The earliest death mentioned in the Dedham records occurred in 1637, but it is likely that colonists, especially children, were buried there during the first year of settlement, 1635, after succumbing to the hardships of the wilderness. The ancient burial ground in Dedham includes approximately one acre, but for over a hundred years it was the only burial ground, and since many interments were not marked, some parts of it were dug over several times to furnish graves for successive generations. Fortunately, the epitaphs engraved on stones erected to honor a love one have been preserved here....