Earlier this month, attendees of the Westfield Historical Commission’s ghost tours at the Old Burying Ground enjoyed stories narrated by a variety of “ghosts” from the early years of Westfield. The Old Burying Ground, also called the Mechanic Street Cemetery, is one of the oldest cemeteries in Massachusetts, with stones dating back to the 1600s.
Whether or not you were able to attend, if you would like to learn more about any of the featured characters, the library has resources to help!
Settlers & Early History
For facts about the early settlers of Westfield, including Thomas Dewey, John Moseley, James Cornish, and John Sackett, see History of Ancient Westfield by local historian L. M. Dewey (1865-1931). You can read a copy of this 188-page typed manuscript in the library by asking for it at the Reference Desk.
Other available histories of Westfield include:
- The history of the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Westfield, Massachusetts, published in 1919
- Westfield and its Historic Influences by John Lockwood, published in 1922
- Westfield, Massachusetts, 1669-1969; the first three hundred years, edited by Edward C. James & Roscoe S. Scott
- City of Westfield Massachusetts 350th year celebration 1669-2019, currently available to read in the library or for purchase (ask at the Reference Desk)
King Philip’s War
The armed conflict in 1675–1678 between indigenous people in New England and the colonists and their indigenous allies is often called King Philip’s War. Here at the Athenaeum, we have six books about King Philip’s War, and other libraries in CW-MARS have many more as well.
You can also read more about the ancient and recent history of indigenous people in our area (who are definitely not ghosts) on the Nipmuc Nation’s history page.
Notable Individuals & Buildings
A few of the prominent men from Westfield history included in this year’s ghost tour were John Bancroft, a British loyalist (you can read a biography of him in the library), and Daniel Fowler, owner of the Fowler Tavern (which is pictured in The Westfield Historical Building Book).
Rev. Edward Taylor and his daughter Mehitable also made an appearance. We have several volumes of Taylor’s poetry and theology, as well as books about his life and work.
Cemetery Key
Of course, you are welcome to go visit the Old Burying Ground and see for yourself this lovingly cared-for part of old Westfield history. Volunteers with Westfield’s Historical Commission regularly organize maintenance of the stones there. Just stop by the Reference Desk at the library to borrow the key that will unlock the gate.
— Kat Good-Schiff, Local History Librarian
Featured image: Gravestones of Rev. Edward Taylor and Ruth Taylor, his second wife, in the Old Burying Ground.
