Nomination for Wright Cemetery

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service RECEIVED 2280 1372 BT 25 2005 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form OCT 2 5 2005 IAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACE ATIONAL PARK SERVIC This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions.

Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name. Wright Cemetery other names/site number. 2. Location street & number Groton Road - _ not for publication city or town. Westford -vicinity state Massachusetts code_MA county_ Middlesex code_017 -zip code 01886 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this Dnomination - request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.

In my opinion, the property meets - does not meet the National Register Criteria.I recommend that this property be considered significant - nationally - statewide @locally. (- See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Brosa Suman 10/14/05 Signature of certifying official/Title Brona Simon, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Date Massachusetts Historical Commission State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property meets - does not meet the National Register criteria. (- See continuation sheet for additional Comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification I, hereby certify that this property is: Mentered in the National Register - See continuation sheet. - determined eligible for the National Register - See continuation sheet.

- determined not eligible for the National Register - removed from the National Register - other (explain): Belt Date of Action 12/6/05 Wright Cemetery Name of Property 5. Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) - private xpublic-local - public-State - public-Federal Middlesex, MA County and State (Check only one box) -building(s) - district xsite _ structure - object Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) Contributing Noncontributing Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) n/a 1 3 _building _ sites _ structures 3 2 7 2 _ objects Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 6.

Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Funerary: Cemetery Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Funerary: Cemetery Z. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation_ walls roof other granite, slate, limestone, marble Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts Section number Z Page 1 7.

NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION Introduction The landscape layout, appearance, and gravestone art of the Wright Cemetery derives from design characteristics of the pre-industrial burial grounds. These characteristics consist mainly of the slate markers and the utilitarian, formerly agricultural landscape. The burial ground was owned until the 20t* century by one of the many nearby farm families named Wright. In 1909, the town Cemetery Commissioners suggested the private cemetery be cared for by the town as were Fairview, Westlawn, and Hillside Cemeteries. The parcel of land including the cemetery was later given to the town. Cemetery occupants influenced the town's history and appearance and continue to do so by virtue of their artfully carved gravestones. War veterans, mill operatives, farmers, and business people occupy the approximately 150 visible historic burials.

Markers are made mostly from slate as well as from other materials. The earliest gravestones are from the Federal Period and appear in the form of shouldered-arched and flat-topped stelae (rectangular or arched tablets or slabs), the largest of which belongs to Lieutenant Nahum Wight. (Note: There are occupants named both Wight and Wright.) Monuments from the Victorian Period take the form of an obelisk and carved marble stelae. Slate continued to be used until 1854 although marble and granite were becoming more common at that time. Grave markers are mostly arranged in rows oriented east to west with inscriptions on older stones typically facing south. Landscape Land comprising the Wright Cemetery belonged in 1836 to Bela Wright who was granted, with some neighbors, permission by the town to keep a burial ground.

The appearance at the time was likely that of a field of grass with a few small slate gravestones. The nearly square, flat, grass-covered parcel is located along the north side of a straight segment of Groton Road (MA Route 40). Boundaries of the cemetery are lined on the north, east and west with a fence four feet in height consisting of granite posts and 4"x4" rails. The Groton Road (south) boundary has a two-to four-foot high mortared fieldstone wall with a split granite capstone. Entrance to the cemetery is thorough an opening in the wall at about the mid-point where a pair of stout, low, granite posts support a wooden gate. Pedestrian access is through gaps beside the gate and secondary granite post. A modern flagpole occupies a site just inside the east entry.

Historic burials occupy approximately ½ acre while the remaining four acres of reserve ground are in an undeveloped farm field outside the historic granite post and wood rail fence. Granite elements may have been quarried locally given the prominence of that industry in the north part of town. Plot definition occurs in three instances with simple granite curbs. The most pronounced is approximately 24 inches in height and encompasses the Albion Wright family plot. Steps to access the plot are flanked by low (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts Section number Z Page 2 pyramidal piers, which also mark the corners of the plot.

Other plot-defining curbs lack corner piers and rise only slightly above ground level. Curbs enclose square and rectangular plots of from eight to twenty feet per side. Markers The Wright Cemetery reflects trends in gravestone development in its variety of slate, marble, and granite markers. Slate and marble are the oldest surviving materials used for marking burials. Slate is frequently carved in shouldered arches that range in height from one foot to approximately five feet. They demonstrate a relatively crude, hand-cut appearance, a well-designed and possibly machine-cut sharpness, and several levels of workmanship in between. Quality of workmanship ofthe slatemarker is sometimes obscured by the fact that the stone has deteriorated or been broken. Inscriptions also vary in quality and detail. The simplest have fine, narrow letters with little relief or depth.

