The stump of the smaller tree showed more than 150 growth rings.

LIVERMORE – Two huge pine trees towering over more than 100 cemetery stones in Hillmans Cemetery on Maple Lane Road were removed last week.

The trees had shaded the graves of several historic figures, according to Dennis Stires, a Livermore historian and vice chairman of the Livermore Cemetery Committee. They included:

• Deacon Elijah Livermore, the town’s first permanent settler.

• Thomas Chase, a sailor and ship’s carpenter under Capt. John Paul Jones during the Revolutionary War.

• Josiah Wyer, a veteran who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775.

• Lt. Samuel Benjamin, who served during all seven years of the Revolutionary War.

The trees were removed by Webster Tree Service of Auburn. Falling limbs had posed a danger to fragile cemetery stones under the two trees.

The stump of the smaller tree showed more than 150 growth rings, proving it was a seedling back in the 1850s, Stires stated in a prepared statement.

The larger tree, measuring 4 feet across and 13 feet around, was rotted in the center, not allowing a count of annual rings.

Many groups and individuals contributed to the cost for tree removal, Stires stated. Residents supported the chowder and soup supper held in September and voted funds last year for restoration of old cemeteries in the town.

Cemetery interest funds were accessed to complete the $3,750 goal.

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