- Acushnet
Lieutenant Jonathan Metcalf
On September 5, 1778, a military engagement took place with British troops at the Head of the River Bridge. Lt. Jonathan Metcalf and Lt. William Gordon were defending Acushnet with a one-gun detachment of a Massachusetts State Artillery Company against a force of the 4,000 British soldiers.
Lt. Metcalf was mortally wounded and was carried by his men to the headquarters of the company located on North Water near Union Street, New Bedford. Metcalf died the third day after he was wounded. His comrades carried his body into the Precinct Cemetery for burial with military honors.
Mystery Investigation
There're no tombstone or documents indicating the location of his gravesite.
* The monument lists his name as "James". This is an error, he first name is Jonathan
On September 5, 1778, a military engagement took place with British troops at the Head of the River Bridge. Lt. Jonathan Metcalf and Lt. William Gordon were defending Acushnet with a one-gun detachment of a Massachusetts State Artillery Company against a force of the 4,000 British soldiers.
Lt. Metcalf was mortally wounded and was carried by his men to the headquarters of the company located on North Water near Union Street, New Bedford. Metcalf died the third day after he was wounded. His comrades carried his body into the Precinct Cemetery for burial with military honors.
Mystery Investigation
There're no tombstone or documents indicating the location of his gravesite.
* The monument lists his name as "James". This is an error, he first name is Jonathan
- Berkley
Dighton Rock
Dighton Rock is a 40-ton boulder, once located in the riverbed of the Taunton River which was originally part of the Town of Dighton.
The first verifiable reference to the carvings on the boulder dates back to 1680, when Harvard graduate John Danforth spotted and made a drawing of its carvings. That drawing — which is now in the collection of the British Museum — shows only the uppermost section of carvings, perhaps because the rest was obscured by water at the time of Danforth’s visit.
A depiction of the Dighton Rock carvings was published in the French edition of Henry Wheaton’s 1831 book, History of the Northmen: Or Danes and Normans, from the Earliest Times to the Conquest of England by William of Normandy.
As for who created the carvings and what they mean, there have been more than three (3) dozen theories put forward over the years. Danforth probably had it right, though, when he suggested that the stone was the work of Native Americans. To his eye, it seemed to tell of an encounter and subsequent battle with visitors who arrived by ship. Despite the logic of Danforth’s theory (and the presence of many similar indigenous petroglyphs in the region), others have insisted that there must be a more creative story behind Dighton Rock.
The 18th-century educator and theologian Ezra Stiles saw the stone as proof of a visit from ancient Phoenicians, while an alternative theory put forward around the same time attributed the carvings to long-ago visitors from Carthage. In the 19th century, Danish historian Carl Christian Rafn was convinced that Dighton Rock had been carved by Vikings. In the early 20th century, Brown University psychology professor Edmund Delabarre asserted that the carvings were Portuguese in origin. More recent theories have proposed Chinese, Japanese, or — of course the ridiculous— alien origins.
In 1951 the Massachusetts Legislature appropriated the land forming Dighton Rock State Park, which is 100 acres in size. The rock was removed from the river in 1963. In 1980 the rock was installed in a museum within the park.
Dighton Rock is a 40-ton boulder, once located in the riverbed of the Taunton River which was originally part of the Town of Dighton.
The first verifiable reference to the carvings on the boulder dates back to 1680, when Harvard graduate John Danforth spotted and made a drawing of its carvings. That drawing — which is now in the collection of the British Museum — shows only the uppermost section of carvings, perhaps because the rest was obscured by water at the time of Danforth’s visit.
A depiction of the Dighton Rock carvings was published in the French edition of Henry Wheaton’s 1831 book, History of the Northmen: Or Danes and Normans, from the Earliest Times to the Conquest of England by William of Normandy.
As for who created the carvings and what they mean, there have been more than three (3) dozen theories put forward over the years. Danforth probably had it right, though, when he suggested that the stone was the work of Native Americans. To his eye, it seemed to tell of an encounter and subsequent battle with visitors who arrived by ship. Despite the logic of Danforth’s theory (and the presence of many similar indigenous petroglyphs in the region), others have insisted that there must be a more creative story behind Dighton Rock.
The 18th-century educator and theologian Ezra Stiles saw the stone as proof of a visit from ancient Phoenicians, while an alternative theory put forward around the same time attributed the carvings to long-ago visitors from Carthage. In the 19th century, Danish historian Carl Christian Rafn was convinced that Dighton Rock had been carved by Vikings. In the early 20th century, Brown University psychology professor Edmund Delabarre asserted that the carvings were Portuguese in origin. More recent theories have proposed Chinese, Japanese, or — of course the ridiculous— alien origins.
In 1951 the Massachusetts Legislature appropriated the land forming Dighton Rock State Park, which is 100 acres in size. The rock was removed from the river in 1963. In 1980 the rock was installed in a museum within the park.
Dighton Rock 1868
- Dartmouth
Private Charles Henry Mosher Unsolved Mystery 1864 Military Enlistment 1861
Charles Henry Mosher (17) enlisted on September 12, 1861, and was assigned to Company A of the 18th Massachusetts Infantry on October 12, 1861, as a Private. The 18th Massachusetts Infantry was mostly men recruited from New Bedford and surrounding towns.
In December 1861 he was found guilty of an unknown charge at a Court Martial and sentenced to forfeit $5 of his pay. In November 1862 he was Court martialed again, this time on a charge of being absent without leave and, after being found guilty of the charge, was sentenced to forfeit $8.00 from his monthly pay.
He was transferred to the 27th Company, 2nd Battalion, Veterans Reserve Corps, on August 9, 1863, and re-enlisted with that company on July 28, 1864. Charles was given a re-enlistment bonus (approximately $300) and granted a 30-day leave on September 3, 1864, and began his journey back to Dartmouth.
Suspicious Death 1864 Westport, Connecticut
On September 12, 1864, Charles, along with two (2) other soldiers were traveling on a train through Westport, Connecticut, when he fell (or was pushed) from an outdoor platform between railroad cars and was killed. When his body was recovered, only $4 was found in his pocket. With only $4 of the enlistment bonus accounted for, this fueled speculation by the family that Charles may have been a victim of robbery and murder. The incident was officially declared an accident. The two (2) other soldiers with him were never publicly identified.
Charles Returned to Dartmouth
Henry Mosher (1820-1894), the father of Charles traveled from Dartmouth to Connecticut to oversee the body of his sone returned to Dartmouth for burial. During the Civil War, the military did not ship deceased soldiers home at government expense; the responsibility and the financial burden fell entirely on the family. Charles was buried in the Joseph Davis Cemetery. His grave is marked with a standard military marble headstone.
Charles Henry Mosher (17) enlisted on September 12, 1861, and was assigned to Company A of the 18th Massachusetts Infantry on October 12, 1861, as a Private. The 18th Massachusetts Infantry was mostly men recruited from New Bedford and surrounding towns.
In December 1861 he was found guilty of an unknown charge at a Court Martial and sentenced to forfeit $5 of his pay. In November 1862 he was Court martialed again, this time on a charge of being absent without leave and, after being found guilty of the charge, was sentenced to forfeit $8.00 from his monthly pay.
He was transferred to the 27th Company, 2nd Battalion, Veterans Reserve Corps, on August 9, 1863, and re-enlisted with that company on July 28, 1864. Charles was given a re-enlistment bonus (approximately $300) and granted a 30-day leave on September 3, 1864, and began his journey back to Dartmouth.
Suspicious Death 1864 Westport, Connecticut
On September 12, 1864, Charles, along with two (2) other soldiers were traveling on a train through Westport, Connecticut, when he fell (or was pushed) from an outdoor platform between railroad cars and was killed. When his body was recovered, only $4 was found in his pocket. With only $4 of the enlistment bonus accounted for, this fueled speculation by the family that Charles may have been a victim of robbery and murder. The incident was officially declared an accident. The two (2) other soldiers with him were never publicly identified.
Charles Returned to Dartmouth
Henry Mosher (1820-1894), the father of Charles traveled from Dartmouth to Connecticut to oversee the body of his sone returned to Dartmouth for burial. During the Civil War, the military did not ship deceased soldiers home at government expense; the responsibility and the financial burden fell entirely on the family. Charles was buried in the Joseph Davis Cemetery. His grave is marked with a standard military marble headstone.
Poole Cemetery
David McLaughlin (now deceased) had been trying preserve an old family cemetery located at 976 Hixville Road where some of his ancestors are buried. A notarized statement written by David McLaughlin reads:
“The Poole Cemetery in Dartmouth, Massachusetts doesn’t have any headstones left in it. They were removed by the owner at the time Mr. Perry, this was during the mid 1930s. They were all removed at the same time. David McLaughlin’s mother Jennie McLaughlin went to the town many times while this was happening and it was not stopped. All of the stones were removed and were seen across the street at the Perry’s home in various places over the years. The one upright stone in the area looks like the fieldstone grave markers common to the Hixville neighborhood’s small family cemeteries.“They were behind the barn in front of the stone wall for a time. When they were turned over they looked like a nice stepping stone. They were used as stepping stones at doorways for the different sheds, barns, house or any place where you would need one. There was a walkway at the back/side door that was made with the headstones that later on was covered over with cement."
The Poole Cemetery was part of a 15-acre parcel of land; however the exact boundaries of the cemetery are unknown. Using old maps from 1871 and 1895 it clearly showed a cemetery plot in this area. A copy of a 1930 deed clearly indicates one of the 15-acre parcel’s boundary runs “to the Poole Burial lot.” A hand-drawn map showing where the burial ground is located, near an old barn that was torn down as part of the housing development construction. The project was put on hold, and the developer brought in ground-penetrating radar. Percolation test pits dug in the vicinity showed no evidence of grave sites, town officials later approved the construction plans. The project was allowed to resume.
David McLaughlin (now deceased) had been trying preserve an old family cemetery located at 976 Hixville Road where some of his ancestors are buried. A notarized statement written by David McLaughlin reads:
“The Poole Cemetery in Dartmouth, Massachusetts doesn’t have any headstones left in it. They were removed by the owner at the time Mr. Perry, this was during the mid 1930s. They were all removed at the same time. David McLaughlin’s mother Jennie McLaughlin went to the town many times while this was happening and it was not stopped. All of the stones were removed and were seen across the street at the Perry’s home in various places over the years. The one upright stone in the area looks like the fieldstone grave markers common to the Hixville neighborhood’s small family cemeteries.“They were behind the barn in front of the stone wall for a time. When they were turned over they looked like a nice stepping stone. They were used as stepping stones at doorways for the different sheds, barns, house or any place where you would need one. There was a walkway at the back/side door that was made with the headstones that later on was covered over with cement."
The Poole Cemetery was part of a 15-acre parcel of land; however the exact boundaries of the cemetery are unknown. Using old maps from 1871 and 1895 it clearly showed a cemetery plot in this area. A copy of a 1930 deed clearly indicates one of the 15-acre parcel’s boundary runs “to the Poole Burial lot.” A hand-drawn map showing where the burial ground is located, near an old barn that was torn down as part of the housing development construction. The project was put on hold, and the developer brought in ground-penetrating radar. Percolation test pits dug in the vicinity showed no evidence of grave sites, town officials later approved the construction plans. The project was allowed to resume.