Later slate stones from the 19# century are more likely to demonstrate clear, deep, stylized letters with a pronounced serif, well thought out organization relative to the shape of the stone, and a tooled finish to set off the inscription panel, ornament, and banding at the edge of the stone. Slate markers from the earliest period appear in a variety of shapes. Many are rectangular with an arched top, which may be representative of the figurative portal between life and death. The shape is also considered an abstraction of the human head and shoulders. This form of marking the passage from life is a Puritan concept brought from Boston and elsewhere during the region's period of first settlement and endured into the early 19'h century. Eighteen slate markers exist in Wright Cemetery and have dates from 1819 to 1854. Miss Sally Stevens (d.

1848 at 43 years of age) has a typical shouldered arch-topped slate marker. It is inscribed with urn and willow motif above a central oval panel for inscription of her name and dates. Flanking the inscription are ay pocal souildoa d aeh romp d nlae ma classical columns of the Doric order. This was the work of B. Day, gravestone carver from Lowell, Massachusetts. Prior to the Federal Period, the event of death was considered a common reality whose dim portent reflected the stern view of life as a struggle for survival. Subsequently, New Englanders' view of death adopted a sentimental quality that spoke more of the emotional state of those left behind than of the journey of the deceased, causing the replacement of darkly spiritual carvings with abstract sorrowful imagery. Urn and willow de spre bding tl o eat oe Enlyetenmenit.

Bott slat" and marand ma bers d onibla shisalate usenes xarly d by. century motif that is an icon of sorrow and grief. A highly ornamented slate marker is that of Lucy Osgood from 1854. The arched top is decorated with an urn and willow motif carved with a high level of detail including the oval background which has a hatched or tooled finish. The use of classically inspired columns in gravestone design, frequently of the Doric order, is evidence of the pervasive influence of classical imagery popularized by the Enlightenment. The stone of Nahum Wight has a design similar to Lucy Osgood's and includes Doric columns beside the inscription panel as well as tooled finish and geometric rounds, symbols of the eternal nature of death. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts Section number Z Page 3 Additional marker types in the form of an obelisk, Gothic designs and marble tablets with biblical and classical symbolism appeared during the Victorian Period. The single obelisk in Wright Cemetery is carved from gray granite and commemorates the lives of Joel Wright (1782-1834) (Photo 2) and his wife Sally (d. 1869 at 79 years of age). This is the cemetery's tallest marker at around 10 feet. Gothic themes are carved into some markers, including the pointed arched stone of Mary Wright who died in 1871 at the age of 21. (Photo 2) Her marker has a recessed circle with inscribed flowers.

Beside her grave is a small slant marker inscribed with the word "baby," a common Victorian marker for those who died very young. Marble markers from the mid 19" century are usually rectangular with a flat top but sometimes have a cambered (segmental arched) or pointed top. Asa (d. 1877 at 78 years of age) and Bathsheba Wright (d. 1869 at 68 years of age) have matching marble stelae with cambered tops. These three-foot-high stones, which have edges set off by moldings, pendants and chamfers, are set on plinths and pedestals. Other marble tablets have tops articulated by a gradually sloping point that were erected in the mid 19* century. For example, Abbie M. Edes (d. 1859 at 15 years of age) and her relative Elvira (d. 1876) have this type of stone, as does Nathan Wright who died in 1846 at 57 years of age. 20* century military stones exist in the Wright Cemetery.

A small rectangular bronze marker mounted flush with the ground marks the resting place of Albert Picking (1915-1994) who served in the U. S. Army as a sergeant in World War II. Carvers Gravestones in the Wright Cemetery bear some identifying inscriptions by their carvers. B. Day is by far the most frequent name, appearing in around six instances. Markers for Sally Stevens (1848), Abigail Wight (1850), Nathan Wright (1846), Walter Wright (1830) and Abigail Wright (1835) were carved by Mr. Day. He worked in Lowell and craved gravestones now in cemeteries in many surrounding communities. Carvers T. Warren and D. Nichols, both of Lowell, carved the marble pointed arched stelae of Caleb Wight and Hannah Ryan from 1864 and 1863. (Photo 1) A. Sawtell of Groton carried out the shouldered arch form with urn and willow design on Lucy Osgood's slate marker from 1856.

