In the early 1800’s, the Town’s first burying ground reached its capacity. In 1817, the North Parish voted to form a committee “…to See where a piece of Land may be purchased Sutable (sic) for a burying ground”. [1] In 1820, the North Parish purchased from Jonathan Stevens a land which would become the Second Burial Ground. Approximately 700 people are buried at the Second Burial Ground.In 2018, the North Andover Historical Society published “Second Burial Ground of the North Parish – A history told through headstones, family markers, town records, and the preservation efforts of many”. This booklet tells the story of who is buried there including:    

• Jonathan Stevens, a veteran of the Revolutionary War;
• Dr. Thomas Kittredge who built the mansion at 56 Academy Road; and,
• John Frye who, in one early history on file at the Historical Society, is described as “a picturesque old grave-digger” who, as a “special treat” would open a “coffin and show the corpse to the Franklin Academy scholars when funeral services occurred during school time.” [2]

Cato Freeman is interred here, and he was born in 1768 as a slave to Reverend Samuel Phillips of South Church. After Massachusetts outlawed slavery in 1780, he stayed with the family for several more years. He left the Phillips family in 1789 and adopted the name “Freeman”. His parting letter to the Phillips family was warm and cordial; he thanked them for “your care over me and kindness to me…[and]…wise counsel”. [3]   

Cato married Lydia Bristow and raised four children. He was a member of the North Parish Church where he also played the violin. He leased property near the airport and for years, the intersection of Sutton Street and Osgood Street was called “Cato’s Corner”. During his life, he owned two houses in North Andover. He went from slave to owning his own home. [4] A remarkable story!

Cato Freeman died in 1853. While his obituary praised his “cultivated and well-informed mind,” He lived in a time of profound racial inequality. His remains are in the southeast corner of the burial ground with other African Americans. That section, neglected and overgrown for years, had until recently been largely inaccessible. Recent work has cleared the area; however it is this section of the cemetery that needs the most work. The history of this section of the cemetery will be a priority for us.