Taunton's Mount Pleasant Cemetery is a well-preserved example of a small-scale rural cemetery, which incorporates many features associated with the development of this landscape type. Located at the former King Family Homestead, the design of Mount Pleasant incorporated the King Family burial ground. The area embraced by this nomination contains an extensive collection of funerary monuments, documenting three centuries of evolving memorial taste, set amidst curvilinear drives, trees, and varied topography. It is also the burial place of many of the city's notable citizens.

The cemetery is an approximately rhombic-shaped, ten-acre site bounded by Crocker Street to the east, Barnum Street to the south, Cohannet Street to the West and Walnut Street to the north. The site consists of several gently rolling hills ranging in height from 76 to 30 feet in elevation. The hills within the cemetery property are part of a range of hills that traverse throughout the community in a north-south direction.

The initial development of the cemetery is reported to have been carried out beginning in 1836 when the site was granted to the "Proprietors for the Taunton Cemetery," by Samuel Crocker. The nucleus of this cemetery is the old John King Family Burying Ground that predates the establishment of Mount Pleasant. (The King family plots, with interments before 1835, are numbered 328 and 329 on the 1932 plan of the cemetery.)

The King Family Burial Ground is located near the intersection of South and Magnolia Avenue, along Aspen and Ivy Path and includes early gravestones that predate the establishment of Mount Pleasant. Slightly tapered, four-sided granite posts, three on a side, and a set of two simple metal stringers, enclose the lot on four sides. Within the enclosure, there are twelve interments. The oldest belongs to Phillip King, who died in 1710. All are marked by simple limestone markers.

Upon entering the cemetery at the Crocker Street gate the gravel drive immediately divides at a T-intersection and, following the topography of the site, winds around, defining eight distinct areas within the cemetery. With the exception of the access through the gates, it is an interior road system, flanked by burial plots on either side. This primary circulation system includes named avenues with geographic references including, North, South, Central and Point as well as botanical references, including Magnolia, Linden, Cypress, Alpine and Branch. A secondary grass path system exists primarily within the individual parcels. The paths are named for trees, shrubs and vines, as well as geographic references. The cemetery, laid out by Taunton resident and land surveyor Joseph Wilbar, initially included 260 lots. Wilbar's 1836 plan indicated an entrance on Cohannet Street (which no longer exists) and Crocker Streets. The naturalistic circulation pattern established in the original section was continued as additional small parcels were added and areas developed. Stillwater Lake was filled in the first decade of the 20th century, the Point Avenue section was laid out in 1927, bringing the total number of lots to 800.

One of the most distinctive features of the cemetery is the number of mature trees, mainly deciduious. They include at the main entrance, a Tree-of -Heaven, (Ailantus altissima) and two large Beech trees, one along Cohannet Street and the other in the northwest corner. Throughout the cemetery there are many sugar maples (Acer saccharum) and the more unusual black maple, (Acer nigrum). A row of American basswoods (Tilia americana) border the Barnum Street edge. Also in the southwest corner is a beautiful white oak (Quercus alba) with English ivy covering the trunk to a height of approximately fifty feet. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and a White cedar (Thuja occidentalis) are also found in the cemetery. The maple trees in particular are in very poor condition.

Wilbar took advantage of the varied topography of the site in the initial design. The hillocks are named Mount Crocker, Mount Pleasant, Ridge Hill and a low area named Cypress Dell. There are a number of stone retaining walls, granite steps along pathways, and defining the boundaries of some lots, simple but decorative granite curbing.

The appearance of the cemetery today dates to the 1920s with the addition of the George E. Wilbur Mausoleum and Receiving Tomb in 1922, and The Main Entrance gates and fence added in 1926.

The George E. Wilbur Mausoleum is sited on axis with the main gate with Mount Crocker in the background. The one-story structure was a gift from Mrs. George E. Wilbur in memory of her husband who served as the cemetery's president beginning in 1898. It is constructed of cut granite block, with classically inspired details. The mausoleum is rectangular in plan with the primary façade located in the east gable end. It is comprised of a centrally placed double door with a slightly pedimented surround, flanked by attenuated recessed panels with decorative metal grills. Engaged columns rest on a plain granite entry base and are finished with a simple capital. A lintel projects from the façade, carved with: GEORGE E. WILBUR MEMORIAL. A three-part pediment finishes the top. A retaining wall, also of granite block, serves to tie the mausoleum to the site. The designer is unknown.