(Photo 1) The Lowell shop of Andrews and Wheeler has one stone to its credit in the Wright Cemetery. Existing Conditions Repairs have been carried out in the cemetery on a regular basis since the 19" century, altering only slightly the appearance from its Federal Period beginnings. Slate stones are particularly susceptible to cracking and toppling given the weak structural nature of the material. Several different methods have been used to stabilize markers. There are some which have been re-set in concrete footings poured at ground level. Others have been re-attached at severed points with metal braces and bolts or cemented or glued across fractures. Both these measures were taken in order to conserve the 1846 marble marker for Nathan Wright. Most stones remain in (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts Section number Z Page 4 good to excellent condition. Some slate markers are difficult to read due to erosion. While very little vandalism appears to have taken place, damage has been sustained in many cases due to scraping by lawn-mowing equipment. Few ornamental plantings remain from past landscaping efforts. Aside from routine maintenance, repairs, and some deterioration over time, few changes have occurred in the Wright Cemetery. While records do not indicate as much, it is possible that, since few remain, footstones were removed as part of past efforts to tidy the grounds.

However, the large number of remaining 19th century markers makes it possible to get a clear sense of historical burial and gravestone carving techniques in Westford. Archaeological Description While no ancient Native American sites are known in the cemetery or in the general area (within one mile), sites may be present. Environmental characteristics of the cemetery represent locational criteria (slope, soil drainage, proximity to wetlands) that are favorable for the presence of Native American sites. The cemetery is located on a well drained, level to moderately sloping glacial outwash landscape in close proximity to wetlands. Wetlands associated with Snake Meadow Brook and Keyes Pond are located approximately 1,000 feet from northwest to northeast of the cemetery respectively. A small pond that feeds a tributary stream of Stony Brook is located approximately 1,000 feet to the south.

In spite of the above information, however, the potential for locating significant ancient Native American resources within the cemetery is low. Any ancient resources that were present were destroyed by excavation of at least 150 graves in the small (0.5 acres) cemetery lot. A moderate potential exists for locating significant historic archaeological resources at the Wright Cemetery. Additional documentary research combined with archaeological survey and testing may help locate unmarked graves and accurate boundaries of the cemetery that have been lost over time. The Wright family, owners of a farm in the area since the 18* century and the cemetery until the 20t century was granted with some neighbors, a privilege to keep a burial ground in 1836. The earliest death date is 1819 based on a gravestone date.

Unmarked graves may indicate earlier graves, possibly dating to the 18" century, and the establishment of the Wright farm. Unmarked graves may contain stratigraphic evidence of a burial shaft, coffin, and human remains, and artifacts related to the interred individual, memorial offerings, and cemetery maintenance. Gravestones and footstones may exist below ground. Post holes, granite posts, and other evidence of fences, boundary markers, and gates may also exist. (end) Wright Cemetery Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing.) xA Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. -B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. xC Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. -D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations (Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.) Property is: _A owned by religious institution or used for religious purposes. _B removed from its original location.

-C a birthplace or grave. XD a cemetery. -E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. -F a commemorative property. -G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on oneor more continuation sheets.) _Middlesex, MA County and State Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) Art Community Planning and Development Social History Period of Significance 1819-1955 Significant Dates Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) Cultural Affiliation Architect/Builder B. Day (carver) T. Warren D. Nichols A. Sawtell Andrews & Wheeler 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data: - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 x State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested - Other State agency -previously listed in the National Register - Federal agency - previously determined eligible by the National x Local government Register - University - designated a National Historic Landmark - Other - recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository: #. J.V. Fletcher library - recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #. NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number & Page 1 Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts 8. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The Wright Cemetery retains integrity of materials, setting, design, location, workmanship, feeling and association. It is eligible for the National Register under Criteria A and C at the local level and meets Criterion Consideration D as a cemetery which derives its significance from distinctive design features and association with historic events. The cemetery is significant under Criterion A for its association with historical events in the community such as service in the Revolutionary War and establishment of family burial grounds during the early 19t century.

