Remembering an August casualty, 207 years later

By SHARON WOOD
Claremont Historical Society
Most local history buffs know about Otis Waite’s “History of the Town of Claremont,” printed in 1895. Few, however, may have ever opened the pages of that large volume, which covers the 130-year period from the town’s incorporation in 1764 to the year before publication. While attempting to read it from cover to cover would seem an overwhelming task for most people, the book is a treasury of stories and statistics from our town’s early history. It is a valuable reference tool that has answered many questions that have been asked about local landmarks.

One such question was asked this summer about what appears to be a gravestone alongside the road on Winter Street. Claremont Historical Society president Wayne McElreavy was able to respond with a story that he had read in Waite’s History, which we will quote here.

“Miles, son of Ephraim Tyler, was killed by being run over by a cart. Near the spot, on the east road to Cornish Flat, about two miles north of Claremont village, a stone was erected, which bears this inscription : “6 or 7 Feet East of this stone, Miles Tyler, son of Ephraim Tyler, was killed by a cart wheel, August 5th, 1811, in his 13th year.”

McElreavy noted that the presence of the stone is mentioned now and then on social media, which then generates many speculative comments, including a demand to get the city to “move the body to a cemetery.” Truth is, there is no body there, despite the presence of white fencing placed by a concerned citizen around the assumed grave. It is only a commemorative stone marking the near location of the tragic accident. Miles Tyler is actually buried in the family plot in Union Cemetery in West Claremont.

“The stone, by the way, became overgrown and forgotten over time,” McElreavy said. “In April of 1957, city workers discovered it while cutting brush. The Daily Eagle put out a request for information. Luckily, Waite had written about the stone in his book, and someone quickly researched the mystery.”

Luckily, indeed! And although there are likely some errors in Waite’s book, his writings are a valuable source of information for those with enough interest to track it down. We thank Claremonter Jennifer Mason for asking the question that prompted this article.

Note: The story of the unfortunate Miles Tyler can be found in the section marked “Casualties” in Otis Waite’s “History of Claremont.” Several other stories of tragic deaths between 1762 and 1886, by fire, drowning, falling trees, cannon explosions at July 4 celebrations and accidents involving mill machinery can be found there on pages 339-341.

The text is available to read and download online, but for those who enjoy actually turning the pages of a book, several copies are available for perusal at Claremont’s Fiske Free Library, 108 Broad Street, and the second-floor library in the Claremont History Museum, 26 Mulberry Street.

While the public library has more open hours for research year round, visitors are welcome to come to the museum on Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm, between June and September or by appointment (603-543-1400 or [email protected])

This year marks the museum’s 40th year. There are many historical books in the CHM collection and other intriguing displays to catch your attention while you are there. Admission is by donation.

Find us on Facebook as Claremont NH History Museum.