History

General Timeline​

In the early 19th century, residents of Littleton and the surrounding neighborhoods and villages were quickly realizing that family owned “burial yards”, and small cemeteries would not suffice for the uptick in population that the area was seeing. The residents felt that a proper cemetery was needed in the center of activity. In response, the women from the Female Sewing Society of the Congregational Church made an organized movement to secure such accommodations in 1851. Through this agency, they later purchased a parcel of land from Timothy Gile in 1853, which was the same year the grounds were consecrated as a resting place for the deceased with its first burial. Daughter of Charles W. Labaree and Lucretia B. Brackett, two-year-old Clara Labaree was the first burial to take place in what is now Glenwood Cemetery. At the time, this land was most likely forested with second-growth trees with future development on the horizon. In 1856, the cemetery was incorporated as the "White Mountain Cemetery", and along with the name, a code of by-laws was established. For years The Sewing Society had conducted its affairs unaided successfully until 1870 when assistance with acquiring land for extension of the burial grounds was needed as the original tract had become insufficient for the demand of lots. During that same year, more land was purchased from Mr. Gile as well as Jedediah Farmer, thus continuing the removal of trees, stumps and rocks. The cemetery started to take form with landscaping to get flat and even sites for burial plots.  In 1872, a hearse was purchased for cemetery use until it was later sold to the undertakers of Wells & Bingham. Although records state official name establishment in 1895, "Glenwood Cemetery" was a name being used as far back as 1877. In that same year, the receiving tomb (which still stands but is used for equipment storage now) was erected. Although the records are vague on its time of construction, another landmark sits west of the tomb, this is the “Unknown Dead” Monument, dated 1861-1865. Along with its label and dates, the words “Erected by the W.R.O.,” are inscribed on the stone. W.R.O. likely stands for the War Records Office, who were responsible for maintaining records during the Civil War. Just like the Civil War Unknowns Monument in Arlington Cemetery among others, this monument is dedicated to the unidentified Civil War soldiers who died in battle. To this day, flowers are planted around the monument and the monument is maintained by the cemetery staff. As time progressed, the land grew and grew. In 1884, it became apparent that further addition to the grounds was necessary. After several attempts were made to purchase additional land for the cemetery, an agreement from the Littleton Driving Park Association was made and the remainder of the western plateau, known as the Glenwood annex, was purchased. In 1900, Glenwood's notable terrace sections were constructed by Danial Remick after another piece of land was purchased from the town of Littleton. Mr. Remick was also responsible for building the rock wall along the brook which still stands to this day. In 1912, the St. Rose of Lima Parish bought the land known as the Hird Place that adjoined on the West end of Glenwood, becoming the church’s main location for burials once the original St. Rose cemetery on Brook Road in Bethlehem, NH was no longer needed.  In 1915, John Smillie gave the Cemetery a chapel in memory of his wife, Laura Smillie. The Chapel is known as the Laura Smillie Chapel and has been used as an office since the 1960s. In 1916-1917, the red granite wall along the main road was erected. Large donations for the wall were given by James E. Henry and George Henry. Around 1917, additional abutting land owned by the Littleton Driving Park Association was purchased by Glenwood. A portion of the purchased land comprised the lower and newest section of the cemetery known as Glenwood Memorial Park. This piece of land was farsighted planning and wouldn’t take form for nearly 50 more years. The other portion of this land was later purchased from Glenwood for the construction of the National Guard Armory that adjoins the Cemetery property in 1947. In 1963-1964, Glenwood Memorial Park started to take form and by 1967, burials started to take place. Additionally, two landmarks were built as well; the third and most recent structure of the cemetery, a shop was erected for the employees and machinery storage/maintenance, as well as a pond that was formed by damming the Farr Hill Brook that flows through nearly the entire length of Glenwood Cemetery. Today, Glenwood Memorial Park is the only available location for burials at Glenwood Cemetery. In 1969, the Littleton Fire Department erected a flagpole as the centerpiece of the new section. A plaque was placed as well dedicated to all the deceased firefighters in the cemetery. From its construction to present time, Glenwood Memorial Park still has ample space for future burials and there are currently no urgent plans for expansion.

