Historic Somerville

In the central part of the cemetery on Somerville avenue, on a slight  elevation of land, stands a soldiers monument, fifteen feet in height, resting upon  a base forty-five inches square.    Much of historic interest is associated with this monument, the claim  being that it is the first memorial shaft erected by citizens as a public tribute to  those “fallen heroes” who gave their lives in the service of their country during the  civil war.     The monument was placed in position during the summer of 1863.     At the apex of the shaft is a representation of an American eagle, with  outspread wings. On the top stone is wrought military emblems surmounted by  the letter B, the enlisted men of the town forming Co. B, 5 th Regiment.   Inscribed on the base is the following:  S.L.I.  Incorporated A.D. 1853  There are tablets on three sides, bearing the names of Somerville soldiers who  died or were killed in the war.  On the front is a tablet with this inscription:  “ Their warfare is over, they sleep well.”  Erected by the Somerville light infantry with the  balance of a fund generously contributed by their  fellow citizens in aid of the company on entering the  United States service for three months, April 19th,  1861, in memory of all from the town who have fallen  in the service of their country.    

From Haskell's Historical Guide to Somerville, Massachusetts