Author Archives: gravelyspeaking

Reach for the sky

Posted on October 16, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

This small monument is dedicated to the memory of a infant girl, the epitaph too faint and eroded to read clearly, is in the form of a bed.  The covers are pulled aside and the pillow still has an indentation where the … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Graves, Symbolism | 1 Comment

Eternal Sleep

Posted on October 14, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

The most poignant and tender gravestones are those for children.  In the 1850s, the mortality rates for children under one year, were estimated at over 200 deaths per thousand, with much higher mortality rates for children under 5. Here, is … Continue reading →

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

Anchor

Posted on October 12, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

The anchor is an ancient Christian symbol that has been found in early catacomb burials.  The anchor was used by early Christians as a disguised cross.  The anchor also served as a symbol of Christ and his anchoring influence in … Continue reading →

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From Monumental to Simplicity

Posted on October 7, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I. O. O. F.) is a fraternal organization that formed in England in the 1700s as a service organization. The American association was founded in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819. According to the I.O.O.F. … Continue reading →

Posted in Metal Markers, Symbolism | Leave a comment

Glass Angel

Posted on October 3, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

This stained-glass window from the Neo-classical Doric style Loring Family mausoleum in the Rosehill Cemetery at Chicago, Illinois, depicts an angel in contemplative prayer. The stained-glass window is ripe with Christian symbolism. It is always difficult to look at a … Continue reading →

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Would you believe…

Posted on September 30, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

Don Adams April 13th 1923 September 25th 2005 Beloved husband, father and grandfather. Proudly served his country during WWII. Comedian, poet, philosopher, movie buff, and never late for post time. A tough but sensitive man with a sentimental heart and … Continue reading →

Posted in Famous graves | 3 Comments

Sisters

Posted on September 27, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

NAOMI G. Daughter of J & E. YARDLEY DIED July 5, 1849 AGED 5Y, 2M, & 8 D. A sister reposes underneath this sod A sister to memory dear and dear to God; Rejoice yet shed the sympathetic tear, My … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Graves, Epitaphs | 2 Comments

I pray the Lord my soul to take

Posted on September 22, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

HENRY A. BURR ONLY SON OF HENRY A. & HARRIET A. BURR BORN [ILLEGIBLE] 1843. DIED [ILLEGIBLE] 1850. [3 LINE EPITAPH ILLEGIBLE] The white marble gravestone in the Green-Wood Cemetery at Brooklyn, New York, for Henry Burr, 7 year-old son … Continue reading →

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Now I lay me down to sleep

Posted on September 18, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

HATTIE A. BURR DAUGHTER OF HENRY A. & HARRIET A. BURR BORN NOVEMBER 9TH 1851. DIED MARCH 3RD 1860.   WE KNOW THAT GOD HAS BUT RECALLED THE GEM THAT HE HAS GIVEN; AND THOUGH THE CASKET MOULDER HERE THE … Continue reading →

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

Scipio’s Tomb, Classical Exemplar

Posted on September 12, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

Many ancient classical designs are replicated in modern graveyards, often in grand neoclassical mausoleums based on the designs of Greek and Roman temples.  Less extravagant examples can be found, too. For example, the sarcophagus of Alexander Moseley in the Mount Auburn … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments