Thomas Park (1745-1806) Lexington Monument and Chair
Title
Thomas Park (1745-1806) Lexington Monument and Chair
Description
Thomas Park was born in Scotland in 1745. His father William, a stonecutter, brought the family to America. William's work can be viewed in Harvard's Old Burying Ground and elsewhere. Thomas Park followed in his father's footsteps and became a highly skilled and respected stonecutter. He was also a patriot during the Revolutionary War.
The Thomas Park chair shown here was one of a set of four that belonged to Major and Francena (Reed) Nelson of West Granville. The chairs were handed down from Thomas Park to his daughter Anna Park Reed (1771-1862), then to her daughter Anna Reed Barlow (1801-1891), who left them to her grand-niece Francena Reed Nelson (1841-1916).
Before moving to their farm on West Hartland Road Francena and Major Nelson lived in the Ives house. The set of four chairs were stored in the attic at the Ives place and left there until someone remembered they belonged to the Nelsons. With the help of possibly Carrie Ives Cooley the chairs were restored to the Nelsons' possession.
Over the years the set has been divided but each is with a descendant of Thomas Park.
One of Thomas Park's best known monuments is the Revolutionary Monument in Lexington, MA. Erected in 1799 it is the oldest Revolutionary War monument in existence. Photos shown here courtesy of Jacy Romero, 2022.
The dedication on the monument reads as follows:
"Sacred to Liberty & the Rights of mankind!!!
The Freedom & Independence of America,
Sealed & defended with the blood of her sons.
This Monument is erected
By the inhabitants of Lexington,
Under the patronage, & at the expence(sic) of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
to the memory of their Fellow Citizens,
Ensign Robert Munroe, Messrs. Jonas Parker,
Samuel Hadley, Jonathan Harrington Junr.,
Isaac Muzzy, Caleb Harrington and John Brown
of Lexington, & Asahel Porter of Woburn.
Who fell on this field, the first Victims to the
Sword of British Tyranny & Oppression,
On the morning of the very memorable
Nineteenth of April, An. dom. 1775.
The Die was Cast!!!
The Blood of these Martyrs,
In the cause of God & their County,
Was the Cement of the Union of these States, then
Colonies; & gave the spring to the spirit, Firmness
And resolution of their Fellow Citizens.
They rose as one man, to revenge their brethren's
Blood and at the point of the sword, to assert &
Defend their native Rights.
They nobly dar'd to be free !!
The contest was long, bloody & affecting;
Righteous Heaven approved the solemn appeal;
Victory crowned their arms; and
The Peace, Liberty & Independence of the United
States of America was their glorious Reward.
Built in the year 1799."
CLICK HERE for a photo of Major and Francena Nelson.
CLICK HERE to see the Nelson family.
CLICK HERE to see the Nelson farm on West Hartland Road.
CLICK HERE to see the Ives family.
The Thomas Park chair shown here was one of a set of four that belonged to Major and Francena (Reed) Nelson of West Granville. The chairs were handed down from Thomas Park to his daughter Anna Park Reed (1771-1862), then to her daughter Anna Reed Barlow (1801-1891), who left them to her grand-niece Francena Reed Nelson (1841-1916).
Before moving to their farm on West Hartland Road Francena and Major Nelson lived in the Ives house. The set of four chairs were stored in the attic at the Ives place and left there until someone remembered they belonged to the Nelsons. With the help of possibly Carrie Ives Cooley the chairs were restored to the Nelsons' possession.
Over the years the set has been divided but each is with a descendant of Thomas Park.
One of Thomas Park's best known monuments is the Revolutionary Monument in Lexington, MA. Erected in 1799 it is the oldest Revolutionary War monument in existence. Photos shown here courtesy of Jacy Romero, 2022.
The dedication on the monument reads as follows:
"Sacred to Liberty & the Rights of mankind!!!
The Freedom & Independence of America,
Sealed & defended with the blood of her sons.
This Monument is erected
By the inhabitants of Lexington,
Under the patronage, & at the expence(sic) of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
to the memory of their Fellow Citizens,
Ensign Robert Munroe, Messrs. Jonas Parker,
Samuel Hadley, Jonathan Harrington Junr.,
Isaac Muzzy, Caleb Harrington and John Brown
of Lexington, & Asahel Porter of Woburn.
Who fell on this field, the first Victims to the
Sword of British Tyranny & Oppression,
On the morning of the very memorable
Nineteenth of April, An. dom. 1775.
The Die was Cast!!!
The Blood of these Martyrs,
In the cause of God & their County,
Was the Cement of the Union of these States, then
Colonies; & gave the spring to the spirit, Firmness
And resolution of their Fellow Citizens.
They rose as one man, to revenge their brethren's
Blood and at the point of the sword, to assert &
Defend their native Rights.
They nobly dar'd to be free !!
The contest was long, bloody & affecting;
Righteous Heaven approved the solemn appeal;
Victory crowned their arms; and
The Peace, Liberty & Independence of the United
States of America was their glorious Reward.
Built in the year 1799."
CLICK HERE for a photo of Major and Francena Nelson.
CLICK HERE to see the Nelson family.
CLICK HERE to see the Nelson farm on West Hartland Road.
CLICK HERE to see the Ives family.
Contributor
Jacy Romero, Kathleen Clifford Ivory
Rights
Revolutionary Monument: Jacy Romero, 2022
Chair Photos: Kathleen Clifford Ivory, 2020
Chair Photos: Kathleen Clifford Ivory, 2020
Collection
Citation
“Thomas Park (1745-1806) Lexington Monument and Chair,” Granville History Digital Collection, accessed April 26, 2024, https://granvillehistory.omeka.net/items/show/1267.
Comments