Old Brookside Cemetery

I am called “Old Brookside” and I was the first cemetery in Hampton Falls. The land I’m on was granted by the town of Hampton in 1704, and more land was granted at the time our Town Common was granted, in 1722.  At that time I was often called “the plains above the hill”.  For many years I was the only place for burials in our town. Many of my grave markers are made of stone or slate as was the custom in the 1700s. If you walk around, you will see that the weather over the years has deteriorated many of my gravestones beyond recognition.
In 1735 there was an epidemic of throat distemper here in Hampton Falls. As many as 210 persons died and nearly all of them were interred right here. It was said that if all the people who are buried here with me were alive, it is doubtful if they could stand in the space. So when you visit me and walk among the stones, know you may be treading on many unknown burials.

Please pause the audio and enter Old Brookside.

I am home to many influential citizens of our town who are resting in peace. You will see a Table Stone near my center, which is the grave of Meshech Weare. Weare was a Harvard College graduate and the first Governor of New Hampshire. For 35 years, Weare served in many influential political positions. Governor Weare Park where many children play sports is named after Meshech Weare.

Now look for the grave of Theophilus Cotton and you will be visiting the first minister of Hampton Falls who was described as “the fattest man in the country.”  Although constantly ill, Cotton spent many years “in diligent labor for the good of the people.”
Can you find the grave of Abbie Gove? Sarah Abbie Gove was a remarkable unmarried woman who oversaw the 60 acre gardens and orchards of Elmfield where she welcomed Quakers and John Greenleaf Whittier to her home.
Look now for the grave of Billy Dodge, who died in 1798.  Inspect the carving at the top of the gravestone. The unusual design of a headed figure above an urn, with tassels and drapery is the work of Jeremiah Lane. Lane was one of 16 children from Hampton and is the only known gravestone carver native to the Seacoast region. Jeremiah Lane was a thoughtful and religious man who carved his art onto gravestones in Hampton Falls and in nearby towns for nearly 30 years from about 1776 to 1799.
Feel free to visit and read the gravestones of more of my friends who are here resting in peace.