Slave Burial Ground
During a meeting of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society on July 1, 1905, an interesting discussion by Edward Tucker took place regarding a “Slave Burial Ground” at what is today Allen Street and Tucker Road. Edward stated the gravestone stones were removed sometime after 1905. It is not known by who or when they were removed. It's also unknown many people were allegedly buried here.
Down the hillside, over the pastures towards the river, is a place but little known and almost never visited, and which a stranger at this day, in spite of careful landmarks and close scrutiny, would with great difficulty discover, namely, the slave burial ground. So completely has this interesting spot reverted to its natural condition, surrounded by no barrier and used year after year as a grazing spot for cattle, that we have to scan the ground closely for the external evidence of the graves which lie beneath our feet. But here they are, one row after another, giving us no clue other than their presence, as to the origin of this burial place, and the tradition that it was a last resting place for slaves. As year succeeds year the traces of this burial ground are disappearing, and eventually its distinguishing features will be lost. No visible memorial rises above them. No inscribed tablet furnishes a history of the names, the ages, and the origin of this apparently forgotten race. In whose service they lived and died, must all intents and purposes remain unknown.
During a meeting of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society on July 1, 1905, an interesting discussion by Edward Tucker took place regarding a “Slave Burial Ground” at what is today Allen Street and Tucker Road. Edward stated the gravestone stones were removed sometime after 1905. It is not known by who or when they were removed. It's also unknown many people were allegedly buried here.
Down the hillside, over the pastures towards the river, is a place but little known and almost never visited, and which a stranger at this day, in spite of careful landmarks and close scrutiny, would with great difficulty discover, namely, the slave burial ground. So completely has this interesting spot reverted to its natural condition, surrounded by no barrier and used year after year as a grazing spot for cattle, that we have to scan the ground closely for the external evidence of the graves which lie beneath our feet. But here they are, one row after another, giving us no clue other than their presence, as to the origin of this burial place, and the tradition that it was a last resting place for slaves. As year succeeds year the traces of this burial ground are disappearing, and eventually its distinguishing features will be lost. No visible memorial rises above them. No inscribed tablet furnishes a history of the names, the ages, and the origin of this apparently forgotten race. In whose service they lived and died, must all intents and purposes remain unknown.
UMASS-Dartmouth
The Campanile Tower at the center of the campus was supposed to be used to broadcast to all the demons around the globe that the boss was coming. The legend claims Paul Rudolph jumped from the campanile on June 6, 1966—6/6/66—sometime between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight. The legend continues by claiming the sixth day of any month, you can spot Rudolph’s glowing ghost standing atop the needle during those same hours. Located outside of the Campus Center are these "666" benches. These benches are supposedly proof of Rudolph's devil worshiping.
Mystery Investigation
Architect Paul Rudolph (1918-1997) designed the university in the Brutalist style, the same style he used to design many other public buildings during his career. Paul died at the age of 78 in New York from cancer due to years of exposure to asbestos.
The Campanile Tower at the center of the campus was supposed to be used to broadcast to all the demons around the globe that the boss was coming. The legend claims Paul Rudolph jumped from the campanile on June 6, 1966—6/6/66—sometime between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight. The legend continues by claiming the sixth day of any month, you can spot Rudolph’s glowing ghost standing atop the needle during those same hours. Located outside of the Campus Center are these "666" benches. These benches are supposedly proof of Rudolph's devil worshiping.
Mystery Investigation
Architect Paul Rudolph (1918-1997) designed the university in the Brutalist style, the same style he used to design many other public buildings during his career. Paul died at the age of 78 in New York from cancer due to years of exposure to asbestos.
Dartmouth Town Hall
Many employees have claimed to hear footsteps walking along the corridor on the 3rd floor, and doors slamming. At various times the motion-activated lights go on after hours. Could this activity be related to the bodies that were removed from the property in 1917?
The Dartmouth Town Hall, originally the Elmer M. Poole School now occupies a portion of the original 80-acre parcel that was once occupied by the Dartmouth Almshouse. The Almshouse provided charitable housing to those in need. The services were typically limited to the elderly and disabled. The Almshouse ceased operation in 1917 after a fire destroyed part of the building.
In 1917 Town Meeting approved the removal of the seven (7) bodies buried on the property. The remains were moved to the South Dartmouth Cemetery and reinterred in an unmarked area near the current day maintenance garage.
The Elmer M. Poole School, named after Elmer Myron Poole (1882-1969), opened in 1926 and served as Dartmouth High School until 1955. From 1956 to 1966 the Poole School served as the Dartmouth Middle School. From 1966 to 1982 the Poole School served as an over-flow for the Dartmouth High School. In 1987 to current day, the Poole School served as the Dartmouth Town Hall.
The seven (7) individuals reinterred at the South Dartmouth Cemetery are:
Jonathan Reed (1809-1887)
George H Kirby (1827-1887)
Jireh Russell (1805-1887)
Priscilla (Clark) Weston (1845-1915)
Hannah (Anthony) Gidley (1845-1915)
Winifred Harley (1916-1916)
William Hanson (1879-1916)
William Hanson Unsolved Mystery 1916
On June 8, 1916, the body of William Hanson (37) was discovered in the Apponagansett River. An autopsy was performed and determined William had drowned.
According to his death certificate, it stated he was missing on the evening of June 7, 1916.
William was not a resident of Dartmouth and had no permanent address. William was of Norwegian descent and listed as a cook. At that time many Norwegians were cooks on fishing boats. Who reported William missing?
The Town of Dartmouth became legally responsible for his burial. William was buried in the Almshouse Cemetery. The Board of Overseers of the Almshouse attempted to located family or anyone who could claim William's remains. William remained listed as an "unclaimed body".
Many employees have claimed to hear footsteps walking along the corridor on the 3rd floor, and doors slamming. At various times the motion-activated lights go on after hours. Could this activity be related to the bodies that were removed from the property in 1917?
The Dartmouth Town Hall, originally the Elmer M. Poole School now occupies a portion of the original 80-acre parcel that was once occupied by the Dartmouth Almshouse. The Almshouse provided charitable housing to those in need. The services were typically limited to the elderly and disabled. The Almshouse ceased operation in 1917 after a fire destroyed part of the building.
In 1917 Town Meeting approved the removal of the seven (7) bodies buried on the property. The remains were moved to the South Dartmouth Cemetery and reinterred in an unmarked area near the current day maintenance garage.
The Elmer M. Poole School, named after Elmer Myron Poole (1882-1969), opened in 1926 and served as Dartmouth High School until 1955. From 1956 to 1966 the Poole School served as the Dartmouth Middle School. From 1966 to 1982 the Poole School served as an over-flow for the Dartmouth High School. In 1987 to current day, the Poole School served as the Dartmouth Town Hall.
The seven (7) individuals reinterred at the South Dartmouth Cemetery are:
Jonathan Reed (1809-1887)
George H Kirby (1827-1887)
Jireh Russell (1805-1887)
Priscilla (Clark) Weston (1845-1915)
Hannah (Anthony) Gidley (1845-1915)
Winifred Harley (1916-1916)
William Hanson (1879-1916)
William Hanson Unsolved Mystery 1916
On June 8, 1916, the body of William Hanson (37) was discovered in the Apponagansett River. An autopsy was performed and determined William had drowned.
According to his death certificate, it stated he was missing on the evening of June 7, 1916.
William was not a resident of Dartmouth and had no permanent address. William was of Norwegian descent and listed as a cook. At that time many Norwegians were cooks on fishing boats. Who reported William missing?
The Town of Dartmouth became legally responsible for his burial. William was buried in the Almshouse Cemetery. The Board of Overseers of the Almshouse attempted to located family or anyone who could claim William's remains. William remained listed as an "unclaimed body".
Dartmouth Almshouse
William Hanson
Hixville Fire Station
Many have reported sounds of laughter of a young child, and the sound of a ball bouncing against the wall. This child allegedly died on the property prior to the construction of the building. Some have stated a teacher's spirit remains in the former classroom and on occasion shadow figures were seen.
Mystery Investigation
A through search of records hasn't been able to locate any deaths related to this property. All of the property owners have been identified, none of which had any children connected to this property.
Historical Background
On June 6, 1870, Ephraim (1817-1894) & Susan Gidley (1825-1897) sold a parcel of land to the Town of Dartmouth for $37.50.
On November 2, 1870, Clothier Peirce (1784-1875) sold a parcel to the Town of Dartmouth as well for $150. These two parcels together formed the property for the Hixville School. In late 1870 early 1871 a schoolhouse was constructed. In 1907 a new schoolhouse was constructed to replace the original one which was condemned in 1906. The 1907 schoolhouse was demolished, with a new schoolhouse constructed in 1922.
In 1939 the schoolhouse was deemed obsolete, all of the students were transferred to other schools. On April 7, 1959, the Town of Dartmouth sold the former schoolhouse to the First Christian Church. The deed indicates "The building shall be used by the church solely for church purposes." On April 2, 1968, The First Christian Church sold the building back to the Town of Dartmouth.
On June 10, 1968, The Town of Dartmouth deeded the building to Dartmouth Fire District #3. This is an active fire station.
Many have reported sounds of laughter of a young child, and the sound of a ball bouncing against the wall. This child allegedly died on the property prior to the construction of the building. Some have stated a teacher's spirit remains in the former classroom and on occasion shadow figures were seen.
Mystery Investigation
A through search of records hasn't been able to locate any deaths related to this property. All of the property owners have been identified, none of which had any children connected to this property.
Historical Background
On June 6, 1870, Ephraim (1817-1894) & Susan Gidley (1825-1897) sold a parcel of land to the Town of Dartmouth for $37.50.
On November 2, 1870, Clothier Peirce (1784-1875) sold a parcel to the Town of Dartmouth as well for $150. These two parcels together formed the property for the Hixville School. In late 1870 early 1871 a schoolhouse was constructed. In 1907 a new schoolhouse was constructed to replace the original one which was condemned in 1906. The 1907 schoolhouse was demolished, with a new schoolhouse constructed in 1922.
In 1939 the schoolhouse was deemed obsolete, all of the students were transferred to other schools. On April 7, 1959, the Town of Dartmouth sold the former schoolhouse to the First Christian Church. The deed indicates "The building shall be used by the church solely for church purposes." On April 2, 1968, The First Christian Church sold the building back to the Town of Dartmouth.
On June 10, 1968, The Town of Dartmouth deeded the building to Dartmouth Fire District #3. This is an active fire station.
House Explosion
On January 28, 1945, a residence on Rockland Street was destroyed by an explosion. The explosion killed Mrs. Ida O. Mattson (81), and her son Theodore J. Mattson (43) as well as damaged several nearby houses. Ida and Theodore were later buried alongside Charles P. Mattson in South Dartmouth Cemetery.
Mystery Investigation
Three (3) military planes were reported by witnesses to have been flying over the neighborhood just after the incident. The U.S. Army and Navy initially denied any involvement. The Naval District Headquarters later confirmed a "Flare Bomb" was accidentally dropped from a service plane.
