Abel Ide
(28 Jun 1762 – 23 March 1850)
George A. Ide’s Great Grandfather
Photo courtesy of Ted & Dawn Ide
The inscription on this headstone of Abel Ide, George Abel Ide’s great grandfather, was actually quoted by George A. Ide in his memoirs: “Sacred to the memory of Mr. Abel Ide, who departed this life March 23, 1850, in the eighty-eighth year of his age. The days of our years are three score years and ten [70], and if by reason of strength they may be four score years yet there is strength, labor, and sorrow.” George also quotes a nearby headstone: “Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Susan, wife of Abel Ide, and daughter of Deacon Phinney, of Barnstable. She departed this life September 14, 1854, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. The Hoary Head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness.”
Of Abel and Susan Ide, George states in his memoir: “I think it probable, that Abel Ide served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His father, Ezra Ide, was an Officer as shown by the Massachusetts War Records . . . . They were buried in the Old Seekonk burial ground. Their graves are located a short distance southeast from the old Mausoleum. I attended their funerals. I was given “Abel” for my middle name.”