THE BOY WITH A WINDOW IN HIS GRAVE - Little Merritt’s Tomb and the Heartbreaking Cemetery

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Music by Scottontape
Description via Atlas Obscura
LITTLE MERRIT’S TOMB IS A unique tomb with a small window marking the final resting place of Merrit Beardsley upon his death at the age of eight in 1865. It is believed that Merrit died from a feverish illness. Before he passed, he told his mother and father that he did not want to be buried in the dark. His father, William, was a stonecutter and operated a quarry.
After Merrit passed, he was laid to rest above ground with a window in his tomb, so the sunlight could always reach him. Merrit’s tomb is located in Beardsley Cemetery in Oxford, New York. He is at rest next to his parents, Sarah and William.
Over the years, vandals have broken into Merritt’s tomb. In the 1970s, they scattered his bones throughout the cemetery and stole his skull. After a thorough investigation, the local police found Merritt’s skull in the bedroom of one of the vandals. They returned Merritt’s remains to the tomb but put them as far back as they could to prevent further removal of Merritt’s remains. A local glass company from Norwich, New York, built a new window for the tomb and donated it to the cemetery. As always though vandals broke into the tomb several times after that.
A local eight-year-old boy named Stefan Foster and his grandmother went “exploring” and came across Merritt’s tomb. Stefan was fascinated by the story and upset with the vandalism. When he grew older Stefan decided to do something about the condition of the tomb. He started a fundraiser and began putting Merritt’s tomb and the cemetery back into its original state. He wrote a book called Little Merritt’s Tomb and used all the money from the sales to help restore the tomb. He now runs a Facebook page by the same name. Stefan has replaced the broken window with a plexiglass window to stop vandals from breaking it. Also, the remains of Merritt have been put into the ground to prevent vandals from stealing them again.
The cemetery is open from dawn to dusk to everyone who wishes to pay their respects. It is maintained by Stefan Foster with permission from the Town of Oxford. One way to get there is to go up State Highway 220 from the village of Oxford towards Bowman Lake. Take a left onto Hoben Rd. The cemetery is roughly one and half miles down the road on your left.

[@Sept2504]

Genuine gasp at 6:10 --prepare yourself

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Right? Truly horrific . People can be awful

[@illburnmyselfforreal]

What happened at 6:10?

[@Coywolfie]

@@SCOTTONTAPE I so loved this video and your a caring person love all yoru video RIP Barret

[@maryrichmond3497]

What happened at 6:10

[@flocosta]

This is so sad and makes me sick to my stomach that anyone would ever disturb, vandalize or remove and even scatter this child's remains from his resting place. What kind of disturbed and evil-minded person or people would even think to do something like this?! This little boy was obviously blessed with parents who loved him very much, He is with them now and safe from the darkness that he feared. RIP little Merritt and also to his wonderful parents ❤💐

[@alliekuma4234]

I started crying when I heard it was vandalized. People are so awful. Thank you for being respectful. ❤

[@chrisparker7214]

This is why I hate people I devote all my time and money for animals

[@britishkashmiri169]

Same here , I’m sat here in uk & hearing someone took this innocent little boy’s bones out made my soul ache. How evil can one be ? May little precious angel rest in peace , children are innocent souls and it’s beyond evil to this to his remains🤲🏼

[@SueSheldon-m9n]

You are so sweet to leave him a car , it's also sad he passed away at 8 yrs Bless you

[@sandradavis9882]

And 10 days before Christmas , so sad.

[@SueSheldon-m9n]

@@sandradavis9882 I agree

[@ronaldnelson6692]

It's sad that people can't let the dead rest in peace and have to mess up graves just for fun. There's a similar story about a girl in Natchez, Mississippi named Florence Irene Ford who was buried in a tomb with a window. Her story is, she was afraid of thunderstorms and her mom would comfort her. After she passed, the window was put in so that her mom could still comfort her during storms.