On January 28, 1945, a residence on Rockland Street was destroyed by an explosion. The explosion killed Mrs. Ida O. Mattson (81), and her son Theodore J. Mattson (43) as well as damaged several nearby houses. Ida and Theodore were later buried alongside Charles P. Mattson in South Dartmouth Cemetery.
Mystery Investigation
Three (3) military planes were reported by witnesses to have been flying over the neighborhood just after the incident. The U.S. Army and Navy initially denied any involvement. The Naval District Headquarters later confirmed a "Flare Bomb" was accidentally dropped from a service plane.
- Fairhaven
Charles White House
Some have claimed the house is haunted by the Dr. White. Dr. White's accidental death was April 1888. The house was later the scene of Fairhaven Police Chief's suicide in 1933.
Mystery Investigation
The house located at 14 William Street, known as the Charles White House. Dr. Charles White Jr. (28) came to Fairhaven from Boston in April 1888 at the invitation of Henry H. Rogers. After arriving in Fairhaven, he built the house then married Rogers School teacher Eliza Childs.
In December 1889 the house made history by being the first privately owned home in Fairhaven to be connected to electricity. Dr. White (44) died in the home in 1904. He had been suffering from gallstones and died during surgery that was being performed by another doctor. In 1907 Henry H. Rogers built the "White Home for Nurses" at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford in memory of Dr. White. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery.
The house was later occupied by Fairhaven Police Chief Walter H. Francis, the town's first police chief. Chief Francis resigned from the Fairhaven Police Department in February 1933 and six (6) weeks later, on March 23, 1933, he committed suicide by slashing this throat with a razor.
Some have claimed the house is haunted by the Dr. White. Dr. White's accidental death was April 1888. The house was later the scene of Fairhaven Police Chief's suicide in 1933.
Mystery Investigation
The house located at 14 William Street, known as the Charles White House. Dr. Charles White Jr. (28) came to Fairhaven from Boston in April 1888 at the invitation of Henry H. Rogers. After arriving in Fairhaven, he built the house then married Rogers School teacher Eliza Childs.
In December 1889 the house made history by being the first privately owned home in Fairhaven to be connected to electricity. Dr. White (44) died in the home in 1904. He had been suffering from gallstones and died during surgery that was being performed by another doctor. In 1907 Henry H. Rogers built the "White Home for Nurses" at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford in memory of Dr. White. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery.
The house was later occupied by Fairhaven Police Chief Walter H. Francis, the town's first police chief. Chief Francis resigned from the Fairhaven Police Department in February 1933 and six (6) weeks later, on March 23, 1933, he committed suicide by slashing this throat with a razor.
John Cooke 1607-1695
In July 1620, John Cooke sailed from Leyden, Holland on the Speedwell, the smaller of two ships bound for America. The Speedwell sprung a leak and was deemed unseaworthy, he as transferred to the larger ship, The Mayflower.
Cooke was one of the 36 people who purchased the Old Dartmouth territory in 1652 and finally moved from Plymouth to Dartmouth around 1662. In 1667, he was authorized to perform legal duties, such as officiating marriages, issuing warrants and administering oaths. He was appointed twelve times as Representative to the Court at Plymouth between 1666 and 1686 and also served as a selectman nine times between 1670 and 1683, with consecutive years broken only by the destruction of town during the King Philip's War.
He was the last known surviving male Pilgrim of the Mayflower when he died in 1695.
John Cooke's Burial
John Cooke is allegedly buried at Burial Hill, better known as the Cooke Memorial Park, on Pilgrim Avenue.
Mystery Investigation
The headlines in the 1902 edition of The Constitution: Atlanta Georgia “Cooke’s Body Badly Wanted. Remains of Youngest Member of Pilgrims is Missing.” The article, written by Russell Hathaway Jr., crafted the headlines as sort of a spoof advertisement calling for the return of Cooke’s body after it supposedly went missing. In the article, Hathaway claims that Cooke’s body was dug up and somehow wound up wrapped in sail cloth and hidden high in the rafters of a fisherman’s shed, who apparently had stored the body while he was out at sea.
Around 1902, The Fairhaven Improvement Society decided to build a memorial to Cooke at the Oxford burial site, the grounds were dug up to make way for a large boulder that would bear a plaque in his honor. During the excavation, four (4) decaying coffins were dug up – two (2) held the skeletons of men and the other two held the skeletons of children.
The area of Burial Hill was a graveyard, however, many of its interred were not documented. The Fairhaven Star interviewed Ruth M. Boomer in 1888. She was 89 years old at the time and told the newspaper she lived in the area as a little girl. She remembered there were about 20 graves in the cemetery including Fenno Winslow who drowned in 1810, an “Indian” girl, and the infant son of Seth Allen. The bodies of the two children uncovered during the excavation for the Cooke memorial were never identified and were said to have been reburied that same day elsewhere on the site.
Disputing the claim that Cooke was buried at Burial Hill, Henry B. Worth wrote in 1911, that "Without some record there can be no certainty where John Cook’s grave is located, but judgment cannot be rendered in favor of the Oxford tradition." Worth, pointing to several land deeds, and Cooke's own will, notes that Cooke owned burial ground property in Acushnet. "In the light of this record there is strong reason to suppose that Cooke was laid in the point purchased by him and transmitted to his descendants. Opposed to this is the tradition that he was buried at Oxford on a lot which he never owned and in which he is not known to have had any interest, and where there was never an inscribed stone marking any grave,"
In July 1620, John Cooke sailed from Leyden, Holland on the Speedwell, the smaller of two ships bound for America. The Speedwell sprung a leak and was deemed unseaworthy, he as transferred to the larger ship, The Mayflower.
Cooke was one of the 36 people who purchased the Old Dartmouth territory in 1652 and finally moved from Plymouth to Dartmouth around 1662. In 1667, he was authorized to perform legal duties, such as officiating marriages, issuing warrants and administering oaths. He was appointed twelve times as Representative to the Court at Plymouth between 1666 and 1686 and also served as a selectman nine times between 1670 and 1683, with consecutive years broken only by the destruction of town during the King Philip's War.
He was the last known surviving male Pilgrim of the Mayflower when he died in 1695.
John Cooke's Burial
John Cooke is allegedly buried at Burial Hill, better known as the Cooke Memorial Park, on Pilgrim Avenue.
Mystery Investigation
The headlines in the 1902 edition of The Constitution: Atlanta Georgia “Cooke’s Body Badly Wanted. Remains of Youngest Member of Pilgrims is Missing.” The article, written by Russell Hathaway Jr., crafted the headlines as sort of a spoof advertisement calling for the return of Cooke’s body after it supposedly went missing. In the article, Hathaway claims that Cooke’s body was dug up and somehow wound up wrapped in sail cloth and hidden high in the rafters of a fisherman’s shed, who apparently had stored the body while he was out at sea.
Around 1902, The Fairhaven Improvement Society decided to build a memorial to Cooke at the Oxford burial site, the grounds were dug up to make way for a large boulder that would bear a plaque in his honor. During the excavation, four (4) decaying coffins were dug up – two (2) held the skeletons of men and the other two held the skeletons of children.
The area of Burial Hill was a graveyard, however, many of its interred were not documented. The Fairhaven Star interviewed Ruth M. Boomer in 1888. She was 89 years old at the time and told the newspaper she lived in the area as a little girl. She remembered there were about 20 graves in the cemetery including Fenno Winslow who drowned in 1810, an “Indian” girl, and the infant son of Seth Allen. The bodies of the two children uncovered during the excavation for the Cooke memorial were never identified and were said to have been reburied that same day elsewhere on the site.
Disputing the claim that Cooke was buried at Burial Hill, Henry B. Worth wrote in 1911, that "Without some record there can be no certainty where John Cook’s grave is located, but judgment cannot be rendered in favor of the Oxford tradition." Worth, pointing to several land deeds, and Cooke's own will, notes that Cooke owned burial ground property in Acushnet. "In the light of this record there is strong reason to suppose that Cooke was laid in the point purchased by him and transmitted to his descendants. Opposed to this is the tradition that he was buried at Oxford on a lot which he never owned and in which he is not known to have had any interest, and where there was never an inscribed stone marking any grave,"
- Freetown
Avis Stone (1845-1912)
On January 4, 1845, Ava Stone (2 hours old) was discovered on the doorstep of Polly and Job Pierce's Assonet home.
The 1850 census indicated Avis (5) is the only "mulatto" in the Town of Freetown. At that time, she was residing with Polly (57) and Job Peirce (59) along with John Wilson (40) and Betsey P. Wilson (35).
In 1860, Avis (15), while still residing with the Peirce's, however she is documented as a "domestic" and listed as "black" and not "mulatto", however in 1865 Avis is documented as "mulatto" again. In 1870 Avis is now listed as "white"
The 1900 census documented Avis (55) as "black servant". Avis was unmarried and was able to read, write, and speak English. The other 'servant' in the home was an immigrant from Portugal, Joaquin Rezender (35), who emigrated in 1887. He could write and speak English but not read it.
In 1910 Avis, now 66 and incapacitated for over a year, was residing in a home on Elm Street with Amanda Watts (80) her housekeeper. Avis died on April 26, 1912, at the age of 68. Her will bequeathed money and many of her personal belongings to several friends. She also left money to several local organizations.
Avis described her relationship with the Wilsons:
“I remember and acknowledge with increasing gratitude the fostering care and kindness bestowed upon me from infancy and continued unremittingly through childhood and adult life, by John D. Wilson Esquire and his wife Betsey, now deceased, to whom and the grace of God, I owe most of the happiness that has come into my life and has abided with me these long years. Nothing that I can do or say will ever compensate for what they have done for me.” Despite being listed as their servant or ward in census records, it appears that she truly considered them her parents.
She was buried in the Assonet Burying Grounds in the Wilson Family Plot, along with Polly (1792-1880) & Job Peirce (1790-1868) and their daughter Betsey P. (Peirce) Wilson (1818-1896) and husband John Wilson (1814-1901)
Avis described her relationship with the Wilsons:
“I remember and acknowledge with increasing gratitude the fostering care and kindness bestowed upon me from infancy and continued unremittingly through childhood and adult life, by John D. Wilson Esquire and his wife Betsey, now deceased, to whom and the grace of God, I owe most of the happiness that has come into my life and has abided with me these long years. Nothing that I can do or say will ever compensate for what they have done for me.” Despite being listed as their servant or ward in census records, it appears that she truly considered them her parents.
Mystery Investigation
Both Avis’s mother and father are listed as “unknown” in the birth record.
On January 4, 1845, Ava Stone (2 hours old) was discovered on the doorstep of Polly and Job Pierce's Assonet home.
The 1850 census indicated Avis (5) is the only "mulatto" in the Town of Freetown. At that time, she was residing with Polly (57) and Job Peirce (59) along with John Wilson (40) and Betsey P. Wilson (35).
In 1860, Avis (15), while still residing with the Peirce's, however she is documented as a "domestic" and listed as "black" and not "mulatto", however in 1865 Avis is documented as "mulatto" again. In 1870 Avis is now listed as "white"
The 1900 census documented Avis (55) as "black servant". Avis was unmarried and was able to read, write, and speak English. The other 'servant' in the home was an immigrant from Portugal, Joaquin Rezender (35), who emigrated in 1887. He could write and speak English but not read it.
In 1910 Avis, now 66 and incapacitated for over a year, was residing in a home on Elm Street with Amanda Watts (80) her housekeeper. Avis died on April 26, 1912, at the age of 68. Her will bequeathed money and many of her personal belongings to several friends. She also left money to several local organizations.
Avis described her relationship with the Wilsons:
“I remember and acknowledge with increasing gratitude the fostering care and kindness bestowed upon me from infancy and continued unremittingly through childhood and adult life, by John D. Wilson Esquire and his wife Betsey, now deceased, to whom and the grace of God, I owe most of the happiness that has come into my life and has abided with me these long years. Nothing that I can do or say will ever compensate for what they have done for me.” Despite being listed as their servant or ward in census records, it appears that she truly considered them her parents.
She was buried in the Assonet Burying Grounds in the Wilson Family Plot, along with Polly (1792-1880) & Job Peirce (1790-1868) and their daughter Betsey P. (Peirce) Wilson (1818-1896) and husband John Wilson (1814-1901)
Avis described her relationship with the Wilsons:
“I remember and acknowledge with increasing gratitude the fostering care and kindness bestowed upon me from infancy and continued unremittingly through childhood and adult life, by John D. Wilson Esquire and his wife Betsey, now deceased, to whom and the grace of God, I owe most of the happiness that has come into my life and has abided with me these long years. Nothing that I can do or say will ever compensate for what they have done for me.” Despite being listed as their servant or ward in census records, it appears that she truly considered them her parents.
Mystery Investigation
Both Avis’s mother and father are listed as “unknown” in the birth record.
Puk-Wudjies
According to Wampanoag folklore a "Puk-Wudjie " is a 2-3-foot-tall troll whose features resemble those of a human but have larger noses, fingers and ears. The skin is described as being smooth grey and at times known to glow. Wampanoags believe that "Puk-Wudjies" are best left alone.
Folklore claims they were on friendly towards humans but turned against them. They can supposedly kidnap people, push them off cliffs and attack their victims with knives and spears.
Folklore claims they were on friendly towards humans but turned against them. They can supposedly kidnap people, push them off cliffs and attack their victims with knives and spears.
Fall River-Freetown State Forest
The large parcel of land that later became the Town of Freetown was purchased in 1659 from the Wampanoag Wamsutta. The Native Americans believed the land was highly sacred when Wamsutta sold it, possibly without the backing of the tribe. Many believe that events of the area have turned the once gentle spirits violent, attracting evil to it. Native Americans claim the horrible crimes will not stop until the tribe is given back the land.
In 1934 the first parcel of land, 323-acres, was purchased for $4500. The remaining acreage was purchased in 1935, and several small homes were leveled. Currently, the forest is 5,441 acres and has just over 50 miles of unpaved roads and trails.
Wampanoag Nation Reservation 1939
The history of this reservation began with the Watuppa Reservation (Fall River). In 1907 the City of Fall River took 100-acres of the "Watuppa Reservation" by eminent domain, in order to protect the city's drinking water supply.
In the 1939 the State of Massachusetts was under pressure from federal officials, adopted The Acts of 1939 which provided 227-acres of land in Freetown to compensate the Wampanoags for the land the was taken by the City of Fall River in 1907. In 1976, an Executive Order from Governor Dukakis strengthened the Reservation by granting tribal rights to the Wampanoag Nation.
Mystery Investigation (s)
"Cult" Activity: During the late 1970's and 1980's there were rumors of cult activity within the Fall River-Freetown State Forest. Initially, the police dismissed these claims. As time went on, it was determined there was some type of suspicious activity going on. Many within the law enforcement community have long questioned to truthfulness of the stories and the alleged evidence. There is limited photographs, and no direct evidence of ties to a cult.
In August 1988 three (3) people were arrested for trespassing after they were found sleeping near a campfire surrounded by satanic symbols and candles.
In a story in the Standard Times on November 1, 1988, an article speculated the death of dozens of calves to be cult related. That same year the remains of Elizabeth Gregory, who was buried in a family cemetery in the forest since 1868, were disinterred and stolen.
"The Ledge": The small pond at the ledge is approximately 80 feet deep. There have been many deaths, some caused by accidental falls, some suicide, and some claim and unknown force pushed them. There is an unverified story about a "colonial-era woman, in a white dress, heartbroken by betrayal, who threw herself from the 150-foot ledge".
“The Ledge” was owned by the Fall River Granite Company and was used as a quarry during the 1800's. "Arkose Granite" taken from this specific quarry was used in constructing many of the Fall River's mills, Fall River YMCA, Fall River Public Library and the original BMC Durfee High School. Additionally, granite from this quarry was used at Fort Adams RI, Taunton State Hospital, New Bedford Waterworks and the New York State House in Albany NY.
"The UFO Story": Several in the paranormal field repeating the same factually incorrect that President Ronald Reagan had an encounter with a UFO over the Assonet Ledge. The stories claims that the "during the 1980's the UFO began to follow Air Force One, thus prompting fighters to be scrambled." The story then changed into "Its' claimed a mysterious light came out of the forest from the area of the Assonet ledge, and was stalking Air Force One".
The documented incident was in the summer of 1974 in Bakersfield California. Governor Reagan was flying on a Cessna Citation aircraft along with three (3) other people, pilot Air Force Colonel Bill Paynter and two (2) security officers. The aircraft was approaching the airport in Bakersfield California the passengers called Paynter's attention to a strange object to the rear of the plane. According to Colonel Paynter, "It appeared to be several hundred yards away and It was a fairly steady light until it began to accelerate. Then it appeared to elongate - then the light took off. It went up at a 45-degree angle-at a high rate of speed. Everyone on the plane was surprised. The UFO went from a normal cruise speed to a fantastic speed instantly. If you give an airplane power, it will accelerate-but not like a hot rod, and that's what this was like."
After the incident Governor Reagan spoke about the incident in California to Norman C Miller, then the Washington bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal. Miller then published the encounter. There is no connection to Massachusetts at all.
The large parcel of land that later became the Town of Freetown was purchased in 1659 from the Wampanoag Wamsutta. The Native Americans believed the land was highly sacred when Wamsutta sold it, possibly without the backing of the tribe. Many believe that events of the area have turned the once gentle spirits violent, attracting evil to it. Native Americans claim the horrible crimes will not stop until the tribe is given back the land.
In 1934 the first parcel of land, 323-acres, was purchased for $4500. The remaining acreage was purchased in 1935, and several small homes were leveled. Currently, the forest is 5,441 acres and has just over 50 miles of unpaved roads and trails.
Wampanoag Nation Reservation 1939
The history of this reservation began with the Watuppa Reservation (Fall River). In 1907 the City of Fall River took 100-acres of the "Watuppa Reservation" by eminent domain, in order to protect the city's drinking water supply.
In the 1939 the State of Massachusetts was under pressure from federal officials, adopted The Acts of 1939 which provided 227-acres of land in Freetown to compensate the Wampanoags for the land the was taken by the City of Fall River in 1907. In 1976, an Executive Order from Governor Dukakis strengthened the Reservation by granting tribal rights to the Wampanoag Nation.
Mystery Investigation (s)
"Cult" Activity: During the late 1970's and 1980's there were rumors of cult activity within the Fall River-Freetown State Forest. Initially, the police dismissed these claims. As time went on, it was determined there was some type of suspicious activity going on. Many within the law enforcement community have long questioned to truthfulness of the stories and the alleged evidence. There is limited photographs, and no direct evidence of ties to a cult.
In August 1988 three (3) people were arrested for trespassing after they were found sleeping near a campfire surrounded by satanic symbols and candles.
In a story in the Standard Times on November 1, 1988, an article speculated the death of dozens of calves to be cult related. That same year the remains of Elizabeth Gregory, who was buried in a family cemetery in the forest since 1868, were disinterred and stolen.
"The Ledge": The small pond at the ledge is approximately 80 feet deep. There have been many deaths, some caused by accidental falls, some suicide, and some claim and unknown force pushed them. There is an unverified story about a "colonial-era woman, in a white dress, heartbroken by betrayal, who threw herself from the 150-foot ledge".
“The Ledge” was owned by the Fall River Granite Company and was used as a quarry during the 1800's. "Arkose Granite" taken from this specific quarry was used in constructing many of the Fall River's mills, Fall River YMCA, Fall River Public Library and the original BMC Durfee High School. Additionally, granite from this quarry was used at Fort Adams RI, Taunton State Hospital, New Bedford Waterworks and the New York State House in Albany NY.
"The UFO Story": Several in the paranormal field repeating the same factually incorrect that President Ronald Reagan had an encounter with a UFO over the Assonet Ledge. The stories claims that the "during the 1980's the UFO began to follow Air Force One, thus prompting fighters to be scrambled." The story then changed into "Its' claimed a mysterious light came out of the forest from the area of the Assonet ledge, and was stalking Air Force One".
The documented incident was in the summer of 1974 in Bakersfield California. Governor Reagan was flying on a Cessna Citation aircraft along with three (3) other people, pilot Air Force Colonel Bill Paynter and two (2) security officers. The aircraft was approaching the airport in Bakersfield California the passengers called Paynter's attention to a strange object to the rear of the plane. According to Colonel Paynter, "It appeared to be several hundred yards away and It was a fairly steady light until it began to accelerate. Then it appeared to elongate - then the light took off. It went up at a 45-degree angle-at a high rate of speed. Everyone on the plane was surprised. The UFO went from a normal cruise speed to a fantastic speed instantly. If you give an airplane power, it will accelerate-but not like a hot rod, and that's what this was like."
After the incident Governor Reagan spoke about the incident in California to Norman C Miller, then the Washington bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal. Miller then published the encounter. There is no connection to Massachusetts at all.
Profile Rock
The Wampanoag Tribe
The Wampanoags called it "The Assonet" which is the Wampanoag name for "Hill of Rocks".
According to legend, King Philip, shortly before his death, visited the site, acknowledging his fate and loss of the War, where he took a moments solitude, shedding a tear, and sought inspirational guidance as he passed on from King Philip's Cave through the Assonet Tribe and its leader, Tabadacason, taking a ferry from Winslow Point at Peace Haven across the Taunton River to meet his death hours later on August 12, 1676.
Property Owners
Profile Rock was on the 23rd Lot of Freeman's Purchase in 1659, with John Tisdale being the first owner. He was a selectman in Taunton until being killed by Indians, his dwelling burned, and his gun carried away in June 1675. His son, Joshua, settled on the lot and died there in 1714, thus the name Joshua's Mountain as it is often now called. Joshua Tisdale was a selectman, town clerk and was instrumental in the dam being constructed in Assonet Village. The Old Man of Joshua's Mountain was a natural rock formation of granite.
The property was passed on through the centuries to descendants until becoming a state park in 1955. The last private landowner was Benjamin R. Evans who also resided on a portion of the parcel his entire life. He was a land surveyor and longtime selectman and tax assessor. Mr. Evans sold the property, along with six (6) acres, over to the state for $1,900. It then became Profile Rock State Park.
Profile Rock Crumbles
On June 19, 2019, the great stone face collapsed. It was discovered that a large portion of the rock formation had broken off. State forest officials have closed the park until further notice.
