Mrs. Susanna Jayne

Susanna was born in Marblehead, MA to Mark Jr. and Susannah Haskell. She was baptised on June 11, 1732, so her birthday was likely in either late May or early June. Susanna was the third of at least four children born to her parents--none of the children had their births recorded, only their baptisms, so it is entirely possible that she had siblings who died before they could be baptized.

On November 27, 1753 she and Peter Jayne were married by the Reverend Simon Bradstreet, minister of the Second Church of Marblehead. Peter was school master, and quite popular in the local community. They had six children: Mehitable in 1754, Susannah in 1756, another Mehitable in 1759, Peter Bonner in 1761, Nancy in 1764, and another Peter Bonner in 1766.

Susanna died in Marblehead on August 8, 1776, and was laid to rest on Old Burial Hill. A few months after her death Peter published his intentions to marry Dorothy "Dolly" Churchill.

This incredible gravestone was carved by Henry Christian Geyer, and is one of the most detailed and unique gravestones in New England. Bones, an hourglass, and cherubs are not uncommon on late colonial-era gravestones, but bats, an ouroboros, and skeletons are. The outside shape of this gravestone is also quite uncommon, and is now encased in concrete to hopefully preserve it. There is some damage from time an vandalism, but thankfully only the moon being held by the crowned skeleton is gone.

DEPOSITED

Beneath this Stone the Mortal Part

of Mrs. SUSANNA JAYNE, the amiable Wife of

Mr. PETER JAYNE, who lived Beloved

and Died Universally Lamented on

August 8th. 1776 in the 45th.

Year of her Age.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the Death of his Saints."

Here sleeps the precious Dust -- she shines above,

Whose Form was harmony, whose Soul was Love.

What were her Virtues? all that Heaven could spare.

What were her Graces? all Divinely Fair.

Mingling with Angels, they admire a Guest,

As spotless Good, and lovely as the Rest.