[@daniellebennis2126]

Awwww poor little girl but that's sweet of her mom to do

[@annethomer9569]

Yes I remember that one it was so sad. She was a sweet girl

[@joannmetz4413]

That is so comforting to know that her fear was understood by her Momma and her momma still comforted her after death

[@rachaelsevern8465]

I think Scott did the video on that little girl, if i remember right.

[@auzziernvdl]

I live in MS and have been to her grave. It is so sad to think about the tears shed by her momma sitting at that window during storms. It really gets to a person when looking at that grave and just thinking about the mother’s grief.

[@VickieHubbard-po2ed]

im 48 and i feel like an orphan with both my parents being gone. but i still talk about them all the time like there still here. And with my birthday being sept. 30th. they always had great birthdays for me. and my moms parents always would call me at midnight the day before my birthday and sing happy birthday. its the sweetest memory.🥰💓💞

[@kathy1001]

Happy Birthday, Vickie. 🎉🎂🎈🎁

[@VickieHubbard-po2ed]

@@kathy1001 Thank you 🥰

[@tracylangsley4064]

@vickie I know exactly how you feel I'm now 52, I lost my mam 33 years ago, my older brother 30 years ago then April this year my dad died so I'm the only one left from a family unit of 4 (I do have my own kids n grandkids) but it's a surreal experience knowing I'm the only one of us left but I hope you have a fantastic birthday on the 30th n although your parents aren't with you in person they'll be there in spirit just close your eyes and picture them then you can have as many conversations as you want with them I do this often with my bro n like to think the answers I make him say are what he would say if he was still here but in reality he'd probably say something daft like get a bloody grip ya daft sod lol as long as you still have your memories they'll always be with you🤗

[@VickieHubbard-po2ed]

@@tracylangsley4064 so sorry for yout loss too. beautiful words.❤

[@tracylangsley4064]

@@VickieHubbard-po2ed thank you❤️

[@cheleshows]

It is so sweet that the parents gave him a window. You have to be a horribly broken, angry, hate filled person to desecrate a grave BUT a grave of a child? That person(s) - Scott called it, is Evil. Thanks Scott for sharing another important piece of history with us.

[@beckyromeo1007]

I’m going to Oxford new York and leaving him some toys and stuffed animals and a light that goes on at night for the little precious boy Merritt ❤❤❤

[@jimbo8888]

A solar light just in front would be a great idea and gift for this young soul.

[@petriececase]

How very kind to do this your a very special person with a beautiful heart 😊

[@margiemckenna8200]

Bless you for being so kind xx😊

[@laura-angelarinaldi7597]

He is in the most beautiful light forever.

[@LouciferFlump]

That’s so lovely of you, I love this!

[@GodWearsGucci]

Heard about this grave many times. Had no idea it was vandalized. Thank you for continuing to visit the graveyards because my friends just don’t get it. We are remembering people. Nothing creepy…..💕🐿

[@zipshed]

If you go to 10:00 and look at the tombstone the sun and the shade actually makes it look like a child's face!

[@gaynorrome7112]

❤

[@gaynorrome7112]

I have a screen shot, definitely a young child’s face ❤

[@zipshed]

@@gaynorrome7112 I'm glad you took a minute and looked! I thought for sure it looked like a child's face and you are the only one I know of that confirmed. Once you see it, it really stands out!

[@gaynorrome7112]

@@zipshed yes it does, it’s perfectly clear

[@heatheradam-cerri8969]

@@zipshedIs this true? 10 am? Im going here again in a few days….

[@JohnnyQuaykersBelmont]

I work as a hospice aide and know the importance of caring for the dying. Channels like yours and Millennial Stone Cleaner remind me that we should care for the dead as well. Thanks again Scott.

[@tracysmith3076]

Scott, thank you for keeping his memory alive. I think love outweighed evil in this case. Look at all the love people have left for him, including you! Love wins 💙💙💙

[@jjsadventures]

Oh my God that’s so horrible! How awful can people be to disturb a grave like that 😮

[@jimhewitt7256]

Little Merritt entered the light as soon as he passed!!

[@dianabailey5175]

Hallelujah

[@jlyn9047]

Amen

[@jamirussell9690]

I hope so. . But what does that have to do with his precious grave being vandalized?

