Notes on Mrs. Lederer's transcriptions of the tombstones of Chesterfield

The typed manuscript work "Tombstone Inscriptions of the Cemeteries of Chesterfield Massachusetts 1773 - 1940", complied by Mrs. Max Lederer, is one of the most valuable and well known aids to those researching Chesterfield ancestors.

All interested should know there are at least two distinct versions of this manuscript in existence. I reviewed one at the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston. This version is 106 pages in length. Typed on a single side of each page and well bound. The author lists her name as "Mrs. Max Lederer". This is NEHGS call # Mss A 700.

I reviewed a second version of this manuscript at the Westfield Athenaeum. In this version, 115 pages in length and also well bound, the author lists her name as "Inez Stevens Lederer".  This is Athenaeum call # EY844zC525L.

Both manuscripts list a 1940 publication date, but evidence within the 115 page version tells us the date of revision is 1962. Here is a transcription of page 115  (directly following the index) of the manuscript as viewed in Westfield:

   "Chesterfield was incorporated as a town June 11, 1762. It was formerly the new plantation called "New Hingham". Many of the early settlers came from Hingham and Cohasset. May 14, 1781 part was included in the new town of Goshen. Part of Norwich was annexed Feb. 22, 1794. Part of Goshen was annexed June 8, 1789. Chesterfield is in Hampshire Co.

   The town of Chesterfield was settled from 1760-1765. The first actual pioneer who established himself and family within the limits of the town and wintered here was George Buck. He lived on what is known as Ireland Street. Some have tried to change the name to Highland Street. Chesterfield took an active part in the Revolutionary War. Many Revolutionary soldiers are buried here.

   When the stirring news of Lexington came over the hills to Chesterfield, Capt. Robert Webster, summoning his company of 47 Minute-Men, marched to Boston two days after the battle of Lexington, April 21, 1775. The first lieutenant was Christopher Bannister, second Jeremiah Stockwell, and the ensign was Everton Beswick.

   This summer, 1962, Chesterfield celebrated its 200th anniversary with a fine program, lasting about two weeks, in all. Parades,, etc/. People came from far and wide by the thousands, and it was a success in every way and long to be remembered."

Also in the Westfield version, Mrs. Lederer has added one page and three cemeteries to her listings. On page 93, she transcribes the Witherell Cemetery, the Moses Damon Cemetery, and the Batesville Cemetery. None of these are recorded in the 106 page NEHGS version.

Additionally, she referred to Gate Cemetery and Ireland St. Cemetery in the 1940 version as "First Highland St." and "Second Highland St." cemeteries. In the 1962 version, she lists them as "First Ireland St. Cemetery" and "Second Ireland St. Cemetery".

She included in the 1940 version a reference number for each tombstone in each cemetery listed. This reference number is missing on the 1962 version.