Oxford Historical Society Sponsors 'History In Our Cemeteries'

From The Oxford Historical Society: The Oxford Historical Society will sponsor "History in our Cemeteries,"Sunday, May 7 at 2 p.m. The program will start St. Peter's Episcopal Church with a brief talk and instructions. Participants will walk to the Episcopal and Congregational Cemeteries on Governor's Hill Road.

Nancy Farnum and Essie Lydon have selected a number of tombstones to be featured. Included will be the graves of Joseph and Elizabeth Twitchell, who built the Twitchell-Rowland Homestead, now the Historical Society headquarters and museum. Twitchell is honored in the Episcopal cemetery with the gravestone inscription of useful member of society and a great benefactor to this church.

Early Oxford clergyman Johnathan Lyman's gravestone was provided by the Congregational Church as a token of their appreciation of his service of 17 years as the first settled minister of that church.

The tour will also feature the tombstone of Col. John Davis, a Chestnut Tree Hill resident, who was kidnapped by the British from his home farm during the American Revolution. He later escaped and swore allegiance to the American cause. There is a window in St. Peter's church which commemorates his life.

The graves of Civil War soldier Edwin Alling and Civil War widow Authelia Smith Beach will also be visited and details of their lives explained.

An early Oxford industrialist, Robert Limburner, who owned the paper factory at Southford Falls State Park, will also be included. He was prominent in business, local government, and support of the Congregational Church.

Oxford's first Judge of Probate, Nathan J. Wilcoxson, will also be reviewed. He provided much of the information later published by W. C. Sharpe on Oxford History.

He also served as Town Clerk and Postmaster. His most important contribution to Oxford was his dedication to local education. His school visitor reports give vivid details of the district schools of his day.

Other selected graves to be visiting include Hiram Osborn, Nathaniel Walker, and others. The free program is open to the public and will include refreshments. The program will be held rain or shine.

Image Courtesy of Oxford Historical Society