The Wampanoag Tribe
The Wampanoags called it "The Assonet" which is the Wampanoag name for "Hill of Rocks".
According to legend, King Philip, shortly before his death, visited the site, acknowledging his fate and loss of the War, where he took a moments solitude, shedding a tear, and sought inspirational guidance as he passed on from King Philip's Cave through the Assonet Tribe and its leader, Tabadacason, taking a ferry from Winslow Point at Peace Haven across the Taunton River to meet his death hours later on August 12, 1676.
Property Owners
Profile Rock was on the 23rd Lot of Freeman's Purchase in 1659, with John Tisdale being the first owner. He was a selectman in Taunton until being killed by Indians, his dwelling burned, and his gun carried away in June 1675. His son, Joshua, settled on the lot and died there in 1714, thus the name Joshua's Mountain as it is often now called. Joshua Tisdale was a selectman, town clerk and was instrumental in the dam being constructed in Assonet Village. The Old Man of Joshua's Mountain was a natural rock formation of granite.
The property was passed on through the centuries to descendants until becoming a state park in 1955. The last private landowner was Benjamin R. Evans who also resided on a portion of the parcel his entire life. He was a land surveyor and longtime selectman and tax assessor. Mr. Evans sold the property, along with six (6) acres, over to the state for $1,900. It then became Profile Rock State Park.
Profile Rock Crumbles
On June 19, 2019, the great stone face collapsed. It was discovered that a large portion of the rock formation had broken off. State forest officials have closed the park until further notice.
King Phillip Cave
Located in an area called Rocky Woods in Freetown, it remains mostly hidden. During the 1950’s archaeological examinations of the cave and the surrounding area were completed. Some broken medicine bottles and Native American artifacts were recovered.
Mystery Investigation
Legend says, King Philip camped out in the cave the night before travelling to Mount Hope where he was later captured and killed, however there is no evidence supporting the legend.
Located in an area called Rocky Woods in Freetown, it remains mostly hidden. During the 1950’s archaeological examinations of the cave and the surrounding area were completed. Some broken medicine bottles and Native American artifacts were recovered.
Mystery Investigation
Legend says, King Philip camped out in the cave the night before travelling to Mount Hope where he was later captured and killed, however there is no evidence supporting the legend.
Freetown Police Station (1977-2017)
Author, Christopher Balzano, wrote the following: "There is a rumor of a ghost that haunts the Freetown Police station. It seems a dispatcher died on the night shift while on duty. Although she was the main lifeline of the building at night, her presence was not missed until the morning. Police on duty patrolling the streets and driving around just assumed it was a slow night. They arrived hours later at shift change to find her body. Since then several officers have come forward with descriptions of a cloudy figure walking through the office. While there is no further description of the ghost, it did not appear until after the dispatchers death and most of the officers attribute it to her".
Mystery Investigation
The chapter in the book has inaccurate information. The dispatcher, Connie, suffered a medical emergency while on duty and passed away. Interesting to note, the dispatcher is the only person alone in the station, the officers are on patrol. Our interviews very clearly stated the police officers knew immediately something was wrong when she didn't respond to the radio transmissions or phone calls made by them to the station.
The investigation into the cloudy figure was unfounded. We were unable to locate anyone who could verify seeing or hearing about a cloudy figure walking thru the office.
Our investigation continued by contacting the author of the book regarding his statements. Amazingly, the author admitted he never had been to the police station, never interviewed any dispatchers or police officers. He stated he was simply "repeating" what he was told by people not connected to the police station in any manner. The end results appear the author's claims are fabricated and lack any credible research. The building is now used as a regional food pantry.
Author, Christopher Balzano, wrote the following: "There is a rumor of a ghost that haunts the Freetown Police station. It seems a dispatcher died on the night shift while on duty. Although she was the main lifeline of the building at night, her presence was not missed until the morning. Police on duty patrolling the streets and driving around just assumed it was a slow night. They arrived hours later at shift change to find her body. Since then several officers have come forward with descriptions of a cloudy figure walking through the office. While there is no further description of the ghost, it did not appear until after the dispatchers death and most of the officers attribute it to her".
Mystery Investigation
The chapter in the book has inaccurate information. The dispatcher, Connie, suffered a medical emergency while on duty and passed away. Interesting to note, the dispatcher is the only person alone in the station, the officers are on patrol. Our interviews very clearly stated the police officers knew immediately something was wrong when she didn't respond to the radio transmissions or phone calls made by them to the station.
The investigation into the cloudy figure was unfounded. We were unable to locate anyone who could verify seeing or hearing about a cloudy figure walking thru the office.
Our investigation continued by contacting the author of the book regarding his statements. Amazingly, the author admitted he never had been to the police station, never interviewed any dispatchers or police officers. He stated he was simply "repeating" what he was told by people not connected to the police station in any manner. The end results appear the author's claims are fabricated and lack any credible research. The building is now used as a regional food pantry.
Colonel Ebenezer W. Peirce
Assonet Burying Ground Section 2 Lot 1
Residence 1902
Colonel Ebenezer Peirce
In January 1862 Ebenezer Peirce, a Colonel in the 29th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, was called upon to lead troops into battle during the Civil War. Prior to departing Freetown, he purchased Midnight, a black horse, from a local man. Colonel Peirce and the 29th Massachusetts saw continuous military action in the aborted attempt by the Confederate Army to take Richmond Virginia.
On June 30, 1862, Confederate troops surprised the 29th Massachusetts in Virginia’s White Oak Swamp. Colonel Peirce was standing next to Midnight directing troops when a cannonball struck him, ripping away his right arm just below the shoulder. The projectile continued on past Colonel Peirce, missed Midnight, but killed a soldier standing nearby. The coat that Colonel Peirce was wearing when he was wounded is on display at the Old Colony History Museum in Taunton.
After a couple of months of recuperation Colonel Peirce and Midnight rejoined the 29th Massachusetts for the Second Manassas battle. They returned to Assonet in late 1862.
Colonel Pierce was given command of a brigade, thus being promoted to the rank of General. It was during this military campaign in East Tennessee, in the winter of 1863–64, General Peirce made a promise to the Midnight. Due to a food shortage conditions were as difficult for the army’s horses as they were for its soldiers, Peirce documented a particularly difficult evening:
"For several weeks the horse’s allowance was six ears of corn per day, and no grass, hay or fodder whatever; and during this time, I had been on the march all day with nothing to eat. Night was coming on, and hunger at last tempted me to make inroads in the scanty allowance of my tried and faithful servant and companion in dangers and sorrows and taking one ear of his corn I parched it and, sitting on the ground by his side, ate what I had taken, while he gnawed his from the cobs of the remaining five ears."
Due to poor health, General Peirce resigned his Army commission on November 4, 1864, and returned to Assonet on Thanksgiving Day with Midnight. General Peirce ensured Midnight lived a comfortable life on his estate. Sadly, Midnight died on February 22, 1877.
Writing of the event ten years later in 1874, Peirce described his feeling of indebtedness to his horse, and he explained how he intended to repay the animal:
While discussing that frugal meal I formed a resolution, repeated it to myself and also to the poor, tired and half-starved horse, and it was this: That as Saul and Jonathan, who in the most trying scenes of life were united, so like them in death myself and horse would not be divided; that should we survive the war and live to enjoy the blessings of peace, this patient steed, tried and true, should live with me, die with me, and find a grave with the rich in affection and proper appreciation at the feet of the father I honored and the mother I dearly loved, while my own remains should find a lodgment at his side."
On February 26, 1877, an unnamed newspaper reporter for the Taunton Gazette wrote about the the horse’s burial. The reporter wrote the animal’s body had been placed in a specially constructed box matted with hay, and then:
The cover was put on, and the box and its contents taken to General Peirce’s family burial ground, where, at the feet of the father he honored and the mother he dearly loved, a grave had been dug and nicely walled up. Two derricks were raised and tackles rigged by the aid of which the box was lowered into the grave. When fairly placed and disengaged from the ropes the cover was removed and the body found in no part scarcely to have moved . . . [General Peirce] placed his hand soothingly on the head, neck and nose, gave the body a searching look, contemplated it in silence for a moment, and then directed it covered. [An oversize American flag] was thrown over the body, covering it entirely, the cover put on and fastened, flagging stones laid over and the dirt thrown on.
Mystery Investigation
As mentioned above Midnight was laid with General Peirce's parents. The General's parents are buried along with the General's first wife, Irene (1825-1900) and infant son, Pembroke (1851-1851) in the Lawton Cemetery located on the grounds of St. Bernard's Catholic Church.
Town records show a different burial location - The Assonet Burying Grounds. Cemetery records indicate Midnight was buried in an unmarked grave near General Peirce (1822-1902)' and his second wife, Estelle (1863-1945).
In January 1862 Ebenezer Peirce, a Colonel in the 29th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, was called upon to lead troops into battle during the Civil War. Prior to departing Freetown, he purchased Midnight, a black horse, from a local man. Colonel Peirce and the 29th Massachusetts saw continuous military action in the aborted attempt by the Confederate Army to take Richmond Virginia.
On June 30, 1862, Confederate troops surprised the 29th Massachusetts in Virginia’s White Oak Swamp. Colonel Peirce was standing next to Midnight directing troops when a cannonball struck him, ripping away his right arm just below the shoulder. The projectile continued on past Colonel Peirce, missed Midnight, but killed a soldier standing nearby. The coat that Colonel Peirce was wearing when he was wounded is on display at the Old Colony History Museum in Taunton.
After a couple of months of recuperation Colonel Peirce and Midnight rejoined the 29th Massachusetts for the Second Manassas battle. They returned to Assonet in late 1862.
Colonel Pierce was given command of a brigade, thus being promoted to the rank of General. It was during this military campaign in East Tennessee, in the winter of 1863–64, General Peirce made a promise to the Midnight. Due to a food shortage conditions were as difficult for the army’s horses as they were for its soldiers, Peirce documented a particularly difficult evening:
"For several weeks the horse’s allowance was six ears of corn per day, and no grass, hay or fodder whatever; and during this time, I had been on the march all day with nothing to eat. Night was coming on, and hunger at last tempted me to make inroads in the scanty allowance of my tried and faithful servant and companion in dangers and sorrows and taking one ear of his corn I parched it and, sitting on the ground by his side, ate what I had taken, while he gnawed his from the cobs of the remaining five ears."
Due to poor health, General Peirce resigned his Army commission on November 4, 1864, and returned to Assonet on Thanksgiving Day with Midnight. General Peirce ensured Midnight lived a comfortable life on his estate. Sadly, Midnight died on February 22, 1877.
Writing of the event ten years later in 1874, Peirce described his feeling of indebtedness to his horse, and he explained how he intended to repay the animal:
While discussing that frugal meal I formed a resolution, repeated it to myself and also to the poor, tired and half-starved horse, and it was this: That as Saul and Jonathan, who in the most trying scenes of life were united, so like them in death myself and horse would not be divided; that should we survive the war and live to enjoy the blessings of peace, this patient steed, tried and true, should live with me, die with me, and find a grave with the rich in affection and proper appreciation at the feet of the father I honored and the mother I dearly loved, while my own remains should find a lodgment at his side."