[@cw5451]

@@jamirussell9690 I think it has more to do with him not being in the dark.

[@Theresav60]

@@jamirussell9690 I know so ❗️ To be Absent from the body , Present with the Lord ❗️🕊️

[@sueharding8595]

This story bought a tear after hearing it was vandalised,, just a sweet little boy resting in peace and to hear what they did is sickening, thanks scott for showing us his resting place and being so respectful.. them cars made me cry x lots of love from the UK 🇬🇧 xxxx

[@annarobinson8183]

People are horrible this story broke my heart that people would be so horrible you took the words out my mouth

[@AsScenebyDave]

Why can’t people have more respect for the deceased, especially a little boy. Wow so sad. As always Scott, you do justice for those who have passed before us. Keep the great work coming.

[@Flyslinger]

I’m sure he’s happy with his parents in the afterlife and no longer afraid of the dark. RIP little guy❤

[@kenrankin4523]

My Auntie was killed crossing the road aged 5 by a circus lorry to show her friend a go cart my grand father had made her, thats 70 years ago now poor girl. Amazingly the circus owner always called to see my grand parents ever year the day she went to heaven

[@reneetibbetts4813]

Scott, you are such a Kind, Caring man. Always taking extra measures to show your respect to those who have passed. God Bless your kind heart 🙏

[@jjsadventures]

Thank you for your compassion

[@AdventureswithmelanywithaY0731]

Awww I heard of this grave that’s one I always wanted to visit as well. Thank you for showing us the grave & sharing the story of precious Little Merritt. I didn’t know what happened to his grave though, thats so horrible & sad. I hope Karma gets those sick people back if it hasn’t already. So sweet you left him even more cars on his grave❤️ May Merritt RIP.

[@kandn420]

This makes me think of Irene Ford’s grave in Mississippi. Her mom asked that her daughter’s coffin be fit with a window and stairs leading down to the casket. Her daughter was afraid of thunderstorms and her mom would sit with her. When her daughter passed at the age of ten, her mom still wanted to comfort her even as she lay in rest. I didn’t know about this one Scott. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@Squirrel_Daddy_N8]

I just posted her story as wellive been to her grave to many times to count,she's buried close to my brother's grave, I've never heard of this one.

[@RetroHobbyMag]

I've lived a long time and I can tell you now, some people are just born empty. Beautifully done, as always.

[@Dawna-gp1zk]

Empty and sadistic ... cruel .... disgusting....

[@Stephanie_S_777]

You always do justice to those who passed on when telling their story. It's such a sad story.😢

[@missj2045]

Beautiful video and tribute to little Merritt. Thank you for sharing his family's story.

[@vickywood5234]

Thank you for sharing your compassion for little children. It is a shame people have to be so cruel in doing destruction to resting places.

[@OU-tn4nt]

So sad. Thank for showing compassion Scott. RIP little Merritt 🙏

[@leesashriber5097]

It's so sick that people desecrate graves of those at rest, especially a child. Scott, you respectfully and gently covered this little boy's sad story. Thank you for remembering him and detailing the history behind this young boy who was taken so young. God bless Little Merritt and you for always being respectful of cemeteries. 🕊️🙏❤️

[@chrisgore7737]

Bless him. This child is looking down on you he is grown up now but this person is looking down on your beautiful video. You thought of this beautiful person and made this video. Little merrit we love you. Never be afraid the dark. There is nothing to be afraid of. You will always be loved. Thank you Scott we love you x

[@WilliamLyons-ym7ee]

Scott - Thanks for having a voice for those unable to speak.

[@falvarez126]

People are horrible!!! So heartbreaking what they did to little Merritt. May he rest in peace now. 🕊️🙏🏽🤍✨ Poor baby.

[@martinschermer5366]

I have seen a few graves on here with Windows. Rest in peace little man I hope people will leave youre tombe alone .

