Description
Abraham Lemaster—Short Bio
At the rear of the property occupied by the former Bast Furniture Store a single, marble
headstone protrudes from the grassy lawn, as it has for more than 200 years. Its weathered
surface bears the name Abraham Lemaster, who died in 1820 at age 78. Who was Abraham
Lemaster, and how did his lone grave end up here?
Census records show that Lemaster was born in Charles County, Maryland in 1742. He was
married twice and fathered at least seven children. There are suggestions that he may have
been a Revolutionary War Captain, as reference is made to one Abraham Lemaster in a 1779
Council of Maryland journal entry, noting that he and his Company were in receipt of 42 pounds
for provisions.
Land records indicate that Lemaster purchased the lot upon which he’s buried in “Boonsberry
Town” in 1815 for $1,200. When he passed five years later, he was buried on the land. His
descendants maintained ownership of the property through 1863, at which point a portion of the
lot surrounding the gravesite was parceled off and conveyed to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
According to oral tradition, there were hopes of establishing a church and graveyard there.
Despite this, St. Mark’s never developed the site.
In 1920 the property was conveyed to William Bast, who owned and operated a cabinet-making
business on the adjoining lot. Though having no blood relation, the Bast family voluntarily
maintained Lemaster’s gravesite for the next three generations, ending with Douglas “Doug”
Bast, who passed away in 2021.
The Boonsborough Museum of History, which Doug founded, lived, and breathed, now assumes
responsibility for maintaining the Lemaster gravesite. The headstone recently received a gentle
cleaning using a plastic scraper, soft bristled brush, and hand-pumped fresh water. Time and
commitment were the final ingredients in making the sullied stone sparkle again. The
improvement is remarkable!
While solitary in his final resting place, Abraham Lemaster can rest assured knowing that his
name is still spoken and memory cherished in the small town he occupied two centuries ago.
Who among us today will be able to say the same?
Transcribed Deed of Sale (Liber BB, Folio 19)
At the request of Abraham Lemaster the following Deed was recorded January 5th 1816 to wit—
This Indenture made this twenty sixth day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and fifteen between Henry Locher, Jr. of Washington County and State of
Maryland of the one part, and Abraham Lemaster of the County and State aforesaid of the other
part, Witnesseth that the said Henry Locher for and in consideration of the sum of twelve
hundred Dollars current money of Maryland to him in hand paid by the said Abraham Lemaster
the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge hath granted, bargained and sold and by these
presents doth grant, bargain, sell and confirm unto the said Abraham Lemaster all that land of
one Lott [sic] or portion of ground in Boonsberry Town distinguished by number thirty eight, in
width eighty two and one half feet in length two hundred and sixty four feet the same being part
of a tract of land called “Fellowship” with all the improvements, buildings, hereditaments,
privileges and appurtenances to said lott [sic] or portion of ground belonging or appertaining. To
Have and To Hold unto him the said Abraham Lemaster his heirs, executors, administrators and
assigns forever yielding and paying therefor to the proprietor George Boone, his heirs or
successors the sum of seven shillings and six pence yearly ground rent on the twenty seventh
day of November in each year, and the Said Henry Locher, Jr. for himself his heirs executors,
administrators and assigns forever doth covenant and agree to and with them the said Abraham
Lemaster, his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns that he and they shall and may have
hold and peaceably enjoy and possess the said lott or portion of ground and other the
premisses [sic] yielding and paying the rent aforesaid freely and absolutely, discharged from all
claims whatsoever of him the said Henry Locker, Jr., his heirs or assigns or any person or
persons claiming under him of them of any of them In Testimony whereof the said Henry Locker,
Jr. hath hereunto set his hand and assigned his seal the day and year aforesaid.—
Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of George Smith, George NicholsName/Title
Abraham Lemaster Gravestone