Maine Genealogy
Source: New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. 8 (Jan. 1854).
[p. 76]INSCRIPTIONS COPIED FROM TOMBSTONES IN THE OLD BURYING GROUND AT PORTLAND, MAINEBeneath this marble, by the side of his gallant Commander, rest the remains of Lieut. Kervin Waters, a native of Georgetown, District of Columbia, who received a mortal wound Sept. 5, 1813, while a Midshipman on board the U. S. brig Enterprise, in an action with his B. M. brig Boxer, which terminated in the capture of the latter. He languished in severe pain, which he endured with fortitude, until Sept. 25, 1815, when he died with Christian calmness and resignation, aged 18. The young men of Portland erect this stone, as a testimony of their respect for his valor and virtues.
[Communicated by W. G. Brooks, Esq., Boston.]
Beneath this stone moulders the body of William Burrows, late Commander of the United States Brig Enterprise, who was mortally wounded on the 5th Sept. 1813, in an action which contributed to increase the fame of American valor, by capturing H. B. M. Brig Boxer, after a severe contest of forty-five minutes, ae. 48. A passing stranger* has erected this monument of respect to the manes of a patriot, who in the hour of peril obeyed the loud summons of an injured country; and who gallantly met, fought and conquered the foeman.["*Silas E. Burrows, Esq., of New York."]
In Memory of Captain Samuel Blyth, late Commander of His Britannic Majesty's Brig Boxer. He nobly fell, on the 5th day of Sept., 1813, in action with the U. S. Brig Enterprise. In life honored, in death glorious. His country will long deplore one of her bravest sons! His friends long lament one of the best of men. Ae 29.
An elegant marble monument erected a few years since, bears this inscription:—Edward Preble, of the United States Navy, died Aug. 25, 1807, aged 46 years.
(South Side.) In memory of Henry Wadsworth, son of Peleg Wadsworth, Esq., Lieut. in U. S. Navy, who fell before the walls of Tripoli, on the evening of the 4th Sept. 1804, in the 20th year of his age, by the explosion of a Fireship, which he with others gallantly conducted against the enemy; determined at once, they prefer death and the destruction of the enemy, to captivity and torturing slavery.—[Com. Preble's letter.
(West side.) Capt. Richard Somers, Lieut. Henry Wadsworth, Lieut. Joseph Israel, and ten brave seamen volunteers, were the devoted band.
(East side.) "An honor to his contry, and an example to all excellent youth.—["Resolve of Congress.
(North side.)My country calls!
This world adieu!
I have one life.
That life I give for you.
John Chipman, Esq., Barrister at Law, who was born Oct. 23, A. D. 1722, and died July 1, A. D. 1768, of an apoplexy with which he was[p. 77]suddenly seized in the Court House at Falmouth, while he was arguing a case before the Superior Court of Judicature then sitting. To the remembrance of his great learning, uniform integrity, and humanity and benevolence, this Monument is dedicated, by a number of his brethren of the Bar.
In memory of Willam Tyng, Esq., formerly Sheriff of Cumberland, afterwards intrusted with repeated offices in the Province of New Brunswick, and late resident of Gorham, where, after a useful life, marked with probity, benevolence and piety, he died in the firm hope of a joyful Resurrection, Dec. 10, 1807, aged 70—greatly lamented by an affectionate widow, who pays this tribute of conjugal love, and by a family of adopted children, to whom he showed more than parental kindness.
Here lies interred the body of Deac. James Milk, who was born in Boston, January, A. D., 1710-11. He removed to Falmouth as soon as he arrived at manhood, and lived there in good reputation, being honored with several offices of trust and importance, which he executed with fidelity. He fell asleep after two days' illness, Nov. 19, A. D. 1772. His bereaved children have erected this Monument as a Testimony of their Remembrance of his parental affection, strict virtues, and exemplary piety.
