Morse Monument history

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Monument History

The following was written by Rev. Abner Morse to the subscribers who funded the monument project in 1858:

The Monument so long expected has at length arrived; and may be seen in the ancient cemetery of Medfield, Mass., where it was proposed to be placed. The postponement arose from the non-payment of a considerable part of the subscription, the encouragements held out of additional subscribers and the views of advisors as to the propriety of proceeding until a larger amount should be pledged and actually paid. The unfortunate loss of the original subscription list, the want of time on my part to prosecute the enterprise and the decline of others to aid except by their contributions, prolonged the delay. Finding no other alternative but to refund the money or proceed alone as fast as I could, I chose the latter.

The monument, one of the largest in any cemetery in Massachusetts, is composed of a fine gray freestone from Pictou, N.S., a mineral that hardens by exposure, works handsome, costs less, and endures longer than most varieties of marble, and is recommended by designers as preferable to granite. It consists of an oblong base with projections on each side. Upon this stands three dies, in contact, of equal height but unequal thickness and width. On the front are inscriptions to the Puritan sires of our three [lines] of Morses, viz.: one to John Moss, on the first or left die: the other to Samuel and Joseph Morse on the middle die: and others to Anthony Morse and brothers on the right die. Around these grooves are cut to conduct the water off from wearing the inscriptions. On the right side of the right [die] is Resuscitandi, and on the left side of the left die is the date of its erection by grateful descendants. On the back of the dies are the names of Samuel Morse’s wife and sons and several of his grandsons, who were interred near him.

Upon the three dies are mounted three pointed obelisks, the central one being the largest and tallest. On the left obelisk, in bold relief, is carved the shield of the arms of Mosse; and on the right one, that of the arms of Morse. Above these, and on the central obelisk, is represented the Holy Bible open; beneath which commences a common inscription, and introductory to those that follow beneath. All are plain and legible represented on a lithograph.

The whole expense, it was hoped would not exceed the amount subscribed, $500 (not all paid), but in this I am disappointed. The $438, all that has come into my hands, has been expended in payments for the Monument, the cost of three circulars, postage, traveling expenses and agencies, that could not be obtained gratis, leaving a deficit of more than $100, and nothing to defray the cost of a lithograph of the Monument for gratuitous distribution among the subscribers, as was conditionally promised. A large and elegant lithograph for framing has, however, been struck; from the sale of which, through the agency of subscribers and others receiving this leaf, (to be pasted onto their copies of the Memorial of the Morses), the deficiency may be supplied. The picture is unique, attractive and instructive; it would be an ornament to any Morse’s hall or parlor, and indicate in him an honorable reverence for ancestry. Every daughter of the race, on changing her name and leaving her father’s house, ought, for good reasons, to be fitted out with a copy. The price will be, for eight copies, $2 in money, and 12 cents in postage stamps; for three copies, $1 and 9 cents in stamps; for a single copy, 56 cents in stamps. They will be sent promptly by mail, on rollers of wood or pasteboard, well protected, as correspondence shall direct. All applications to be directed to me, at Sharon, Mass. Those wishing to receive otherwise than by mail may apply to Wm. Vezie, bookseller, No. 66 Cornhill, Boston.

Yours respectfully,
ABNER MORSE
Sharon, Norfolk Co., Mass. June 22, 1858

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