“Claypit Cemetery” in Lowell, MA dates back as far as 1700.
Claypit Cybercemeteryadded 12/31/2007 This is still a work in progress. We welcome any additional information you may have about those buried at Claypit, and will make every attempt to continually make updates to the biographical information we have included. Please contact us at comments@primaryresearch.org. Project Overviewby W. Dean Eastman
A Forgotten Historyby Rebecca Duda
Using Census Records to Learn About the Claypit Cemeteryby Emily Fox
 Through census research, we began to discover that there were people listed as “free colored” living in the neighborhood surrounding the cemetery. Were they buried there? Where they involved in the Underground Railroad? Much more was to be discovered through researching census records. Eighth-grade student Emily Fox explains how it is done.For more information about the role of Dracut in the Underground Railroad, see:
Siebert, Wilbur H. “Underground Railroad in Massachusetts.” Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society 45 (April 17, 1935 – October 16, 1935): 25-100. |
We have attempted to provide a visual representation of Claypit Cemetery on our site as a way of commemorating those buried there. Since the actual site remains uncared for, and what is left of the markers continue to disappear, we hope this serves as the next-best way of remembering them.
I am interested in the history of Dracut especially the cemeteries.
Clay pit was unknown to me until today Sunday Feb.29,2016 while discussing Dracuts history with a friend/historian /film maker Jonathon Stevens.
He had visited the cemetery. will visit the hallowed site this week and will bring pruners and camera.
Thank to all those who have worked on the presevation of the oldest cemetery in Dracut, now Lowell
I want to know more and help get involved.
Jeff hollett
Dracut VSO
Wants to learn more.
Would you be willing to contact me at 978-856-5007.
Thank you
My name is Linda Simes and my husband dwight and I have a Paranormal Group called NEPANH.org. we were wondering if it was at all possible to go to you’re cemetery and and do a small investigation. There are 5 group members none under that age of 44. We gone to the cemetery in Kingston, NH and conducted an investigation under the knowledge of the Kingston Police Station. We deeply respect a place rest and solitude and never would desecrate a cemetery. We’ve done private homes and businesses. Just so you know we are a non profit group. We do this because we have if history and I guess maybe you say we like to solve puzzles. If we get any info on our investigations we turn it over to whomever would like it. So now you know why you’re getting this odd message. We would like permission to come visit the cemetery on a Saturday night. We wouldn’t stay to a late maybe dusk to about 9ish. We would be will be willing to sign any forms that says we take total responsibility for our own safety. All we use are flashlights, an instrument called a K2 meter and a ghost meter and a small tape digital recorder to try and collect evps. I thank you for reading this and hope you take it into consideration. Oh one other thing we do fundraisers for groups and we have raised money thru donations, and what ever money is raised goes to the venue 100%. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you. Dwight and Linda Simes.
Hi, I am Brian Brenner a descendant of Edward Colburn/Coburn, thru my Mother Dorothy Coburn, I currently am making preliminary plans on visiting the Cemetery from the Pittsburgh area. In the next 6-9 months. If you could tell me where the access to the Cemetery is, it would be a greatly appreciated.
I must relay any info I have for this, even though I’m sure it would be telling you info already known. Edward Coburn was the first settler north of the Merrimack. His Garrison House and property is thought to be the same property as the Cemetery! Edward Coburn was the second land owner but first to occupy the property, this info is the current status I have on the Property, my analysis could be wrong but if you would like to inform me of anything on that analysis please do, it would greatly appreciated. The book “History of Dracut” and the “Descendants of Edward Colburn/Coburn” by Silas R. Coburn details a lot of this info. Both are still in publication and availabile for purchase and downloadable on Archive.org, If any of this is useful or new info, guessing not, please feel free to ask for any more info I can help with.
Hi Brian,
The cemetery is accessible behind the Brunwsick Bowling Alley in Dracut. Thank you for the additional info!
Kevin
Demodulation market basket built a shopping plaza abutting the clay pit cem. And gave a two spot parking easement for easement to the cemetery. It is fully accessible now as of nov 2020 for any future efforts to preserve it and the history of its inhabitants.
Mr Artie Demoulas is a benefactor of this cemetery.
Thanks for your work on this. I couldn’t quite locate the entrance when I passed through town. I found my way to the back of the bowling alley but wasn’t bold enough to wander around too much. I participated in the SuperBowl 5K in 2020 just for the fun of running on ancestor land. Edward Colburn is my 9th great-grandfather. He is also the ancestor of late actor James Colburn and Bart and Paul Giamatti.
Jeff hollett
Dracut VSO
Wants to learn more.
Would you be willing to contact me at 978-856-5007.
Thank you
My husband and I (he is a Lew descendant) have visited the cemetery several times with our last visit being this year. On our first visit we parked behind the bowling alley and through a well worn path, were able to walk into the cemetery. It was over grown and full of trash. Afterward, my husband made an attempt to find out who to speak to regarding the care of the cemetery and where records may be as to who is buried there, with no luck. Fast forward to our last visit, the cemetery is in much better condition. There is an entrance in the grocery store parking lot and a historical marker. The grounds had been cleared. It is sad that so many headstones are missing. While we were there a local fireman was touring with his children and he told us the church next to the nearby firehouse had been caring for the property, but the church has since moved. I have made contact with both the Dracut and Lowell Historical Societies to find out who has the information. I did get a call back from Lowell Historical and have been sent to the Center for Lowell History, Lowell Massachusetts. Hope this is helpful.