Old Pioneer Burying Ground
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Old Pioneer Burying Ground

Westford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA

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This modest 1,500-square foot corner is Westford's oldest known burial ground. Old Pioneer was originally a private family burial ground within the vast farmland owned by Aaron Parker in the early 1700s. Parker and his family were among the earliest settlers in the area when Westford was incorporated in 1729. Like many large farming families, the Parkers kept a small area of their property as a cemetery for relatives and close friends. Along with Parker relatives lie several members of the Corey family, who died during a smallpox epidemic.



Westford history records indicate that in 1788, Leonard Parker received one pound and some shillings to bury a Native American man named James Symonds, who had been ill and under his care. It is possible that other Native Americans lived on the land or had connection to the Parker family and were buried here as well. As many as 22 people may be buried here. None have headstones but chunks of half-buried granite dot the space, surrounded by a low stone wall. A small wooden sign under a pine tree marks the cemetery as a historic resting place for this small group of Westford's earliest settlers. The Westford Cemetery Commission undertook the care of Old Pioneer Burying Ground in 1994.



Old Pioneer is strictly a historic site and does not allow burials. There is no lot map available or definitive list of burial records for this cemetery. Please contact the Cemetery Department with questions or concerns.



This modest 1,500-square foot corner is Westford's oldest known burial ground. Old Pioneer was originally a private family burial ground within the vast farmland owned by Aaron Parker in the early 1700s. Parker and his family were among the earliest settlers in the area when Westford was incorporated in 1729. Like many large farming families, the Parkers kept a small area of their property as a cemetery for relatives and close friends. Along with Parker relatives lie several members of the Corey family, who died during a smallpox epidemic.



Westford history records indicate that in 1788, Leonard Parker received one pound and some shillings to bury a Native American man named James Symonds, who had been ill and under his care. It is possible that other Native Americans lived on the land or had connection to the Parker family and were buried here as well. As many as 22 people may be buried here. None have headstones but chunks of half-buried granite dot the space, surrounded by a low stone wall. A small wooden sign under a pine tree marks the cemetery as a historic resting place for this small group of Westford's earliest settlers. The Westford Cemetery Commission undertook the care of Old Pioneer Burying Ground in 1994.



Old Pioneer is strictly a historic site and does not allow burials. There is no lot map available or definitive list of burial records for this cemetery. Please contact the Cemetery Department with questions or concerns.



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  • Find a Grave Cemetery ID: 2379012