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INTRODUCTION.

In collecting these memorials, the grave-stones in the Old Common Cemetery were all examined in the Summer of 1846, and their inscriptions-so far as it seemed practicable-were obtained either in their exact language or in all essential particulars. The inscriptions, however, were not in all cases found legible. In these instances, the epitaphs, names, and dates were deciphered as accurately as was possible, or were approximately determined from other sources; and in all cases of uncertainty, the doubtful words and figures will be found indicated in the following pages either by italics, by the asterisk, or some other intelligible sign. The town records supplied many of the illegible dates.

How many inscriptions have been wholly lost by the destruction of many of the grave-stones themselves, cannot now be ascertained. At all events, to judge from the number of fragments of these stones found near the School Houses on our Worcester Common, it would seem that the hands of Time had not obliterated more of these memorials of the dead, than the hands of Youth had destroyed. However, the present collection will serve as a faithful record, it is hoped, of the monuments that were found in 1846, still unbroken and undisturbed. A few have been removed recently by friends, and the inscriptions of several, which were found some time since by J. Harrington, Esq. of this city, have been obligingly furnished us for an Appendix.

A word as to the arrangement of these inscriptions. It is designed that they succeed each other chronologically, as far as may be, and according to " New Style." This will explain, therefore, any seeming discrepancies between the succession of years and the dates on the stones prior to A. D. 1752, before which time, as is well known, the year began March 25th " Old Style," instead of January 1st, as thereafter. In most cases, the years succeeding 1752 will be mentioned only at the head of each annual list, in order to avoid repetition.

A few notes have been inserted, indicated by brackets in most cases, giving some additional names, dates, and particulars, with occasional references to Lincoln's "History of Worcester," to the files of the Massachusetts Spy, and to our own Town Records. For valuable suggestions

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A Note About These Pages

This is the total extent of what I currently have on cemetaries in Worcester.

I don't have a list of graves from any other cemetaries available.

I don't know how to find your long lost relatives online, etc.

Futher information on this subject can be probably be found at the Worcester Historical Society. I'm not a member, and don't know much about what they have, but I'm sure it's more than I have.