Author Archives: gravelyspeaking

Dodds Granite Company, Muncie, Brooklyn, and Colma

Posted on January 9, 2018 by gravelyspeaking

JOHN EDGAR JOHNSON SR. AUGUST 16, 1873 MARCH 30, 1919 The John Edgar Johnson Sr. monument in the Beach Grove Cemetery in Muncie, Indiana,is described and pictured in the Dodds Granite Company catalog.  The advertising copy described the monument: “There … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

The New England Granite Works

Posted on January 5, 2018 by gravelyspeaking

EDWIN LISTER BORN SEPTEMBER 10, 1829 DIED MAY 18, 1898 LISTER The 12-foot high Edwin Lister monument stands on a slope in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Tarrytown, New York.  The monument was created by New England Granite Works Company … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Children's Graves, Epitaphs | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment