Point of Graves
This cemetery was formally established in 1671 on land given to the town by Captain John Pickering. The land was used for burials prior to this time, but because Pickering retained the right to graze his cattle here, many of the earliest gravestones were probably knocked down and lost. Many people important in Portsmouth's early history are buried here.
Anne Jaffrey d. 1682
The wife of a Scottish merchant and shipowner, Anne died shortly after bearing her son, George Jr. The oldest stone remaining here, it was likely carved by the prolific William Mumford.
Elizabeth Elatson d. 1704-05 Elizabeth Rogers d. 1704
This double-stone, also carved by Mumford, hints at a tragedy that befell the family of Reverend Nathaniel Rogers, whose daughter and mother-in-law are buried here. Daughter Elizabeth and an African-American servant died when the Rogers house burned. His mother-in-law, Elizabeth Elatson, saved his young son by throwing him out a window to Rogers, but she herself died from his injuries two months later. The news of this fire in the Boston News-Letter was the first published account of a house fire in the American colonies.
James Lovett d. 1718
Lovett was a bookkeeper for provincial court president John Cutts. This diminutive stone was carved by Nathaniel Emmes. The wings of the
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Jane Meserve d. 1747
Jane was the wife of Colonel Nathaniel Meserve, a prominent shipbuilder who died in 1756 while commanding a New Hampshire regiment during the French and Indian War. One of the largest in Point of Graves, Jane's stone was carved by either Nathaniel or Caleb Lamson.
John Jackson d.1690-91
Jackson was a mariner of Portsmouth who owned land on Little Harbor as well as Jackson Island in the Piscataqua River. The square shape and design of this stone are unusual for the time. Its carver's identity is uncertain, perhaps John Noyes or James Foster.
Erected by New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1671.
Location. 43° 4.531′ N, 70° 45.056′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in Rockingham County. Marker is on Mechanic Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portsmouth NH 03801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Point of Graves (a few steps from this marker); Sheafe Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Pole and Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Portsmouth NH Red Light District
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 521 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 27, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
