Saturday, March 16, was a great day to be out with the History Search Party. Organized by Nate Losier, we went up to the Freeman cemetery, lot #110, off Logging Road. There, my fourth grand uncle, [Deacon] Nathaniel Freeman rests below his slate stone among his numerous relatives whose headstones are missing; stolen. Some foundations remain but the stones are no place to be found. There are also, several field stones marking graves but of whom we do not know. The entire lot is about 30 feet by 40 feet. 

Thankfully, a family member, Elizabeth P. Keniston, visited the graveyard in the 1930’s and copied the in-scripted names from the then existing headstones. She wrote the following…

Great Grandfather ([Deacon] Nathaniel Freeman)

Great Grandmother (Hannah Foster Freeman)

Grandfather Edward

Grandmother Mehitable (Wilson Freeman)

Hannah F.

Martha C.F.

Edward Going F.

Lowell Mason. F.

Nathaniel F.

Mary M. F.

Regardless of the vandals ill intention we are able to have a partial account of those who are buried here. Perhaps, in the future, a monument can be placed here to better memorialize those listed above.

As much as I love visiting this graveyard, and enjoyed visiting the Welch cemetery, lot #123, the highlight, for me, was to visit the Perkins cemetery, lot #121. I have been searching for the burial place of my great great-grandfather, Stover Perkins, for several years, only recently finding out where he lived. On a visit to lot #121 about 10 years ago I thought and was quite certain I read ‘Stover Perkins‘ on a headstone. More recently, however, I referred to York Vital Records to confirm this and to my surprise, Stover was not listed. I had a hunch that the Vital Records was in error and today it was proven. This is a good lesson in not being certain of trusted sources.  

The reason that Stover has recently peaked my curiosity is that I came across an article about him in the York Courant. The bigger story is about how his providing alcohol led to a scandalous event in the neighborhood. The Webbers, Perkins, Welches lived within yelling distance to each other during the beginning of the previous century. Stover’s son, Charles was the victim of a stabbing by Willie Webber. We found both Stover and Charles today in lot #121.

I have posted the clippings below. This is a very colorful account of life in Cape Neddick as inhabitants transitioned into the 20th century. I am not proud of their actions but am delighted to have found such a colorful account of those who I have wondered so much about. See Webber Assault Case below.

The discovery of these articles is made possible by the York Public Library and the newly digitized collection of York newspapers that are available on their website. Newspaper repository click here.

It is exciting to live in a community that shares so much interest in local history, whether walking, reading, attending community events or sharing our latest discoveries, York is full of pride and enthusiasm and the effects are inspiring. Thanks to all who support this Town’s rich history!