The Lowell Cemetery is a non-municipal and non-denominational cemetery. 

77 Knapp Ave, Lowell, MA 01852 | 978-454-5191

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Notable Monuments

Learn About The Monuments and Sculptures of Lowell Cemetery

Beginning in the 19th century and continuing to this day, the monuments and markers in the Lowell Cemetery represent a distinct history in the Art of Mourning. Figurative, architectural, and sculptural works can easily be seen as one walks the Cemetery's paths and avenues.

Richard P. Howe, Jr. a Lowell Cemetery Trustee, created RichardHowe.com, a hyperlocal blog about Lowell, and founded Lowell Walks, a series of guided tours plus related heritage activities. He is the author of several books on aspects of Lowell, including a history about veterans’ organizations. Dick has served as the official tour guide of the Lowell Cemetery since 2012.

In the videos below, Dick discusses individuals, monuments, and Lowell history within a regional and national context, with some amazing connections to topics like the invention of the telephone number, a first-hand account of the death of Lincoln, a 20th century presidential campaign, and patent medicine.

Videos

James C. Ayer: Leading Medicine Maker of 19th Century

Helen Sawyer Hogg: Astronomer of International Repute

Louisa Maria Wells: Mill Worker with Magnificent Monument

Walker Lewis Jr: Underground Railroad "Conductor"

Clara Bonney: A Haunted Monument?

William Clark: Lincoln Died in His Bed

Moses Greeley Parker: Inventor of the Telephone Number

Edith Nourse Rogers: Congresswoman for 35 Years

Freeman Ballard Shedd: Cologne Magnate & Philanthropist

Barilla Taylor: Lowell Mill Girl

Paul Tsongas: US Senator & Presidential Candidate

Thomas Talbot: Governor of Massachusetts

Gallery

The monuments at Lowell Cemetery are carved from marble, granite, and slate. There are even a few made from the metal Zinc. Some of the 19th century sculptors whose works have been identified in the cemetery include: Benjamin Day, Theodore Warren, William Andrews and Charles Andrews, Charles Wheeler, Lewis Gumb, Gustaf Carlson, Frank E. Elwell, and Evelyn Longman. Read more about each of our historical monuments in Massachusetts below.

A replica of his favorite leather chair where he loved to read marks the grave of Horace Ebert who died in 1893. A man of modest means, he owned a harness shop in Lowell. The chair is carved from a single piece of granite and ends in carved dog’s heads.
One of the newest monuments to be installed in the Cemetery is owned by James and Irene Coates of Lowell. It depicts an angel in mourning praying and holding a wreath which symbolizes the circle of life as well as victory in death.
Evelyn Longman designed this bronze plaque in the monument of John Ansley Storey (1862-1903). A female figure symbolic of death, holds her finger to her lips for silence, poppies in her lap for eternal sleep, and the key to unlock the door to heaven.
This unique six-foot-tall granite monument reflects the late 19th century Baker-Brandt family’s love of reading. The inscription on the open side of the upright book is from John Greenleaf Whittiers’ “Snowbound”.
The bronze statue of the Clara Bonney Lilley (1845-1884) monument presents a female figure as "Victoria," the classical goddess of victory over death. Her upward gaze is the opposite of many mournful figures on other Lowell Cemetery monuments.
This architecturally imposing monument contains four Romanesque columns and stands 14 feet tall. It marks the grave of Southwell Farrington (1832-1919), his wife, and daughter.
One of the many Celtic Crosses to be found in the Cemetery. This example is particularly ornate in its carving. It is the resting place of Wilfred Taylor (1839-1887).
This natural water-worn stone marks the resting place of James Stratton (d. 1894), who earlier in life had removed this massive 3+ ton stone from the river at his employer, Oliver M. Whipple’s suggestion. The stone has been described as a whale’s tail or an elephant’s foot.
his unique monument is made of Zinc and is extremely rare in cemeteries throughout the country. Most were made by the Monumental Bronze Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut (circa 1875). The company called them White Bronze. This is the resting place of James Stott, a cowboy from North Billerica, Massachusetts, who died in Arizona in 1888.
Another example of the work of Frank E. Elwell. This sculpted marble statue entitled “Genius of Memory” was produced in 1916 for the Lilly monument. Typical of Elwell’s work, it shows his interest in classical art. His works appear in many books on cemetery art.
Highly polished granite balls of various sizes are found throughout the Cemetery. They became popular when early 20th century manufacturing technology made them possible. Balls are thought to symbolize the world and express eternity. This is the resting place of Amasa Pratt (d.1926).
Another example of a Zinc monument is this one with the figure of a woman. Women were often represented in memorials looking towards the heavens. This is the resting place of the George W. Harris family.
This is a detail image of the Frederick Ayer (d.1918) monument. This is the tallest monument in the Cemetery and is located just up the avenue from his brother’s monument, the Ayer Lion.

Plan Your Visit

You can learn more about these historical monuments at Lowell Cemetery. Plan your visit to the cemetery today.

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