The Western Washington Graveyard Rabbit

Mourning Card

2008-12-23T01:33:00.000-08:00

PUBLISHER - H.F. WENDELL & CO.
Dicy Cannon

This is a category of Cabinet Card known as a Remembrance/Mourning/Funeral Card/Obituary Notice. I purchased the card in an antique store in Montana because of the unique name of the deceased - Dicy Cannon. Dicy sounded very southern to me and I wondered how her mourning card was for sale in Missoula, Montana.

This card measures 4 ¼ X 6 ½. It is a black card mount printed in gilt with round corners and gold edges. THE CARD READS:

IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF
Dicy Cannon,
Died April 15, 1908.
Age 78 years.

Gone but not forgotten

A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home,
Which never can be filled.
God in His wisdom has recalled,
The boon his love had given,
And though the body slumbers here,
The soul is safe in Heaven.

Copyright 1904 by H.F. Wendell & Co., Leipsic, O.

DICY CANNON

Dicy Cannon was born Dicy Smith, 16 November 1829 in Dixon, Dawson County, Georgia. She lived with her parents John and Mary (Mollie) Smith until she married Moses Columbus Cannon, 3 October 1850 in Lumpkin County, Georgia.

In 1860 Dicy and Moses are prosperous farmers in Sanford, Georgia. They have three children; James (8), David (4), and Mary Ann (1). On 13 October 1861, Moses enlists in the Confederate Army, Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment Georgia. For the next three years he is involved in many of the famous battles of the Civil War; Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. The records indicated he was still on active duty as of 1864 when he was promoted to Full 4th Sergeant.

By 1870 the farm has increased in value and Dicy and Moses have added two children, Jane (10) and William (3), to the family. All five children are living and working on the farm.

1880 finds the family farming in Coal Mountain, Georgia. Only Mary Ann and William are living at home. James has married and left home, David occupies the farm next to his father with his wife Malinda, and Jane's whereabouts are unknown.

Big changes have occurred by 1900. On 19 June 1900, seventy-five year old Moses is living with his son James in Sanford, Georgia on what appears to be the original family farm. Occupying the family home are James' wife Emily and their four children. Moses is listed on the census as married but is not living with Dicy. She is living in Montana with their youngest son William. David and his wife Malinda and their four children have moved to Ravalli County, Stevensville, Montana where William and Dicy are found. William is farming, but David is working as a teamster.

On 24 August 1901, Moses dies in Georgia and is buried in the Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, Dawson County, Georgia. Seven years later on 15 April 1908, Dicy dies in Montana and is buried in the Maplewood Cemetery in Stevensville.

In 1910 James is found living with his wife Emily and daughter Anna in South Seminole, Oklahoma just down the road from their son Wallace and his family. William and David continue to live and work in Stevensville until their deaths. Also buried in the Maplewood Cemetery in Stevensville, Montana is Mary Anne Cannon. I have no information to substantiate that this is Dicy's daughter, however, she is of the correct age.

Invoking that six degrees of separation rule, my son is now living in Stevensville, Montana and has agreed to go to the cemetery to try to find Dicy's grave.

THE CARD

The three most common types of mourning cards are (1) the obituary notice, printed in gilt, on a black card mount, with or without a portrait; (2) the memorial card, usually with an oval portrait, surrounded by a printed wreath, generally with the name of the deceased and dates of birth and death, sometimes with a vita printed on back; (3) a portrait mounted on a card with a rectangular or oval heavy frame printed in black, usually with name of the deceased.

Dicy's mourning card is a combination of the obituary notice and the memorial card. It has no photograph, is black with gilt lettering, lists the name, age, and date of death, and is surrounded by a wreath. It was printed by H.F. Wendell of Leipsic, Ohio, a well-known producer of mortuary cards.

Harry F. Wendell started in business in 1888 in Leipsic, Ohio, and within three years his was the largest business of its kind in America. Wendell had formerly been the publisher and editor of the Leipsic Tribune and was a member of the City Council. He led a very busy life holding the following offices: Vice President and Director of the First National Bank, Secretary and Director of the Dollar Oil Company, Secretary and Director of the Putnam Hosiery Company, President and Manager of the Wendell Printing Company, President and Manager the Carriers Greeting Company, Secretary of the Board of Trade, and President of the Law and Order League organized to promote the moral welfare of the city. Whew!

There were eleven styles of cards advertised with a selection of forty-six different verses in six languages.

Dicy's sons would have sent for the cards by mail order after having made their choice. Wendell's was a mail order business including a form with each of their catalogs. It is unknown if the family had requested a catalog or if the funeral home provided the information to the family. Wendell's also sold envelopes so that the family could have mailed the card to James in Oklahoma.

One entire section of the Company's pamphlet is devoted to satisfied customers. I was very taken by the comments of H. W. Musselman of Silverdale, Pennsylvania. "Cards received safe and sound. Expect to send another order later on."

The card that was chosen was No. 2 in the catalog, as shown below.

Style No. 2

Size 4 ¼ X 6 ½ Round Corners Gold Edges

The above is a very attractive card. An open book lies at the bottom and palms appear at the sides. A beautiful wreath of flowers encircles the name of the departed. Two beautiful doves appear at the top. Two verses may be used without extra charge by omitting the book. Finished in gold or silver. The words, “our Dear Father,” are not printed unless ordered, and may be changed to “our Dear Mother,” “Our Dear Son,” or any other wording. Any berse in this catalog may be used. Cards may be black, white or assorted.

Price – One Card 20c. 2 for 35c. 4 for 50c. 6 for 65c. 8 for 75c. 10 for 90c. 12 for $1.00. 15 for $1.20. 20 doe $1.40. 25 for $1.75. 35 for $2.30. 50 for $3.00. 75 for $4.00. 100 for $5.00. 150 for $7.00. 200 for $8.00. Postpaid.

The above style may be had 6x91/4 inches in size at the following prices: 1 for 35c; 2 for 55c; 4 for 75c; 6 for $1.00; 10 for $1.45; 12 for $1.60; 15 for $1.90; 20 for $2.25; 25 for $2.80; 35 for $3.75; 50 for $5.00; 75 for $6.75; 100 for $8.00; 150 for $12.00.

