A Tea Party Member Among Us?

 

Robert Hichborn

 

 

Stockton Springs, Maine

 

 

 

 

In mid coast Maine sits the little sleepy town of Stockton Springs. It is easy to miss as you drive down Rt. 1. Most people notice it because of signs for Fort Point Lighthouse. If you are brave enough to venture out on the winding Cape Jellison road you will not only be greeted by scenic views but by local landmarks of historical significance including the Lighthouse and what little remains of old Fort Point. Both are part of a state park. However, just before you get there on your right side you will see Mt. Recluse Cemetery. I have often driven by this cemetery as I wandered out to Fort Point to enjoy a walk, picnic, or some historical exploration. Considering that this part of Maine has been settled for some time, I thought it might be prudent to explore this little cemetery. Fortunately I was not disappointed. In fact I discovered what was certainly a first for me.

 

Located near the front of Mt. Recluse Cemetery is the grave of one Richard Hichborn. Interestingly enough his stone reads "One of the historic Boston Tea Party". Few acts leading up to the struggle for Independence have become as iconic as the Boston Tea Party. On December 16, 1773, men mostly of the group called the Sons of Liberty snuck down to the Boston harbor. Many were dressed as Native Americans. In an act of protest for the British tea tax, they threw an entire shipment of tea into Boston Harbor. It was one of the first real acts of rebellion against the crown. Today you can even see replicas of the tea ships in Boston Harbor and visit a museum dedicated just to this event.

 

 

 

So who was Robert Hichborn? I was not able to drudge up extensive information about him, but here is what we do know. At the time of the Boston Tea Party he was a sailmaker who lived on Anne Street in Boston's North End. He was also a member of the Sons of Liberty. After conflict officially began between the British and the Colonist, Hichborn joined in the fight. he is listed as having served as a 1st Lieutenant in Col. Henry Bromfeld's Massachusetts Militia. This also makes Robert Hichborn a veteran of the American Revolution. It appears that in 1791 after the war he relocated to the area that is now Stockton Springs and began a packet line (not sure what this means) between Cape Jellison and Boston.

 

He died in the year 1800, just as the United States was beginning establish itself as a nation.  However, you can still see the final resting place of this great patriot nestled on the quiet Cape Jellison Road in Stockton Springs, Maine. While you are there, I recommend also stopping at Fort Point State Park. In the photos below you can see the original stone as well as the one erected later by his ancestors.