemetery to celebrate long-lost Abigail’s memory.
Read the entire article in the link below.
8 comments:
Wow, a person really has to be a low life to steal a child's tombstone no matter how long ago the child died. I'm glad it was recovered and I hope the town has a plan to protect these ancient tombstones going forward.
One Charlotte Court -- Luckily, Ron Pook, the auctioneer, has been a member of the Berks County Association for Graveyard Preservation ever since he restored an ancient cemetery on his own farm. He wanted to return Abigail’s grave stone to its proper place, but needed to find out if there was a similar group in Essex County Massachusetts to help him. One call to the Museum of Old Newbury was all it took. They have had several grave stones returned over the years but this is the first time they have had the opportunity to reunite a family. So at last there is a happy ending.
xo, Rosemary
What a heartfelt story. I love this, I love happy endings. thank you so much for sharing with all of us on your blog...Hugs from WI
How wonderful it is when people do the right thing! When I read of how Pook noticed the grave stone, brushed away the dirt, and was struck by the fact that it needed to be returned to its rightful place, I got chills. I don't know if there is anything worse than the tragic loss of children, but it is heartwarming to know that the three siblings will be together again. There are still many, many wonderful human beings in our world who care. Thanks for sharing this, Rosemary!
Thank you for posting this and for the link. Fascinating and very sad. All those poor children and the grief of their families. The grave stone is beautiful and very good to see it recovered and in such good shape.
Mom -- Our founders suffered so much grief, especially the loss of their young children. I think it's good to be reminded of their hard lives and to learn how far we have come. I was so glad this family was finally reunited with this missing head stone.
xo, Rosemary
Bonnie Schulte -- I was happy to share the heartfelt story with the happy ending.
xo, Rosemary
Pam -- The entire story from beginning to end was chilling. This head stone certainly landed in the right place, didn't it? Ron Pook is a hero among men.
xo, Rosemary
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