(Using the Consumer Price Index, one $0.20 Card in 1908 would cost $4.65 in 2007.)

Sources:

Books:

Darrah, William C. Cartes de Visite in 19th Century Photography. Gettysburg: Darrah, 1981.
Linkman, Audrey. The Victorians, Photographic Portraits. London: Tauris Parke Books,1993.
McCulloch, Lou W. Card Photographs, A Guide To Their History and Value. Exton, Pennsylvania: Schiffer 1981.
Mace, O. Henry. Collector's Guide To Early Photographs.Iola, Wisconsin: Krause, 1999.
Nickell, Joe. Camera Clues. Lexington, Kentucky: University Press of Kentucky, 1994.

Census:

1860 U.S. census, Dawson County, Georgia, population schedule, Crossville, p. 88, dwelling 11, family 11, Moses C. Cannon (Head); digital images. Heritage Quest (http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/ : retrieved 23 May 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication M553, roll 119.

1870 U.S. census, Forsyth County, Georgia, population schedule, Coal Mountain, p. 513, dwelling 108, family 692, Moses Cannon (Head); digital images. Heritage Quest (http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/ : retrieved 23 May 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 146.

1880 U.S. census, Forsyth County, Georgia, population schedule, Coal Mountain, p. 455, dwelling 116, family 116, M.C. Cannon (Head); digital images. Heritage Quest (http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/ : retrieved 23 May 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 147.

1900 U.S. census, Dawson County, Georgia, population schedule, Sanford, p. 287, dwelling 180, family 183, James T. Cannon (Head); digital images. Heritage Quest (http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/ : retrieved 23 May 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T623, roll 191.

1900 U.S. census, Ravalli County, Montana, population schedule, Stevens Township, p. 59, dwelling 167, family 169, Wm. E. Cannon (Head); digital images. Heritage Quest (http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/ : retrieved 23 May 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T623, roll 914.

1910 U.S. census, Ravalli County, Montana, population schedule, Stevens Township, p. 217, dwelling 156, family 164, Wm. E. Cannon (Head); digital images. Heritage Quest (http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/ : retrieved 23 May 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T624, roll 833.

Marriage Records:

Dodd, Jordan. Georgia Marriages to 1850 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 1997. Original data: Electronic transcription of marriage records held by the individual counties in Georgia.

Military Records:

Historical Data Systems, comp.. American Civil War Soldiers [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 1999. Original data: Data compiled by Historical Data Systems of Kingston, MA.

Reproduced from an article in Shades of The Departed.

The Last Word - John D. Davies

2008-12-17T01:36:00.000-08:00

Many friends of Mr. John D. Davies of the Times-Herald, Chicago, deeply regret his sudden death, which took place October 15th, 1895, by being struck unawares by a train at South Evanston.

Mr. Davies was born in Wales about 1865. He came to America when about seven years old with his parents and settled at Shawnee, O. Working in the mines until 22 years of age, he then took a course of education at Lebanon College.

Afterward he taught school for a year in South Dakota; thence Coming to Chicago five years ago, he was engaged with the City Prees Association one year and then became a reporter on the staff of the Times-Herald.

His parents being dead, Mr. Davies and his two sisters lived together in their home in Chicago. Funeral services were held Oct. 16th in the main rotunda of the Grand Central Station prior to the removal of the body for burial to Shawnee, O. Rev. John C. Jones of the C. M. church, conducted the services, assisted by Rev. John Wynne Jones, of the Episcopal church.

The Choral Club of the Cambrian Society sang several selections, among them being "O Fryniau Caersalem," with the tune Crug-y-Bar. The Second Regiment band, present, in honor of the deceased, also played some appropriate pieces, among them being Ellis Brooks' "Dust to Dust."

The remains were taken for burial to Shawnee, where interment took place amidst general manifestations of deep grief and sorrow on the part of his early friends and acquaintances. Mг. Davies was a young gentleman of many excellent qualities of mind and heart, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.

Source:

The Cambrian. Utica, New York: T. J. Griffiths. 1896.

Unknown Epitaph

2008-12-17T01:33:00.000-08:00

An Epitaph A Day
Keeps Death's Spectre Away

"This world is but a fleeting show.

And no wise man regrets it:

For man wants little here below.

And generally he gets it."

Source:

The Cambrian. Utica, New York: T. J. Griffiths. 1896.

And When I'm Dead

2008-12-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

And When I'm Dead Dead And Gone
I Will Not be 240 Pencils Left
To Carry On!
To Carry On!

Jean - Yves Baxter, on his Genealogy Blog wrote an article titled "Unusual Christmas Gifts For The Genealogists." And he wasn't just whistling Dixie. He searched the web and found several unusual gifts for the genealogists, unusual is an understatement. I know, he called them Christmas gifts, but I can't.

The first gift on the list caught my attention immediately. Carbon Copies, a rather attractive pencil box that holds 240 pencils made from human remains. Carbon Copies is part of a Post Mortem Research project by Nadine Jarvis. Through her work Nadine hopes to "challenge our archaic post mortem traditions and to offer proposals for alternate treatment for our deceased."

Nadine says:

I have been designing urns that lengthen death ceremony to give more time to come to terms with loss. My motivation for this project was my interest in the death and decomposition of materials and how the degradation of materials could be used to aid the grieving process."

Nadine has created a Bird Feeder, a biodegradable project she calls Rest In Pieces, the pencils of Carbon Copies, and a work in progress called Scatter (use your imagination).

Carbon Copies
The Pencil Box

As for the Carbon Copies pencils, they can only be removed from the box one at a time. Each is gold stamped with the name of the body of ash that created them. The pencil box is also a sharpener, returning the ash to the box and transforming it into an urn. It has its own little ash counter letting you know how many pencils are left.

Let me just say, interesting idea Nadine, but I would only be a pencil if I could control what was being written.

Jean-Yves, thank you for your most unusual suggestions and Merry Christmas?

Nadine is an artist living and working in London.

