Jesse Pierson is also buried here. He was one of the parties in the famous law suit known as "The Fox Case" that established a precedent in the Law Courts in this State that holds even to the present time. This case was known as "Pierson versus Post." He also became one of the most noted schoolteachers in this entire locality.

This cemetery was incorporated in the year 19I 1 and received a small endowment from Mrs. Russell Sage.

Mecox Graveyard

The next oldest graveyard is that in Mecox. This has the distinction of having the earliest inscription on a tombstone of any graveyard in this entire locality: it is that of Anthony Ludlum, one of the earliest settlers of Mecox. who died March 17th. 1681-2. age 3I. Others are Isaac Nuton, who died May 20th. 1703-4. Benoni Nuton, March 4th, 1703- 4- Johanna Nuton. January 29th , 1703-04- Patience I,udlum, October 11th, I 708. Susanna Cook, January 4th. 1707-8: and others. But these are the earliest dates.

This cemetery was incorporated August 15th.,1917.

Poxabogue Graveyard

The oldest inscription here is that of Mrs. Martha Pierson, who died September 8th. 1773. Then Mrs. Phebe Pierson, February 23rd, 1782. Matthew Pierson. October 17th. 1798. It was in this graveyard that the man with the "Pirate's Belt" was buried. I have heard Mr. Charles H. Hildreth relate this story many times. He said, "I had often heard this story told about the 'Money Belt.' Uncle Stephen Topping said that years before he had talked with an old Montauk squaw about this mat- ter. and she said that a brig came in and anchored off Shagwannock. and that the Indians went off to her in their boats, and never came back. In the morning the brig was gone. Some supposed they were pirates. and, planning to disband, wanted the boats to scatter in different directions, then scuttled the brig and sent her with the Indians to the bottom together." I think probably she was a Slaver, and that the poor Indians. Instead of going to the

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bottom off Shagwannock, were taken down South and sold into slavery.

About this time a sick man stopped for the night at the home of Timothy Pierson, Sr., in Poxabogue. (see 1750 map). In the morning he was so ill that he could not continue his journey, and soon died. Just before he died he said to Mrs. Pierson, "I wear a belt". She said they buried him in his clothes, belt and all. About midnight, following the burial, lights were seen in this graveyard, which is just across the road from the Pierson house. (See same map). Mr. Hildreth said, "I have my own opinion on this subject, others are welcome to theirs, but I suppose that grave was robbed. At any rate, soon after this incident, a certain family in that neighborhood appeared to be in very different financial condition, and the change was very apparent, for that same year a new house was built on the hill east of the old Pierson home." This was the Timothy Pierson. Jr. house, which was bought some years ago by Mrs. Russell Sage.

When the Sylvanus Topping farm (which is located just south of this graveyard) was bought by the Town of Southampton for a "Poor House", a strip of land several rods wide across the south end of this graveyard was taken in from the highway, and added to the graveyard for a burial place for the Town poor.

This cemetery was incorporated in the year 1898, when Mrs. Russell Sage gave a small endowment, the income of which was to be used in caring for this plot where some of her ancestors were buried.

Wainscott Graveyard

Many of the older graves in this graveyard are not marked with monuments. The earliest inscription I find there is that of Joseph Stratton. who died December 25th,1722. Then John Talmage, November and. 1764. The other dates are around 1800 and later.

This cemetery was incorporated in the year 1838, with a small endowment fund. Here lie the remains of a number of men who took an active part in the history of their country, but whose last resting place is unmarked by any monument. This should not be so.

There is Jonathan Osborne, born June, 1737, died November, 1814. He was a private in Capt. Hallock's Militia Co. of Bridgehampton, in the Revolution, took part in the battles of Trenton and Long Island. Then Jedediah Osborne, Jonathan's father, and Daniel Hoppin, a private in Capt. Ezekiel Nulford's Co., also William Miller, and no doubt many ethers. (See 1800 map).

Hay Ground Graveyard

I here quote Mr. Addiscn M. Cook. "In the burying ground at Hay Ground are many silent sleepers who in their day witnessed stirring scenes, and took an active part in many of the great events of the past, that. could we know them, would be intensely interesting to this generation. It may be quite as important, however, to keep the memory of their service green in the country where they first saw the light, where they performed their life work, and where those of us living are reaping the benefits that their strong arms, determined will, and undaunted patriotism bequeathed to us a legacy of priceless worth, secured to us by unremitting toil, hardship and suffering.

