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Maine's Coastal Cemeteries

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As author Karen Wentworth Batignani points out in the introduction to this book, telling someone that you're interested in cemeteries immediately makes them think you're more than a bit morbid. But cemeteries are among are most important and informative historical locations, especially those from the New England area where are earliest settlers first lived. Karen takes on a whirlwind tour of 38 cemeteries along the coast of Maine. She begins with a primer on cemeteries pointing out how in the 1800's cemeteries were major tourist attractions and also provides a bit of history stone-carving styles and epitaphs.

At each cemetery detailed, Karen provides information on how to get to the cemetery, notes on the landscape and a brief history of each region noting when the cemetery was founded and its earliest dated tombstones, as well as noting some of the more interesting residents buried there. The descriptions are helped greatly by hundreds of photographs showing the various styles of stonework. Since many of the older markers are too difficult to read in the photographs, dozens of epitaphs are re-printed in the book. In addition to the cemeteries, the book also notes any other destinations of note in the nearby area such as museums, historical homes, etc and even provides the hours of operation and phone numbers.

Touring these cemeteries is an enlightening trip back in time to meet many remarkable and courageous men and women who braved incredible dangers from both French and Indian attacks to settle these new lands.

In the York Village Burying Ground we find the grave of Jeremiah Moulton, who was just four years old when his parents were massacred by Abenaki Indians. Young Jeremiah was allowed to go free because the Abenaki found him to be amusing. It's a mistake they would regret as Moulton would go on to become a vaunted Indian fighter. He died in 1765 at the age of 77. And then there is the grave of Samuel Moody, a true hellfire and brimstone minister cut from the same cloth as Cotton and Increase Mather.

Off the beaten path is the New Town Cemetery in the tiny town of Arrowsic, population 501. Buried here is Brig. General Samuel McCobb who was a part of General Benedict Arnold's disastrous expedition into Quebec.

In Ancient Cemetery in Beautiful Wicasset, you will find the burial place of Ezekial Averil who was a bodyguard to none other than George Washington and lived until the ripe old age of 95 before passing away in 1850.

The harbor town of Machias features the O'Brien family cemetery, founded by Morris and Mary O'Brien in the mid 1700's. Machias was the location of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War as Jeremiah O' Brien led a group of men on the successful attack of a British vessel.

Cemeteries hold many great stories about the past if we take the time to listen to them. Whether the cemetery is spread over many acres or perhaps tiny like the Pioneer's Burial Ground with its two dozen markers, this is an informative and fascinating excursion into Maine history.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

This is an excellent resource for those who love history and how cemeteries add to our knowledge of everyday life in Maine's past.
The author not only takes us on very interesting tours but has also added the local history, legends and folklore associated with each cemetery. I would highly recommend this book for those who love New England and it's rich colonial history.