Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, with a genealogical register

[414] to the common weal, they were given to the keeping of their mother earth. The son of Moses Richardson, standing by, thought it was too bad that the earth should be thrown directly upon their faces, and getting into the trench he spread the large cape of his father's coat over his face.¹ In 1870 the city erected over their remains a neat monument of Scotch granite, with this inscription: “Erected by the City, A. D. 1870. To the memory of John Hicks, William Marcy, Moses rich-Ardson, buried here. Jason Russell, Jabez Wyman, Jason Winship, buried in Menotomy. Men of Cambridge who fell in defence of the Liberty of the People, April 19, 1775. ‘O, what a glorious morning is this!’”

Among the wounded, on that memorable day, was Capt. Samuel Whittemore. He was son of Samuel Whittemore of Charlestown, where he was born July 27, 1696, but early removed to Cambridge. His estate bordered on Menotomy River and his house stood on the northerly side of the Main Street, near the magnificent elms which are still preserved. He was now nearly seventy-nine years old, but yet vigorous in body and mind. In spite of the expostulations of his family, he repaired to the post of danger. His exploits and sufferings have often been related, --possibly with some embellishments in later years. He died Feb. 2, 1793, aged 96 years and six months.² His obituary was published in the ‘Columbian Centinel’ of February 6, which I quote rather than more recent publications for obvious reasons. ‘Died at Menotomy, the 2d instant, Capt. Samuel Whittemore, Aet. 99. The manly and moral virtues, in all the varied relations of brother, husband, father, and friend, were invariably exhibited in this gentleman. He was not more remarkable for his longevity and his numerous descendants (his progeny being 185, one of which is the fifth generation), than for his patriotism. When the British troops marched to Lexington, he was 81 years of age, and one of the first on the parade; he was armed with a gun and horse-pistol. After an animated exhortation to the collected militia to the exercise of bravery, and courage, he exclaimed, “ If I can only be the instrument of killing one of my country's foes, I shall die in peace.” The prayer of this venerable old man was heard; for on the return of the troops, he lay ’