"On adjoining farms at Hay Ground there lived in ancient times, two men, long since dead, whose lives are worth recording, if for no other reason than that they were soldiers in the struggle for liberty and independence, they served under Gen. Washington, both survived the war, and lived to a great age, each being upwards of ninety years of age at the time of his death. and their bodies are buried so closely together in the graveyard at Iiay Ground that on the resurrection morn they lived in easy speaking distance of each other.

"Capt. Sylvanus Halsey was born December 5th, I755, and died May 27th, 1851. He served for about seven years, or through the war. He was honorably discharged and paid off in continental currency. After his retirement from the regular army, he was made captain of militia.

The other was David Cook, born in the year 1720, and died December I5th, 1814, in the 94th year of his life. He was at home on his farm during the greater part of the time that the War of the Revolution was being waged on eastern Long Island. His stock and farm crops were constantly being taken by troops of Hessian soldiers, until he became exasperated to such an extent, that at the

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age of about 60 years, he enlisted May 3rd, 1780. in the 5th New York Regiment of the line, and served until the following December 6th. It is said that Stephen Talmadge, another veteran of the War for Independence, is buried here but there is no marker to his grave. It is very probable that Abraham and Thomas Halsey, sons of the elder Ethan are also buried here, but there is no way to prove it.

"There are also veterans of the war of 1812 interred in this old graveyard. Brigadier General Abraham Rose, born in I765, and died August 22nd.1843. A man of marked ability and achievement. During this war he had command of all the troops on eastern Long Island. Then there was Dr. Rufus Rose, brother of General Abraham, born March 19th. 1775, died June 9th. 1833 was surgeon of the militia. A graduate of Columbia University of New York, and practiced in Bridgehampton for about 40 years. Another man of marked ability, Elisha Halsey ,a younger brother of Sylvanus, born September 11th, 1776, died October 20th, 1859, was drummer for his company in the 1war of 1812.

"There is one more grave where rests the mortal remains one of Bridgehampton's greatest men. a great son of a great man. It is that of Colonel Edwin Rose, born February 14th. 1807, and died suddenly at Jamaica. Long Island. while Provost Marshal of the first Congressional District of New York, on the evening of January 12th. 1864. It was said, 'He died as he wished to die, in the uniform of his country’s service.' He entered West Point Military Academy as a cadet in June, 1826, graduating therefrom in the class of 1830. and was commissioned to duty in the Third Artillery, U. S.

Here, as in many other graveyards, are graves unmarked. The earliest date I find is that of Sarah Haine, December 2Ist 172I . Then Captain Josiah Topping, January 11th, 1775-6. Mrs. Sarah Cook, May 1729. James Hains. September 6th. I732. Johathan Rcgers. October 7th, 1732. Olladiah Cock, -August 1733.

This cemetery was incorporated in 1913; and is endowed by a gift from Mr. Rufus Rose.

Scuttle Hole Graveyard

For the location of this old graveyard see maps for 1800 and 1850. There is no way of determining just how early this was used as a burial place, but from an old record, Silas Cook, son of Silas Cook was buried there in I732. Prudence, wife of Silas Cook, 1754. Daniel, son of Daniel and Abigail Baker died 1760. Nathan Sandford, died February 27th. 1778, aged 66 years. Thomas Sandford (see 1750 map), February 23rd, 1787; and the Rev. James Browne, who died April 22nd, 1788.

Some of the monuments were removed by the relatives of those interred there, and a goodly number were moved to; the Old Cemetery in Bridgehampton. This work was done by Messrs. William E. Overton and George McCaslin, who were employed by Mr. Henry N. Corwith.

I wish to relate an incident in connection with the disinterment of those bodies, which is really the sequel to a story I will tell later, but in this case I will reverse the order and relate the sequel first.

