Historic Gravestone Rededication

Please join the Historical Society of Cheshire County and the City of Keene as we rededicate the gravestone of 9-year-old Betty Clark.  Betty died in 1761 and was buried at the Ash Swamp Cemetery in West Keene.  Her stone, removed more than 130 years ago, was recently found and returned to its original site in the cemetery.

Betty’s gravestone was found in the front steps at a historic home near the cemetery when the owner was repairing the steps. Someone probably removed it, or it had fallen, and they simply took it to use as a doorstep at the house. The Historical Society worked with the City of Keene to return the stone to the cemetery, adjacent to the slate stone of her father Simeon Clark. Betty Clark died on March 9, 1761, more than 250 years ago, when Keene was a small farming community of less than 400 residents.

Her stone will be rededicated in a ceremony at the Ash Swamp Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on November 14.  At that event Historical Society executive director Alan Rumrill will speak briefly about Betty’s story, the history of the cemetery, and the discovery and replacement of the stone. The Rev. Elsa Worth of St. James Episcopal Church will consecrate the grave and offer brief prayers of committal.  The public is invited to attend.  The cemetery is located on West Street near the Keene Country Club.