Fathers Written in Stone

Often overlooked in the history books, the role of “father” has always been of vital importance to men. Among the gravestones in Old Parish Cemetery are a few which call specific attention to this familial role.         

Charles A. Bishop (1859-1929)            Lot 13

Charles Adrian Bishop was born on March 16, 1859. He was the only child of Charles Nelson Bishop and Clarinda Webster Bishop who were married in Nova Scotia in 1858.

In 1885, in Norwood, Charles married Julia Ellen Godfrey; she had been born in Wisconsin. The Bishops had four children. Charles held various jobs including lamplighter, gas piper, and steamfitter. Charles Bishop died on September 30, 1929 after being struck by a car as he crossed Washington Street at Granite Street. He was buried in Old Parish Cemetery alongside his aunt, Sarah A. Webster (1801-1889), and his son, Frank E. Bishop. His sons had the flush stone marker labeled “Father” placed near the gravestone.

David Fales (1808-1889)                                             Lot 33

David Fales was born on June 22, 1808 to Nathaniel and Rebecca Everett Fales of Dedham. At the time of his birth, the family was living in New Hampshire. On August 17, 1834, David Fales married Nancy L. Morse, the daughter of Isaiah and Lydia Morse of Walpole. The couple had five children. In 1858 when the First Baptist Church of South Dedham was organized, David Fales was chosen as one of its first Deacons. David Fales died on November 24, 1889 in East Bridgewater of heart disease. His gravestone is distinctive in that it notes his position as Father.

Samuel Elliot Pond, Esquire (1809-1877)                     Lot 1

Samuel E. Pond was born on June 6, 1809 in Wrentham, Massachusetts. He married Vina Morse Everett on May 31, 1835 in Dedham. Samuel and Vina Pond had three children. Samuel Pond was a well-known and successful farmer. He purchased the Captain Ebenezer Everett house which stood near what is today Saunders Road (and the Sunrise Assisted Living facility). A well-respected member of the community, Pond represented South Dedham on the Dedham Board of Selectmen prior to Norwood’s independence. When the Town of Norwood was incorporated, Pond became one of the town’s first three selectmen along with Willard Gay and J. Edward Everett. He continued on the Select Board until his death on September 13, 1877 at the age of 68. The ornate stone, erected by his children, pays tribute to his fatherhood.