By Maria Allen Photos by Dan Leahy
5 Gravestones of Note
Philip Fox Ship
Captain who achieved the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing in 1819.
Captain George Hall
Escaped pirates thanks to a commonality with the pirate’s captain–they were both Masons.
Persis Hall
Defied Revolutionary War blockade, sailing from Boston to Gloucester to obtain supplies.
William Hanlon
A member of the Hanlon-Lees, an acrobatic family who patented several inventions, including the aerial safety net.
Abraham Tower
A member of the Cohasset Militia, he participated in the Boston Tea Party at age 21.
To learn more, visit
cohassetcentralcemetery.com.
Cohasset Central Cemetery is set to unveil a new historical tour on October 20th, concluding a four-year project aimed at raising awareness for the historical site. Meticulously researched and designed, the self-guided tour immerses both residents and visitors in the stories of some of Cohasset’s most notable past residents.
Visitors to the cemetery, which is perched high on a hill overlooking the ocean, will discover plaques placed beside each featured gravesite (there are 64 on the tour). On each plaque is a QR code that connects to a website containing photos and information about the person’s life and significance to Cohasset. Gravestones were carefully cleaned and then documented by photographer Dan Leahy who captured thousands of images. A new printed brochure with an illustrated map was also produced and will be available at many locations around Cohasset, including the Cohasset Historical Society, the Paul Pratt Library, The Willcutt Commons Senior Center and the Cohasset Community Center.
“By using modern technology, we aim to engage Cohasset residents of all ages in exploring the cemetery and learning about the intriguing individuals who have shaped the community we cherish,” says Susan Spofford, chair of the cemetery historical committee. “It has been fascinating to learn about the men and women buried at the Cohasset Central Cemetery and how they contributed to our small community, through personal actions, business acumen, cultural influence, public service, and military service.”