In digging a grave the soil becomes mixed, so when put hack into the grave it never settles as it n as originally. If at any time in the future this grave is dug out, the walls of the grave remain intact, and the mixed soil remains separate. In digging out the graves in this cemetery these men found in every case, the walls of the graves were not plumb, but all slanted toward the valley to the east, and this slant was from 15 to 18 inches out of perpendicular. I submitted this problem to a noted geologist, whose solution was as follows: "This graveyard is on the westerly side of that valley where is located that range of ponds, known in geology as 'kettles', and at some time since these graves were dug, there has been an earthquake that shook this ground and caused it to settle toward these kettles. In other words there has been a landslide. "Mr. -Hanson Cook said that between 1799 and the year 1800, there was a severe earthquake in this locality. This without doubt caused this landslide. In digging out one grave they went so deep that they became discouraged in their efforts to find the remains, yet they kept on, until at a depth that no man could have gotten out of alone they found the remains. On the map for 1800 map be found the location of the bones of two men bearing the same

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name, viz: Elisha Halsey. The one on the Hay Ground Road was a loyal citizen, and served his country in time of war, while the one living on the north road was a "Tory”. H e was also called "Wicked Lish".

This man had a neighbor with whom he had quarreled, and as time went on this belligerent condition grew worse rather than better until it became almost a feud. Now, it happened that this neighbor was the one employed in that locality as gravedigger. Then as now, the years came and went, and in the course of events, Lish was taken sick and died. A plot was selected in the Scuttle Hole Graveyard, and the neighbor, the grave digger, was asked to dig the grave, to which he agreed. There was more or less superstition prevailing at that time, particularly in regard to graveyards and such places.

A lone man was passing along the road the day in question and his attention was attracted by strange, weird sounds and groans. H e stopped and listened, became very much alarmed and fearful, for the sounds appeared to emanate from the nearby graveyard. This fact made him still more fearful, but it being day time, he mustered courage enough to investigate.

On approaching the graveyard he saw a mound of fresh earth, and the groans and mutterings became more and more distinct and were interspersed with utterances not altogether of a pious character. Then he became bold and advanced to where he could look into the open grave, where he found the old gravedigger engaged in a desperate but futile effort to get out of the pit he had just dug. When asked "What in the world are you trying to do?" He replied. "I am trying to get out of this hole, as you might know". "Well, what is it for?" "It is a grave for old Lish Halsey", said he. "Why did you dig it so deep, you can never get out of that hole without help". "I do not know as I can, but I will tell you it is just this, I meant that old Lish Halsey should be the last man up at the Resurrection, if getting him down deep would do it." The sequel proved the story.

Water Mil Graveyard

At a Town Meeting held April 1st, 1729. "It was voted by the neighbors that ye water mill shall have one acre of land for a burying place between Israel Rose's and Abiel Cook's." ( For location of all of these places see map for 1750). This is the time that this graveyard was established. This vote taken at a Town Meeting held  April 1st, 1729, was later supplemented by an order of the Town Board of Trustees passed at a meeting held October 3Ist, 1746, and recorded in Vol. I of the Town Trustees Records, page 51. Martyn Rose was the first man of the Rose family to locate here, and was also the first one to be buried in this graveyard. The date of his death is not given. There are but few very cld inscriptions in this burial place. It was incorporated in 1924.

Old Graveyard in Bridgehampton

In writing the history of this "Old Bridgehampton Burying Ground" I am certain I cannot write anything that will be so complete as the article written by the late Judge Henry P. Hedges and published in the Bridgehampton "News" of September 29th, 1910, which I quote as follows:

"East of the Presbyterian Church and south of the Main Street in Bridgehampton, lies the ancient burying ground, used in common by residents near that center, to which was added on the east many lots, part of Mill Hill, and-title to which was in the name of individual owners, all these lots are fenced together as one enclosure and now incorporated.

"I have been urged strongly to write an article on this burying ground, on the plea that if I don't nobody will, and thus much of its history will be lost in oblivion. The undertaking would be formidable to one in middle, and is more so to me, in my 93rd year, with powers so deficient and memory impaired.

"I commence with alarm at my own temerity. Within this enclosure rests the bodies of three persons over 90 years of age, and I must soon be laid with them. There rest the remains of two County Judges and Surrogates, and there, and not long. survivors will carry my body, to where their bodies repose.

"In that hallowed ground was buried all that is mortal of two presidential electors, of six ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of three Members of Assembly of this State, of twelve master mariners. of two surgeons of the Revolutionary War, of fourteen dead veterans who fought in the war for the Restoration of the Union, of a son of Bridgehampton

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who made a name memorable and illustrious as an artistic painter.

"If we look at eminence attained, eloquence displayed, enterprise exhibited, heroism illustrated, patriotism signalized, virtue enthroned, piety predominate. all this speaks specifically from the mounds in the Bridgehampton Burying Ground. From the general I now state personal examples.!"

