Inscription "In Memory of Mr. Benjamin James, died March 23, 1791, 54yrs."

Benjamin was the first to be interred in this private, family cemetery, then referred to as the James Burying Ground.

Per Scit. Vital Records Benjamin "was found dead in his pasture, perished with wet and cold". He was a son of Capt. BENJAMIN JAMES and MERCY (STOCKBRIDGE) of Scituate, grandson of Dea./Capt. JOHN JAMES and EUNICE (STETSON), and husband of SARAH (HOLMES). a daughter of THOMAS HOLMES and LYDIA (WHITE). (Note: Dea./Capt. John James and his wife Eunice are both buried at Second Parish Cemetery, Norwell, MA.)

Benjamin grew up with his family in the saltbox Colonial overlooking the North River off Driftway Road in Greenbush. The cemetery was part of their original homestead property.

From 1791-93 the James homestead was used as a hospital by the town of Scituate to provide isolated housing for those stricken with smallpox and for those wanting treatment. Although the method of inoculation at that time was controversial, the program was considered a success with only 12 deaths over two years out of a population of 2,862. After the need of use was over, the town restored the homestead to rid it of smallpox contamination and returned it to the James heirs. The homestead was later owned and renovated by the Gillis and Quinn families and is now the Maritime and Irish Mossing Museum.

Benjamin and Sarah (Holmes) had children, all born in Scituate:

--SARAH "Sally" "Polly" (JAMES) TURNER, b.2/1/1772;

--BENJAMIN JAMES, b.5/10/1774;

--JOHN JAMES, b.9/12/1776;

--MERCY "Marcy" (JAMES) FORD, b.7/27/1779;

--POLLY JAMES, b.4/25/1781;

--Dr. ELISHA JAMES, b.4/29/1785.

(Bio written by Annette (Langley) Markward, great-granddaughter of Elijah Thomas Clapp and Ann Rosini (Clapp) of Scituate, MA, who are also buried here. Please follow FindAGrave guidelines for permission to use content and photos.)