[@brandonzech649]

People can be so cruel, I hope he and his family are resting in peace 💙🙏💙, thank you for sharing scott🥰

[@nickilamont9209]

Such a tragic story rest in heavenly peace beautiful young man 😢 you tell there story with such love and respect Scott and leaving him a wee car is so sweet thank you for telling his story with so much love Scott ❤❤❤❤

[@darcye7629]

This really makes me mad. I can't believe someone actually disturbed his final resting place and scattered his bones throughout the woods. Hope those people get what's coming to them. Poor little merritt. I hope he's resting in peace now.❤

[@Lindasmusings]

Poor boy🥲omg…people are cruel indeed. 😔🧚‍♂️🧚‍♀️I believe he is at peace Scott🙏🌹🌹🌹

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

Good Afternoon Scott 🙋🏽. I truly hope you are having a wonderful day ‼️ thank you for inviting me to watch your video. Enjoy the rest of your day ‼️👋🏽 that's incredible and sad.

[@angieburnett4341]

I remember a similar story, I think it was a little girl who was afraid of thunderstorms. It was a similar structure but bigger and more like a cellar, if I recall. I think it may have been Lamont over @ Fascinating Graveyards but I'm not certain. Well done, Scott--hard to believe anyone could do something so horrific to any human remains, but a child?!! Love, hugs & God Bless you 💕💕

[@snookiedj]

Yes, Natchez, Mississippi

[@iwantthe80sback59]

Yes. I saw that episode on Lamont at Large a couple of years ago. Little girl afraid of thunderstorms and there is a staircase down to her grave.

[@kylieb9735]

Her name was Florence Irene Ford. Her window was bricked up several years later due to being vandalised. People can be so cruel :(

[@SandyBarth1]

You always have such interesting videos! Thanks for posting another!

[@kotysuefawcett6538]

Hello my friend! Thank You for being you. Your sincere compassion for the little ones is SOO SWEET.You Rock.👍🤗✌️

[@Mszahnclass95]

I was driving for work and I missed Scott on tapes episode . Rip little Merritt 😢 thank you Scott for sharing this story Scott you're so respectful and so sweet and caring for little Merritt ❤

[@kikitasugz]

How cute that he gets little cars as gifts…something that wasn’t even invented during his short time on earth. RIP baby boy ❤

[@anneholden9908]

God Bless little Merrit. And the rest of the Beardsley family, who had to lose him so young 😢

[@dionemorin5537]

Scott this was a heart breaking story but you covered with compassion and respect as always ❤

[@lindan2288]

How horrible of those vandals. That’s unconscionable!! RIP little Merritt 😢

[@born4md]

Scott, you are a darling. You are so sweet and respective of every death you cover. This one is especially sad, along with being horrific, as to the break-in of this precious child's grave. Keep up the good work, and stay safe always. ❤❤❤

[@kellysnowdon7736]

Lovely gesture and fantastic video xx

[@jayweiss4378]

Heartbreaking and heartwarming story! The story is sad but You remembered him which makes it so heartwarming Scott…. He’s remembered by this video👍🏻

[@Its_Julianna93]

Thank you for telling this story with dignity. They had the same issues at Brand Park, with grave robbing, And the scattering of bones. They never found one of the skulls. And that is why there is a Pyramid there now. I hope you are having a great day💜💜💜

[@jimmymiller77]

Thank you so much for all of your Kindness and Caring Heart. I have never ran across anyone like you. God Bless and Keep you, Jim

[@emmaj4025]

Arrr poor Merritt,such a sad story, and what is wrong with people to vandalise a grave ,that's just so sick 😡 thanks for sharing the story Scott ❤

[@genealogygirl7777]

What a beautiful Cemetery. Rest in Peace little Merritt. Thank you for sharing.

[@njeane10]

YOU MADE ME CRY SCOTT... REST IN PEACE LITTLE MERRITT

[@kathy1001]

Rest in peace sweet Merritt. Scott,Thanks for giving Merritt the toy car. You are very kind, and caring.

[@KMKS1981]

Oh that poor little boy, I hope his soul, as well as his parents and family members are resting in peace.

