HISTORY OF ORANGE
A story of tragedy is told on the headstone of Mr. Enoch Clark, Jr.:
''In memory of Mr. Enoch Clark, Jr.
who was instantly killed by lightning,
whilst harvesting his grain, and found dead
at midnight in his field.
July 18, 1807, Aged 60.
The Almighty God his dire thunder hurled
Which called me instant to the other world. Ye mortals, heaven's eternal law obey
Then Christ will own you at the judgement day."
But the most interesting family history is found on the headstones of Benjamin L. Lambert and his three wives. The first one is in memory of Anna, wife of Benjamin L. Lambert, who died January 22, 1815, aged 22.
''A lovely daughter seven months old
She left an afflicted father to console
How sweet she shone in social life
As daughter, sister, friend and wife.
Her heart was formed for virtuous love
We trust her soul now dwells with God above."
Right beside this stone is a similar stone with the following inscription:
"In memory of Abigail, wife of Benj. L. Lambert,
who died Dec. 8, 1816.
''A lovely daughter four weeks old
She left its afflicted father to console
How sweet she shone in social life
As daughter, sister, friend and wife.
O reader, when these graces [i.e., graves?] you see
Think of death and eternity.''
Next comes Mr. Lambert's stone, with this epitaph:
''Benjamin L. Lambert, who died Oct. 11, 1825, aged 43.
Six children of three different blood
I leave them all in the hands of God,
May they at last all meet above
And sing the songs of redeeming love.
Surviving partner, thou most dear
Although I have two buried here
Soon you must lie beside of me
O then prepare for Eternity.''
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