Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-12-25

comprehensive view Of life It's duties and its in.
evitable results, that
ALL MEN ARE BORN TO DIE,
they would not allow the resting place of the dead
to 60 into ruin and be so utterly neglected thus
bringing the sacred spot into reproach and ders-
ion in the minds of those who better understand
the great problem of life.
Two years ago visited my own native town Of
Vassalboro', and it panied me unspeaksbly as
joui neyed through that ancient place to witness
the same neglect of these sacred spots there as
elsewhere. Desolaton seemed complete
on every hand. Rank, tail weeds grew
the graves, and they were but little guarded
from intrusive cattle and swine by the dilapidsed
fences surrounding them. The tall, sombre head
stones erected to the memory Of some loved ones
while that memory still grleved and wrung the
heart of the living. thrown out Of place by the ac-
ton OF the heat and cold and the whole surround
ings presenting a scene Of desolation.
IT is NO WONDER
that shuddered at the thought of that Reaper
whose name is Death as looked upon the scene
these traces of negect-or superstition
could not control the feeling which came over me
that much as revere the spot where was born,
aud as deeply dwell on the memories of those
who are dreaming away these years awaiting the
RESURRECTION DAY,
had much rather be left to my endless rest in
a spot which would be more tenderly cared for by
the few should leave behind to regret my death
and cherish my memory.
But this is not what | intended to speak of
when | bepan IN write | waufe1 IN II the al
tenuon of my ow townspeople of Vassalboro' to
this neglect of the graves in the Colby Burying
Ground the Small Buryng Lot and other
EQUALLY SACRED Spots
within the town limits. 1t would be an excellent
thing if the town were to make appropriation
each year to keep these pl aces in decent and
| spectacle order. The ancient burial lot in close
proximity to the residence OF Warren Colby, Esq.
and referred to above, is perhaps the most desc
Grated spot in all the town. because it contains the
remains of some of the Oldest and most promi-
nent residents, and is, regardless of this claim to
care, the least attended to of all.
1T IS A PLEASANT AND SUNNY SPOT,
and should never have been allowed to lapse into
such decay. The plain, common place stone wall
which has for so many years acted the part of a
a
ting surrounding placed in its stead. When
last visited this spot it had grown gray with neg
lect and fancied that night almost hear voices
| issuing forth from these neglected graves, saving
Have we been then entirely forgotten by those
who proiessed to love US so fondy once" The
small bulying lot, not far distant, is in an
EQUALLY DILAPIpATEp CONDITION.
The frosts of many winters have twisted the rude
stone wall out of proportions, and the graves seem
to cry out to the living to do their duty by the
dead. Can we say of those who rest in these uu-
cared-for spots-'After LIES itful fever they
sleep well :" few hours labor in performing
sacred duties would bring sense of pleasure to
the hearts of more than friend who now
mourns the loss OF those who have fallen into that
sleep which knows no awakening except on the
resurrection day. the old hills acting as faithful
sentines over their grsves-those graves which
contain but the casket-not the soul. Our duties
d. not always cease when for the last time we kiss
the marble brow, and clasp tue cold hand, ere the
coffin lid hides the beloved form from view. We
must keep green the memories of those we love
by caring for the places where we have deposited
their mortal remains. In bright contrast is the
bum, and hundreds of other cemeteries | might
name. do not call for
| EXPENSIVE HEADsToNEs,
costly monuments, chapels Of stone and mar
BILE only ask that the living remember the
dead, and that their resting places be protected
| and kept in order, whether they 90 down to the
grave amidst wealth and refinement or are carried
hence on the pla in wooden bier from an humble
country home. Let the good people of Vsssal-
boro' whom cherish so well and respect SO high
ly, unite iu this matter, with firm reso I've that
henceorth the dead shall be honored, and their
graves cared for with tenderness and love.
Boston, December p, 1877. REG
Merry Christmas to every body.
The American Museum Of Natural History in
New York city wss formally opened on Saturday
by President Hayes. President Eliot Of Harvard