Lincoln's Temple

The inscription over the famous staute of Lincoln reads “In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union the memory of Abraham Lincoln in enshrined forever”. The memorial building itself is in the form of a Greek Doric temple.

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Along the very short Prospect Street in Acton, Massachusetts, are two monuments to minutemen of April 19th, 1775.

Blanchard Monument, Acton, MA

The Blanchard brothers were among the men from Acton serving under Captain Isaac Davis. Young Luther was a fifer. When the minutemen formed up to take on the British army at the Old North Bridge in Concord, Capt. Davis was heard to say “I haven’t a man that’s afraid to go.” as his company took the lead. Luther and the company drummer are reported to have been playing The White Cockade, a Scottish tune considered an insult to the British.

Photo of the Blanchard Monument from a book published in 1899.

The first shot fired by the British at the Americans was aimed at one of the commanders, Major Buttrick. The ball flew between his arm and side leaving him uninjured, but hit Luther Blanchard causing a minor wound.

Abner Hosmer Monument, Acton, MA

Abner Hosmer was 20 years old when he marched from his family’s farm in Acton to Concord. He was a private serving under Captain Davis and among the lead company when the fighting broke out. Abner and Captain Davis were shot and killed in the first volley from the British.

As the memorial states Luther and his brother went on to serve in the Battle of Bunker Hill and beyond. Young Luther died in September. The cause of his death is not clear, but some believe it was the lingering wound he received on April 19th.

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This post is the start of a new, long-term series I’ve been thinking about centered around the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Although I’d say I have an above average interest in American history, I can only name a few of the 56 signers. The most famous like Sam and John Adams, Jefferson and Franklin come easily to mind, but not many others. So who were these men and what signs of them are left for us to see today?

After a bit of research I’m starting with the man closest to my home, one town away in fact. Matthew Thornton was one of three signers from New Hampshire and one of three born in Ireland. He emigrated to America at two or three with his family around 1717. He was trained as a doctor and served as surgeon on a large 1745 campaign to Cape Breton. Although he served in local government he was not part of the Continental Congress until November 1776 – well after the Declaration was finalized – but as a member of Congress during the period when the “engrossed” copy was being signed, he did so on behalf of New Hampshire. That same year he became a judge. In 1780 he purchased a farm along the Merrimack river. The area in the town of Merrimack is now known as Thornton’s Ferry.

Matthew Thornton historical marker, Merrimack, NH

The first sign I came across is this actual sign. Well, a New Hampshire historical marker anyway. The monument in the background is to Mr. Thornton as well.

Matthew Thornton monument, Merrimack, NH (Infrared photograph)

The monument in reads in part:
“In memory of
Matthew Thornton
one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence”

Thornton Graveyard sign, Merrimack, NH

Though this graveyard was started when Mr. Thornton was still a young man, it has taken on his name.

Matthew Thornton's gravestone, Merrimack, NH

Mr. Thornton was buried in 1803 beneath this modest headstone beside his wife and their sons. The final words on his gravestone are “The Honest Man”.

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Wadsworth Monument, Sudbury, Massachusetts

The monument reads:

This monument is erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the town of Sudbury in grateful rememberence of the services and sufferings of the founders of the state: and especially in honor of
Capt. S. Wadsworth of Milton.
Capt Brocklebank of Rowley,
Lieut. Sharp of Brookline.
and twenty six others, men of their command, who fell near this spot on the 18th of April 1676 while defending the frontier settlements against allied Indian forces of Philip of Pokanoket.
1852

This monument replaced an earlier one that was erected on this spot in 1730 by Reverend Benjamin Wadsworth, President of Harvard College in memory of his father and the others killed that day in King Philip’s War.

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I just wanted to take a few minutes today to remember those who’ve made the supreme sacrifice in service to my country.

The Lexington Minute Man, Lexington, MA, stands as a monument to those that fought on April 19th 1775 beginning our revolution.

Civil War Monument, Westford, MA

World War I Monument, Chelmsford, MA

World War II Memorial, Washington, DC

Korean War Memorial, Washington, DC

Vietnam War Memorial, Washington, DC

A portion of the memorial in Chelmsford Massachusetts to Lance Corporal Zabierek who was killed in action in Iraq May 21st 2004.

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