Located behind the Ashby Town Common, the First Parish Burial Ground (also known as the Old Burial Ground or Center Cemetery) was established upon the town’s incorporation in 1767. Tombstones date from 1773 to 1907, including at least 18 Revolutionary War Patriots. The most notable among them is Prince Estabrook, a formerly enslaved Black man who was wounded at the Battle of Lexington and Concord and went on to serve several tours of duty. Although Estabrook was originally buried outside of the cemetery gates, he was reinterred within the grounds in 1930. The cemetery also includes the tomb of Captain Abijah Wyman, who marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775.

Other known Patriots interred here include:

Jonas Barrett • Jonathon Barrett • John Emerson • Timothy Emerson • Prince Estabrook • Abraham Foster • Stephen Gibson • Isaac Gregory • Asa Kendall Sr • Asa Kendall Jr • Jonathan Lawrence • David Locke/Lock • Samuel Rice • Abel Richardson • William Sheldon • Asa Walker • John Wheeler • Oliver Wright • Abijah Wyman

This list was compiled from the SAR Patriot Research System. While our own research has identified discrepancies between various resources, we welcome your feedback should you notice something that should be revised.