Jean-Yves is a perfectly normal looking GeneaBlogger.

The Last Word Wednesday

2008-12-10T01:33:00.001-08:00

MR. JAMES BARKER

St. Louis, Missouri

Mr. James Barker, of St. Louis, Mo., passenger and ticket agent of Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, died in San Antonio, Texas, January 30th, 1903, was in public life one of the most successful and most widely known railroad men in the country, and in private life, one of the most enthusiastic amateur photographers.

Almost as soon as developments in photography placed it within the reach of amateurs, Mr. Barker became an enthusiast. It was not a passing fancy. The only effect of the passing of years and the oncoming of age was that he derived even greater satisfaction from following his photographic bent.

He had a collection of 20 cameras. No new thing in cameras came out that he did not have before it had been many days upon the market. While he prized the improved cameras, he had an affection for the old ones, which had been with him on many a trip, and he did not part with them.

At his home at 5889 Clemens avenue he had a private studio. Until his health became poor in the recent past he attended personally to every detail of the work of developing and printing the pictures he had taken.

Mr. Barker was 63 years old. Besides his wife, he leaves three daughters and a son.

A California Gold Digging

2008-12-10T01:33:00.000-08:00

An Epitaph A Day
Keeps Death's Spectre Away

From a California gold-digging;

In memory ov
John Smith who met
wierlent deth near this spot
18 hundred and 40 too. He was shot
by his own pistill;
It was not one of the new kind,
but a old fashioned
brass barrel, and of such is the
Kingdom of Heaven.

Source:

Kippax, John Robert. Churchyard Literature. Chicago: S.S. Griggs & Co. 1877.

Epitaph - John Irving

2008-12-08T01:33:00.000-08:00

An Epitaph A Day
Keeps Death's Spectre Away

At St. Martin's-iu-the-Fields, London: —

" Sacred
To the Memory of JOHN IRVING, Esq.
of Sligo, Ireland,

Surgeon to his Majesty's Forces,
Who died on the 22nd of April, 1810,

Aged 33 years;

A victim, like thousands of our
Gallant Countrymen,

To the fatal consequences of the
Unfortunate Expedition to the Schelt,

Commanded by John, Earl of Chatham."

Source:

Tissington, Sylvester. A Collection Of Epitaphs and Monumental Inscriptions. London: Simpkin, Marshall & Co. 1857.

Death Is A Fisherman

2008-12-07T01:33:00.000-08:00

An Epitaph A Day
Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Buckinghamshire

HIGH WYCOMBE.

Death is a fisherman; the world we see

A fish-pond is, and we the fishes be;

He sometimes angles, like doth with us play,

And slily take us, one by one, away.

Source:

Norfolk, Horatio Edward. Gleanings In Graveyards. London: John Russell Smith. 1861.

Epitaph - An Infant

2008-12-04T01:33:00.000-08:00

An Epitaph A Day
Keeps Death's Spectre Away

In Cypress Hill Cemetery, L. I.

A child:

" There is a special Providence
In the fall of a sparrow."

Source:

Unger, Frederick William. Epitaphs. Philadelphia: The Penn Publishing Co. 1905.

Epitaph - Mitchell Coots

2008-12-03T01:33:00.001-08:00

An Epitaph A Day
Keeps Death's Spectre Away

From Lost Creek, Colorado

Here lies the clay of Mitchell Coots,
Whose feet yet occupy his boots.
His soul has gone— we know not where
It landed, neither do we care.

He slipped the joker up his sleeve
With vile intention to deceive,
And when detected, tried to jerk
His gun, but didn't get his work
In with sufficient swiftness, which
Explains the presence here of Mitch.

At Gabriel's trump, if he should wake,
He'll mighty likely try to take
The trump with that same joker he
Had sleeved so surreptitiously,
And which we placed upon his bier
When we concealed his body here.

Source:

Unger, Frederick William. Epitaphs. Philadelphia: The Penn Publishing Co. 1905.

Three Young Men Drowned in Gray's Harbor, North West Coast

2008-12-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

The Last Word Wednesday

Mr. Editor, - If you think the following account of the supposed loss of three seamen belonging to the whaling ship Morrison of New London, Connecticut, will be of interest to your readers, you are at liberty to insert it in your valuable paper. It is given on the authority of several individuals, either now, or formerly connected with the vessels named, though in some of its particulars it may not be correct:

On the evening of the 23rd of September last, whilst the Morrison in company with the Louvre and Montezuma (two other whaling vessels belonging to the above named port) were lying at anchor in the Straits of Juan de Fuca, near Cape Flattery, three of the Morrison's crew, with three of the Louvre's, escaped in a boat belonging to the Louvre.

The names of the first three, were Church, Kirby and Royce. Their christian names are not known. In a book formerly in the possession of Church, there is written on a blank page, R. Church, Palmer, Mass. He is believed however, to have belonged to Monson, Mass., where it is supposed his parents are still living. He was probably between twenty and twenty-five years of age.

Royce was also from Mass., and is suppossed to have been a native of Springield. He is represented as having said, that in consequence of difficulty with his grand father, with whom he lived, he resolved to leave home and go to sea. In the execution of this purpose, he accordingly shipped on board the Morrison, in the Autumn of 1844. He was tall and slim in person and probably between eighteen and twenty years of age.

Kirby is supposed to have been a native of Birmingham, England. He was a currier by trade, and had resided in America but a short time previous to his shipping in the Morrison. He was probably about twenty-three or twenty-four years of age. He is said to have been a young man of very amiable disposition, faithful in the performance of his duties, and a general favorite with Captain, officers and men.

After leaving the Morrison they started for the mouth of Columbia River, about 100 or 500 miles down the coast. - Having repeatedly attempted to land for the purpose of procuring water, but without success, they at length entered Gray's Harbor, where upon approaching the shore, their boat was swamped among the breakers and the three belonging to the crew of the Morrison drowned. The three surviviors were taken by the Indians and conveyed to Chinook Point, opposite Fort George.