On February 26, 1877, an unnamed newspaper reporter for the Taunton Gazette wrote about the the horse’s burial. The reporter wrote the animal’s body had been placed in a specially constructed box matted with hay, and then:
The cover was put on, and the box and its contents taken to General Peirce’s family burial ground, where, at the feet of the father he honored and the mother he dearly loved, a grave had been dug and nicely walled up. Two derricks were raised and tackles rigged by the aid of which the box was lowered into the grave. When fairly placed and disengaged from the ropes the cover was removed and the body found in no part scarcely to have moved . . . [General Peirce] placed his hand soothingly on the head, neck and nose, gave the body a searching look, contemplated it in silence for a moment, and then directed it covered. [An oversize American flag] was thrown over the body, covering it entirely, the cover put on and fastened, flagging stones laid over and the dirt thrown on.
Mystery Investigation
As mentioned above Midnight was laid with General Peirce's parents. The General's parents are buried along with the General's first wife, Irene (1825-1900) and infant son, Pembroke (1851-1851) in the Lawton Cemetery located on the grounds of St. Bernard's Catholic Church.
Town records show a different burial location - The Assonet Burying Grounds. Cemetery records indicate Midnight was buried in an unmarked grave near General Peirce (1822-1902)' and his second wife, Estelle (1863-1945).
- Lakeville
Royal Wampanoag Cemetery
This cemetery is located on Route 105 along the shoreline of Little Quittacas Pond "Cheksuquetoquash". Identifying those interred here is impossible, as graves are marked with Wampanoag artifacts. It has been claimed all those who are buried here are descendants of Wampanoag Chief Massasoit.
Research has been able to identify three (3) individuals interred here. Records indicate there could as many as twenty-three (23) graves. Many if not all of them relatives to the Walmsley family, including Sachem of Nemasket Amie, daughter of Chief Massasoit.
Lydia Squin Tuspaquin 1740-1812
Lydia Tuspaquin was the only child of Benjamin II and his wife Felix. Both of Lydia's parents died when she was young, and her Grandfather Benjamin I continued to care for her until his death. Lydia attended school and became educated and became the chief scribe for her people.
Lydia claimed a great skill in the healing art and was in act of collecting herbs for medical purposes when she fell from the high bank into the Assawompset Pond and drowned in July 1812.
Two (2) of Lydia's five (5) children are recorded as being buried here.
1) Jane Wamsley (Squin) (1771-1794) drowned in Assawompset Pond.
2) Benjamin Wamsley (1773-1799)
This cemetery is located on Route 105 along the shoreline of Little Quittacas Pond "Cheksuquetoquash". Identifying those interred here is impossible, as graves are marked with Wampanoag artifacts. It has been claimed all those who are buried here are descendants of Wampanoag Chief Massasoit.
Research has been able to identify three (3) individuals interred here. Records indicate there could as many as twenty-three (23) graves. Many if not all of them relatives to the Walmsley family, including Sachem of Nemasket Amie, daughter of Chief Massasoit.
Lydia Squin Tuspaquin 1740-1812
Lydia Tuspaquin was the only child of Benjamin II and his wife Felix. Both of Lydia's parents died when she was young, and her Grandfather Benjamin I continued to care for her until his death. Lydia attended school and became educated and became the chief scribe for her people.
Lydia claimed a great skill in the healing art and was in act of collecting herbs for medical purposes when she fell from the high bank into the Assawompset Pond and drowned in July 1812.
Two (2) of Lydia's five (5) children are recorded as being buried here.
1) Jane Wamsley (Squin) (1771-1794) drowned in Assawompset Pond.
2) Benjamin Wamsley (1773-1799)
Benjamin Simon
Ben Simon (Simonds) 1751-1831
Ben was known as the last of the full-blooded Wampanoag man who resided around Assawampsett Pond in the 1800s. Ben spent most of his time later in life on Ben’s Island, a small patch of high ground in the northern end of the pond, near the mouth of the Nemasket River
Ben was a soldier in the Revolutionary War for six (6) years in the Massachusetts infantry regiments of the Continental Army. He spent some of his time with the army at Valley Forge serving as an aide-de-camp to the commander in chief, General George Washington. As an aide-de-camp, he would have served as a kind of butler and valet for General Washington. He would have cleaned his uniform, cooked his food for him, and taken care of all his personal needs in camp. During battle he would have carried a musket and carried messages for the general and would assist the general with his needs.
In his later years, Ben came home to Lakeville, and was recognized for his military service, being among the thousands of living veterans granted government pensions in the early 1800s. Ben received an annual pension of $96 from the government until his death.
Burial Mystery
Ben was alledgly buried on his island, and his grave was exhumed by academics or archaeologists for study. In Thompson Hill Cemetery, is a granite obelisk was erected by Mr. Levi Reed.
“In Memory of Ben Simon, the last male of the native Indians of Middleboro.
He was a Revolutionary soldier. Died May 1831, aged eighty years.”
Ben Simon (Simonds) 1751-1831
Ben was known as the last of the full-blooded Wampanoag man who resided around Assawampsett Pond in the 1800s. Ben spent most of his time later in life on Ben’s Island, a small patch of high ground in the northern end of the pond, near the mouth of the Nemasket River
Ben was a soldier in the Revolutionary War for six (6) years in the Massachusetts infantry regiments of the Continental Army. He spent some of his time with the army at Valley Forge serving as an aide-de-camp to the commander in chief, General George Washington. As an aide-de-camp, he would have served as a kind of butler and valet for General Washington. He would have cleaned his uniform, cooked his food for him, and taken care of all his personal needs in camp. During battle he would have carried a musket and carried messages for the general and would assist the general with his needs.
In his later years, Ben came home to Lakeville, and was recognized for his military service, being among the thousands of living veterans granted government pensions in the early 1800s. Ben received an annual pension of $96 from the government until his death.
Burial Mystery
Ben was alledgly buried on his island, and his grave was exhumed by academics or archaeologists for study. In Thompson Hill Cemetery, is a granite obelisk was erected by Mr. Levi Reed.
“In Memory of Ben Simon, the last male of the native Indians of Middleboro.
He was a Revolutionary soldier. Died May 1831, aged eighty years.”
Indian Shore Cemetery
Mourn not for me, my friends so dear,
Although in death I slumber here
My days are past, my grave you see
Therefore, prepare to follow me
Grave inscription for Thomas N. Smith, Lakeville, 1872
Just off of Betty's Neck was the grave site of Wampanoag tribal members that resided in the area. In 1998 the gravestones were uprooted, moved and left leaning against a tree. The exact location of the cemetery was a few hundred yards from where the gravestones were discovered. The exact number of burials is unknown.
Thomas S. Smith (x-1872) and his wife Pamelia Sepit Hector Smith (1802-1887)
William Smith (x-1875),
Martin Rosier (1792-1792) his brother John Rosier (1793-1851), John drowned in Assampsett Pond
John Sassamon (x-1675),
Patty (Johnson) Long (1790's-prior to 1850) daughter of James Johnson and Zerviah Squin, and the granddaughter of Lydia Squin.
Mourn not for me, my friends so dear,
Although in death I slumber here
My days are past, my grave you see
Therefore, prepare to follow me
Grave inscription for Thomas N. Smith, Lakeville, 1872
Just off of Betty's Neck was the grave site of Wampanoag tribal members that resided in the area. In 1998 the gravestones were uprooted, moved and left leaning against a tree. The exact location of the cemetery was a few hundred yards from where the gravestones were discovered. The exact number of burials is unknown.
Thomas S. Smith (x-1872) and his wife Pamelia Sepit Hector Smith (1802-1887)
William Smith (x-1875),
Martin Rosier (1792-1792) his brother John Rosier (1793-1851), John drowned in Assampsett Pond
John Sassamon (x-1675),
Patty (Johnson) Long (1790's-prior to 1850) daughter of James Johnson and Zerviah Squin, and the granddaughter of Lydia Squin.
- Marion
Bird Island Lighthouse 1859
Bird Island Lighthouse There are stores by Lighthouse Keepers claiming the island is haunted since the death of Mrs. Moore. According to an article in the Standard Times, later keepers were frightened by the “ghost of a hunched-over old woman, rapping at the door during the night.” Subsequent keepers had similar experiences, and one even claimed his children were repeatedly frightened by the spirit of a "stoop-shouldered old lady" with one arm extended as though reaching out for something.
Mystery Investigation
On September 1, 1819, William S. Moore was assigned to be lighthouse keeper at the newly constructed lighthouse on the 2-acre Bird Island.
In 1822 the body of Mrs. Moore was discovered. William suggested she had "succumbed from nicotine" as she was avid user of tobacco. The official cause of death was from tuberculosis. There are unverified claims Mrs. Moore was buried on the island. After his wife's death, William was assigned to the Billingsgate Lighthouse near Wellfleet.
In 1889 the lighthouse keeper's residence was torn down. During the demolition a rifle and a bag of tobacco along with a handwritten note authored by William Moore.
"This bag contains tobacco, found among the clothes of my wife after her decease. It was furnished by certain individuals in and about Sippican. May the curses of the High Heavens rest upon the heads of those who destroyed the peace of my family and the health and happiness of a wife whom I dearly loved."
Mystery Investigation
On September 1, 1819, William S. Moore was assigned to be lighthouse keeper at the newly constructed lighthouse on the 2-acre Bird Island.
In 1822 the body of Mrs. Moore was discovered. William suggested she had "succumbed from nicotine" as she was avid user of tobacco. The official cause of death was from tuberculosis. There are unverified claims Mrs. Moore was buried on the island. After his wife's death, William was assigned to the Billingsgate Lighthouse near Wellfleet.
In 1889 the lighthouse keeper's residence was torn down. During the demolition a rifle and a bag of tobacco along with a handwritten note authored by William Moore.
"This bag contains tobacco, found among the clothes of my wife after her decease. It was furnished by certain individuals in and about Sippican. May the curses of the High Heavens rest upon the heads of those who destroyed the peace of my family and the health and happiness of a wife whom I dearly loved."
- Middleboro
Hand Rock
At the outbreak of King Philip's War in the summer of 1675, most Middleborough residents had sought refuge in the safety of the garrison located in the vicinity of the former Memorial Junior High School on North Main Street. The growing hostility of the Wampanoags towards the garrison and their increasing boldness eventually became intolerable for the English sheltered inside.
The Indians would daily appear on the south side of the Nemasket River, opposite the fort, and taunt those in the garrison with insulting gestures. Lt. [John] Tomson [Thompson] ordered Isaac Howland, a distinguished marksman, to take the long gun and shoot one of the Indians. This he did while the savage was on the rock insulting them. The distance from the garrison to the rock was 155 rods, nearly half a mile. The Native was wounded and taken to the home of William Nelson where he later died and was buried in a nearby field. The Natives sought revenge by burning the house and a local mill. In 1821, according to tradition, a Major Thomas Bennett was ploughing his land and accidentally unearthed the bones, pipe, stone jug, and knife of the Wampanoag killed by the Thomson gun.
Though neither this record, nor the numerous other historical accounts of the event make specific mention of the handprint in connection with the shooting, local folklore has always connected the two, the handprint being the consequence of the shooting.