The King Memorial Gate, a gift from Mrs. Edward King, was added in 1926 and extends along Crocker Street from the eastern boundary to the corner of Barnum Street. It is constructed of square granite posts with a base, recessed rectangular panels on each face, and an overhanging granite capstone. The metal gates and fence consists of three stringers with two sets of alternating pales. The primary pales project above the uppermost stringer and are finished with a decorative point. The secondary set of pales terminate just above the middle stringer and are topped with a slightly smaller tip. The north gate is finished with a single anthemion-like motif. A chain-link fence encloses the remaining cemetery perimeter, approximately five feet high, together with square, rough[1]cut granite posts, approximately three feet high.

Throughout the cemetery there are a number of architecturally and historically significant monuments. They range from simple gravestones to highly refined classical designs. The Elizabeth Poole Memorial (lot 1), carved by Alpheus Cary of Cambridge, is a simple but elegant four-sided limestone memorial with a pyramidal cap featuring classically inspired floral elements.

The last lot was sold at Mount Pleasant in 1984; however, burials continue as family plots in particular are not full.

The design of Mount Pleasant Cemetery is noteworthy in a number of ways: it is one of the earliest rural cemeteries in the country; for the respectful manner in which the King Family Burial Ground was incorporated into the design; and the overall integrity of the design as the cemetery developed more lots. All serve to underscore the strength of the original design and the on-going commitment to stewardship, initially by the Proprietors of Mount Pleasant, and following the transfer of ownership, the City of Taunton.

Archaeological Description:

While no ancient Native American sites are known in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, it is possible that sites are present. Two sites are recorded in the general area (within one mile). Environmental characteristics of the area also represent some locational characteristics (slope, soil drainage, distance to wetlands) that are favorable indicators for many types of ancient sites. Undisturbed soils in the cemetery locale are excessively drained and located in some level to moderately sloped areas. Moderate to excessive slope characterizes other parts of the cemetery and the entire area is located well over 1,000 feet from the nearest wetlands, both characteristics that adversely effect the site potential for the cemetery. Given the above information and impacts related to three centuries of grave excavations in the area, a low potential exists for locating ancient Native American resources in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

A moderate potential exists for locating historic archaeological resources in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Most of the cemetery was part of the homestead farm of the John King Family established in the 17th century. The John King Family Burial Ground, located near the intersection of South and Magnolia Avenue, forms the nucleus of the present cemetery. Structural evidence of buildings and occupational related features (trash pits, privies, wells) associated with the John King Family Homestead may exist in the cemetery locale, however, no evidence indicating a location for these resources in the area is known. Human remains and funerary objects associated with unmarked and marked graves may be located in the vicinity of the King Family Burial Ground and larger cemetery. Unmarked graves can be the result of lost stones, wooden markers that no longer exist or intentionally unmarked graves possibly related to paupers or other indigent persons. Artifacts may also exist with individual graves and in family plots related to memorial services. Post molds may exist indicating the locations of boundary markers and/or fence lines around family plots or cemetery borders.

Narrative Statement of Significance: 

Mount Pleasant cemetery is a historically significant designed landscape. The ten-acre site, formally the John King Homestead, located approximately a mile from the center of Taunton, was laid out in 1836 incorporating the pre-existing King Family burial ground. The current design exhibits elements associated with the nineteenth century rural cemetery movement. The Mount Pleasant Cemetery is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C at the local level for its historical significance and associations with the social history and community development of Taunton; as an example of an early rural cemetery, possibly one of the oldest in the country after Mount Auburn in Cambridge, established in 1831, (NR 6/3083), Mount Hope in Bangor, Maine established in 1834, (NR 12/04/74) and Forest Grove Cemetery in Augusta, Maine established in 1835,(NR Status undetermined); from the fine collection of structures and markers found there and as the burial place of many important members of business, government and military from the past several centuries. Criteria consideration D also applies.

