On the north front is the following inscription.
Major General
ANTHONY WAYNE
Was born at Waynesborough
in Chester County
State of Pennsylvania
A. D. 1745.
After a life of honor and usefulness
He died in December, 1796,
at a military post
On the shores of Lake Erie,
Commander-in-chief of the army of
the United States.
His military achievements
are consecrated
In the history of his country,
and in
The hearts of his countrymen.
His remains
Are here deposited.
Although stricken down at the age of fifty-one years Gen. Wayne lived long enough to fill his measure of glory and see the star spangled banner wave triumphantly over his native land. Far from his family as he was and in a rough cabin, he died peacefully. His spirit ascended to reap the rich reward of his labors in the cause of rational freedom and equal justice.
He was a large, portly man of commanding military mien, with an open bold countenance. All the relations of private life he honored with the most rigid fidelity. In the legislative hall as in the field he was active and decisive. As a citizen he was esteemed in life and regretted in death.
WILLIAM WHIPPLE Jr.
That knowledge is of most importance that leads us in the shortest path to truth. A thorough common education, like common sense, is most useful. By a close observation of the laws of nature in full operation around us, of things as presented to our understandings, of men as they move and act before us—we obtain a treasure of knowledge not always taught in the high schools and seldom hinted at—much less expounded in modern books. Without this the classic scholar is afloat without a rudder. This is the kind that best answers the definition of the adage—Knowledge is power. In the great store-house of literature the quantity of fancy goods has, for some time past, far exceeded the coarser kind fit for everyday use. Whether this is an advantage to the intellect of man calculated to increase its strength and volume—or like luxurious diet, enervate and weaken, is a problem worthy the solution of every reader. Certain it is our hardy ancestors were not mentally or physically pampered with knick-knacks that now supplant much solid matter. Certain it is that many of the patriots of the Revolution were self-made practical men and shone as conspicuously in the galaxy of sages as those whose early literary advantages were greater—conclusive evidence that there is a shorter path to truth.
Among them William Whipple Jr. was conspicuous. He was the eldest son of William Whipple—born at Kittery, Maine, in 1730. At a common English school he was taught reading, writing, arithmetic and navigation. These he mastered at an early age and was then entered a cabin boy on board a merchant vessel in accordance with his father's wishes and his own inclination. Before he reached his majority he became captain of a vessel and made several successful voyages to Europe. Some ignoramuses have vainly attempted to stigmatize his fair reputation at that era in his life because he participated in the inhuman slave-trade. If they will learn the true state of feeling at that time upon this subject their anathemas will evaporate in thin air. The trade was then sanctioned by Great Britain under whose government Capt. Whipple acted and according to her laws—The King can do no wrong. The correctness of the trade was not then doubted but by a few philanthropists and its first cousin, the Apprentice System, is still a favorite project with England. Time and reflection caused Captain Whipple to see the impropriety of the traffic and entirely abandon it at an early day. He also manumitted the only slave he owned who would not leave him during the war and fought bravely for the liberty of our country. If every man is to be condemned for the licensed or unlicensed errors of youth whose riper years are crowned with virtue, the list of fame will require many bold erasures and would be robbed of some of its proudest names. He who would do it must belong to the big crowd ignorant of human nature.
In 1759 Capt. Whipple relinquished his oceanic pursuits and commenced the mercantile business in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He also added the swivel link to his chain of earthly happiness by marrying Catharine Moffat. Every farmer, sailor and blacksmith knows the importance of this link in the common chain. The wise Creator designed it in the chain of life and no man should be without it. If of the right metal, it will save him from many a dangerous twist and often from a break. A word to the wise should be sufficient.
During his numerous voyages Capt. Whipple had treasured up a large fund of useful knowledge. He was a close observer of men and things—an analyzing reader and mingled with the best and most intelligent men when in port. In England he had listened to the unwarranted pretensions of ministers—in America—to the increasing complaints of the Colonists. He was familiar with the chartered rights of his own country and with the tyranny of the infatuated step-mother. He was prepared for action and took a bold stand in favor of freedom. He took a conspicuous part in public meetings and became one of the Committee of Safety. He rose rapidly in public esteem—the former cabin boy became a leading patriot.