It is eligible under Criterion C as an example of a burial ground containing gravestone carving representative of techniques commonly used in the period. The period of significance for the cemetery begins at its establishment in 1819 and extends to 1955. It has been in continuous use. Introduction Westford's Wright Cemetery first came into use around 1819, which is the time of the earliest death date on a gravestone. The town of Westford granted the privilege of a burying ground on Groton Road (then called the North Road) in 1836. Approximately two dozen stones survive from the first half of the 19* century. Gravestone ornament at the time was restrained and the surrounding landscape was allowed to appear as a grassy plot marked by slate headstones.

The most basic of maintenance schedules has allowed the cemetery to retain much of its historic appearance by virtue of the densely grouped slate markers near the road, the small scale of markers and the simple landscape unencumbered by modern paths and furniture. Burials are ongoing in the Wright Cemetery. The Wright Cemetery was the fourth of the town's historic cemeteries to be established. Westford's earliest cemetery was originally called the East Burying Ground and is now called Fairview Cemetery. (NR 2005) This is on Main Street east of the town center and came into use around the turn of the 18th century. The second burial ground was the former North Burial Ground established in 1753, now called Hillside and located at the corner of Depot and Nutting Roads. The West Burial Ground or Westlawn (NR 2005) was established in 1761 on Concord Road at Country Road.

Nearly all of those interred here belonged to the First Parish Church until 1829, the time of the the founding of the Congregational Church. 1819-1900 The Wright Cemetery occupies land that had been in use in the 18"h century as farmland belonging to one branch of the large Wright Family. Among the founders of the cemetery was an area resident named Bela Wright to whom, in 1836, the town voted to grant "the privilege of a burying ground on the North Road, between Caleb Wright's and Reuben Wright's, which is to be free of expense to the town." Records from an early meeting of Wright Burying Ground proprietors held on June 3, 1837 and recorded in the Records of the Proprietors of the Wright Burying Ground indicate the full list of founding residents as follows: (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts Section number & Page 2 Caleb Wright, Horatio Wright, Bela Wright, Walter Wright, Martin Wright, Asa Wright, Benjamin L. Wright, Jesse L. Wright and Joel A. Wright. Votes were taken at the meeting to name Caleb Wright as moderator and Jesse Wright as clerk. Caleb Wright was determined to have care of the burying ground. A single lot was voted to be kept for burials of strangers. Caleb Wright was chosen as agent to sell lots. There are eight gravestones with dates prior to the privilege granted by the town. These include Lieut. Nahum Wight (d. 1834 at 89 years of age), Abijah Wright (d. 1834 at 54 years of age), his wife Mary (d. 1831 at 55 years of age), Ellen Wright (d.

1830 at 28 years of age), and her children Francis and Henry who both died at less than one year of age in 1827 and 1828. Also, a single rectangular stele exists for two brothers, Jotham and Edmund Wright, whose deaths occurred in 1828 and 1819. However, this stone may be a cenotaph (a stone commemorating the death of a person interred elsewhere) since the Wright Brothers died in Dayton, (spelled Daton) Ohio and Mobile, Alabama. Jotham was a graduate of Harvard College in 1817. Other burials whose markers do not survive may also have occurred before the official establishment of the Wright Cemetery. Gravestones from the first half of the 1800s are typically located very close together. Family members tend to be adjacent to one another, frequently aligned in the order in which they died. No segregation based on ethnicity, occupation, military service, or wealth is apparent.

Most stones are around the same size, two to four feet high by one to three feet wide. Maintenance of the burial ground during this period was presumably the responsibility of a Wright family member. Nineteenth century residents of Westford who are buried in the Wright Cemetery consist mostly of farmers, several of whom were military veterans. Cemetery founder Bela Wright (d. 1859 at 62 years of age) worked as a farmer and lived 1/2 mile to the south on the current North Main Street. He also served in the War of 1812 according to notes to that effect printed in the 1896 Town Report. His relative Asa Wright (d. 1877 at 78 years of age) was also a farmer but lived in the village of Westford Center. His death was brought about by a suicide drowning according to the historian Marilyn Day in her 1998 book Westford Days. Parker Wright (b.

1791) was another person buried at the cemetery to have served in the War of 1812. Lieut. Nahum Wight was born in Medfield, Massachusetts and served in the Revolutionary War. Lieut. Wight (also spelled White in Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War) served as a corporal under Captain Benjamin Bullard from Sherborn and marched on Concord in April, 1775. He also served in the Continental Army at Fort Ticonderoga, among other campaigns. After living most of his life in Medfield and Sherborn, he moved to Westford, possibly to be near his son Caleb and his family. Nahum is buried next to his wife Abigail (d. 1850 at 90 years of age). Caleb Wight (d. 1864 at 77 years of age) lived in Westford Center, worked as a farmer and served as a deacon, probably in the Union Congregational Church of which both he and his parents were founding members in 1828.

