Upon the only tombstone remaining, are chiselled two open hands pointing to a heart, with the following inscription :
PAL YCARPVS NELSON WAS BORN JBi
IVLY 21 ABOT A • CLOCK • IN • THE ■ MO RNING • IN • THE ■ YEAR 1688 • I • FINNIST ■ MY ■ CORS AND • QVIT • TIIE • LAND • IN . WITNES • HEREOF • MY • HART ■ MY HAND • DESESED ■ DESEMBER . 19 1738.
The neighboring property toward the north-east was formerly vested in the Budd family, whose surname it still retains. The last member that occupied the estate was Col. Gilbert Budd, who served with great distinction in the Continental army during the Revolution. This gentleman was the son of Underhill Budd, of Budd's Neck, Rye. The family cemetery is situated on that portion of the estate which borders the Sheldrake to the north of the village near the New Haven Railroad station.
Here repose the remains of
Gilbert Bidd,& who died Oct. 1 ith, 1805, aged 87 years.
Whoe'er thou art, with silent footsteps tread The hollow mould where lie reclines his head; Let not thoughtless mirth one tear deny, But pensive, pause, where truth and honour lie. His gay wit that fond attention drew, Oft heard delighted hy the friendly few; The heart, that melted" at another's grief ; The hand, in secret, that bestowed relief. Perhaps e'en now, from yonder realm of day, To his lov'd relatives he sends a ray : Pleased to behold affections like his own, With filial duty raised this votive stone.