Anna Damon - Reading, MA
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 42° 31.575 W 071° 06.219
19T E 327220 N 4710352
The grave of 27 year old Anna Damon, who died of natural smallpox, is located in Laurel Hill Cemetery at 25 Lowell Street, Reading, MA.
Waymark Code: WMYXJY
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 08/07/2018
Views: 0
The 18th century, slate, headstone of Anna Damon contains a soul effigy in the lunette and an inscription that provides an interesting glimpse of life in Puritan New England.
In memory of
Mrs. Anna Damon the wife of
Ensn. Daniel Damon who died
of the natural Small Pox Jany.
16th 1793 in the 28th year of
her age. She was married in the
18th year of her age. She had
seven sons successively & 1 Daughter
four of which lie at her side.
Too gen'rous friends why shed ye tears?
Weep not for me; but turn your cares
Upon yourselves left to fight your way
Thro life's rough course to to endless day
Death's path was trod by Christ my king
Which makes it gain to die in him.
Interestingly, the inscription mentions natural smallpox. At this time inoculation against smallpox was more of an art than a science and many died of smallpox by inoculation as opposed to natural smallpox. Also, having eight children in 10 years with four dying in childhood is not unusual during these times.
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