Here they were kindly received and entertained by Capt. Scarborough of the schooner Cadborough, a coasting Fur-trader. To him they stated the facts respecting the loss of their boat and the drowning of their three comrades in Gray's Harbor.

Soon after this Captain Scarborough sailed to the Straits of Juan de Fuca and there stated the same to various individuals, upon whose authority this account is given. The statement that the three men drowned belonging to the crew of the Morrison is said to have been derived from Mr. Douglass, on officer in the service of the Hon. Hudson Bay Company.

Other accounts however, represent it as uncertain whether the three belonged exclusively to one vessel or in part to both. In this particular, there is some discrepancy, though all concur in the fact that three out the six were lost.

Thus three young men in the vigor of health and strength, are believed to have perished, in consequence of yielding to the foolish mania for running away, now so prevalent among the crews of whalers.

The news of their death will doubtless be the source of pungent grief in the bosoms of their surviving parents, brothers and sisters and other relatives. This too in the present instance, will be enhanced and aggravated by the thought that they died in the act of escaping from duty, on a savage and inhospitable shore, where their bodies if driven to land instead of receiving a christian burial, probably soon became the prey of voracious wild beasts.

Would that this might serve as a warning to others when tempted to pursue a similar cource, that they may avoid a similar fate, and be induced to continue faithfully discharging the duites of their calling however replete it may be with difficulties and trials.

It is blelieved that a deserter seldom improves his condition by abondoning his post, and if he has any ambition, to rise in his vocation, such dereliction of duty often operates as a death-blow to his hopes. The confidence of employers once lost in this manner, it is usually a hard matter to regain.

Your&c
A Friend to Whalemen.

Source:

A Friend to Whalemen. The Friends. Unknown.

Epitaph - Arabella Young

2008-12-02T01:33:00.000-08:00

An Epitaph A Day
Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Beneath this stone a lump of clay,
Lies Arabella Young;
Who on the 24th of May,
Began to hold her tongue.

Source:

Unger, Frederick William. Epitaphs. Philadelphia: The Penn Publishing Co. 1905.

Epitaph - John Adams

2008-12-01T01:36:00.000-08:00

An Epitaph A Day

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

John Adams
Carrier, Porter
Southwell (obit. 1807)

John Adams lies here, of the parish of Southwell,
A carrier who carried his can to his mouth well;
He carried so much, and he carried so fast,
He could carry no more — so was carried at last;
For the liquor he drank, being too much for one,
He could not carry off — so he's now carrion.

Source:

"Deadman's Corner." 1858. Online, Google. Google Books. http://www.books.google.com : 2008.

Wit and Wisdom

2008-12-01T01:33:00.000-08:00

Black : His father was a most wonderful man, and had a marvelous gift of foretelling the future very accurately. Why, he actually knew the very day, place, and hour of his own death and made preparations accordingly!

White: Rubbish. How could he?
Black: The Judge told him.

Happy Thanksgiving To All!

2008-11-26T12:06:00.001-08:00

"By proclamation of the President and the Governors of the individual States, the last Thursday of November is observed as a day of thanksgiving for the prosperity and happiness of the year.

Thanksgiving services are held in churches of all denominations, and pastors recount the national blessings and exhort to faithful citizenship.

We must not fail to state a hearty dinner of roast-turkey and cranberry sauce, etc., is necessary to all those who would properly celebrate the day."

This GYRabbit will be spending the Thanksgiving Holiday with family and will return December 1.

A Very Happy Thanksgiving To You All!

Source:

Duke's Cigarettes, 1885-1900.

Last Word Wednesday - John D. Adams

2008-11-19T01:33:00.001-08:00

John D. Adams
Nira, Iowa

A SAD LETTER FROM A BEE-KEEPER'S WIFE

Dear Mr. A. I. Root:

I have sad, sad news to write. My dear good husband, John D. Adams, was drowned Aug. 21, 1892 while trying to save our hired man's life. They were both drowned. We all know he died trying to do his duty; but, oh it is so hard to give him up!

It was such a shock on us. If he had been sick, and I could have stood by his bedside, knowing that he must go, it surely wouldn't have been so hard. Mr. Root, no one knows what it is to part with a dear good companion until the trial comes. Just a few weeks ago our home was lively and cheerful, but now it is sad and lonesome. Oh how we miss him!

I beg an interest in the prayers of the beekeepers that I may ever do my duty in raising my fatherless children. He loved his bees so dearly we can not bear to part with them, so we, intend to keep them, and do our best with them. Oh so many responsibilities I have to shoulder! Pray for me.

ANNIE F. ADAMS
Nira, Iowa.

[Most certainly will we remember to pray for - you; and while doing so we can rejoice that yours is a faith that goes beyond this world. Just at this time, when floods are likely to occur with the breaking-up of the ice and the melting of the snow, it behooves us to be careful about taking risks in water. Many a person has been drowned, when he evidently scarcely thought of being in danger. Dear friend, you may rejoice in the thought that our good brother died In the effort to save the life of a fellow-man.] A. I. R.

Source:

Gleanings in Bee Culture, A Journal Devoted to Bees, Honey, and Home Interests. Medina, Ohio: A. I. Root Co., 1893.

Last Word Wednesday - Thomas A. Morris

2008-11-19T01:33:00.000-08:00

THE ADAIR COUNTY NEWS COLUMBIA KY
MARCH 20, 1907

In Memorium

DIED IN IDAHO
Thomas A. Morris

Formerly an Adair county boy, Thomas A. Morris was the son of James F. and Emeline Morris died in Boise City Idaho, January 20th 1907 of meningitis. He was a carpenter by trade and a short time before he was taken fell from a scaffold bruising his head which caused an abscess to form on the brain. He was taken with a severe pain in his head on Thursday night and before morning was unconscious died Sunday morning without regaining consciousness.

He was born near Columbia Aug. 27, 1859 was married in Milton, Illinois to Miss Mollie Hawkins Sept. 4th 1887. He leaves 4 children, his wife and one baby having died four years ago. He also leaves 3 brothers Owen of Pittsfield, Ill., Milam of Midvale, Idaho and Garnett of Carroll County, Mo. and two sisters Mollie Rosenbaum of Bogard, Mo. and Theresa Terp of Concord, Cal. He was a member of the Methodist church.

