The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-10-05
Two INTERESTING GRAVES
They Are to be Found in Buffalo


graves. This would not identify them, for
neglect has melancholy rule over many u
sunken grave and long row or staggering
or fallen tombstones in that quiet gather
ing OF early settlers. The corner In ques-
ton. in spite Of its unkempt condition,
is rather pleasant, with a spreading sill
v~er-leaved poplar for shade. and slightly
outlook over the neighboring streets and
parks. One of the graves is NAKED by a
short monument with cornicecut cap
slightly sunken out OF plumb. The other,
covered by a slab laid tabiewfse upon
fOud marble posts, has n faded ntte
American flag stuck in the earth at Its
head, showing that o. Decoration Day,
at least, the soldier who sleeps here Is
remembered by the comrades OF the
c.. a. r.
A few days ago a Incorporating woman
Of advanced years, but much Ngor, Visl-
ted these graves for the first time in
ffty-one years. She was Mrs. Britannia
Kennon, the mistress Of Tudor Place. a
fine well-known old mansion on George
town Heights, overlooking Arlington and
the city Of Washington. She stopped In
Buffalo NJ her wayhome from the Worlds
Fair, to visit living relatives and the
grave OF her sister. whose burial she at
tended fffty-oue years before. Here she
read over the inscription on the tombstone,
which runs as followe:
THE grave of America Pfnkney Williams.
wife Of w. G. Williams, of the United
States Army, who placed this simple
record to her memory. Born at Wood
lawn, Virginia, oct. II. 1903. Died at Buff
falo. N. Y, Apr. q, 1912.
Gentle and beautiful. loving and beloved,
A bosom g~uileless and a heart sincere,
By kindliest affections ever moved.
She gave 10 joys a smile, 10 grief q tear"
The aged woman who came to mourn.
and the beloved sister who has FOR over
half n century slept I'm this quiet spot,
were greatgranddaughters OF Martha
! Washington.
a few facts Of family history may be
given here as of general interest. Martha
Washington's son. John Parke CJstis,
had a daughter. Martha Washington CUs-
It's, who married Col. Thomas Peter.
They had two sons, and .hree daughters
who were periodically named America,
Britannia and Columbia. Britannia. Who
was the OILY one Of the ~greatgrandchild-
rem born at Mount Vernon. became the
wife Of Commodore Beverley KennOn, u.
S. N. who was killed by the bursting
Of the gun Stockton. Tudor Place. her
historic home, was built by her father
and was willed to her by her mother.
Some Of its historic and art treasures
are described In the Century Magazine
Of a year or so ago.
America Peter married Captain William
G.. Williams, by whose side she sleeps.
The slab over his grave IS thus inscribed;
William G.. Williams, captain I'm the
corps Of typographical engineers. united
States Army. Aged 45 years. Conduct
ing a storming party at the taking Of
Monterey. Mexico, September q, 1916, he
fell MORALLY wounded, and died in the
hands of the enemy. His last message
10 his friends was, Tell them / fell N
front Of the column" HIS remains We're
recovered under direction Of a commit
tee Of citizens OF Buffalo and Black
Rock, and buried with military honors,
March 3, 1s47."
There are no doubt many longtime res
idents Of Buffalo who remember the mil
itary pageant OF that funeral. or double
funeral, for another hero OF the Mexican
War was buried here the same day.
Troops were present from many parts OF
the state, even from Albany: and the To-
cal papers Of the time gave elaborate ac-
conts Of the ceremonial, as well as full
obituary sketches Of the gallant young
officers life. Among his other services in
this region. he had conducted a triangu-
1atlon survey OF Lake Erie and had sur
veyed a route for a ship canal around
4NthEtid ais itHftfik Ills stay IN tftf~
faio Captain Williams resided in one OF
the houses on Washington street near
Eagle. known as the barrow Block. II
was then a fashionable residence section.
but the block Itself. though still standing.
has a decidedly different character to-day.
Major Lawrence Williams. son Of Cap
tain Williams, was an elegant and ac-
complished young man who will be. re-
membered by the society people Of forty
fiv or fifty years ago.
The Gusts, lennon and Peter families
present many distinguished and interest
Ing. connections. which II would be outside
the main purpose OF these notes 20 en-
ter into. IL may be stated, 20 ever.
George Washington Parke Custis. whose
home was known as Arlington. was the
brother OF Mrs. Thomas Peter. His daugh-
ter Mary married General Lee. famous IN
the War Of the Rebellion, consequently.
Mrs. Lee was own cousin to Mrs. Williams
and Ms. Kennon. Major then Captain
George Peter. was stationed at Niagara
Falls in 1860. Gen. Winfield Scott and
Gen. Taylor were both lieutenante under
him Robert Peter, father Of George and
Thomas, was an original proprietor OF
lands, where now stands the city Of Wash
ington. II is said he owned a strip OF and
on the Maryland side Of the Potomac
twenty miles In length, beginning at the
city Of Washington.
Martha Washington Kennon, only child
OF Mrs. KennOn. married DIR. Armistead
Peter, OF Georgetown, d. c., own cousin
Of her mother. and a brother Of the late
james Freeland Peter, or this city. MISS
Agnes Peter. daughter OF T. Peter, and
granddaughter Of Mrs, Kennon, has been
the recent guest Of the daughter OF the
Rev. Mr.. REGISTER. rector OF st. Paul's
Church And fEgo r.aptf-~ - 9. n.,fs-
warrants alusion to another related fact.
The ivy which so beautifully clothed the
walls OF ST. Paul's before the fire and
restoration was brought from TUDOR
Place by the late Or. Shelton. who re-
celved Il from Miss Britannia Peter.
whose recent visit 10 Buffalo has recalled
10 the present generation the fact that in
this city rest the remains OF Fl descendant
OK Martha Washington.-Bufaio Express.