43. Edward Tower

Edward Tower's zinc monument is unique. This material was popular during the Second Industrial Revolution, as manufacturers were experimenting with ways to make things appear grander for less. Unlike marble or granite gravestones, zinc monuments are hollow and make a metallic sound when tapped. They are also more durable than bronze monuments and do not oxidize from brown to green, nor do they develop lichen growth. According to the Smithsonian, zinc monuments were marketed as "white bronze" stones and were customized with plaques decorated with scrollwork, roses wreaths, and family names carved into tree branches. Owners could easily remove bolted plaques for updating. The only disadvantage of zinc monuments is their cold blue hue.

Tower was highly active in the Cohasset civic community. His most notable role was as postmaster for 12 years until his death on March 6, 1873. He began his life as a farmer in 1850 and then entered civic duty serving three separate terms as town clerk (1846–1847, 1853–1854, 1866–1872), three years as moderator (1855–1858), and town treasurer in 1855 and 1859. His other roles were two terms as selectman in 1854–1855 and 1857–1858, a representative in 1854, a surveyor, a schoolmaster, and a merchant (1855, 1860, 1865).