His sister THERESA.

Source:

THE ADAIR COUNTY NEWS, COLUMBIA KY. MARCH 20, 1907.

An Epitaph A Day - November 17

2008-11-17T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Canadian Mounted Police

Many instances have been recorded of the pluck and perseverance of the members of this force.

Once in the middle of winter it was imperative that a despatch should be sent to a far distant post. A young collegian who had donned the red coat volunteered to perform the mission.

In the teeth of a blinding blizzard, with the thermometer registering 53 degrees below zero, he set out on his long journey. The despatch was never delivered, the bearer never returned.

After the snow had gone in the spring an Indian found a skeleton clad in a faded red uniform. The fatal despatch was in the pocket, and on it were written these words:

"Lost. Horse dead. Am trying to push on. Have done my best."

His dying hand had written a better epitaph than any that "storied urn or animated bust" could proclaim to his memory.

Source:

Canada, An Illustrated Magazine. 906.

An Epitaph A Day - November 15

2008-11-15T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Jaffrey

(A free negro, Amos Fortune, settled in Jaffrey more than one
hundred years ago, though warned off as a possible pauper, and
left one quaint bit of history — his estate, to the town. Part of it
bought the communion service still in use (1895).

On the gravestone of his wife is this inscription:

Sacred to the memory of Violate, by purchase the
Slave of Amos Fortune, by marriage his wife, by
fidelity his companion and solace, and by his death
his widow.

Source:

Darling, Susan. Quaint Epitaphs. Boston: DeWolfe, Fiske & Co. 1902.

An Epitaph A Day - November 14

2008-11-14T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

A rebel soldier's grave in the Wesleyan Cemetery, St. Louis.

Written by a lady:

Here lize a stranger braiv,
who died while fitin the Suthern Confederacy to save.
piece to his Dust.
"braive Suthern friend
from iland 10
you reached a Glory us end.
we plase these flowrs above the stranger's hed
In honor of the shiverlus ded.
Sweet sprint rest in heven
Ther'l be know Yankis there.

Source:

Moore, Frank. The Rebellion Record: A Diary of American Events. New York: G. P. Putnam, 1863.

An Epitaph A Day - November 13

2008-11-13T01:33:00.000-08:00

KEEPS DEATH'S SPECTRE AWAY

“He dared to lead where any dared to follow."

HEADQUARTERS, 7th August, 1777.
“SIR — Edmund Palmer, an officer in the enemy's service, was taken as a spy lurking within our lines. He has been tried as a spy, condemned as a spy, and shall be executed as a spy ; and the flag is ordered to depart immediately.”

“ISRAEL PUTNAM."

P. S. — He has been accordingly hanged."

Source:

Drake, Samuel Adams. Our Colonial Homes. Boston: Lee and Shepard, 1894.

An Epitaph A Day - November 12

2008-11-12T01:33:00.001-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

All Epitaphs This Week Will Be Of Those
Who Served Their Country

In memory of Robt. W. Smith
of Co. B. 1st Md. V. I.
son of Henry and Teresa Smith,
who departed this Life 1st Feb. 1864,
Aged 22 years.

Rest Soldier, rest, thy warefare o'er,
The battle roll thou'llt hear no more.
The duty bravely, nobly done
The conflict past, the victory won.

Source:

Ridgely, Helen West. Historic Graves of Maryland and the District of Columbia: With the Inscriptions Appearing on the Tombstones in Most of the Counties of the State and in Washington and Georgetown. National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Maryland. New York: The Grafton press, 1908.

Last Word Wednesday - Captain Oliver Brown

2008-11-12T01:33:00.000-08:00

Captain Oliver Brown
Artillery of the Massachusetts Line
Revolutionary War
Born in Lexington, Mass., 1752

He stood in front of the first Cannon fired by the British on the Americans in the Affray at Lexington — witnessed the Tea Party, Boston Harbour — was at the Battle of Bunker's Hill — Commissioned by Congress 1 6th of January 1776 — Commanded the Volunteer party that bore off the Leaden Statue of King George from the Battery of New York, and made it into bullets for the American army — Bore a conspicuous part in Command of Artillery at the battles of Harlem Heights, White Plains, Princeton, Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth.

After serving his Country he enlisted in the Armies of the Son of God, and surrendered to the last Enemy on the 17th of February, 1846, in full assurance of a never-ending Peace.

Source:

Lamb, Martha Joanna. The Magazine of American History with Notes and Queries. New York: A. S. Barnes, 1879.

An Epitaph A Day - November 11

2008-11-11T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

All Epitaphs This Week Will Be Of Those
Who Served Their Country

Herman S. son of A. J. and Mary S. Thomas
died at Monteray, Mexico, Sept. 23, 1846

A soldier of the Mexican War, conspicuous for gallantry in
the front ranks, among his heroic comrades in the memorable charge of the
height commanding Monteray, he fell mortally wounded.

Source:

An Epitaph A Day - November 10

2008-11-10T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

All Epitaphs This Week Will Be Of Those
Who Served Their Country

National Military Cemetery at Arlington
1887

EPITAPH FOR AN AMERICAN SOLDIER

He was some mother's well-loved son —
So fine he looked in martial guise —
And now in alien earth he lies,
And hears no more the tuck of drum,
Nor sees the shell-flare in the skies.

Like to some seeker for a prize
In a great race that has been run,
The consciousness of duty done,
Looked from his widely opened eyes.

That Freedom have a newer birth;
That Truth, and Justice only reign;
That Right prevail upon the earth;
Man's upward struggle be not vain —
For this he sits by a strange hearth
And sentinels the Picard plain.

Source:

Braithwaite, William Stanley. A Tale of a Walled Town: And Other Verses. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1921.

An Epitaph A Day - November 9

2008-11-09T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

WALES

ABERCONWAY

Here lieth the body of Nicholas Hooker, of Conway, Gent.
Who was the one and fortieth child of
William Hooker, Esq. by
Alice, his wife, and the father of twenty-seven children.
He died on the 20th day of March, 1637.

