Author Archives: gravelyspeaking

Open Gates

Posted on February 12, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The gravestone pictured above displays an open gate carved from limestone.  In this example, the open gates, which are central to the Last Judgment, are opened to a starred sky with a banner above that reads “AT REST”.  The gates … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

P.O.S. of A.

Posted on February 9, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

  The Patriotic Sons of America (P.O.S. Of A.) In 1847, Dr. Reynell Coates founded the Patriotic Sons of America as an organization to promote the ideals upon which America was created and to pay honor and duty to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Metal Markers | 3 Comments

Dogs

Posted on February 7, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

 Our Little Eddie He has gone to his Heavenly home His favoraite Dog still watching his tomb. Some of my favorite memories as a child were spent with the dogs that we had while I was growing up. We had … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 2 Comments

Table Tomb

Posted on February 5, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

  REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER 1775-1763 PIERRE CHARLES L’FANT ENGINEER ARTIST SOLDIER UNDER THE DIRECTION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON DESIGNED THE PLAN FOR THE FEDERAL CITY MAJOR US ENGINEER CORPS 1782 CHARTER MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI DESINGED ITS CERTIFICATE & … Continue reading →

Posted in Famous graves, Tombs | Leave a comment

Barrel Tomb

Posted on February 4, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Tombs, like gravestones, come in many shapes and sizes and are made of many types of materials.  These tombs constructed of brick, are called barrel tombs characterized by the rounded tops.  They are differentiated by the designs of the face … Continue reading →

Posted in Tombs | Leave a comment

Floriated Cross

Posted on February 2, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The cross is one of the most common symbols found in cemeteries. It is a Christian symbol that comes in many different designs with separate meanings often with ancient origins. The cross in the photo is called a fleury or … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 1 Comment

The Anvil

Posted on January 31, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The anvil gravestone pictured above is in what is historically been called the Black Section of the Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.  The monument commemorates the grave of Augustus Thompson (1837-1910) a prominent citizen of the city.  Thompson moved from Mississippi, out … Continue reading →

Posted in Famous graves | Leave a comment

Cohanim

Posted on January 30, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia, has a section that was purchased by Russian Jewish immigrants who belonged to the Ahavath Achim Congregation for the burial of their members.  This particular white marble tablet displays a commonly seen funerary symbol … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 2 Comments

Gone with the Wind

Posted on January 27, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

  Margaret Mitchell Marsh, born Atlanta, Ga, Nov. 8, 1900, Died Atlanta, Ga. Aug. 16, 1949 John Robert Marsh, born Maysville, Ky, Oct. 6, 1896, Died Atlanta, Ga., May 5, 1952 Margaret Mitchell’s grave lies within the walls of Oakland … Continue reading →

Posted in Famous graves | 1 Comment

No Ties

Posted on January 26, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

 “Jack” Jasper Newton Smith (1833-1918) Perched over the steel-gated doorway of a rough-hewn stone mausoleum, sits “Jack” Jasper Newton Smith. Smith, the son of William and Elizabeth Brady Smith, was born on a farm to a large family of ten … Continue reading →

Posted in Mausoleums | 2 Comments