Justus Sackett (1854): New Burial Grounds Association Cemetery

The New Burial Grounds Association Cemetery is located next to the Second Congregational Church.  at an exceptionally attractive site off the north side of East Putnam Avenue and the intersection with Milbank Avenue. 

The most prominent landmark is the 212 foot tall stone spire of the Second Congregational Church, which is found next to the burying ground. In the 1789 George Washington viewed the surrounding area from the summit of this hill, of which he later wrote the superb landscape which is to be seen from the meeting house is a rich regalia. The church spire itself is the tallest structure in Greenwich, a conspicuous landmark which can be viewed from the waters of Long Island Sound.

Many people have assumed this cemetery to be directly under the jurisdiction of the church next door.  Not true. 

The New Burial Grounds Association was created in July 1833 as an independent organization. The original proprietors of the Association purchased the one and a half acres of land from Solomon Mead for $500. Plots were sold to the public without regard for religious affiliation. Another $440 was invested for necessary improvements, including the reconditioning of the surrounding stone walls. 

This tract of land was at one time owned by Angell Husted, one of the original proprietors of Greenwich. At the time of the purchase for the burying ground no buildings, including Mr. Husted's homestead, were situated here.

Featured here is the gravestone inscription of Justus Sackett. His home pictured here is still preserved on Patterson Avenue. 

Justus Sackett,

died March 7, 1854, aged 76 years, 11 months, 4 days.

Time is winging us away

To our eternal home

Life is but a winters day

A journey to the tomb.

The Justus Sackett House on Patterson Avenue, Greenwich. 

The steeple of the Second Congregational Church of Greenwich, as seen from the cemetery.