[@deathbystereo-]

literally in tears even before you said what someone did with his remains. my little boy now 5 months..these things hit different once you become a parent

[@secretsofthepastsparahisto2993]

Hey Scott Windsor Ontario here thank you for sharing and showing your respect in my over 30 years of researching and investigating the Paranormal Supernatural History and going too different graveyards and cemeteries and researching the people buried there no story has touched me more than this thank you God bless and be safe .

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you so much for watching ! Shoutout Windsor ! 🇨🇦

[@secretsofthepastsparahisto2993]

@@SCOTTONTAPE You are welcome you should come too Windsor sometime we can collaborate if you want ?

[@deborahmason8682]

Rest in peace beautiful, brave little Merritt ❤

[@ronniegartner7333]

Thank you for being so caring and respectful of this little boy’s resting place . GOD BLESS YOU 🇦🇺

[@juked2210]

RIP Merrit ❤ ...very respectful Scott as always.

[@judygouthro7172]

Awww that poor little boy, may he be resting in peace. I will never understand how ANYONE can disturb a grave, I am sure the people who did it would not appreciate someone doing it to their loved one's grave, so heartbreaking.

[@mommatried663]

I so wish you would have picked that flag up on the ground and stood it up but thank you for covering this. So sad what people do at one’s final resting place

[@TheFinalBathAmber]

Great old cemetery I am a 30 year Embalmer and I appreciate your videos

[@kandycebeeks7056]

I love how you bring cars, really cool Scott👍

[@lucyhavrilla8949]

😮THAT POOR LITTLE BOY. THOSE VANDALS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SO AFRAID.BUT I AM SURE GOD WILL GET THEM FOR WHAT THEY DID! THANK YOU AGAIN SCOTT FOR CARING.❤❤❤❤

[@dstaugustinefl8832]

Scott thanks for doing this story. Poor Merritt can't even rest in peace. Rest easy now Merritt. Scot your such a good hearted person.

[@kimglass4851]

That is so sweet cuz I know if I passed when I was a child, I would of deff wanted a window! Thanks Scott! Now he has a new toy to play with!!💜♥

[@kjz8774]

There are some awful people in this world, how could you break in to a young boys grave and scatter his bones throughout the area? Sick Sick people. RIP Merritt.

[@sheilabock466]

The tennis shoe reflection scared me lol. Not sure what I was expecting. Enjoyed the video. Thank you.

[@WeezelWayz]

This story was sad enough, and then to know his final resting place was vandalized. People can be so senselessly cruel! RIP little Merritt

[@VickieHubbard-po2ed]

Hi Scott i've been afraid of the dark my whole life. i think started when my mom and dad went home from the hospital after my operations. but i don't blame them they were loving. Its a a phobia and no one should be ashamed of that. poor child people should always have respect. My parents had love and respect. Scott your just the best guy you would be a loving father but your a loving person now. i never loved any youtuber more.🥰❤Vickie

[@zipshed]

I can not imagine what that little boy went through knowing his own fate not to mention the pain his parents must have suffered! There truly is evil out there to desecrate his grave. Very saddening. wow

[@lisablake5328]

My granddaughter is 8 years old and is afraid of the dark. Also, it is so sad 6 cant let people rest in peace.

[@AldoGuzman-fk8pv]

Thank you for sharing the story of the tomb of Little Merritt with us. I'm sure that this little boy is somewhere beautiful!!

[@snowbunny7135]

Thank u for this story. Some people are so evil I couldn't even imagine doing that to someone's grave. Smh R.I.H Little Merritt the same to the loving parents. Stay safe Sir. Sending much love from DC! 👑🌹💕❤️💕❤️

[@kathynorris2371]

My blood pressure just went sky high! There are such evil people in this world! How in the world can someone do this, especially to someone like this precious little child! I hope the people who did this are haunted everyday for the rest of their lives! You have such a good, caring heart Scott, thank you for sharing these stories with us! May God bless you, and keep you safe!❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@nicholas87541]

Thanks for sharing, Scott! Very sad story. Hard to understand why anyone would vandalize such a place like that.

