101 Ways, Part 112: Died in His Countrys Sevice

For a brief intro to the "101 Ways to Say 'Died'" series, click here.

UPDATE (11/23): Now with an improved picture!

I should have posted this one on Wednesday, but I just didn't think of it. Sorry for the terrible picture quality. I'm sure that I will be back in Groton soon and will try to do a better job.

Memento mori

Here lies the Body

of Mr. Nathaniel Stone

son of Mr. Nathaniel

Stone & Mrs. Sybel

his wife who died

in his Countrys ser

vice on Dorchester

Hill Octr. 22d. 1776

Aged 17 years one

month & 22 days.

Nathaniel Stone's gravestone would seem to indicate that he died while occupying Dorchester Heights during the siege of Boston. Yet, the dates are a little fishy. After the British abandoned Boston in March of 1776, there was little reason to continue occupying the heights and Washington's army spent the summer of 1776 moving toward New York. At the end of October, they were engaged in the Battle of White Plains.

I am left wondering whether the date might be mistaken or whether young Nathaniel, just a few weeks past his 17th birthday, was part of a militia guard left behind to guard Boston when Washington pulled his troops out.

Nathaniel Stone

d. 1776

Groton, MA

carved by the Park family