 

Pattenville Cemetery Relocation​

Another noteworthy event, which did not happen on Glenwood Cemetery grounds, but Wheeler Hill Cemetery on North Littleton Road was the effects of the Fifteen Miles Falls hydroelectric project. In the early 1900s, the Fifteen Miles Falls hydroelectric project was announced. The project’s mission was to build hydroelectric dams along the Connecticut River. More specifically, the Samuel C. Moore Hydro Dam (also known as Moore Dam) was to be built downstream of Pattenville, NH and Upper Waterford, VT. Due to the onset of The Great Depression and World War II, construction would not begin until the 1950s. Unfortunately, this meant that Pattenville and Upper Waterford were to be vacated and demolished since all the area would be flooded due to the dams. Additionally, this meant that all cemeteries and graveyards in the proposed flood zone were to be relocated. Wheeler Hill Cemetery made expansions to accommodate Pattenville Cemetery burials in 1955. During the construction of Moore Dam, which was completed in 1957, a collection of individuals including locally boarded pre-med/college students, G. Julian Butler of St. Johnsbury, VT, and the Desrochers & Sayles funeral home of St. Johnsbury, VT were responsible for the disinterment and re-internment of hundreds of graves. This massive undertaking doubled the size of Wheeler Hill Cemetery. Many of the graves that had to be relocated were unmarked and the names were lost to the sands of time and many had to be marked “unknown” at Wheeler Hill.

 

Cemeteries​

Throughout the years of Glenwood Cemetery being an established entity, the Sextons and employees gained responsibility for nearly all cemeteries in Littleton, minus a few private family cemeteries that date back to the 19th century. In total, there are nine cemeteries that Glenwood is responsible for. The list is as follows:

​

-Glenwood Cemetery: Located on West Main Street.

-St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery: Located on West Main Street abutting the West side of Glenwood Cemetery.

-Wheeler Hill Cemetery: Located on North Littleton Road.

-Carpenter Cemetery: Located on North Littleton Road.

-Clark Cemetery: Located on Broomstick Hill Road.

-Wilkins Cemetery: Located on Manns Hill Road.

-Ammonoosuc Meadows Cemetery: Located on Meadow Street.

-Wallace Horse Cemetery: Located on Mt. Eustis Road.

-Albee Cemetery: Located on Monroe Road.

 

Sextons​

Throughout Glenwood Cemetery’s nearly 180-year existence, only a handful have had the rigorous task and title of Cemetery Sexton. Almost every single Sexton has been a direct successor of their predecessor’s guidance. Becoming a Sexton isn’t like most job placements. Years of experience are needed to get to know the cemetery inside and out before the torch is passed off to the next generation. The trust and rapport that is built between the teacher and student is a sacred passage. The amount of responsibility that this handful of people have taken is a massive undertaking. The list is as follows in reverse chronological order:

​

-Claude Lapete (2022-present)

-Paul Harvey (1981-2022)

-Douglas Brown (1966-1981)

-Gordan Fadden (1966)

-Everett Mooney (1960-1966)

-Trevor and Catherine Mooney (1930-1960)

-Ora Mooney (?-1930)

-Lovell Taylor (19th-20th century)

-John English (19th-20th century)

-Charles Lovejoy (19th-20th century)