The Mount Pleasant Cemetery meets Criterion A due to its association with the early settlement of Taunton as evidenced by the King Family lot and the continuous use of the current cemetery from its inception in 1836 up to the present. It is a well-preserved example of a rural cemetery whose design underscores the sophisticated and progressive ideals of its founders.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery meets Criterion C as an early designed landscape that incorporates many design features associated with the rural cemetery movement. It also illustrates evolving funerary styles while maintaining the integrity of the historic naturalistic layout. The design also skillfully incorporates the pre-existing King Family burial lot into the new design scheme. Some of the burial markers have been attributed to well-known regional and local carvers, such as Alpheus Cary of Cambridge and David Burt of Taunton.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery meets Criteria Exception D because it contains graves and memorials to persons of transcendent importance to the early settlement and development of Taunton, as well as its design as a rural cemetery.

Taunton was first settled in 1637 when Elizabeth Poole led a group of Englishmen to a region called Cohannet by the local Wampanoag Indians. The name of the settlement was changed to Taunton in 1640, as many of the early settlers came from the shire town of Somerset County in England. The early citizens of Taunton played an active role in the development of the southeastern region of Massachusetts region during the 17th century as many important meetings were held between the colonists and the Wampanoag Indian Federation in Taunton's early meetinghouse.

Taunton citizens joined area colonists in armed resistance to the Native Americans during the region's King Phillip's War. Taunton's First Military Company played an active role in the King William's War as the 17th century drew to a close. As unrest grew throughout the American colonies against the British crown, Tauntonians were among the first to join liberty's call as the Taunton "Sons of Liberty" raised the Liberty and Union flag on historic Taunton Green on October 21, 1774.

As the industrial age emerged in the early 19th century, Taunton became a growing center for manufacturing of textiles, stoves, locomotives, textile machinery and britanniaware. The community enjoyed a prosperous shipping industry as coal, grain, clay, tacks, brick and other products were transported along the Taunton River. Industries like Reed & Barton, Silversmiths, the Glenwood Range Company, the Mason Machine Works, the Taunton Locomotive Works, the Staples Coal Company, the Albert Field Tack Company, the Stiles and Hart Brick Company, the Taunton Copper Company, and the Whittenton Manufacturing Company attracted many early emigrants that were drawn to Southeastern Massachusetts for economic opportunities throughout the industrial age.

Taunton was a major railroad transportation center with most railroad lines traveling to and from Boston. The Taunton Branch Railroad was established in 1836 in an attempt to attract and increase industrial and economic opportunities for the region. The concept for the creation of a new cemetery was concurrent with the arrival of the railroad.

The concept for the creation of the new cemetery in Taunton began in 1836, as future Congressman Samuel Crocker, one of the leading industrialists in 19th century New England, served as first president of the proprietors of the Taunton Cemetery. Crocker, along with his brothers, George and William, established the Taunton Copper Company that specialized in yellow metals, copper and zinc, and also produced rollers for coins used by the United States Government. He also served as president of the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company. Between 1818-1820 he served on the Massachusetts Governor's Council and in 1853 was elected to the United States House of Representatives and served for one term in the Thirty-third Congress under President Franklin Pierce. Crocker donated the ten-acre parcel, formally the John King Homestead, to the "Proprietors of the Taunton Cemetery" and served as the cemetery's first president. The King Family burial ground, located on the site, serves as the nucleus of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

