Monthly Archives: October 2013

Quoth the Raven

Posted on October 31, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The Raven Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping … Continue reading →

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The King of Rock ‘n Roll

Posted on October 26, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

Recently my friend, Caroline Weiss, snapped this picture of Elvis Presley’s grave on her visit to Graceland, Elvis’ Memphis, Tennessee estate. It made me think about the annual Forbes list of the top earners from the grave.  Yes, those entertainers … Continue reading →

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Weeping Willows

Posted on October 20, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

One of my favorite graveyard symbols is the willow.  The Somerset Cemetery at Somerset, Ohio, has many intricately carved examples of gravestones with the willow motif. The willow as a symbol is sentimental and hints at the human emotions felt during grief.  The … Continue reading →

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The Lamb and the Little Boy

Posted on October 16, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

Precious Boy JOHN T. SON OF J.H. & K. L. ALDERSON 1894-1897. The gravestone of three-year old John Alderson depicts a boy in a dressing gown with his chubby little hand gently touching the head of a small lamb.  The … Continue reading →

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A Tale of Two Birds

Posted on October 12, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

Wm. S. CLARK MAY 24, 1854 Feb. 7, 1904 The zinc marker above marks the grave of a William Clark.  His marker is the tale of two birds.  On one side is bolted the eagle and the other a dove. Clark was … Continue reading →

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A calm and undisturbed repose

Posted on October 8, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

FRANCIS WIFE OF WILLIAM GESS BORN FEB. 27, 1813 DIED JAN. 27, 1888 AGED 75 YEARS   Asleep in Jesus; Blessed sleep. From which none ever wakes to weep A calm and undisturbed repose Unbroken by the last of foes. … Continue reading →

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The G.A.R. Badge

Posted on October 5, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

ALEXANDER ST. CLAIR FEB. 24, 1828. SEPT. 25, 1900. 2ND. LEUT. CO. I. 43, U.S. C. INF. 16TH. PENN. CAV. No other event in the 19th Century had a larger affect on America than the Civil War.  It tore the country … Continue reading →

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Knights of Pythias, Part 3

Posted on October 1, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The ornamentation of this mausoleum in the Woodland Cemetery at Des Moines displays the typical Knights of Pythias symbolism that can be found on the metal markers that are found next to the gravestones of the fraternity members.  The symbols … Continue reading →

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