​

Paul Harvey​

When it comes to hard work, dedication and pride of Glenwood Cemetery in the past half century, there is one name that will undoubtably always be mentioned, and that is Paul Harvey. Paul started working at Glenwood at the age of 16 in 1967 under the guidance of Douglas Brown, who was the Sexton at the time. Throughout his years under Mr. Brown’s guidance, Paul strived and took great pride in his work. He began to understand the importance of meticulous record keeping, how to deal with families with recently lost loved ones, and how to manage a crew to run proficiently. In 1981, Paul became the full-time Sexton for Glenwood Cemetery, and all the cemeteries Glenwood is responsible for. Paul’s work ethic was second to none when it came to the upkeep of the cemeteries. His memory of each lot in the cemetery was beyond belief, he could even tell you about the day of the funeral service, even if it was 30 plus years prior. Along with Paul’s intense work ethic and standards, he was also a caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He built many strong relationships with those that he worked with, not to mention giving most of his employees interesting nicknames. Paul cared about people, whether it was during work or not, he always made sure everything was going okay in your life. He had compassion and understanding of his employees that not many bosses have. Being an intelligent conversationalist, Paul knew how to talk to people during times of grief. He made them feel comfortable and reassured them that there was nothing to worry about when it came to their loved ones’ final resting place. He always delivered by maintaining the pristine grounds that are Glenwood Cemetery and all the others he was responsible for. Paul’s knowledge was further utilized in his business he co-owned with his best friend Patrick Kezerian, Top Notch Memorials. Whether it was cleaning monuments, digging graves, mowing grass, or helping families, Paul knew it all. In 2019, Paul was named Littleton’s Citizen of the Year for his dedication to his community not only through his time as a Sexton, but as a volunteer firefighter and an employee of Ross Ambulance. Paul worked at Glenwood for 55 years until his untimely passing in March of 2022. Although he would probably say he was just doing his job, Paul went above and beyond for the cemeteries and all those that got the honor to work with him. He was a great mentor for his employees and, in many cases, a great friend. His legacy continues through those he taught and was succeeded by, including current Sexton, Claude Lapete. Fittingly enough, Paul’s final resting place is in Glenwood Memorial Park, the most recent addition to Glenwood Cemetery, which was constructed in the mid-1960s and started burials in 1967. That means almost every single name you see on the stones of Glenwood Memorial Park, Paul has been present for. Although Paul never seemed to like being the center of attention, credit must be given where credit is due and Paul undoubtably deserves it. He and Glenwood Cemetery have been the springboard for many who have worked under him, to work your hardest, laugh more, and don’t take things too seriously. Let this dedication be a fragment of gratitude towards Paul’s life and may he always be remembered not only for the work he has done, but the inspiration, laughter, love, and guidance he has given all of us. Paul, you are forever missed.

​

Historical Figures​

Benjamin West Kilburn was born on December 10th, 1827, in Littleton, NH. At the age of 16, Kilburn went to school in Fall River, MA to become a machinist. After four years of education, he returned to Littleton where he and his younger brother Edward worked alongside his father Josiah at their family run machine shop called Josiah Kilburn & Son Foundry. Benjamin Kilburn was a sergeant in Company D, 13th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. His most notable accolade was his participation in the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia. In the early 1860s, the Kilburn brothers took up photography and by 1865 had established a stereophotographic publishing company in Littleton, NH. Benjamin was responsible for taking the pictures and Edward developed them in his studio in Littleton. By 1877, Edward had retired from the partnership and the B.W. Kilburn & Company was established. During his life, Benjamin Kilburn revolutionized the stereoscopic photography world. He was responsible for capturing the scenery of many historical events and notable locations, they include, but are not limited to; local state and national parks, The Old Man On The Mountain, immigration of the late 19th century, the inauguration of Grover Cleveland, the Johnstown Flood in Pennsylvania, the Boer War, the Boxer Rebellion, the Spanish–American War, the World’s Fair in 1893, The Cog Railway on Mt. Washington, Ouray, CO, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park, four trips to various locations in Europe, and many others. Kilburn is also responsible for the Kilburn Gun Camera. This device circumvented the need to bring tripods to remote locations, where packing lightly was crucial. Kilburn is responsible for a large portion of stereoscopic views for all to see in the late 19th century. His legacy lives on through his work and dedication and made it possible for the public to see places and events they wouldn’t normally get the chance to witness. At age 81, Kilburn died on January 15th, 1909, and was buried in his hometown of Littleton, NH at Glenwood Cemetery. He is buried alongside Caroline Kilburn, and Danial and Elizabeth Remich.

​

Evarts Worcester Farr was born on October 10th, 1840, in Littleton, NH. Farr attended Dartmouth College to study law but shortly after he went on to study with his father, who was an attorney. During the Civil War, Farr started as a First Lieutenant of Company G, 2nd New Hampshire Volunteers, and was promoted to Captain in January 1862. During the Battle of Williamsburg, he lost his right arm. After two months, he returned to service and was appointed Major of the 11th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. Farr went on to see action in the Siege of Vicksburg, the Knoxville Campaign, and the Battle of the Wilderness. After the war, Farr continued to study law and was admitted to the bar in 1867 and became a partner with his father’s law firm in Littleton, NH. Farr also went on to become an assessor for internal revenue, solicitor for Grafton County, and a member of The Executive Council of New Hampshire. In 1879, he was elected to Congress as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives of New Hampshire's 3rd district. He was elected as a Republican to the 46th and 47th congresses. Unfortunately, Farr succumbed to a battle with pneumonia on November 30th, 1880, three weeks after his second election. He was buried in Glenwood Cemetery in Littleton, NH. He is buried alongside his wife, Ellen F. B. Farr, and their children, Edith M. Farr, and Herbert A. Farr.