Aunt Phebe Smith, so commonly known, died April 24th, 1872, aged over 94 years, an example of industry, untiring, of resolution unswerving, of self denial persevering, a person persevering under the most arduous conditions, attaining a competency by honest endeavor, and leaving a name untarnished.

"Oliver Halsey died January 6th, 1885, having attained nearly the great age of 95 years. The son of William Halsey, a farmer, he lived and died in the same occupation, leaving to his descendants unencumbered and unimpaired, the inheritance received from his father, much improved.

"Jerusha Halsey, widow of Daniel Halsey, died August 29th, 1843, aged 92 years. She was the great-grandmother of William D. Halsey. a woman of strong character and saintly faith. In a terrible thunderstorm, her family proposed moving into another room, she said, 'Stand still, and see the salvation of God.' They did so, and the other room was soon struck so hard, that if there, death would have been their fate."

Daniel Halsel, my great grandfather, who was a private in the war of the Revolution, is buried in this graveyard.

"Abraham T. Rose, born in 1792, died April 28th. 1857. and Hugh Halsey, born January 25th. 1794, died May 29th. 1858, were both Judges of the County of Suffolk, both chosen presidential electors, Halsey in 1844,, and Rose in 1848, both voting for candidates who became Presidents of the United States, both graduated from Yale College in 1814. As lawyers, each attained eminence. In eloquence as an advocate, Rose for a long time, had no equal at the Suffolk County bar. He was a man gifted by natural mental endowments of preeminent ability with winning ways, sympathetic sensibilities, generous impulses, magnetic personality, and was admired and loved as a general favorite.

"Hugh Halsey- was a scholar, thoughtful, studious, methodical, industrious. There was nothing superficial in his character. He was all that he appeared to be, and more. He was honest from principle, not policy. He was no creature of freaks, or queerisms. The balance of his mind was even. His sense of justice dominant. His perception clear. His judgment correct. He was not gilded over, but gold clear through. As Member of Assembly in 1823-24, as Surrogate from 1827 to 1840, and first judge of the County, from 1823 to 1847, as presidential elector in 1814, an as secretary of the electoral body, as surveyor general of the State from 1845 to 1848, and Member of the Senate in 1854 and 1855. he was weighed often and not found wanting.

"James M. Halsey, son of Judge Hugh, born May 22nd, 1825, died March 22nd, 1899, was supervisor of this town, and in 1868 was Member of Assembly of this State.

"The gravestone over the body of Samuel H. Rose, father of Judge Abraham, records his birth as dated May 29th, 1761, and his death as occurring July 10th 1832,and the fact that he served as surgeon in the army of the Revolution, in the War for Independence of the united States. He was a physician in Bridgehampton, practicing there almost all his manhood life. Samuel Rose, grandson of this Samuel, and son of Judge Abraham T., born June 2Gth, 1827, died August 3oth, 1850, graduated M. D. at the Medical College in New York City, March 8th. 1850. cut down an only son in early manhood, 2nd mas buried near his father, and with him was buried that father's hopes. The tragedies recorded in graveyards are real, are fearful. ' 'Tis the survivor dies'.

"The mortal remains of Doctor Stephen Halsey, lying near those of his son. Judge Hugh. He died January 25th. 1837. aged 80 years. He is said to have served in the army of the Revolution, as a surgeon. In the war for t the Restoration of the Union of the United States, Charles E. Halsey, son of Judge Hugh, and Nathan Wright, son of Doctor Levi D. Wright. were surgeons or assistant surgeons in the Union Army. Levi D. Wright was a medical practitioner

in Bridgehampton for nearly fifty years. John L. Gardiner was a like practitioner in the same village. and for over half a century. His father, David Gardiner, in his later years, lived, died and his body was buried in the same cemetery, where all these members of the medical profession rest. Over their remains, monuments tell dates of

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their birth, death and the profession which they followed. The limits allow no minutia of their lives, or eulogy of their successful careers. yet this history of this cemetery demands mention, though brief, of names worthy of lasting remembrance, and in number far exceeding that found usually in any village cemetery.

"Near the wide gate on the east side of the cemetery is a massive and graceful monument of the Hedges family, marking the grave of Captain David Hedges, a veteran of the war of 1812. In the same enclosure was buried the body of his son David, and his grandson, David -Anson, M.D., practitioner of medicine in Kew York City, and with both skill and success.

