Today is the 344th anniversary of my 8x great grandparents Rev,
James Keith and Susanna Edson of West Bridgewater, Ma. I
decided to celebrate by finally tracking down the location of
their tomb. Imagine how chagrined I was to find I'd visited the
Old Burying Ground in West Bridgewater last year and hadn't
found it there back then! So I was bound and determined to
locate it today.
When I arrived at the cemetery on South St there was some
roadwork being done and I had to drive past it, then turn
around and drive back to find a safe parking spot on that side
of the street. Then I walked back to where there was an entrance
through the stone wall. From pictures I'd seen online I thought
the grave would be a large vault which is probably why I
missed it on my first visit.(That, and the fact that there is no
sign with the name "Old Burial Ground" there which on my
first visit made me think I had gone to the wrong location. Duh!)
Since then I've seen many family tombs which are under small
mounds so I knew better what to look for this time around.
And there it was, at the front of the cemetery behind the stone
wall, right next to the street. I'd have seen it earlier if the
view hadn't been blocked by the construction truck.
Here lies the Here lies the
body of the Rev. body of Mrs
Mr. James Keith Susanna Keith
Died July 23, 1719 Died Oct. 16 1705
Aged 76 years Aged 65 years
Mr. James Keith
First Minister in Bridgewater
Educated in Aberdeen Scotland
and laboured in the Ministry in this
town 56 years
Just to the left of the Keiths' tomb is the one belonging to Susanna's
parents(and my 9xgreat grandparents) Samuel Edson and Susannah
Orcutt(?).
So, mission accomplished!
Happy Anniversary, James and Susanna!
I know I wouldn't be here without you!
3 comments:
am downline from james/susanna about 9X. am trying to find if james was in salem between 1662 and 1664 ; susanna was born in salem in 1640 and one source says they moved to duxbury in 1651; he and james received shares 55 and 56 from plymouth founders for duxbury and her dad was deacon for james
My Husband is also a descendant of James Keith and Susanna Edson. Small world! It was a pleasure meeting you today at the Nevins Library in Methuen. Love reading your blog. Going to start on mine today! Have a great day!
The death date on James' stone is incorrect. He died 22 Jul 1719. The gravestone says the 23rd.
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