April 30, 2022 – Stephen Luce of the Portsmouth Historical Society lead a tour and discussion of four cemeteries in Lawton Valley. First was a visit to the stone cellar hole. It was the home for many of those interred nearby. Next was a walk to, ostensibly. the “oldest” cemetery. It was just recorded last year and contains several unmarked gravestones. Next, was a walk to the newly-identified Lucy Jepson Burial Ground. Next will be a visit to the well-preserved Captain Job Lawton Cemetery. It is surrounded by a stone wall and contains several beautifully carved grave markers from the 1700’s. Finally, was a drive across the West Main Road to visit the seldom-seen Town Asylum/Poor Farm Cemetery. Located on the rim of Lawton Valley and just south of Raytheon, this cemetery is the final resting place for many of the most unfortunate and vulnerable individuals from the 19th century.
