The Gray stone, the oldest on the hill, as has been said, is of dark, compact slate. It probably has the usual “cherub,” or symbol; if so, it is concealed by the iron hood which protects the edges from water and frost. By its side is a wooden slab bearing the legend, “The Grave of Edward Gray, June, 1681.” The inscription on the stone is as follows:—
Here Lyeth ye Body
of EDWARD GRAY
Gent Aged About
52 years & Departd
this life ye Last of
June 1681
Edward Gray appeared in Plymouth about the year 1643. Tradition has it that he and his brother were sent from England in order that scheming relations might obtain possession of their property. He became a merchant, and the wealthiest man in the colony.
The stone of William Crowe, the next in order of date, is of purple slate and is thus inscribed:—
Here lies buried
ye body of Mr
WILLIAM CROWE
Aged About 55 years
who decd January
1683-4
The Bradford obelisk is one of the first objects to claim the visitor’s attention. It is of white marble on a granite base, and rises to a height of eight feet or more. On the south side are these words:—
H I William Bradford of Austerfield Yorkshire England. Was the son of William and Alice Bradford He was Governor of Plymouth Colony from 1621 to 1633 1635 1637 1639 to 1643 1645 to 1657
On the north side is a Hebrew sentence, said to signify “Jehovah is our help,” but by other Hebrew scholars translated “In Jehovah’s name I die.” Then follows:—