As local citizens gathered in 1836 to support the concept for the creation of the Taunton Cemetery, the proprietors felt that a proper design was needed to plan the layout of the new cemetery so that the unique elements of the property could be preserved. Taunton resident Joseph Wilbar was chosen to draw up the design because of his abilities as a land surveyor. Like Mount Auburn Cemetery, and in keeping with the proprietors' desire to preserve the rural character of the property, Wilbar laid out a series of drives and footpaths that followed the natural contours of the site. He named the walks Chestnut, Linden, Hazel, and Walnut; paths were named Ivy, Greenbriar, Voilet, Myrtle, Holly, Evergreen, Cypress and Moss. The topographic and water features were also named: Stillwater Lake, (later filled in to create more burial plots) with Emerald Isle at the center; Ridge Hill; Mount Crocker; Mount Pleasant and Cypress Dell. In keeping with Wilbar's design, the cemetery was set out with 260 lots that were auctioned at $10.00 each.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery designer Joseph Wilbar was born in Easton on December 13, 1792, and was educated in local schools. His principle business was land surveying. Previously, he had worked with the Ames family in Easton and from them gained an appreciation of horticulture. Wilbar moved to Taunton in 1822 and was elected to the Board of Selectmen and was later appointed as Registrar of Deeds from 1841-73. It appears that Mount Pleasant may be the only design project Wilbar undertook. At this time, architects, civil engineers, and landscape gardeners typically laid out ornamental grounds or, as was the case at Mount Pleasant, land surveyors.

Landscape Architecture as a specialized profession did not exist until the latter part of the 19th century. Rural Cemeteries are among the few early designed landscape types found in this country. Their multi-purpose function, that is, burial place and recreation, was a critical link between private estates laid out in a naturalistic manner and the establishment of designed public open space. The evolution and refinement of the public park ideal continued and was greatly influenced by the writings of Andrew Jackson Downing 1815-1852) and the realization of Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) and Calvert Vaux's (1824-95) design for New York's Central Park beginning in 1858.

The design of Mount Pleasant Cemetery, as well as the precepts on which it was founded, are closely associated with the concepts that characterize the 19th century rural cemetery movement. Cambridge's Mount Auburn Cemetery, established in 1831, became the paradigm for the design and management of the rural cemetery. Planned with the intent to create a picturesque atmosphere, rural cemeteries typically would include serpentine walks, which followed the varied topography, water features, and naturalistic plantings. They were located outside developed areas, rural in feeling, although close to a city center. Monuments were often three-dimensional, and of durable stone with sculptural aspects. Generally, these cemeteries were structured as not-for-profit corporations managed by trustees, with the day-to-day affairs handled by a superintendent. A number of rural cemeteries also had a horticultural function. Both Mount Auburn and Mount Hope, in Bangor Maine initially had a direct affiliation with local horticultural societies. Mount Pleasant shares many similarities with Forest Grove Cemetery in Augusta, Maine. Forest Grove, like Mount Pleasant, incorporated an existing burial ground, laid out lots and walks in a naturalistic manner, and planted trees. The two are also a similar size, each about ten acres.

Additionally, one of the most important concepts distinguishing these designs is the fact that such cemeteries, beginning with Mount Auburn, have a social, as opposed to religious, emphasis. Rather than a burial ground dedicated to a specific religious denomination, these cemeteries were open to all that wished to purchase lots.

An equally significant characteristic of the rural cemetery concept is the planned recreational aspect. By the second quarter of the 19th century, many cities and towns were faced with a critical shortage of space in their burying grounds. Add to this the growing need to provide a naturalistic retreat from the rigors of urban life and an opportunity for residents to reconnect to their rural roots and one finds, in the rural cemetery, a significant multi-purpose landscape. The establishment of Mount Pleasant Cemetery coincided with the arrival of the railroad in Taunton and heralded the Town's transformation from a shire town to an industrial city. Between 1800 and 1840, Taunton's population grew from 3,860 to 7,645 people, and would double again between 1840 and the Civil War.

One aspect of the rural cemetery that Mount Pleasant did not share with its predecessors was the horticultural function. Although the beauty of Mount Pleasant is due in part to extensive plantings, it did not include the "experimental garden" aspect that characterized many other rural cemeteries.