"James H. Rogers. M. D., son of Nathan. and said to have served as surgeon in the Union army in the Civil war, was a skillful physician. His body rests in this cemetery.

"Six ministers of the everlasting gospel, laid down their lives in Bridgehampton. Whose bodies are in this cemetery, one excepted. – All the others labored in the gospel here from the first or nearly the first, to the last of their days. The body of Minister ]ames Browne, first buried in Scuttle Hole burying ground, near where he died. was by his descendants removed from there to this cemetery. Minister Browne died April 22nd, I788, aged 68 years. One writer reports him a native of Mendham. N. J.

"Thompson in his History of Long Island, records him as a descendant of the Rev. Chard Brown, and connected with that family of Browns made famous bv Brownn University. He graduated from Yale in 1747, was ordained minister of the church in Bridgehampton June 15th. 1748. 0ppressed with great bodily infirmities he resigned his pastoral charge March 27th , 1775. Tradition tells! of his massive frame, Melancholic temperament. robust common sense. Diffidence and distrust of himself, creditable scholarship, marital afflictions, in the decease of wives, and shadows of despondency. I once saw, (when and where I cannot recall) his copy of 'Edwards on the Will'. On the margin of the pages were written, profusely and fine, in his own handwriting, his thoughts, indicating keen perception, great power of abstract, argument, much ability of generalizing, bedrock power of reasoning. All authorities credit him with soundness in faith in the great foundation truths of revelation. His descendants have venerated his name, and largely inherited his physical power and intellectual mastery.

"Aaron Woolworth, D.D., born at Long Meadow. Mass. October 23 rd, 1763. died April 4th , 1821. Graduated from Yale in 1784. Ordained here August 30th. 1787. After a pastorate of 34 years, left a name revered in the church, honored in a large circle, recorded so fully on his monument,, and on the hearts of his people and in enduring and accessible publications, as to require nothing now or here of enlargement. Obscurity and oblivion will not for ages cloud his name. His descendants inherited his genius, and will perpetuate his memory.

"The last lines above written with equal force apply to his successor, Rev. Amzi Francis, who was born at West Hartford, Conn. July 1st , 1793. Commenced preaching here in September, 1822, and was ordained pastor April 17th, 1823, and died Oct. 18th, 1845. In scholarship, in united labors in the Master's work in the purest, loftiest ideals, in spiritual fire, this man excelled. The testimony of the writer is that of a personal and living witness.

"The Rev. David M. Miller was born in Elizabethtown. S.J., June 12th. 1827, and died June 29th, 18jj. He was ordained. April 27th. 1854. He gave bright promise of great usefulness in the ministry of the Gospel. The silver trumpet soon fell from his hands. ***"*".

"Rev. Carlton P. Maples. minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church died here in the 37th year of his life, and 27th of his ministry in Ohio, and the farther west. and at St. James in Smithtown, L. I. His wife was Frances, daughter of Dr. David Gardiner and sister of Dr. John L. Gardiner, and the monument that narks his grave is adjoining theirs.

"Samuel Denison Rogers, son of Nathan, also became a minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He died in early manhood before long service had established a reputation, which his ability and rernarkably genial and sympathetic ways promised.

"Nathan Rogers, son of John T., farmer of Bridgehampton. Apprenticed to a ship builder in Hudson, N.Y.., wounded in the knee and lame and disabled for life from active locomotion. And oft defeated in attaining a life occupation that wouid sustain him, finally chose that of a printer. His story is a marvel of surprise and success. and is told

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interestingly in Thompson's History of Long Island , Vol. I- page 358: 'He attained the first rank for eminence in miniature and portrait painting in the city of New York, and what was then an independent fortune.' In later years he returned to Bridgehampton; built and resided in the dwelling now the Hampton House, which attests his genius in conception of harmony of proportions, completion of design and architectural beauty. The monument that marks his grave is near the northwest corner of the cemetery, where and near it, are the rnarked graves of his son, the minister last named, and the Doctor James H. Rogers.

"The names of great benefactors of our race designedly omitted here, would be base ingratitude to their memory. William Gardiner and Charles H. Rogers endowed on a solid foundation the Hampton Library in Bridgehampton. The widow of Mr. Rogers made a generous donation to that institution.

"By their last will and testament, John Corwith and his sister, Mrs. Phebe R. Riley, remembered and gave legacies to the Presbyterian Church. ***.

