Author Archives: gravelyspeaking

One of my favorite graveyard motifs is the willow, one of the most ubiquitous symbols found in American cemeteries. According to James Deetz and Edwin S. Dethlefsen, in their groundbreaking article, “Death’s Head, Cherub, Urn and Willow” the willow first made … Continue reading →

In the previous post, floriography was defined and highlighted as a way to understand the silent messages found on gravestones erected during the Victorian era. To understand the symbolism, however, one has to be able to identify the flower depicted … Continue reading →

JAMES COUSINS DIED JULY 4, 1901, AGED 50 YEARS The segmented top white marble gravestone of James Cousins in the Old City Cemetery in Sacramento, California, is festooned with flowers and foliage—lily of the valley, ferns, and ivy—each with meaning.  … Continue reading →

VIRGINIA RANDOLPH ELLETT 1857 – – 1939 FOREMOST IN LIEARNING AND IN FAITH AND AID PRE-EMINENT; ALL-TIRELESS; NEVER FOND BUT RESOULTE IN PROGRESS AND AFRAID ONLY OF FINDING NO MORE WORK BEYOND Nested under a canopy of trees in a … Continue reading →

ANN AMERICA, WIFEOF L. GAMBRILL, AND DAUGHER OF REV. L. PIERCE, BORN DEC. 10TH 1815, DIED DEC. 1ST 1859. “THIS IS THE VICTORY THAT OVERCOM- ETH THE WORLD EVEN OUR FAITH.” The white marble monument in the Linwood Cemetery in … Continue reading →

Archibald Bulloch’s tomb can be found in the Colonial Park Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.  Though his name most likely does not ring a bell today, he was an historically significant figure in the State of Georgia’s history. Brickwork covers his … Continue reading →

GEORGE W. MARTUS MAY 31, 1861 JUNE 24, 1940 FLORENCE M. MARTUS AUG. 7, 1868 FEB. 8. 1943 IN MEMORY OF THE WAVING GIRL AND HER BROTHER, KEEPERS OF THE LIGHT HOUSE ON ELBA ISLAND. SAVH RIVER FOR 35 YRS. … Continue reading →

GEORGE W. MARTUS MAY 31, 1861 JUNE 24, 1940 FLORENCE M. MARTUS AUG. 7, 1868 FEB. 8. 1943 IN MEMORY OF THE WAVING GIRL AND HER BROTHER, KEEPERS OF THE LIGHT HOUSE ON ELBA ISLAND. SAVH RIVER FOR 35 YRS. … Continue reading →

WILLIAM RUEGER SON OF LOUIS AND SABINA RUEGER BORN NOV. 30. 1857 RICHMOND. VA. DIED JUNE 30. 1936 RIGHTEOUS. JUST BELOVED BY ALL DOROTHEA W. VOCKE BELOVED WIFE OF WILLIAM RUEGER BORN MARCH 10. 1859 VLOTHO GERMANY DIED SEPT. 28. … Continue reading →

A white marble figure in classical robes stands in front of the Denapolis Family Tomb in the Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She is holding a scroll in one hand and a lyre in the other.  Her head is … Continue reading →