Source:

Norfolk, Horatio Edward. Gleanings in Graveyards: A Collection of Curious Epitaphs. London: J.R. Smith, 1861.

An Epitaph A Day - November 8

2008-11-08T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Frederick, Prince of Wales
Father of George I
King Of England

What had Frederick done, that he was so loathed
by George II and never mentioned by George III?

Here lies Fred,
Who was alive, and Is dead.
Had it been his father,
I had much rather.
Had it been his brother,
Still better than another.
Had it been his sister,
No one would have missed her.
Had it been the whole generation,
Still better for the nation.
But since 'tis only Fred,
Who was alive, and is dead,
There's no more to be said."

Source:

Thackeray, William Makepeace. The Complete Works of William Makepeace Thackeray: With Illustrations by the Author, and with Introductory Notes Setting Forth the History of the Several Works in Twenty-two Volumes. New York: Houghton, Mifflin and company, 1889.

An Epitaph A Day - November 7

2008-11-07T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

JOHN FOSTER
printer of the first book
printed in Boston, Mass.
died 1681

The following epitaph was cut in black letter on his tombstone —

Thy body, which no activeness did lack,
Now's laid aside, like an old almanack;
But for the present only's out of date,
'Twill have at length a far more active state;
Yea, at the resurrection, we shall see
A fair edition, and of matchless worth,
Free from errata, not in heaven set forth:
'Tis but a word from God, the great Creator,
It shall be done, when he says Imprimatur.

Source:

The Bibliographer; a journal of book-lore. London: Elliot Stock, 1882.

An Epitaph A Day - November 6

2008-11-06T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Epitaph on a Dog
Irongate Stairs, Tower, London

"In Memory of Egypt, a favourite Dog,
which belonged to the Irongate Watermen.
He was killed on the 4th August, 1841.
Aged 16 years."

"Here lies interred, beneath this spot,
A faithful dog who should not be forgot:
Full 15 years he watched here with care,
Contented with hard bed, and harder fare.
Around the Tower he daily used to roam,
In search of bits so savory, or a bone.
A military pet he was, and in the Docks
His rounds he always went at 12 o'clock, —
Supplied with cash, which held between his jaws,—
The reason's plain, — he hail no hands but paws —
He'd trot over Tower Hill to a favorite shop,
There eat his meal, and down his money drop.
To club he went on each successive night, —
Where dressed in jacket gay he took his pipe;
With spectacles on nose he played his tricks,
And paw'd the paper, not the politics:
Going his usual round, near traitors' gate,
Infirm and almost blind he met his fate.
By ruthless kick hurled from the wharf, below
The stones o'er which the gentle Thames do flow, —
Mortally injured, soon resigned his breath,
Thus left his friends who here record his death.
Alas, poor Egypt!"

Source:

Notes and Queries. London: Oxford University Press, 1859.

Last Word Wednesday - George Bishop

2008-11-05T01:33:00.001-08:00

George W. Bishop
Camden, N. J.
July, 1889

Bro. Geo. W. Bishop, F. A. E. of Div. No. 387, was instantly killed while in the discharge of his duty on May 17th, 1889. Bro. Bishop was running train No. 52, known as the Atlantic Express on the West Jersey and Atlantic Division of Penna. R. R. Co., and when in the vicinity of Iona Station, his attention was directed to a hot box on the tank.

In order to ascertain the condition of it, he undertook to examine it by leaning out over side of engine, and while engaged in this manner he was struck by a signal post, hurling him from the engine with terrible force, which resulted in his almost instantaneous death, as he had ceased to breathe when the train hands reached him.

His remains were tenderly taken up and immediately returned to Camden and borne to his late residence, No. 419 Berkley Street. Bro. Bishop was held in high esteem by all his associates and friends, and his sudden and untimely death has cast deep gloom over his co- workers and acquaintances. His family, consisting of wife and four children, have the sympathy of all, and every exertion is being made to render aid and comfort by his associates and friends.

The burial took place May 22nd, services being held at his late residence at 9:30 a. m., conducted by the Rev. Clarence K. Binder, of the English Lutheran church, after which the body was placed on special train and taken to Berlin, N. J., for interment. The special kindly furnished by Mr. A. O. Dayton, Sup't W. J. and C. and Atlantic Divisions P. R. R., left Federal Street depot at 9:30 a. m., in charge of the following crew, who volunteered their services for the occasion: Engineer, Bro. Geo. W. Baxter, of Div. No. 387 ; Fireman, Carlton M, Grace ; Conductor, Samuel C. Hankinson of Div. 170, O. of R. C ; Brakeman, J. W. Goff. (Engine No. 24 pulling the train.)

Arriving at Berlin at 12 o'clock the remains were taken to Berlin M. E. church, where the services were conducted by the Rev. W. A. Lilley, who gave an earnest and effective discourse, not only giving encouragement and consolation to the afflicted, but clearly portraying the need of preparation for the approach of death at all times.

The services at the grave were in charge of Division No. 387, B. ofL. E., Bro. Richard S. Doughty, Chaplain of Division, taking charge of the same, the following members of Div. 387 acting as pall bearers : Bros. Jas. Copel and, Thomas Bodell, Joseph Brudon, Thos. Smith, Daniel Cassady and James McNeal. A large concourse of people followed the remains to the grave, prominent among which were members of Divisions 387 and 22, B. of L. E., No. 72, B. of L. F., representatives of Conductors and other branches of railroad service, Mr. Wm. Rickard, Road Foreman of engines, and quite a number of the wives of the employees of road.

The floral emblems were numerous and elegant in design. A sickle bearing the word father, being contributed by the children of deceased, a broken column, a vacant chair, and a locomotive having the number 33 upon the cab, [this being the number of the engine that he had on the fatal trip!] were presented by the employees of West Jersey and Camden and Atlantic railroads, a wreath and other emblems being presented by friends.

The return trip was made safely, the special arriving in Camden at 3:30 p. m. Too much praise cannot be given to Superintendent A. O. Dayton, Train Master J.J. Burleigh, and Road Foreman Win. Rickard, for their kindly interest and the efforts put forth by them to arrange for the safety, convenience and comfort of all interested, and the employees feel under lasting obligations to them for their services.