"In this burying ground were deposited the lifeless bodies of those dear to me, by the ties of friendship, affection and blood. There are buried my two brothers, Edwiin and Jeremiah. There my son Edwin, graduate of Yale in 1869, attorney and counselor-at-law, cut down in early life, with a career full of promise seemingly untimely blighted. There my wife Gloriana. whose departure left a shadow on my own life. I may not, and cannot adequately express.""".

"Before and in the Revolutionary War, Beriah Dayton commanded a small vessel running out of Sag Harbor. Deacon Stephen Rose told me in entering the port of New York, his vessel was taken by the British ship of war Asia, and as they were hoisting Captain Dayton and his vessel on board that vast ship. Dayton, who seemed not disturbed for himself, cried out, 'Be careful, she is an uncertain jade.' The earliest burials in this ground were made near the southwest corner, and extended approximately eastward from thence.,and in that corner was laid the body of Captain Dayton, noted in his day. His gravestone records the date of his death as September 27th. I 791. aged S$ years. His body is buried in East Hampton South End Graveyard.

"Bridgehampton's sons from its earliest days were adventurous. Many of them rose to be master mariners and commanders of whaling ships. In this cemetery were laid to final rest these I name: Capt. Uriah Sayre. Capt. Willian1 S. Topping, Capt. John Stein. Capt. Willian~Pierson, Capt. Benjamin H. Halsey, Capt. Samuel 73. Pierson, Capt. Josiah Foster. Capt. Alanson Topping, Capt. Isaac Ludlow for whose humanity the British Government awarded a medal of lasting merit, as a memorial of their gratitude in rescuing the officers and crew of a ship wrecked. and conveyed by him to a place whence the)- sailed to their homes.

"The graceful monument to the memory of the brothers Capt. James R. Huntting and Henry E. Huntting is not undeserved. Sons of Deacon Edward Huntting of Southampton, 'an Israelite in whom there was no guile,' descendant of that minister Huntting who for half a century administered in East Hampton for the flock of God's elect, born with great executive power, often called to ride on storm by sea and land, leading no life of tameness.

"They attracted many friends, and could not avert as a positive personality some dissent. Capt. James R. Huntting was full six feet six inches in height, and orf massive frame. He loomed up like Saul in stature, a King. Sometime supervisor of the town, always public- spirited, always promoting what he believed to be the public good in church and state.

“Henry E. Huntting was a long-time student of life-saving stations, and member of Assembly for several sessions. The adverse criticism hurled against both of these men was almost if not all political and transitory, dying before they died.

"Twelve master mariners, after lives of hardship and storm in peaceful end rest in this one enclosure. In the new (Edgewood) cemetery, where recently burials most frequently occur, are deposited the bodies of Capt. Jeremiah Ludlow, Capt. Charles A. Pierson and Capt. James A. Rogers, the last named died Feb. 36th. 1910. aged 92 years.

"The Gelston family, formerly residents in Bridgehampton, and to commemorate whom are many monuments in this cemetery, now reside elsewhere, and the name has no representation here. Deacon Maltby Gelston died September 22nd 1783. aged 60 years. The family had been prominent as advocates of the independence of the colonies, and

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after the battle of Long Island, he and his sons. David, William, John, Hugh and Thomas, fled to Connecticut. His son, John, died August 31st. 1834, aged 84 years. Phebe, wife of John Gelston. died October 29th, 1786, aged 39 years. """.

"Richard Lester, born in East Hampton, long resident in Sagaponack, where he died March 27th 1879, aged 82 years, and buried in this cemetery. His standard of fair and upright dealings was above all trickery and crookedness, and was an example far higher than that of many officials of our day. No blot of dishonor mars his fair name.

The publication of an article like this is open to adverse criticism, because other names worthy of mention are omitted. This is extended beyond ordinary limits, and must end somewhere. Let the critic credit me with charity, while I admit the truth of his charge. by saying I know how imperfect it is, and yet it is the best my age and infirmity and crippled activities permit me to do."                 "Bridgehampton, September 29th, 1910. "H. P. Hedges."

The Old Cemetery was never a part or included it1 the church property adjoining, though some have been of that opinion. The shape and location of this old graveyard may be seen by referring to the maps for.1800 or 1850. This old portion was simply a graveyard set apart and used by any one who chose, but its title was vested in the Trustees of the Proprietors of the common land of the Town of Southampton, and they held that title until the time of incorporation, as will be noted later. The new, or easterly portion was formerly owned by the - Atlantic Steam Mills Co. and was later bought by William Hand, who laid it out into cemetery lots and sold it to individuals.