There are two parallels between Mount Pleasant and Mount Auburn that are worth noting. First, Section 5 of The Act to Incorporate the Proprietors of the Taunton Cemetery specifically references "… All of the provisions contained in the seventh, eighth and ninth sections of the Act to Incorporate Mount Auburn… shall apply and have effect as to the Taunton Cemetery." These sections refer respectively to damage to monuments and plant material, inheritance issues, and bequests to the corporation. Additionally, the erection of the first monument at Mount Pleasant shared similar aspects with the first monument erected at Mount Auburn. The first burial at Mount Auburn was Hannah Adams. The white marble column was erected by her female friends and inscribed: "To Hannah Adams, Historian of the Jews and Reviewer of the Christian Sects..." The first monument erected at Mount Pleasant was to the memory of Elizabeth Poole, the foundress of Taunton, by the Ladies of Taunton in 1837. Although Elizabeth Poole is not buried in this cemetery, the local citizens chose to recognize this brave woman, as she is believed to be the only woman in the country that is credited with founding a community. Coincidentally, Alpheus Cary carved both monuments. Cary, an original lot owner at Mount Auburn, taught sculptor Horatio Greenough to carve as a young boy, and authored a book entitled, " Epitaphs for Monumental Inscriptions" (1865). Cary signed hundreds of gravestones at Mount Auburn. He died in 1869 at the age of eighty.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery is the final resting place for a number of individuals whose activities influenced the course of military and industrial history, government leaders, and those who made contributions to the arts and sciences.

The oldest stone in the cemetery dates from 1710 and serves as the eternal marker for both Phillip and John King, both members of the 'Taunton First Military Company'. The Taunton First Military Company, established in 1639, serves as one of the oldest military Companies still in existence as it evolved throughout the centuries with various name changes into the present day 772nd Military Police Company (that was proudly called to action in Operation Desert Storm, in the Persian Gulf).

Due to the nucleus of the John King Family Burial Ground that came with the acquisition of the property, the Mount Pleasant Cemetery has four centuries of heroes buried there who fought for the freedom of their fellow citizens. The Mount Pleasant Cemetery proudly serves as the resting place for veterans of the King William's War (1689-1697), Queen Anne's War (1702-1713), the American War for Independence, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the American Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

Among the most notable military heroes are General Darius Couch, who was one of President Lincoln's most trusted generals during the Civil War, and Rear Admiral A. Loring Swazey, who was noted for his design of submarine chasers and patrol boats as America entered World War II. These two fine soldiers serve as the highest-ranking military officers resting at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Also resting at this cemetery is the noted local minister, historian and civic leader Samuel Hopkins Emery. Emery came to Taunton from Quincy, Illinois, where he became concerned for the soldiers on America's battlefields. President Lincoln recognized the talent and concern of Samuel Hopkins Emery by providing a pass that would allow the minister to care for the sick and wounded solders. The pass read: -'S.H. Emery, of Quincy [Illinois], for transportation for himself and any who might be in company with him, with stores and nurses for the sick and wounded Union Soldiers.' It was in part due to the efforts of Mr. Emery that the United States Congress passed a bill authorizing the appointment of chaplains for Army hospitals. On March 23, 1863, Samuel Hopkins Emery was the first chaplain appointed under this bill.

The Mount Pleasant cemetery serves as their final resting spot for talented pioneers in the fields of industry, business, transportation, the arts, government, and the sciences. William Mason, a nationally recognized industrialist, was the owner of the famed Mason Machine Works. Mason was the holder of several United States patents as his company was the recognized leader in the production of textile machinery and locomotives as well as guns used by the Union troops during the Civil War. Henry Reed and Charles Barton established the world renowned Reed and Barton Silversmiths in 1824, and although both pioneers rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, the twentieth century artisans of Reed and Barton manufactory still perform their craft today.

From Albert Field, who created one of the largest Tack works in the country, to William Walker, the creator of the famous Glenwood Range Company, a leading manufactory of stoves, the Mount Pleasant Cemetery has a distinguished list of luminaries resting there. Daniel and Eugene Brownell, in 1906 and William Crocker, Parley Perrin, William Lovering along with William Mason all led the effort to introduce rail service to the region.

Also resting at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery is an impressive roster of government leaders led by Massachusetts Governor Marcus Morton, American Diplomat Francis Baylies along with five United States Congressmen, Lieutenant[1]Governors, State Legislators, State Senators, United States Postmasters, and judges.