Source:

Locomotive Engineers Journal By Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (U.S.). Cleveland: Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, 1889.

An Epitaph A Day - November 5

2008-11-05T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Jack Williams
Tombstone, Arizona

Here lies Jack Williams.
He done his damnedest.

Source:

From a quote attributed to Harry S. Truman.

And The Answer Is!

2008-11-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

Henk van Kampen, the Graveyard Rabbit of Utrecht and Het Gooi posted a very interesting photograph of a gravestone with the following inscription:

(Here rests my own sweet wife, our caring mother and grandmother Grietje de Graaf - Kroeze, born 14 Sept 1894, died 20 June 1977, spouse of R. de Graaf.
As you are now - so once was I
As I am now - so will you be. Psalms 103:8)

Henk asks:

Does anyone know the origin of this epitaph? There are many mentions of it on the web, but none with source. If any reader would care to enlighten me, please leave a comment or contact me.

There are many examples of the old epitaph:

Behold, all you that passeth by,
As you are now so once was I,
As I am now so you will be,
Prepare for death and follow me.

Indeed, this old verse has been used often in all burying-grounds from the time it was rendered, in very old French, on the tomb of Edward, the Black Prince, in 1376 (as it may be seen in Canterbury Cathedral) and as Pettigrew, in his collection of epitaphs, gives it in a dozen places in England.

Edward the Black Prince, 1376.

Canterbury Cathedral (Translation of French epitaph).

Whoso thou be that passeth bye,
Where these corpes interred lie:
Understand what I shall saye,
As at this time speake I maye.
Such as thou art. sometyme was I;
Such as I am, such shalt thou bee.
I little thought on the houre of death,
Soe long as I enjoyed breath;
Great riches here I did possesse,
Whereof I made great noblenesse;
I had gold, silver, wardrobe, and
Greate treasures, horses, houses, lande,
But now a caitiffe, poore am I,
Deep in the ground, lo here I lie!
My beautye greate is all quite gone.
My fleshe is wasted to the bone.
My house is narrow now and thronge;
Nothing but truthe comes from my tongue
And if ye shoulde see mee this daye,
I do not thinke but ye woulde saye,
That I had never been a man ;
So moch altered nowe I am !
For God's sake, praye to the heavenly kinge,
That he my soul to heaven would bringe;
All they that praye and make accorde
For me unto my God and Lorde;
God place them in his paradice,
Wherein noe wretched caitiffe lies.

In America the first references to the epitaph I found were attributed to William Poole sometime between 1630 and 1638. This is, however, over three hundred years too late to have been the first rendering.

From 1630-1638:

It was William Poole of Dorchester who made the epitaph for his own tomb which has come down through generations in this more concise form:

"Behold and see as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I am now, so you must be.
Prepare to die and follow me."

The original was: —

"Ho Passenger, 'tis worth the Pains to stay
And take a Dead man's Lesson by ye Way;
I was what now thou art, and thou shalt be
What I am now, what odds 'twixt me & thee
Now go thy way; but stay, take one word more,
Thy Staff for aught thou know'st Stands next ye Door,
Death is ye Door, ye Door of Heaven or Hell :
Be warn'd, be arm d, Believe, Repent, Farewell."

Thanks Henk, I love a mystery!

Source:

Pettigrew, Thomas Joseph. Chronicles of the Tombs: A Select Collection of Epitaphs, Preceded by an Essay on Epitaphs and Other Monumental Inscriptions, with Incidental Observations on Sepulchral Antiquities. London: G. Bell & sons, 1902.

Bacon, Mary Schell Hoke. Old New England Churches and Their Children. New York: Doubleday, Page & Company, 1906.

Sleeping In Everett - Obama Did You Know?

2008-11-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

The grave of Barack Obama's GGG Grandmother, Rachel Wolfley, was discovered in a cemetery in Everett, Washington last week.

The grave had incorrectly identified Rachel Wolfley, as Rachel Walfley. Jim Shipman, a local historian discovered the grave as he was doing research on Civil War veterans buried at Evergreen Cemetery. Another researcher had given him the name and he came up with the marker.

"I had a name, I looked it up and I found her buried here," Shipman said. The simple grave marker is spelled incorrectly as "Walfley."

"How that happened nobody knows," Shipman said of the spelling error. "But in 1911, this is just another person."

Now, nearly a century later, she isn't just another person, her great-great-great grandson is a candidate for President of the United States, Barack Obama.

Wolfley lived in Everett for four years with her daughter and son-in-law and, in the nearly 100 years since her burial, the concrete marker has been here, tucked away and unnoticed.

"This marker had sunk down and it was covered with grass we had to dig down to find it," Shipman said.

When he found it, Shipman said his first reaction was one of surprise: "I thought, 'Wow!' The odds are like a needle in a large haystack."

Everett Public Library Historian David Dilgard said it was exciting to find a new local historical connection.

"We always describe this cemetery as being sort of a biographical encyclopedia of the community, and so anytime someone noteworthy comes to our attention, we're always excited about it," Dilgard said.

Shipman is raising money to replace the grave marker with a more permanent one that spells Wolfley's name correctly.

Source:

Komo News. 2008.

An Epitaph A Day - November 4

2008-11-04T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Massachusetts

Wayland

Here lies the body of Dr. Hayward,
A man who never voted.
Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.

Source:

Darling, Susan. Quaint Epitaphs. Boston: DeWolfe, Fiske & Co. 1902.

More To This Epitaph -

2008-11-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

Southern Graves, one of the Charter members of The Graveyard Rabbits posted two verses used as an epitaph. I have seen this epitaph many times used on gravestones and memorial cards, but there is more. As you can see, it was written for the loss of an infant and has five verses. I am doing research to establish the source of this epitaph and will update with the information.

A gracious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home,
Which never can be filled.

God in his wisdom has recalled
The boon his love has given;
And though the body slumbers here,
The soul is safe in heaven.