Various versions of the myth have it that the ill-fated man was possibly Peter Pringle, a local Wampanoag youth who had for a time lived in the company of John Tomson in town. The legend has it that Peter fell, where his hand touched the boulder was mystically left impressed with an imprint. While the boulder does have an old hand imprinted into it, it is far more likely that the imprint was carved either before or after the shooting. This version of events is not recorded in Weston’s 1906 Town of Middleborough history--in fact Peter Pringle isn't even mentioned.
Tomson Long Gun
The gun weighs twelve (12) pounds, seven (7) feet four and a half inches long and has a barrel length of six and one half feet. The gun remained in the Thompson Family for many generations and is now on display at the Old Colony Historical Society in Taunton.
Lieutenant John Tomson (1617-1696)
Lt. John Tomson commanded the local garrison at the fort during the first weeks of the King Phillip's war, and who led the people of the town to safety in Plymouth.
John originally spelled his last name Tomson, but through the years the family has evolved the name to included an h and p, to where it is spelled Thompson.
At the outbreak of King Philip's War in the summer of 1675, most Middleborough residents had sought refuge in the safety of the garrison located in the vicinity of the former Memorial Junior High School on North Main Street. The growing hostility of the Wampanoags towards the garrison and their increasing boldness eventually became intolerable for the English sheltered inside.
The Indians would daily appear on the south side of the Nemasket River, opposite the fort, and taunt those in the garrison with insulting gestures. Lt. [John] Tomson [Thompson] ordered Isaac Howland, a distinguished marksman, to take the long gun and shoot one of the Indians. This he did while the savage was on the rock insulting them. The distance from the garrison to the rock was 155 rods, nearly half a mile. The Native was wounded and taken to the home of William Nelson where he later died and was buried in a nearby field. The Natives sought revenge by burning the house and a local mill. In 1821, according to tradition, a Major Thomas Bennett was ploughing his land and accidentally unearthed the bones, pipe, stone jug, and knife of the Wampanoag killed by the Thomson gun.
Though neither this record, nor the numerous other historical accounts of the event make specific mention of the handprint in connection with the shooting, local folklore has always connected the two, the handprint being the consequence of the shooting.
Various versions of the myth have it that the ill-fated man was possibly Peter Pringle, a local Wampanoag youth who had for a time lived in the company of John Tomson in town. The legend has it that Peter fell, where his hand touched the boulder was mystically left impressed with an imprint. While the boulder does have an old hand imprinted into it, it is far more likely that the imprint was carved either before or after the shooting. This version of events is not recorded in Weston’s 1906 Town of Middleborough history--in fact Peter Pringle isn't even mentioned.
Tomson Long Gun
The gun weighs twelve (12) pounds, seven (7) feet four and a half inches long and has a barrel length of six and one half feet. The gun remained in the Thompson Family for many generations and is now on display at the Old Colony Historical Society in Taunton.
Lieutenant John Tomson (1617-1696)
Lt. John Tomson commanded the local garrison at the fort during the first weeks of the King Phillip's war, and who led the people of the town to safety in Plymouth.
John originally spelled his last name Tomson, but through the years the family has evolved the name to included an h and p, to where it is spelled Thompson.
- New Bedford
Saint Mary's Cemetery 1854
The Irish-Catholic community in New Bedford was expanding, and a new church was necessary. Bishop Jean Cheverus purchased land at the intersection of Allen and Dartmouth Street on March 3, 1821
Several years later the building was demolished, and the parcel of land was a cemetery until 1849. In 1854, Father Henry Henniss, closed the cemetery, prohibiting further burials, and sold the unused land.
In 1856 Father Henniss purchased seven (7) acres of land on the New Bedford–Dartmouth line for use as a cemetery. He had the land graded, laid out and enclosed with a stonewall. On April 12, 1856, Father Henniss undertook the stressful work of transferring the remains of those interred at the Allen Street cemetery to the new St. Mary’s Cemetery. On September 21, 1859, Father Henniss (37) died unexpectedly from a terminal illness and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Father Joseph P. Tallon (1832-1864) served as the assistant to Father Henniss for two (2) years, then succeeded Father Henniss upon his death. Father Tallon was buried next to Father Henniss.
Mystery Investigation
The exact location, and the names of those moved is unknown. It's believed they were buried together in a mass grave, which has never been located
The Irish-Catholic community in New Bedford was expanding, and a new church was necessary. Bishop Jean Cheverus purchased land at the intersection of Allen and Dartmouth Street on March 3, 1821
Several years later the building was demolished, and the parcel of land was a cemetery until 1849. In 1854, Father Henry Henniss, closed the cemetery, prohibiting further burials, and sold the unused land.
In 1856 Father Henniss purchased seven (7) acres of land on the New Bedford–Dartmouth line for use as a cemetery. He had the land graded, laid out and enclosed with a stonewall. On April 12, 1856, Father Henniss undertook the stressful work of transferring the remains of those interred at the Allen Street cemetery to the new St. Mary’s Cemetery. On September 21, 1859, Father Henniss (37) died unexpectedly from a terminal illness and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Father Joseph P. Tallon (1832-1864) served as the assistant to Father Henniss for two (2) years, then succeeded Father Henniss upon his death. Father Tallon was buried next to Father Henniss.
Mystery Investigation
The exact location, and the names of those moved is unknown. It's believed they were buried together in a mass grave, which has never been located
Burying Ground Hill
"Burying Ground Hill" was located on the shoreline of the Acushnet River, owned by Joseph Russell, contained an unknown number of individuals. In 1830 remains were unearthed when William Coffin built a carpentry shop on the site.
According to records, Coffin reinterred them a few feet north of the new shop and moved them again in 1841 when he built an addition onto the building. In September 1889 the remains were dug up yet again when Edmund Grinnell excavated the site for an addition to his iron foundry, and they were then permanently reinterred at Oak Grove Cemetery; the location and their identities is unknown.
"Burying Ground Hill" allegedly contained the grave of Diah Trafford (21) who was killed in the September 5, 1778, British raid on New Bedford. Also, according to history, the burial ground contained the remains of 22 sailors that were killed in the May 1779 battle between the U.S. Providence and the British Big Diligent during the Revolutionary War. There are no records confirming this information.
Some records of the May 1779 battle tell a different story. The 3-hour battle took place off of Sandy Hook (not New Bedford), and it's reported the U.S. Providence lost four (14) men and the Diligent lost eleven (11). There is no mention of burials in New Bedford.
"Burying Ground Hill" was located on the shoreline of the Acushnet River, owned by Joseph Russell, contained an unknown number of individuals. In 1830 remains were unearthed when William Coffin built a carpentry shop on the site.
According to records, Coffin reinterred them a few feet north of the new shop and moved them again in 1841 when he built an addition onto the building. In September 1889 the remains were dug up yet again when Edmund Grinnell excavated the site for an addition to his iron foundry, and they were then permanently reinterred at Oak Grove Cemetery; the location and their identities is unknown.
"Burying Ground Hill" allegedly contained the grave of Diah Trafford (21) who was killed in the September 5, 1778, British raid on New Bedford. Also, according to history, the burial ground contained the remains of 22 sailors that were killed in the May 1779 battle between the U.S. Providence and the British Big Diligent during the Revolutionary War. There are no records confirming this information.
Some records of the May 1779 battle tell a different story. The 3-hour battle took place off of Sandy Hook (not New Bedford), and it's reported the U.S. Providence lost four (14) men and the Diligent lost eleven (11). There is no mention of burials in New Bedford.
Double Bank Building
There were four (4) cemeteries in and around the downtown New Bedford area. One of these cemeteries was on the site of the double bank building at the foot of William Street. This area was known as "Rotch's Hill", owned by William Rotch Jr., and was used as a burial ground before and after the Revolutionary War.
When the cemetery was dug up in 1831 for construction of the bank, a group of Native American women came to see William Rotch Jr. and begged for the return of their ancestors. According to legend the remains were handed over in a basket.
Mystery Investigation
It's reported these remains and artifacts were interred in the Griffin Street Cemetery. There are no documents supporting this.
There were four (4) cemeteries in and around the downtown New Bedford area. One of these cemeteries was on the site of the double bank building at the foot of William Street. This area was known as "Rotch's Hill", owned by William Rotch Jr., and was used as a burial ground before and after the Revolutionary War.
When the cemetery was dug up in 1831 for construction of the bank, a group of Native American women came to see William Rotch Jr. and begged for the return of their ancestors. According to legend the remains were handed over in a basket.
Mystery Investigation
It's reported these remains and artifacts were interred in the Griffin Street Cemetery. There are no documents supporting this.
Zeiterion Theater
Guests and former staff members have reported seeing an apparition of a male figure and feeling unexplained cold spots. For years rumors swirled claiming the theater is haunted by Barney Zeitz (1882-1946)
According to legend, Barney allegedly hung himself in the production room of the theater.
Mystery Investigation
Barney Zeitz died of a sudden hear attack on September 21, 1946 while traveling back to New Bedford from eating dinner in Sandwich Massachusetts.
Historical Background
The Zeiterion’s story starts with five brothers: Barney, Frank, Morton, Fisher, and Harry Zeitz.
Together they become New Bedford’s theater mogul family. At one time or another, they operated the State (previously the Zeiterion), the Empire, the New Bedford, the Olympia, and the Capitol Theaters in New Bedford, as well as the Academy in Fall River, the Paramount in Newport, and one in Maine.
Harry Zeitz supervised the construction in 1922, which included the grand chandelier that he designed and had manufactured to order in what is now Czech Republic. In 1971 the State Theater was modernized. The marble walls were covered with wood paneling, chandeliers in the lobby were removed and contemporary rocking seats repaired the leather chairs.
In 1975 the theater was purchased by Tom Shire and retained ownership until 1982. Sadly, business continued to dwindle and the theater closed. In the 1981 the building was donated to WHALE (Waterfront Historic Area League) and WHALE donated $200,000 donation towards restoration. On September 25, 1982, the Zeiterion Theater reopened and remains operating today.
Guests and former staff members have reported seeing an apparition of a male figure and feeling unexplained cold spots. For years rumors swirled claiming the theater is haunted by Barney Zeitz (1882-1946)
According to legend, Barney allegedly hung himself in the production room of the theater.
Mystery Investigation
Barney Zeitz died of a sudden hear attack on September 21, 1946 while traveling back to New Bedford from eating dinner in Sandwich Massachusetts.
Historical Background
The Zeiterion’s story starts with five brothers: Barney, Frank, Morton, Fisher, and Harry Zeitz.
Together they become New Bedford’s theater mogul family. At one time or another, they operated the State (previously the Zeiterion), the Empire, the New Bedford, the Olympia, and the Capitol Theaters in New Bedford, as well as the Academy in Fall River, the Paramount in Newport, and one in Maine.
Harry Zeitz supervised the construction in 1922, which included the grand chandelier that he designed and had manufactured to order in what is now Czech Republic. In 1971 the State Theater was modernized. The marble walls were covered with wood paneling, chandeliers in the lobby were removed and contemporary rocking seats repaired the leather chairs.
