If you are ever in Essex County, Massachusetts, there is an interesting cemetery within the Maudslay State Park in Newburyport. It is a pet cemetery and features seven gravestones of beloved pets that once belonged to the wealthy Moseley family.
Frederick Strong Moseley (1852-1938), was a rich, blue-blooded stockbroker who hired prominent landscape architect and engineer Ernest Bowditch to build a lavish mansion he called Maudsley, which featured 72 rooms and extensive gardens (the ruins of which can still be seen today) in 1895. The main house was destroyed by fire in 1955, and—unluckily—a second house built on the property for Frederick’s daughter Helen was also destroyed by fire in 1978.
Helen died in 1952, and on August 5, 1985, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts purchased the estate with assistance from the Trust for Public Land. Maudslay State Park opened to the public on September 15, 1985 and is currently maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. 1
Maudsley State Park—which features 450 acres of stunning hiking and walking trails—is located on the edge of the Merrimack River in Newburyport, Massachusetts and features picturesque views of the river and of the Merrimack Valley.
Stepping into the park is like stepping into the past. Dirt paths meander through the grounds, connecting the ruins of the old estate and its outbuildings, many of which are still standing. There are very few cement walkways. After a stroll through the extensive gardens, you reach a wooded area, and quite literally bump into this small row of gravestones. Those who may not realize that they are pet gravestones may be a bit startled.
The gravestones are for:
In an article for the website History Newburyport, park interpreter Donna Sudak states that the graves are of family dogs.2 Below are two other photos that were included with this article written about the cemetery:
As you can see from the photo, the graves are unassuming, but centrally located. They are close to the well on the property, and also near the central barn, which is just up the path where this photo was taken. In this photo, the extensive gardens are behind the photographer.
These graves give genealogists like us a view into the minds of the owners of this property: they cared for their animals. The family placed enough importance on their dogs to have physical gravestones made for each one.
Below is the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) map of Maudsley State Park, with the area of the gravestones indicated by a red circle:
A link to this map is here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/maudslay-state-park-trail-map/download
Google Maps also has a view of this park, and I have indicated the location of the graves, just beyond the vast garden complex:
The above map features an aeriel view of the main parking lot in relation to the Pet Cemetery. 3
Maudsley State Park
A map of the park as well as directions and other information can be found by following this link: https://www.mass.gov/locations/maudslay-state-park
Address: 74 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport, MA 01950
There are also other pet cemeteries that are in the vicinity:
Pets and animals played a large role in the lives of our ancestors, just as they do today. At my mother’s house, there is a large stone in her backyard where her dog is buried. I also know that my grandfather buried one of his dogs in his backyard under a tree. It might be worth your while to ask your family where their beloved pets are buried. Even if it’s not of interest to you, it may be for property owners for years to come! When searching for your ancestors, see if you can find a record of their pets and their graves. It reveals something very human and timeless about people and their relationships with animals.
Notes
1. “Maudslay” the Moseley Estate (Newburyport, Massachusetts), 1906-1995: Guide, Archives of The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Harvard University [http://arboretum.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/VI_MGC_2012.pdf]
2. Mary Baker Eaton, “Pet Cemetery, Maudslay State Park,” HistoryNewburyport.com
3. Mary Baker Eaton, “Pet Cemetery, Maudslay State Park,” HistoryNewburyport.com
Learn More:
Portable Genealogist: Cemetery and Gravestone Research
Massachusetts Databases at American Ancestors