Caleb Wight also served in the War of 1812. Mr. Wight is buried next to his wife Mary (d. 1869 at 80 years of age) and daughters Joanna (d. 1837 at age 24) who died at Plymouth, Michigan, Harriet (d. 1854 at age 37), Lucy Osgood (1821-1856); and Caroline (1819-1882). (Photo 1) (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts Section number & Page 3 The largest grave marker in the Wright Cemetery is that of Joel Wright (1782-1834) and his wife Sally (d. 1869 at 79 years of age). (Photo 2) The grey granite obelisk is approximately 10' high. Mr. Wright served in the War of 1812 at Boston's Fort Warren under Lieut. Col. Jonathan Page. Approximately 100 markers from the period exist in the cemetery.

During the mid 19th century, the Burial ground had a white picket fence at its edge. The Records of the Proprietors of the Wright Burying Ground, kept from the time of the founding of the burial ground has a small number of sporadic entries thereafter. One entry indicates Ansil Davis was paid $7 for whitewashing the fence in 1847. 1900-1960 During the 19** century, the Wright Cemetery was privately owned and maintained. This is in distinction to the East (now Fairview) West (now Westlawn) and North (now Hillside) Cemeteries, which since at least 1840 had received care by a neighbor at the expense of the town. In 1909, the Cemetery Commissioners noted in the town report that "Parties interested in the private cemetery called the Wright Cemetery at the north part of the town have expressed a wish that the town assume the care. Your commissioners recommend it be done".

No caretaker is specified in town reports for the Wright Cemetery, as was done for other cemeteries, until the middle of the 20th century. However, military veterans in the cemetery did receive commemorative markers at the expense of the town starting around 1909. Since scant mention is made in public records, it is difficult to determine the date of construction for the ashlar granite wall that separates the cemetery from the road or names of those who may have built it. This is also true of the granite post and wood rail fence surrounding the cemetery. World War II veterans are buried in the Wright Cemetery, at least one of which has a military marker. Albert H. Picking (1915-1994) served in World War II and is buried under an arched granite slab. His military service as a sergeant in the Army is remembered by an adjacent bronze tablet mounted flush with the ground.

He is buried with his wife Bernice Picking (1915-1996). Mrs. Picking lived her entire life at the farm ¼ mile to the west of the Wright Cemetery. Interments continued throughout the period with granite being the gravestone material of choice. The 1937 town report includes a sample contract for purchase of burial plots which indicates no walls, fences, curbs or projecting corner posts were allowed, probably to simplify maintenance. This regulation, instituted by the Cemetery Commission, served to stem the installation of new ornament in cemeteries and to encourage removal of furnishings that may have been installed in the Victorian Period, although no such activity is documented. Sebastian Watson, Fred Blodget, and Axel Lundberg served the town as cemetery commissioners from at least 1937 though 1949.

Town employees performed work at the cemetery in 1960 that included painting and repairing the fence, cutting brush, and planting new shrubs. Few ornamental plantings remain. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts Section number 8 Page 4 Conclusion Colonial, Federal, and Victorian period historical associations of the Wright Cemetery are largely intact despite interruptions by the small number of modern markers and the smaller amount of documentation compared to the town's other cemeteries.

The possibility remains, by observing the rows of arch-topped slate stones carved with urn and willow designs, classical columns, and by recalling names so important to the development of the community, to get a strong sense of how 19" century residents of the Town of Westford experienced their burial places. A diseased elm tree was cut down in 1963. The existing gate was installed with original hinges and nails in 1975 during the Bicentennial period when all of Westford's cemeteries were recognized as important resources for the historical appearance they retained and for the accomplishments of the Westford residents interred there. The stone in the wall with the inscribed name was given to the town by Carl Wright in 1977. Burials continue to take place.

Archaeological Significance Historic archaeological resources described above may contribute important information related to the evolution of a rural neighborhood cemetery from the early 19th 'century or earlier to municipal care in 1909 and later town ownership. While the town of Westford granted a privilege for a burial ground to several local farmers in 1836, gravestone dates indicate burials began as early as 1819. Additional documentary research combined with archaeological survey and testing may contribute historical and archaeological evidence that burials began even earlier, possibly during the 18th century when farms were established in the area. A wide variety of documentary sources may indicate the presence of burials in the cemetery prior to 1819. Buried gravestones and artifacts associated with unmarked graves may also document earlier use of the burial ground.