In 1975 the theater was purchased by Tom Shire and retained ownership until 1982. Sadly, business continued to dwindle and the theater closed. In the 1981 the building was donated to WHALE (Waterfront Historic Area League) and WHALE donated $200,000 donation towards restoration. On September 25, 1982, the Zeiterion Theater reopened and remains operating today.
Hathaway Burying Ground
The April 11, 1907, edition of the Evening Standard printed and article on the taking of the old Hathaway Burying Ground. The burying ground, a gravel hill, was located at the foot of Whitman Street near Belleville Ave.
When Whitman Street was designed, a few feet of the southern end of the burying ground became part of the new street. In total the remains of six (6) graves were removed to a city owned cemetery, which was never named.
One person is identified as the daughter of Captain Peter Butler, who was buried in the burying ground in 1830 and had fieldstone markers indicating the grave location.
Mystery Investigation
Where the graves were moved to, and their identities remains a mystery.
The April 11, 1907, edition of the Evening Standard printed and article on the taking of the old Hathaway Burying Ground. The burying ground, a gravel hill, was located at the foot of Whitman Street near Belleville Ave.
When Whitman Street was designed, a few feet of the southern end of the burying ground became part of the new street. In total the remains of six (6) graves were removed to a city owned cemetery, which was never named.
One person is identified as the daughter of Captain Peter Butler, who was buried in the burying ground in 1830 and had fieldstone markers indicating the grave location.
Mystery Investigation
Where the graves were moved to, and their identities remains a mystery.
- Rehoboth
Route 44 Hitchhiker & Rehoboth Village Cemetery
The New England Ghost Files (1994), by Charles Turek Robinson (1962-2017), is filled with many interesting ghost stories. As the author states, the identities of those who witnessed these events had been changed. As a result, these witness accounts can't be verified.
Route 44 Hitchhiker
Eyewitnesses describe the apparition as being in his forties, usually wearing a plaid shirt, and has red hair. In nearly every account he has a strange sneer on his face and a haunting laugh. Differences in his physical description are apparent from account to account. Sometimes he's neatly dressed, other times his hair is a mess and his clothes are unkempt.
Mystery Investigation
There is no physical evidence that the hitchhiker on Route 44 is real. There are no voice recordings, or photos to support the story.
The descriptions of him vary, and no records exist on a possible identity.
More recently, thanks to the internet a name surfaced as a possible identity, “Herbie Redd”. The man was a farmer who was hit and killed on the same stretch of road while trying to change a tire. In checking obituaries and death certificates "Herbie Redd" couldn't be verified. There has been no activity reported since 1984. Why?
Rehoboth Village Cemetery
"Old Ephraim" is the leading attraction at the Cemetery. Since 1994, there have been repeated manifestations of this particular entity. Ephraim, as he is known, is dresses in 19th century clothing. It’s said that he has dark sockets instead of eyes, but it’s his behavior rather than his appearance which makes him stand out. Ephraim sneers at everyone, and he has a particular distaste for women. He yells vulgarities, makes obscene gestures towards women and has even been known to pounds on car windows of female visitors to the cemetery. One witness claimed she heard him yelling the name Catherine, when they visited the cemetery, the female visitor became frightened by what she was hearing so she fled the cemetery, but when she looked back, she saw the ghost of Ephraim kneeling over the ghost of a woman. Ephraim was beating her, and then they vanished.
Mystery Investigation
There are six (6) males by the name "Ephraim" buried in the cemetery. None are connected to a "Catherine" or "Katherine" either by marriage or having any children by that name. There is no information on the area of the cemetery.
The New England Ghost Files (1994), by Charles Turek Robinson (1962-2017), is filled with many interesting ghost stories. As the author states, the identities of those who witnessed these events had been changed. As a result, these witness accounts can't be verified.
Route 44 Hitchhiker
Eyewitnesses describe the apparition as being in his forties, usually wearing a plaid shirt, and has red hair. In nearly every account he has a strange sneer on his face and a haunting laugh. Differences in his physical description are apparent from account to account. Sometimes he's neatly dressed, other times his hair is a mess and his clothes are unkempt.
Mystery Investigation
There is no physical evidence that the hitchhiker on Route 44 is real. There are no voice recordings, or photos to support the story.
The descriptions of him vary, and no records exist on a possible identity.
More recently, thanks to the internet a name surfaced as a possible identity, “Herbie Redd”. The man was a farmer who was hit and killed on the same stretch of road while trying to change a tire. In checking obituaries and death certificates "Herbie Redd" couldn't be verified. There has been no activity reported since 1984. Why?
Rehoboth Village Cemetery
"Old Ephraim" is the leading attraction at the Cemetery. Since 1994, there have been repeated manifestations of this particular entity. Ephraim, as he is known, is dresses in 19th century clothing. It’s said that he has dark sockets instead of eyes, but it’s his behavior rather than his appearance which makes him stand out. Ephraim sneers at everyone, and he has a particular distaste for women. He yells vulgarities, makes obscene gestures towards women and has even been known to pounds on car windows of female visitors to the cemetery. One witness claimed she heard him yelling the name Catherine, when they visited the cemetery, the female visitor became frightened by what she was hearing so she fled the cemetery, but when she looked back, she saw the ghost of Ephraim kneeling over the ghost of a woman. Ephraim was beating her, and then they vanished.
Mystery Investigation
There are six (6) males by the name "Ephraim" buried in the cemetery. None are connected to a "Catherine" or "Katherine" either by marriage or having any children by that name. There is no information on the area of the cemetery.
- Taunton
Father Wilson Cemetery 1846-1916 The Father Wilson Cemetery is located at 475 East Britannia Street. The cemetery is named after Fr. Richard A. Wilson who served as a priest at St. Mary's Church from 1846-1849. The cemetery is owned by the Fall River Diocese and closed to burials. Over the years the cemetery was neglect by the public, so at some point in 1956, Msgr. James Dolan of St. Mary's Church, who served as priest from 1935 to 1969, had all the broken gravestones removed and secured the cemetery with an iron fence. The gravestones that were removed were placed in St. Francis Old Cemetery, section 8. However, the remains of 600 individuals interred here remained.
In 1956 a monument was placed to honor the 600 individuals. According to Find a Grave 499 individuals have been identified. Where Fr. Wilson is buried is unknown.
In 1956 a monument was placed to honor the 600 individuals. According to Find a Grave 499 individuals have been identified. Where Fr. Wilson is buried is unknown.
Mayflower Cemetery
The Potter's Field, also known as section 34, is located at the far end of Mayflower Hill Cemetery, was used from 1862 to 1962 and contains 1015 markers, but the actual number of those buried there is much higher.
The grave markers are for those who were indigent, transient, and patients from Taunton State Hospital. Many of these people battled debilitating illnesses, both mental and physical, and parents mourned babies and young children. Several buried here committed suicide, drowned, found dead, and even an 18-year old who was "shot during a riot in Boston in 1863".
Many of the plots hold multiple bodies, often several young children. In many some cases babies were buried with unrelated adults to conserve space. On a few occasions bodies were "removed" to other cemeteries and those graves were re-used.
The Potter's Field, also known as section 34, is located at the far end of Mayflower Hill Cemetery, was used from 1862 to 1962 and contains 1015 markers, but the actual number of those buried there is much higher.
The grave markers are for those who were indigent, transient, and patients from Taunton State Hospital. Many of these people battled debilitating illnesses, both mental and physical, and parents mourned babies and young children. Several buried here committed suicide, drowned, found dead, and even an 18-year old who was "shot during a riot in Boston in 1863".
Many of the plots hold multiple bodies, often several young children. In many some cases babies were buried with unrelated adults to conserve space. On a few occasions bodies were "removed" to other cemeteries and those graves were re-used.
Rocking Chair Gravestone
There are several stories surrounding this grave located in Mayflower Cemetery. Some claimed she died from falling backwards in a chair, others claimed she died in a house fire. Some of the stories claim the chair glows-in the dark.
Mystery Investigation
The child-size rocking chair grave marks the grave of Pearl E French (1878-1882), who died of meningitis. The monument has an inscription "Her vacant chair". The choice of an empty chair as Pearl’s grave marker can be explained by a popular poem about the heartbreak of childhood mortality published in a magazine in 1850 by Richard Coe, Jr. entitled "The Vacant Chair". The scroll style gravestone next to Pearl's is her cousin Vera Lucille Johnson (1880-1884). Vera also died from meningitis.
There are several stories surrounding this grave located in Mayflower Cemetery. Some claimed she died from falling backwards in a chair, others claimed she died in a house fire. Some of the stories claim the chair glows-in the dark.
Mystery Investigation
The child-size rocking chair grave marks the grave of Pearl E French (1878-1882), who died of meningitis. The monument has an inscription "Her vacant chair". The choice of an empty chair as Pearl’s grave marker can be explained by a popular poem about the heartbreak of childhood mortality published in a magazine in 1850 by Richard Coe, Jr. entitled "The Vacant Chair". The scroll style gravestone next to Pearl's is her cousin Vera Lucille Johnson (1880-1884). Vera also died from meningitis.
- Westport
Original house on property, demolished 1969
101 Old Bedford Road
"Haunted House near Whites of Westport"
There are stories of Native American apparitions roaming through the house, unseen hands grabbing at them from under the bed or strange noises emitting from the house. There were reports of unexplained lights inside, despite there being no electrical service to the home and the windows and doorways being boarded up.
Mystery Investigation
The house was constructed in 1969 by Marie and Armand Brodeur, who had owned the property since 1943. The couple built the house after the original home on the property was torn down by the State of Massachusetts in 1968 for the construction of Interstate Route 195.
The Brodeur's never experienced any strange phenomena while living in the home and maintained that nothing paranormal has ever occurred at the home. The home wasn't built on top of a burial ground, although the Wordell Burial Ground is next to the property.
In 1979 the house was sold to a New Bedford school teacher. In 1985 the teacher moved out of the house, and it was left abandoned. In 1985 Sumner James Waring Jr. purchased it. Sumner was the owner of Waring Funeral Homes, based in Fall River. Sumner contemplated building an administrative office for his funeral home business at the site. Eventually he chose to build the office at another location, and the house was just left vacant. The house was later demolished; the parcel was sold.
"Haunted House near Whites of Westport"
There are stories of Native American apparitions roaming through the house, unseen hands grabbing at them from under the bed or strange noises emitting from the house. There were reports of unexplained lights inside, despite there being no electrical service to the home and the windows and doorways being boarded up.
Mystery Investigation
The house was constructed in 1969 by Marie and Armand Brodeur, who had owned the property since 1943. The couple built the house after the original home on the property was torn down by the State of Massachusetts in 1968 for the construction of Interstate Route 195.
The Brodeur's never experienced any strange phenomena while living in the home and maintained that nothing paranormal has ever occurred at the home. The home wasn't built on top of a burial ground, although the Wordell Burial Ground is next to the property.
In 1979 the house was sold to a New Bedford school teacher. In 1985 the teacher moved out of the house, and it was left abandoned. In 1985 Sumner James Waring Jr. purchased it. Sumner was the owner of Waring Funeral Homes, based in Fall River. Sumner contemplated building an administrative office for his funeral home business at the site. Eventually he chose to build the office at another location, and the house was just left vacant. The house was later demolished; the parcel was sold.