When this cemetery was incorporated., both the old, as well as the new part, were legally united and included into the one. The Proprietors having quit- claimed their right, title and interest, and released all claims of the Trustees and the majority of the lot owners in the new part, at a meeting held for that purpose, voted to incorporate the same under the Laws of the State of New York. This was accomplished February 4th, 191j, under the charter name "The Old Cemetery Association of Bridgehampton" under the management and control of sis trustees. The original trustees were as follows:

William D. Halsey, President. John C. Sayre, Secretary and Treasurer Wallace H. Halsey Samuel 0. Hedges

Henry N. Corwith William I. Halsey

In the above article written by Judge Henry P. Hedges, he states "there rest the remains of two County Judges and Surrogates, three persons over go years of age, three Members of Assembly of this State, and there I must soon be laid with them. “

It is now my sad duty to add to these numbers the name of the writer whom I quote, who died September 26th, 1911, within a few days of being 94 years of age. The above article having been written only about one year before his death. He was a man in no way inferior to those of whom he wrote. Unquestionably our greatest local historian, and apparently almost to the last "His eye was not dint. nor his natural force abated.

"His burial in the 'Old Burying Ground' adds one more to the number of those he refers to as having reached the age of over 90. One more to the number of County Judges and Surrogates. One more to the number of Members of Assembly.

Those now buried there, who were over 90 years of age are as follows: Mrs. Phebe Halsey 97 years. Oliver Halsey, g j years. Henry P. Hedges, 93 years, 11 months, 13 days. Mrs. Phebe Smith, 94 years. Miss Nancy Halsej-, 93 years, Mrs. Jerusha Halsey, 92 years. Jesse Woodruff. 92 years. Jeremiah Hedges, go years. Then he mentions six ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To this number I have to add the name of the Rev. Arthur Newman, who died December 8th. 1924. having served the Presbyterian Church in this place for almost 42 years. A thorough scholar, an eloquent preacher, a devoted pastor and an untiring worker: only one other minister of this church served a longer pastorate. He was really the prime mover toward the incorporation of the 'Old Burying

Ground,' and also toward the erection of the monument in memory of the Farmers, Sailors and Soldiers, that now stands in this village. There is one other tombstone to which I wish to call attention. It is the little monument ( a

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simile of the larger one by which it stands) located in the easterly part of the old portion of this cemetery, erected to the memory of "Mary Evelyn daughter of Capt. S. C. & M. A. Woodruff, died in Nagasaki, Japan, Aug. 19th ,1863, Ae. 1 yr. 6 mos." This little girl was brought home from that far country, in a cask of alcohol, or liquor of some kind, it being before the days of embalming, and also the necessity of secrecy owing to the superstition of the sailors regarding a corpse on shipboard.

To the number of ministers interred here is an- other t3at was buried here at his own request, having expressed such a desire while yet living. It is the Rev. Henry T. Rose, who died in the year 1919. There is still another to be included in the list of ministers buried here. it is the Rev. William Hedges, son of Henry P. Hedges. There is also another master mariner that Mr. Hedges has omitted. It is Capt. William S. Denison. who died May 22nd , 1862. For rescuing the crew of a French ship. that had been rendered helpless in a severe storm, and bringing them safely into port, the French Government presented him with a beautiful gold medal., which is now in possession of his descendants.

There is another grave in this cemetery worthy of mention. In the year 1840 the Rev. Henry F. Roberts was assigned to the Bridgehampton Methodist Episcopal Church as pastor. Ile had married Mary Crain, daughter of Daniel Crain of Jersey City. They had a little boy born to them in the parsonage. This house is still standing on the northerly side of Main street. At the birth of this child, Mrs. Crain died, and was buried in the Old Cemetery, where a white marble tombstone marks the grave.

This boy was named Daniel Crain Roberts, and became an Episcopal Minister. When the Centennial celebration was to be held in Philadelphia in 1576, he was requested to write a National anthem for that occasion, which he did. The first stanza of which is: "God of our fathers, whose almighty hand Leads forth in beauty all the starry band! Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies. Our grateful songs before thy throne arise."

Private Graveyards Now Discontinued

I again quote in part Mr. Hedges in regard to these: "Just south of the dwelling on the east side of Mitchel's Lane on the farm of the late Orlando