The Deshon Bell and Gazebo
In 2021, the Historical Society rededicated a bell.
This bell is special to the all who love the Town of Canton and is known as the John Deshon bell.
About the Building of the Bell Gazebo:
The bell had been in storage for safe keeping when the Universalist Church was demolished to make way for the Grange building move. One of the Society members is a contractor. He donated all of the labor and a good chunk of material to complete the construction.
About John Deshon:
In 1897 Sarah Deshon, John’s wife, had a bell made in Boston and presented it to the Universalist Church as a dedication to her husband. John was a respected and successful businessman. One of his ventures was a store at the same location where Ralph’s Cash Market used to be. In addition to being a businessman, he was very involved with the community and was considered a leader. Some of his impressive roles include Town Clerk, Treasurer, Selectman, School Agent, Justice of the Peace, and the Moderator at town meetings.
John was born on July 1, 1805. He moved to Canton when he was 24 years old. He died in 1880 at the age of 74 and is buried in the Pine Grove Cemetery.
John made a difference for Town of Canton in its early years. It is a pleasure to honor him with this special display of his bell. LEARN MORE and read the full engraving on the bell.