Monthly Archives: December 2017

EXCEPIT ILLUM MAGNA ET AETERNA PAX

Posted on December 31, 2017 by gravelyspeaking

THOMAS TRUEMAN GAFF 1854-1923 “EXCEPIT ILLUM MAGNA ET AETERNA PAX” The memorial statue on the Thomas Trueman Gaff grave in St. Paul’s Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C., as described by the Smithsonian Art Inventory Catalog: “The memorial features a … Continue reading →

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Eroded Epitaph, Missing Words Deciphered by Two Alert Readers!

Posted on December 28, 2017 by gravelyspeaking

CHARLES N. SHEPARD DIED Nov. 19. 1874. AE. 55 yrs. 11 mos. Passing strangers call this not A place of fear and gloom We love to linger round this spot It is our father’s tomb. The Charles Shepard’s epitaph on … Continue reading →

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Eroded Epitaph

Posted on December 27, 2017 by gravelyspeaking

CHARLES N. SHEPARD DIED Nov. 19. 1874. AE. 55 yrs. 11 mos. Passing strangers —-  —– not A place of fear and gloom We love to linger round this spot It is our father’s tomb. The Charles Shepard’s epitaph on … Continue reading →

Posted in Epitaphs | 3 Comments

A Father’s Monument for His Son

Posted on December 25, 2017 by gravelyspeaking

  JOHN W. SHAW Co. I. 40 VOL. IN. SEPT. 26, 1876 KILLED IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLAND MAY 14, 1900. LOW WHERE THE SILENT MARBLE WEEPS A SOLDIER AND A STUDENT SLEEPS. SHAW In the Wesley Cemetery, just outside Westport, … Continue reading →

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Burst the Chains of the Grave

Posted on December 23, 2017 by gravelyspeaking

GEORGE P. HIGGINS DIED Apr. 7, 1849, AE. 22 ys. And 8 ms My flesh shall slumber in the ground, Till the last trumpet’s joyful sound; Then burst its chains with sweet surprise, And in my Savior’s image rise. The … Continue reading →

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A Son’s Epitaph

Posted on December 22, 2017 by gravelyspeaking

JOHN L. Son of Tobias & Mary ROBERTS DIED Oct. 10, 1861 AE. 16 yrs.; 4 ms. & 21 dys. Happy now no unrest With the Savior he is blest Safe from sorrow, pain and fear He is happier there than … Continue reading →

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Anchor

Posted on December 19, 2017 by gravelyspeaking

CAPT. STEPHEN HIGGINS BORN DEC. 31, 1804 DIED SEP. 4, 1862 AGED 58 YEARS  We shall meet again, till then, farewell. The sign marking the cemetery just a block off the town square in Bar Harbor reads in part: “VILLAGE … Continue reading →

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The Portals

Posted on December 17, 2017 by gravelyspeaking

The doors to mausoleums are often imbued with symbolism.  In fact, the door itself represent a portal.  Portals come in many forms—a door, a window, even your eyes and your mouth are considered portals.  Many superstitions about death concern portals, … Continue reading →

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Calla Lily

Posted on December 14, 2017 by gravelyspeaking

In loving remembrance of MARY E. Wife of John P. Eimer, Born Aug. 12, 1855, Died Sept. 28, 1888 Tis hard to break the tender cord When love has bound the heart Tis hard, so hard, to speak the words … Continue reading →

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A Bedford Stone Carver’s Artistry

Posted on December 8, 2017 by gravelyspeaking

ANISE E. HART DEAR PARENTS WITH A REVERENT HAND, THIS TO THY MEMORY GIVEN WHILE ONE BY ONE THY HOUSEHOLD BAND, GOD REUNITES IN HEAVEN. (On the front of the gravestone)   Anise E. Hart September 28, 1897 July 28, … Continue reading →

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