Burying Ground of the First Settlers

Originally laid out “some distance to the rear of the meeting house,” this was the first burying ground for the colonists of Newbury and was used, according to the Sons and Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury website, for some 150 years. “Mary & John” is the name of the ship from England that brought these settlers to Boston in 1634, some of whom then went on to Ipswich and Newbury. Even after the town center moved north in 1646, and the First Parish Burying Ground was established shortly thereafter, the first burying ground remained in use. Many Ilsleys, Doles, and Plummers were buried here. The last to be buried was Judith Ilsley, in 1794.

From the Sons & Daughters website: “Gravestones became worn and dilapidated. Some graves were never marked and bodies were laid to some extent outside and beyond the “20 rodds” set off. Centuries of neglect and forgetfulness followed. Stones gradually disappeared, few remembered the spot, fewer cared and two brief attempts to restore the burying ground came to naught.

In 1927 the society of the Sons and Daughters of the First Settlers was organized. Among the earliest members were Mr. and Mrs. William I. Moore of New York. Mrs. Moore’s ancestor, Richard Dole and his wife, Hannah Rolfe, were buried in the first burying ground with stones still visible. Mrs. Moore, with her husband, offered to restore the place if it could be done under the auspices of the society.”

The Sons & Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury continue to care for the Burying Ground today.

238 High Road