Taphofiles – Maine Ghost Hunters

Silent Sentinel: The Roadside Grave of Nathaniel Morrison

Maine Ghost Hunters — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:16:00 +0000

Silent Sentinel: The Roadside Grave of Nathaniel Morrison

The story of Nathaniel Morrison is a short one. Partly because he was so young when he died and partly because there’s virtually no documentation of the young soldier left behind that makes reference to his life. Maine Ghost Hunters tracked down what little information is available about Captain Morrison and then we took a drive out to his roadside grave site in Phippsburg, Maine with our video camera. You can see that video on our Maine Ghost Hunters YouTube channel.

The peculiar nature of Nathaniel’s final roadside resting place has, no doubt, raised questions as to how he arrived at this peculiar place for all eternity, and the answer is a pretty intriguing one we’re eager to share with you. The basic facts of the matter are; Nathaniel Morrison was a Captain in (very likely) the US Army who died of the flu and was buried very close to the road on Route 209 in Phippsburg, Maine. How he came to contract the flu was wholly due to an outbreak at the Cox Head garrison, where he was stationed with a good number of men local to the area. The Cox Head garrison housed 105 men in close quarters so once the flu arrived it swept through the encampment and a number of deaths resulted, unfortunately including young Captain Morrison.

The question most people want to know is “why was be buried so close to the road?” and the answer is almost certainly “because there was no road there when he was buried”. You see, back in 1814 when Nathaniel died, this part of the state wasn’t all that developed. Nathaniel was from Sebasco and while there were established roads to get from the Cox Head garrison to Sebasco the amount of time it would take to traverse the length “from here to there” was discouraging to the men responsible. So, they decided to make their own – more specifically ‘direct’ – route “from here to there” and they traversed it to utter exhaustion before laying him in the ground where he still rests today.

The circumstances of the situation were personal to the men who buried him where they did, and we really want to make this clear. Nathaniel Morrison could have been buried nearer where he died, but he was serving with a few of his local friends and they were so personally distraught over his death they insisted he be brought home to be buried. The problems they faced when executing their plan to get him home were plenty, including an unseasonably warm spate of days, uncut wilderness and marshlands, and the ungodly number of bugs that arise from both when combined. These young men were passionate about carrying Nathaniel Morrison’s rapidly decomposing body (due to how incredibly warm it was) to Sebasco, but the state of his condition had deteriorated so thoroughly in such a short period of time the stench became unbearable and they had to bury him where we find him today. They chose this spot because it was “a high point” in the land and it was only discovered that his body was there, by accident when the roadway was put in.

If you’d like to go see the roadside burial site of 28 year old Captain Nathaniel Morrison of Sebasco, Maine all you have to do is take a drive on Route 209 in Phippsburg, Maine on the way to Fort Popham.

Mackworth Island Pet Cemetery

Maine Ghost Hunters — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:16:00 +0000

Mackworth Island Pet Cemetery

The History and Legacy of Mackworth Island

Mackworth Island, known as “Menickoe” or “Clump of Pines” by the Native Americans, has a rich and varied history. The island was originally owned by local Native Americans until 1631 when it was ‘bought’ by an early settler/colonizer named Sir Ferdinando Gorges. 3 years later he gifted it to a man named Arthur Mackworth. After Mackworth’s death, the island changed hands many times before finally being purchased by James Phinney Baxter, the father of Governor Percival Baxter, in 1885.

James Phinney Baxter, a canning magnate and six-time mayor of Portland, built a large summer home on the island for his family, which included his wife and seven children. The island, teeming with horses and Irish Setters, was a haven for these animals, living their best lives in an open-range existence.

In 1921, Governor Percival Baxter came into possession of Mackworth Island following the death of his father. That same year, he became Maine’s 53rd Governor, a position he held until 1925. During his tenure, the governor donated vast tracks of land to the state of Maine, which is now known as Baxter State Park; including the crown jewel of the Maine wilderness, Mt. Katahdin.

The Legacy of Governor Percival Baxter

Governor Baxter was a staunch advocate for animal rights and belonged to numerous Humane Societies across the US. He was once named “America’s Greatest Humane Governor” by the New England Anti-Vivisection Society.