These accomplished citizens are joined in rest at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery by A. Cleveland Bent, PhD, known throughout the world for his work in the field of ornithology. Bent was a recipient of the John Burroughs Medal, the William Brewster Medal, and the Daniel Girard Elliot Medal, and was recognized by the National Academy of Sciences for his efforts in zoology. Bent was actively involved with the Smithsonian Institution and was compared to John James Audubon as a leader in his field.

There are many fine examples of work by local monument carvers. Daniel A. Burt, who owned and operated the Taunton Monument Works, designed many of the older stones. Anthony Hathaway and John B. Sullivan of Myricksville carved many of the stones at Mount Pleasant.

The Board of Directors of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Corporation relied on the income from the sale of lots to subsidize their operation and maintain the cemetery. However, it was insufficient to meet the maintenance needs of the cemetery and on August 6, 1984, the Directors of the corporation asked the city to accept ownership of the cemetery. In April 1985, the Taunton Municipal Council voted to draft legislation to accept the Mount Pleasant Cemetery and, upon passage of Chapter 352 of the Acts of 1985 by the Massachusetts State Legislature, the deed transferring the cemetery to the City of Taunton was signed on January 24, 1986. The last lots were sold in 1984. Previously, these had been considered "too small". However, changing burial practices and the increased number of cremations has made these lots useable. Interments continue in family plots, most sold years ago.

Historic Archaeological Significance:

Historic archaeological resources described above have the potential to contribute detailed information relating to Taunton's early settlement and the evolution of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery from a family burial ground to a 19th century rural cemetery. Any archaeological evidence of structures and/or occupational related features associated with the homestead farm of the John King Family may contribute important information relating to Taunton's first settlement period and the social, cultural, and economic lives of the town's early settlers. Additional documentary research combined with archaeological survey and testing within and around the current boundaries of the cemetery can identify the complete pattern of burials present at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Unmarked graves are probably present and the current pattern of gravestones may not, in every instance, represent their actual placement. Gravestones were frequently removed from older cemeteries then later replaced, at times at different locations. Commemorative stones might also exist, erected by descendants of individuals after their deaths. Archaeological research can help identify these graves as well as later unmarked graves resulting from stolen, damaged, and overgrown stones. Unmarked graves may also be present representing paupers and unknown persons. Archaeological research can also help locate evidence of fences and walls to help reconstruct boundaries of family plots and overall cemetery boundaries through time. Some burials, possibly those of unknown persons, paupers or other indigent persons, may have intentionally been buried outside the cemetery boundary. Artifact distributions may also be present associated with memorial services for specific individuals at their time of death or individuals and groups of individuals (possibly the entire burial ground) at later dates.

Much of the above information can be obtained through unobtrusive archaeological research. That is, information can be obtained by mapping artifact concentrations and the locations of features such as grave shafts and post molds without disturbing actual skeletal remains. Social, cultural and economic information relating to the 18th and 19th century Taunton settlement can be obtained in this manner, however, more detailed studies can be implemented through the actual excavation of burials and their analysis. Osteological studies of individuals interred at the burial ground have the potential to offer a wealth of information relating to the overall physical appearance of the town's inhabitants, their occupations, nutrition, pathologies, and cause of death. This information can also be used to determine the actual number of individuals interred at the burial ground. The overall context of the grave, including material culture remains can provide information on burial practices, religious beliefs, economic status, family structure and numerous other topics relating to the individual, the overall settlement and various religious societies.

From: National Register of National Places, certified by Brona Simon 9 Oct 2002

Prepared by: Charles Crowley, Taunton Hist comm; Elizabeth Igleheart, consultant; Betsy Friedberg, NR Director, MHC

Property owner: City of Taunton

Original name: King Family Burying Ground

Location: Crocker, Cohannet and Barnum Streets

Architect/Builder: Joseph Wilbar (Wilbur), designer

Dates:

1710 earliest burial

1836 Mount Pleasant cemetery established

1927 Point Ave section laid out