[@debbiewilliams7386]

Thank you for sharing. People can be so cruel.

[@angelalynch9286]

Absolutely heartbreaking that little Merrits resting place was vandalised and his body thrown around. I'm sat sobbing thinking about it. Hopefully the sick, cruel individuals who did it pay for their actions . RIP LITTLE MERRIT ❤

[@karenthorburn3413]

Hi my lovely tour guide scott how sick some people are 😢 so sad he passed at only 8yr old and you got a wee car you really have a kind caring soul❤ thank you for sharing hugs from dublin ❣

[@hazelsmith2]

This is so disgusting!! Why do so-called people do this?? You're right, scott, evil people out there!! Poor little darling. Rest in peace, beautiful little Merrit. The sun will shine upon your beautiful smile forever! Thank you, ❤scott. Xx

[@jackiecota-ne8ye]

So, so sad. R.I.P. LITTLE MERRIT!!! Thank you Scott once again for being so compassionate!! TY Scott, take care and luv ya...❤❤❤❤

[@andreascott3936]

Oh how freaking atrocious! Lil Man, your spirit went straight to the light and only your bones were left with a window for sight. May you be surrounded with love and blessings xx

[@bekyl7761]

Very Sad. Ty Scott for the upmost respect you give to the dead.

[@AmandaCarlow-g7f]

That left me in tears. That was really nice of you to leave a car i would have done the same. It is a shame people can't leave the dead alone. i hope they were jailed. RIP little Merritt.

[@Angels-mj5ew]

Hi Scott have a nice day I support you

[@sallyperzanowski6625]

I'm saddened by the fact that ANYONE would destroy anything of a child. Especially to this magnitude. Rest in the light of your loved ones, little Merritt. Their love still shines bright for you, even in their passing.

[@nadiaborzacchini1987]

So beautiful it's like you're in the middle of the forest thank you for sharing

[@JosephRamous]

This is so sad that this poor little boy was afraid of the dark and those evil Bastards did just so wrong people are so evil. RIP little Merritt ❤️🙏🏻

[@lorrieannhazelwood8516]

This is so sad for this little boy and couldn't rest in Peace. So disgusting what the did to him. Thank you for this story 🙏

[@kathrynmoffatt3185]

You have such a nice, calm, soothing voice. 💗🌹💗

[@shelleydeguzman1959]

Thanks!

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you so much Shelley!!

[@jamiehubbard2825]

Hi Scott. What terrible, terrible a-holes they were to scatter that poor little boy like that. I believe in karma, hope they got theirs. Sending you a hug as always. Stay safe my friend! 🤗 🤟

[@sarahmijares3292]

So sad. Thanks for sharing.

[@Chloee117]

I don't take the Lord's name in vain, but when you said they took his bones and scattered them, I let out a loud, "OH my God!" I've never had a reaction like that. I can not believe the things people are capable of! 😢 RIP Merrit🏎

[@jennifermurphy899]

Hello Scott I watch all your videos. You are awesome Stay safe out there.

[@aimeekiser8531]

Poor child 😢 thank you for sharing this, and for your kindness and respect

[@apriljackson1370]

This Cemetery is more kept up then the other that we saw that was abandoned

[@dianewood15]

So so sad RIP little Merritt but another great video Scott Always so tastefully done Really awful what the vandals did

[@catherineferguson7388]

Hi Scott, how are you doing ? That was so disrespectful to damage that little boys grave, poor little merrit, it’s a shame he couldn’t have his wish. People are mean to do that. Thank you for putting a little car on his grave. I look after a cemetery where I live, there’s a little boy there who was born out of wedlock, he was only 9 years old, I’ve put 2 teddy’s there for him and some cars. He died in the late 1800,s. RIP little Merrit 💐💐💐💐💐. Thank you Scott, your a sweetie ❤️❤️❤️🤟🏼✌️👍

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Thanks for this tour my friend. I’ve always wanted to go there and see this. Very sad. But very interesting to see.

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you Ron! Hope to see you soon my man