Inscription
This is a large stone but the inscription seems like a footstone
"Edward Hayward Esq.
1760"
Esq. - Husband of Hannah
first Justice of the Peace & lawyer in Town
! So Edward Hayward, Esq. came to Easton in 1713, not one of the earliest settlers, but still pretty early. He was a true esquire, and the first in Easton, meaning he had some legal authority to settle matters, do weddings, etc. He was also a captain in the militia and held a number of town offices in the early days. He was also a key figure in the 1750 church controversy regarding the location for a new meeting house. He lived in an old home across from Southeastern Regional, no longer standing. Born in Bridgewater in 1689, married Hannah Kinsley in Easton in 1714. He died 1760 around 70 years old.
Hannah Hayward we do not know too much about, but she is listed on the charter for the first Church of Christ in Easton. Your finding that stone is pretty important. The Haywards had the money to have a nicely carved stone such as this one. I wonder if Edwards stone is still there?
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