WESTFORD— The Westford Museum and Historical Society’s director, Linda Greene, has shared a press release about the revolutionary Westford REV 250 walking tour of Westlawn Cemetery.
The event will be located at Westlawn Cemetery, at the intersection of Concord and Country Roads, on May 3 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Westlawn Cemetery is the final resting place for about 400 individuals, mainly from the 1700s and 1800s. This historic site is home to many of the town’s founders, veterans, industrialists, and farmers, with prominent family names such as Prescott, Robinson, and Fletcher.
One of the most significant burials in Westford is that of Colonel John Robinson (1735-1805), the town’s highest-ranking officer during the Revolutionary War. He led the Westford Minutemen to the North Bridge in Concord on April 19, 1775, and is famously associated with “the shot heard ’round the world.’” Robinson also fought bravely in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Among other notable residents are Steven Kostechko, a World War II veteran, and Carl F. Haussler, who served in both World Wars. Additionally, the community takes pride in figures such as the renowned weaver Olive Adams Prescott and May E. Day, who dedicated 42 years to public service as a librarian at the J.V. Fletcher Library.
Like many early cemeteries in Westford, Westlawn Cemetery began as a grassy field dotted with slate gravestones from the Colonial and Federal periods, many of which feature skull carvings. Over the years, marble and granite memorials were added over the years, often adorned with angels and willow branches. One of the most unique features is the memorial for the Prescott family, which initially served as a “horse-mounting block” or stepping stone for accessing the Prescott Tavern in Forge Village. A brown granite chest resting on an earthen mound distinguishes the Carver family tomb. There is also a “Triple Tomb” for the Prescott, Patten, and Leighton families, nestled in towering pines.
There’s a wealth of exploration waiting for you. Join Bob Oliphant as he delves into the stories of those interred in this sacred ground, providing fascinating insights into their lives.
Robert “Bob” Oliphant is a local historian in Westford, Massachusetts. He originally comes from Oberlin, Ohio, where he studied metallurgy and materials science in college. During this time, he discovered his passion for genealogy. Eight years after graduation, he moved to Westford with his wife, Bonnie, and their three sons, becoming actively involved in the area’s local history.
Bob has served on the Westford Historical Commission, the Westford Museum and Historical Society board, and various town committees. He authored “The Westford Gazetteer,” conducted research for the Westford Historical Society, wrote the “Museum Musing” column for the Westford Eagle, and submitted weekly transcripts from the Westford Wardsman to the Westford Historical Society’s webpage.
The Westford Museum and Historical Society enhances community appreciation for Westford’s history through programs that highlight residents’ lives and achievements. Our mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit historical documents, photographs, and artifacts while supporting similar initiatives by other organizations.
If you have questions or need assistance contact Linda Greene:
Telephone: 978-692-5550
Email: director@museum.westford.org
