Gilbertown Cemetery

Easton, Connecticut

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Gilbertown Cemetery is the second-oldest cemetery in Easton, Connecticut. It is located on Route 58, across the street from Aspetuck and Center Street Cemeteries. Gilbertown is small, dating from around 1779; several Revolutionary War veterans and Samuel Staples (a local philanthropist) are buried here.

Estimated number of interments, as of January 2024: at least 333.

Photos were taken 12 November 2008 and 13 July 2010.

A view of Gilbertown, from across Route 58.

Major Hill's stone is the oldest within Gilbertown.

"In Remembrance of Major JABEZ HILL; who having served his Country faithfully, & filled up every social relation, to the full satisfaction of his numerous friends and acquaintance, departed this Life much lamented Oct'r 19th, 1779 in the 35th Year of His Age."

A generous faith from superstition free

A love to Peace, & hate of Tyranny;

Such this man was, who now from earth remov'd

At length enjoys that Liberty he lov'd."

"In memory of Mr. SAMUEL STAPLES, who died Feb'y 21st 1787; In the 79th Year of his Age. He was Possess'd of a Plentiful Fortune, which he Devoted to Pious and Charitable Purposes; Especially The Founding of a free School for the Education of Poor Children and Youth in FAIRFIELD; Also a Con'derable Sum for the Support of the Gospel in the Parish of NORTH FAIRFIELD, and a large Estate for the Purpose of Schooling Poor Children at the Different Schools in WESTON; He was a Ste'dy Attendant on the Worship of God. A Friend to the Liberties of his Country. Both Civil and Sacred; And left this Mortal Scene in Humble Hope of Eternal Bliss Through Jesus Christ Lord."

The Oakleys died a day apart,

both at the age of 41.

"In memory of Mr. PETER OAKLEY

who died Aug. 18th, 1794

in the 41st year of his age.

Mrs. HESTER OAKLEY his Wife

died Aug. 17th, 1794

in the 41st year of her age."

"In Memory of

Mr. GERSHOM BRADLEY

who departed this Life

Jan'ry 15th 1795

In the 83d Year of his Age."

"In Memory of

DEBORAH, relict of Gersham Bradley,

who died Sept. 3, 1832;

in the 99 year of her age."

"In memory of JOHNATHAN KINNER, a soldier of the Revolution, who died March 31, 1838; AE 96 years."

Kinner was born in Scotland in 1744. He fought in the American Revolution and served under Captain Caleb Brewster in the Culper Spy Ring, as a boatsman on an armed whale boat. The ring provided George Washington with information on British Army operations in New York City, which was the location of British headquarters. They transported encrypted messages from New York to the area near Fairfield, CT. The messages were then taken to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, leader of the group. Among other activities, the spy ring was instrumental in revealing the duplicity of Benedict Arnold. Kinner died in 1838 at the age of 96.

"The Reverend ALBIN BARLOW JENNINGS

Nov. 27, 1839 - Mar. 11, 1902

CARRIE M. his wife

March 17, 1846 - June 26, 1921

They through the fields of Paradise who roam, The blessed ones repeat through that bright home. Alleluia."