Author Archives: gravelyspeaking

King of Terrors

Posted on August 13, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Many symbols in the graveyard are meant to remind passersby that life is short and that all will die.  These images are called Memento Mori and are a call to “remember death“.  The skeleton is one of these symbols.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 1 Comment

The P.E.O. Star

Posted on August 11, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Ordinarily a post like this would attempt to unlock the mystery of the marker.  In this case, the letters P.E.O. are to remain a secret, the members of the organization are not to devulge what the letters stand for.  After some … Continue reading →

Posted in Metal Markers | 6 Comments

Fraternal Order of Eagles

Posted on August 9, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The mission statement of the Fraternal Order of Eagles reads: The Fraternal Order of Eagles, an international non-profit organization, unites fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills, … Continue reading →

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The Grim Reaper

Posted on August 7, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The neo-classical limestone monument that marks the graves of Owen and Ann Cwathmey in the Cave Hill Cemetery, in Louisville, Kentucky, features a bas-relief sculpture of the Grim Reaper in an oval medallion.   The dark figure is characterized by his … Continue reading →

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Daughters of Rebekah

Posted on August 5, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The Daughters of Rebekah metal marker above depicts the dove resting on the three links of the chain with the letters F, L, and T, in the center of the links above the letter R nested inside the crescent moon with seven … Continue reading →

Posted in Metal Markers | 4 Comments

Clasping Hands

Posted on August 3, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The clasping hands above represent holy matrimony.  This motif symbolizes the holy union between a man and a woman.  The hand on the left side of the motif is clearly the hand of the female, her cuff is lace and ruffle.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 2 Comments

President Taylor: A Case of Bad Cherries or Murder?

Posted on August 2, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Zachary Taylor was born September 24, 1784, in Orange County, Virginia, though, he grew up in Kentucky.  He joined the military and gained a reputation as an Indian fighter.  When the Mexican-American War broke out he served as a field … Continue reading →

Posted in Presidential graves | 1 Comment

Kentucky Fried

Posted on July 31, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Colonel Harland Sanders, born near Henryville, Indiana, September 9, 1890                           Founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Empire                                                                        Died Louisville, Kentucky, December 16, 1980                                       His Beloved Wife, Claudia Ellen Sanders, born near London, Kentucky, September 7, 1902  Truly “The Colonel’s Lady” … Continue reading →

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Sheaf of Wheat

Posted on July 30, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Wheat’s origins are unknown but is the basis of basic food and a staple in many cultures and as such is viewed as a gift from Heaven.  It symbolizes immortality and resurrection.  But, like many symbols found on gravestones, they can have … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 2 Comments

Junior Order of United American Mechanics

Posted on July 28, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Motto: Our Country                                                                                                                 Creed: Principals, Not Men The Junior Order of United American Mechanics, founded May 17th, 1853, in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, had its origins in a faternal group called The United American Mechanics, which was founded in 1845.  The … Continue reading →

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