Harmony Cemetery
Harmony Cemetery
Harmony Cemetery, dating from 1716, is one of Boxford’s oldest cemeteries. At first it was known as “the cemetery on Spofford’s Plain.” Originally the grounds were half the present size, extending towards the road as far as the tomb of Thomas Perley. In 1766, twenty-two neighboring families purchased land from Thomas Wood and the cemetery was enlarged. In 1859 a proprietor paid to have the walls and embankments built to enclose the cemetery. Various types of trees were also planted near the walk. Much later, in 1998, Harmony Cemetery was given .97 acres of additional land by Simeon Locke.
In 1870, the cemetery became formally known as Harmony Cemetery. The proprietors commenced holding annual meetings at this time. Officers were elected and by-laws and forms of deeds were adopted. Organization as a cemetery corporation occurred in 1904, which was duly recorded by the state.
Several interesting gravesites are located at Harmony Cemetery. The oldest headstone marks the grave of Faith Bootman, wife of Mathew Bootman, who died March 4, 1717, aged 23. The inscription states, “Under this turf you may behold a lamb of God set for ye fold.”
Lydia Barnard Spofford, who died in 1839, is buried at Harmony Cemetery. She is reputed to have taken the first prisoner during the American Revolution, after the battle of Lexington.
The tomb of General Solomon Lowe, who served for many years in the state militia and Legislature, is a prominent feature. Images of his four wives are engraved on two gravestones near the tomb’s entrance.
A tall stone near the entrance to Harmony Cemetery was re-erected to Hon. Aaron Wood, Esq., who died in 1791. He served in many capacities in state government, including the General Court and Council. He left his estate as a permanent fund to support Boxford’s schools and one of the town schools was named after him
Harmony Cemetery folder list
History
Incorporation papers
Incorporation correspondence
By-laws – 1870
By-laws – ca 1949
By-laws – 2001
Certificate of organization, 1904
Deed for land to expand cemetery, 1766
Deeds for land to expand cemetery, 1871
Meeting agendas
Annual meetings
Treasurer’s cash book
Treasurer’s reports
Corporation bills
Superintendent’s reports
Correspondence – resignations
Correspondence – general
Rules and Regulations
Deeds – blank forms
Endowment bonds – blank forms
Lot deeds
Lot lists
Lot purchases
Lots – Lowe
Lots – Sawyer
Lots – Van Rankin
Perpetual care
Will abstracts
Proprietors Record Book
Annual meetings, 1870-1976
Treasurer’s reports, 1908-1954
Endowment bonds, 1907-1982
Deeds, 1871-1986
Additional materials relating to Harmony Cemetery held by the Document Center
BHDC, Box II - Harmony Cemetery
Bill to Raymond Clark for cemetery lot and perpetual care, Nov. 6, 1976
2 blank Harmony Cemetery deeds
Newspaper article dated Oct. 16, 1935 noting placement of marker on Lydia Warren Spofford’s grave
Newspaper article regarding Solomon Lowe’s tomb
Newspaper article from Boston Journal regarding Solomon Lowe’s tomb
BHDC, Box – Winthrop Haynes papers
Exercises at Harmony Cemetery concerning the placement of a marker on Lydia Spofford’s grave, Oct. 16, 1935
BHS, Box 33 – Julia Cummings, Her Book
Manuscript copy Harmony Cemetery by-laws
Manuscript plot plan of Harmony Cemetery
Newspaper article regarding placement of DAR marker on Lydia Spofford’s grave
List of veterans’ graves from various wars in Harmony Cemetery
Oversize
Plan of Harmony, 1947
WPA Veterans Grave Registration, 1940