CHAPTER XI 



THE ROMANCE OF BESSIE WARREN 



The Daughter of Old Simon, the Landlord of the "King's Arms" — Her Love 

 for the Dashing Officer Who Was Branded a British Spy — The Maiden 

 Who Did Not Forget; But Answered the Summons of a Beckoning Spirit 

 and Was Taken over the Great Beyond. 



HE consolidation of The Bronx with the Greater 

 City in 1897, brought about many changes. When 

 the Hunt's Point section was mapped out into regu- 

 lar city streets, the little "God's Acre" was threat- 

 ened with destruction, for a street was to be cut 

 directly thru its center. When this became public a storm 

 of protests arose from various historical societies and 

 literary associations to prevent the obliteration of the old 

 cemetery. One of the staunchest champions for its preservation 

 was the Hon. James L. Wells, and thru his untiring efforts, com- 

 bined with other pressure that was brought to bear, the original 

 street plan was finally altered and the historic spot saved. By way 

 of compromise the city turned the burial plot into a park and it 

 has since been known as the Joseph Rodman Drake Park. 



Of the many headstones crumbling into decay, there was one 

 which has been marvelously preserved, and stood as firm and erect 

 as when first placed there. It was the grave of Elizabeth Willett, 

 who departed this life the 19th of June, 1772, aged 27 years, three 

 months — so the inscription on the tombstone averred. Here are the 

 lines graven beneath her name : 



Behold and see, as you pass by; 

 As you are NOW, so once was I, 

 As I am now, you SOON will be, 

 Prepare for death and follow me. 



Why was so grim an epitaph chosen for her? An involuntary 

 shudder passes over one as he muses over these lines: 



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