BASEL TROMBLY
October 25, 1825
October 27, 1896
In a shaded area of the Fort Meigs Cemetery in Perrysburg, Ohio, Basel Trombly’s limestone grave marker replicates an intricately carved log cabin.
Basel Trombly’s gravestone has several markings and symbols that give an indication into the life of the deceased buried underneath the stone. Carved on the chimney are the letters “GAR” most likely a nod to Trombly’s proud service as a sergeant in the 100th Ohio Infantry Regiment, Company F.
Two different symbols are carved into the roof of the cabin—clasping hands and the Masonic symbol. The clasping hands can symbolize his marriage to Victoria Bodett Trombly—the last goodbye. It can also represent one of the fraternal organizations, such as the Masons of the Odd Fellows. In addition, the Masonic emblem—the square and compass with the letter “G” in the middle makes it clear that Trombly was a Mason.
The most important symbol is the gravestone itself—the Log Cabin. The Log Cabin pays tribute to the fact that he was a pioneer of the Maumee Valley.
(Note: Basel Trombly’s name is carved into his gravestone as TROMBLY. However, his last name is listed in several sources as TROMBLA.)
Gravely Speaking 