Documentary and archaeological information may also help reconstruct the overall boundaries of the cemetery and smaller subdivisions within its limits. Unmarked graves may exist in a single lot reserved in 1837 for the burial of strangers. Earlier burials of unknown persons or paupers may exist in other areas, possibly around the periphery of marked graves. Post holes and other archaeological evidence of fence lines, stone walls, and boundary markers may also contribute evidence of cemetery boundaries and smaller subdivisions. The latter evidence may corroborate or refute the belief that Wright Cemetery lacks segregation based on ethnicity, occupation, military service, or wealth.

Osteological study of skeletal remains associated with known and unmarked graves combined with detailed analysis of associated artifacts may contribute important information relating to the health and pathologies of residents in this area of Westford and their social, cultural, and economic background. Artifact scatters within the cemetery limits and the contents of backdirt, frequently stockpiled from grave excavations, may contribute similar information related to the characteristics of the Westford population and maintenance activities at the Wright Cemetery. (end) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts Section number g Page 1 9. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bell, Edward L.

Vestiges of Mortality & Remembrance: A Bibliography on the Historical Archaeology of Cemeteries. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, Inc., 1994. Cemetery Records, 1835-1950. Levi Snow, Samuel M. Hutchins, A. P. Richardson, et al. Available at the office of the superintendent, Fairview Cemetery. Chase, Theodore and Laurel K. Gabel. Gravestone Chronicles. Two Volumes. Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1997. Day, Cornelia Fletcher, compiler. A General Catalogue of Trustees, Teachers and Students, Westford Academy 1792-1895. Lowell: 1912. Day, Marilyn. Westford Days. Boston: NEHGS, 1998. Downey, George E. A History of the First Parish of Westford. Westford: 1975. Forbes, Harriette Merrifield. Gravestones of Early New England and the Men Who Made Them 1653-1800. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1927. Gillon, Edmund Vincent Jr. Early New England Gravestone Rubbings. New York: Dover, 1966.

Hodgman, Rev. Edward R. History of the Town of Westford, in the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, 1659-1883. Lowell: 1883. Jackson, Kenneth T. and Camilio Jose Vergara. Silent Cities. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 1989. Ludwig, Allan I. Graven Images: New England Stone Carving and its Symbols, 1650-1815. Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press, 1966. Records of the Proprietors of the Wright Burying Ground. June 3, 1837. Available at the Westford Museum. Romaine, Lawrence B. A Guide to American Trade Catalogs, 1744-1900. New York: R. R. Bowker Company, 1960. Rotundo, Barbara. "Monumental Bronze: A Representative American Company." Cemeteries and Gravemarkers: Voices of American Culture. Ed. Richard Meyer. Ann Arbor, London: UMI Research Press, 1989. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts Section number 9 Page 2 Seavey, Gordon. Untitled, undated notes on file at the J. V. Fletcher Library vertical file "Cemeteries". Stannard, David E. The Puritan Way of Death. New York: Oxford University Press, 1977. State Census of the Town of Westford, 1855, 1865. Compiled by Anne S. Lainhart. Stilgoe, John. Common Landscape of America 1580-1845. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1982. Symmes, Edward. Plan of New Cemetery. 1876. Town Records. Annual Town Reports, 1840-1950. Town Records. Town meeting minutes. May 15, 1761. Westford. Map. Edward Symmes. 1855. Westford. Map. Atlas of Middlesex County, MA. New York: Beers, 1875. Westford. Map. Atlas of Middlesex County, MA. Walker, 1889.

(end) Wright Cemetery Name of Property Middlesex,MA County, State 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property less than one acre UTM References See continuation sheet. (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1. 19 Zone 297600 Easting 4720120 Northing 2. Zone Easting Northing 3. 4. Zone Zone Easting Easting - See continuation sheet Northing Northing Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11.

Form Prepared By name/title_Sanford Johnson, consultant, with Betsy Friedberg, NR Director, MHC organization Massachusetts Historical Commission date October 2005 street & number 220 Morrissey Boulevard telephone617-727-8470 city or town Boston _ state MA _ zip code_ 02125 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name Town of Westford, MA street & number 55 Main Street _telephone978-692-5515 city or town _ Westford state MA zip code 01886 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).

Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division,National Park Service, P.0.Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts Section number 10 Page 1 10. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA Verbal Boundary Description: Wright Cemetery comprises all of the land within the boundaries of the cemetery.

It is bounded by Groton Road on the south. The cemetery encompasses 4.5 acres, described by the assessor's office as parcel 5 on map 35. Boundary Justification: Boundaries include all gravestones, burial-related buildings, structures, circulation paths and ornamental plantings within parcel 5, map 35. Stone walls encircle the cemetery and mark all boundaries. (end) PHOTOGRAPHS Photographer: Sanford Johnson Date: September 2002 Negatives: on file with Westford Historical Commission 1. South wall and gate, view facing north 2. Mary Wright marker, Joel Wright obelisk,facing northeast NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 10 Page 2 OMB No.

1024-0018 Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex Co.), Massachusetts SKETCH MAP NORTH TOWARD TOP WRIGHT CEMETERY MIDDLESEX CONNTY WESTFORD, MA. = ReSourCa NUMber = Photo Number TNOrTh FROTON RORD Wright Cemetery Westford (Middlesex), MA Data Sheet Map # Name Resource Type Dates Material Status 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Wright Cemetery Fence Gateway Wall Edmund Wright marker Lt. Nahum Wight marker Joel Wright marker Albert Picking marker Flagpole Cemetery 1836 Fence ca. 1900 Gateway ca. 1900 Wall ca. 1900 Gravestone 1819,1828 Gravestone 1834 Obelisk 1834 Military Gravestone 1994 N/A Wood, stone Stone, wood Stone Slate Slate Granite Granite Flagpole late 20" c. Wood Markers listed are notable examples of the types of gravestones found at Wright Cemetery.

TOTALS: 1 contributing site, 3 contributing structures, 3 contributing objects, 2 noncontributing objects SI/C ST/C ST/C ST/C O/C O/C O/C O/NC O/NC UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Wright Cemetery NAME : MULTIPLE NAME : STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Middlesex DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 10/25/05 12/06/05 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 11/21/05 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 12/08/05 REFERENCE NUMBER: 05001372 REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N OTHER: N PDIL: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: N N N COMMENT WAIVER: N VACCEPT RETURN REJECT 2-6- 05DATE ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS : Baterod 1n the Natlonal Ropistes RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER DISCIPLINE TELEPHONE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPS.

wight Ceneten Westford, Moddescx Co. Moss phsto: S. JohusuN 9/02 negs oN file m westford Wir. Comm. View to north photo1 sout wall t gate also cahed wight mory wight, Joando his Norlet lisht, Loey dsgood morkers wight Gmetor westford, Mass, Mddcsex cs. Photo: 5. TolnsoN 9/02 Negs ou file w westford Wis. Comr. vieh to NE Photo 2 Mary wright Morble Marker oel Wight od HLRS A5 12.00 AC 93,01 3.93 .L/0 31-30 1/030-111 ATE OF COMPLET DATE OF FEEVIBNCN 426-87 45 AC 164 AC 1.1 156 2 13S AC 1.55 AC -7/0 70-17.1 KEYES POID Wright Cemetery National Register District Westford Middlesex County, MA North Toward Top Assessor Number 035 0005 COSERVATIC COVMSSIOH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT CONSERVATICN. HOCHIE AUTHORITY Lt/0 39-11._ COUMSSION _B/0 10-17 100 3-321 TOWN OF WESTFORD MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS JAMES W.

SEWALL COMPANY, OLD TOWN, MAINE SGALE: 1 INCH-200 FEET DEPARTWENT TOWII OF WESTFORD 124 10 20 ar 0/0 31-37 34 36 30 P/0 36-18.1 OCT 2 5 2005 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission October 14, 2005 Dr. John Roberts, Acting Chief National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service 1201 Eye Street, NW 8t floor Washington, DC 20005 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed please find the following nomination form: Wright Cemetery, Groton Rd., Westford (Middlesex), MA The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. The owners of the property were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 30 to 45 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely, Betay Fredliere Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission enclosure CC: Sanford Johnson, consultant Kenneth Tebbets, Westford Historical Commission Dini Healy-Coffin, Westford Board of Selectmen Timothy Greenhill, Westford Town Planner 220 Morrissey Boulevard. Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470 - Fax: (617) 727-5128 www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc