"When (Rev. Stearns) died in 1788, he was laid to rest by a great and sorrowful gathering in the 'old Epping churchyard,' now within Central Cemetery where other members of his family are buried. About one hundred years after his death, the terrific heat from a fire in the Hoyt shoe factory close by 'caused many of the old gravestones to be broken or destroyed.' His large stone was most likely among them as nothing remains today to mark the spot where this remarkable person in Epping's history lies buried." (Speak Up, Epping! Newsletter, May-June, 2011)
"When (Rev. Stearns) died in 1788, he was laid to rest by a great and sorrowful gathering in the 'old Epping churchyard,' now within Central Cemetery where other members of his family are buried. About one hundred years after his death, the terrific heat from a fire in the Hoyt shoe factory close by 'caused many of the old gravestones to be broken or destroyed.' His large stone was most likely among them as nothing remains today to mark the spot where this remarkable person in Epping's history lies buried." (Speak Up, Epping! Newsletter, May-June, 2011)
Inscription
"(One of Rev. Stearns') grandsons stated his stone was inscribed as follows:
'Josiah Stearns was born in Billerica, Mass. January 20 1732,
graduated Harvard in 1751 and was ordained pastor of the church in Epping March 8 1758.
And died in the assurance of hope, universally lamented,
July 25 1788 in the 57th year of his age and the 31st year of his ministry.
An eminent Christian, an able and faithful minister of the Gospel and distinguished patriot,
his life was unreservedly devoted to the service of his people and his country.'
(Speak Up, Epping! Newsletter, May-June, 2011)
Gravesite Details
There is no gravestone (see explanation above).
Family Members
Siblings
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Records on Ancestry
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