In 1953, Governor Baxter sold Mackworth Island to the state of Maine for $1.00. He also donated $500,000 to help build the Baxter School for the Deaf, and an additional $175,000 for the causeway between the mainland and the island. The only provision he attached to the sale was that the Pet Cemetery on the island be left untouched and maintained forever.

The Pet Cemetery

The Pet Cemetery on Mackworth Island was built for Governor Baxter’s 14 Irish Setters. He had been fond of Irish Setters since he was nine years old and even wrote a children’s book titled “My Irish Setter Dogs,” which told of his experiences raising Irish Setters from childhood through adulthood.

The last dog he buried in the cemetery was named Garryowen, nicknamed Garry II. Garry II was with Governor Baxter throughout his time in the State House. When Garry II died, Governor Baxter ordered all flags in the state of Maine to be flown at half-mast. This act, while controversial, underscored his deep love for his pets and his commitment to animal rights.

The natural history of Mackworth Island is intertwined with the legacy of the Baxter family, specifically Governor Percival Proctor Baxter. His love for animals and his commitment to their welfare is evident in the pet cemetery he deeded to the State of Maine, to be perpetually maintained and cared for, and to be enjoyed by those who take the time to visit.

Governor Edwin Chick Burleigh

Maine Ghost Hunters — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 16:51:33 +0000

Governor Edwin Chick Burleigh

Edwin C. Burleigh: A Legacy of Leadership

Edwin C. Burleigh, the 42nd Governor of Maine, was more than just a political figure. His life and career were characterized by a deep commitment to the people and the state he served. Born into a family of politically active men, Burleigh’s upbringing laid the foundation for his future as a leader at both the state and national level.

Early Life and Career

Born in Linneus, Maine, on November 27, 1843, Edwin C. Burleigh was the son of Parker P. Burleigh, a prominent figure in his time. Edwin’s early education took place in the town school and at Houlton Academy. After completing his academic course, he taught for a time before taking up land surveying. His knowledge of the public lands of the state was unparalleled, leading to his appointment as a clerk in the land office in Augusta in 1870. He later served as Land Agent, Assistant Clerk of the House of Representatives, and State Treasurer.

A Governor’s Legacy

Burleigh’s tenure as Governor of Maine was marked by significant reforms and additions to the state’s laws. His administration saw the creation of a state department for agriculture and a forestry commission. He also implemented tax reforms that increased the State valuation by $104,000,000 and reduced the State tax to two and one-fourth mills. His efforts led to the refunding of the six per cent. State bonded debt at three percent., resulting in an annual saving to the State of $71,530.

Under his leadership, the State appropriation for pensions was increased, a permanent muster field was purchased and equipped, and the Australian ballot law was adopted. His administration ensured that no class of Maine’s population was neglected. Farmers, soldiers, scholars, merchants, workmen, rich and poor, all shared in the increased benefits of wise government and judicious conservation of Maine’s resources.

Ten Things to Know About Edwin C. Burleigh

Timberland Owner: Burleigh owned vast amounts of timberland and was instrumental in passing the anti-forest-fire law, which imposed heavy penalties for purposely or carelessly setting forest fires. He also made the land agent Maine’s “forest commissioner” with wardens in every section.
Investor in the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad Company: His investment helped open up the most northern and wooded areas of Maine.
Owner of the Kennebec Journal: Along with his son, Clarence B. Burleigh, he ran the Kennebec Journal, a central point of communication for the Republican Party.
Advocate for Mental Health: As Governor, he appointed the commission to find a suitable location for a second State Hospital in Bangor.
Congressman: As a Congressman, he was a major reason the U.S. Government handed over the Arsenal in Augusta to the State of Maine.
Lighthouse Builder: He secured appropriations of $140,000 for the building of Isle au Haut Lighthouse, also known as Robinson Point Light.
Supporter of the National Guard: He is the primary reason Camp Keyes became a central muster point for the Maine National Guard.
Saver of the Capitol: The Capitol was not moved to Portland because of Burleigh, saving the State of Maine over $2 million.
Advocate for Representation: Burleigh is why Maine has two Representatives in the U.S. Congress instead of one.
A Loving Husband: He died only one month (five weeks) after his wife, a testament to their deep bond.

Edwin C. Burleigh’s legacy continues to impact the state of Maine and its people. His life and career serve as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a deep love for one’s community.