Farewell, dear one, but not forever;
There will be a glorious dawn;
We shall meet to part, no, never,
On the resurrection morn.

The little crib is empty now,
The little clothes laid by;
A mother's hope, a father's joy,
In death's cold arm doth lie.

Go, little pilgrim, to thy home.
On yonder blessed shore;
We miss thee here, but soon will come
Where thou hast gone before.

Source:

Beardsley, Isaac Haight. Echoes from Peak and Plain: Or, Tales of Life, War, Travel, and Colorado Methodism. Cincinati: Curtis & Jennings, 1898.

An Epitaph A Day - November 3

2008-11-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Hallowed be the Sabbath,
And farewell all earthly self;
The week begins on Tuesday,
For Munday hath hanged himself.

Source:

Graham, William Carlisle. A Collection of Epitaphs and Monumental Inscriptions, Ancient and Modern ... London: T. and J. Allman, and C. Thurnam, 1823. p. 160.

An Epitaph A Day - November 2

2008-11-02T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

ON MR. JOHN MOLE
Who died at Worcester

BENEATH this cold stone lies a son of the Earth;
His story is short, though we date from his birth;
His mind was as gross as his body was big;
He drank like a fish, and he ate like a pig.
No cares of religion, of wedlock, or state,
Did e'er, for a moment, encumber John's pate:
He sat, or he walk'd, but his walk was but creeping,
And he rose from his bed — when quite tir'd of sleeping.
Without foe, without friend, unnotic'd he died;
Not a single soul laugh'd, not a single soul cried.
Like his four-footed namesake, he dearly lov'd earth,
So the sexton has cover'd his body with turf.

Source:

Johnson, Samuel. A Collection of Epitaphs and Monumental Inscriptions, Historical, Biographical, Literary, and Miscellaneous: To which is Prefixed, An Essay on Epitaphs. London: Lackington, Allen, & Co., 1806. p. 109.

An Epitaph A Day - November 1

2008-11-01T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

THOMAS KINKAID'S Monument

Buried within the Gray-Friars Churchyard; and other
Churches and Burial-Places within the City of Edinburgh
and Suburbs

Edinburgh

To the most pious memory of Mr. Michael Young,
most famous doctor of medicine; of Mr. Robert Young,
most faithful preacher of the gospel ; of whom, this dyed
in the moneth of January 1677, and that in the moneth
of October 1675; and to the memory of their most beloved sister,
Mary Young, who exchanged life with death, in February 1679.
Thomas Kinkaid, chirurgeon
and apothecarie at Edinburgh, surviving husband to the
said Mary, caused this monument to be erected.

At length here lyes the said Thomas Kinkaid of Auchinreoch, who exercised chirurgery and phannacie in this city, for the space of 45 years, with equal success and skill. Good was he in his life, prudent and honest in his actions, ingenuous and without guile in his words, whence lie lived most acceptable to all good men, and purchast wealth, renown, honour, and friends ; and having left seven children of one wife, with fifteen grandchildren. He dyed much lamented, 13 February, the year of our LORD 1691, and of his age 72.

Chirurgeon skilful, pastour faithful too,
Famous physician, loving wife as due,
Are all here met, as in a common grave ;
When neither art nor learning could them save,
Nor piety nor modesty prevaile,
Them to rescue, when death did them assail.
All offices of life they serv'd so well,
Their fame fills earth, their souls in heaven dwell.

Source:

Monteith, Robert. Collection of Epitaphs and Monumental Inscriptions: Chiefly in Scotland. Glasgow: D. Macvean, 1834.

An Epitaph A Day - October 31

2008-10-31T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Ruth Sprague

Died 1846, aged 9 yrs. & 4 months

She was stolen by Roderick R. Clow. Her body was dissected
at the office of Dr. P. Armstrong, Hoosick, New York; where her
mutilated remains were found and deposited here.

Her body dissected by fiendish men,
Her bones anatomized,
Her soul — we trust — has risen to God,
Where few physicians rise.

Source:

Kippax, John Robert. Churchyard Literature: A Choice Collection of American Epitaphs, with Remarks on Monumental Inscriptions and the Obsequies of Various Nations. Chicago: S.C. Griggs and Company, 1877. p. 171

An Epitaph A Day - October 30

2008-10-30T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

In Halifax churchyard

on ESTER BREARCLIKFE,
and FAVOUR, her son.

Here rest three Saints; the one a little Brother,
The FAVOUR of his scarce surviving Mother:

Then she expir'd, and bore unto her Tomb
An unborn Infant coffin'd in her Womb.

Source:

Goldsmid, Edmund. A Collection of Epitaphs and Inscriptions. Edinburgh: Privately Printed. 1885.

An Epitaph A Day - October 29

2008-10-29T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

ON ORONO.

At Oldtown, Maine, may be seen this epitaph on
Orono, chief of the Penobscots, who died in 1801,
aged 113 years:

Safe lodged within his blanket, here below,
Lie the last relics of old Orono;
Worn down with toil and care, he in a trice
Exchanged his wigwam for a paradise.

Source:

Kippax, John Robert. Churchyard Literature. 1762-190. Chicago: S. C. Griggs & Co. 1877.

An Epitaph A Day - October 28

2008-10-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Epitaph on an Ohio woman's tombstone:

NEURALGIA worked on Mrs. Jones '
Till 'neath the sod it laid her.
She was a worthy Methodist,
And served as a crusader.
Her obsequies were held at two,
With plenty of good carriages.
Death is the common lot of all,
And comes as oft as marriages.

Source:

Kippax, John Robert. Churchyard Literature. 1762-190. Chicago: S. C. Griggs & Co. 1877.

An Epitaph A Day - October 27

2008-10-27T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Massachusetts

Chatham

There were three brothers went to sea
Who were never known to wrangle
Holmes Hole — cedar pole
Crinkle, crinkle crangle.

Three brothers started for Holmes Hole in an open boat for cedar poles, and on the passage were killed by lightening, represented by the crinkle, crinkle, crangle.

Source:

Darling, Susan. Quaint Epitaphs. Boston: DeWolfe, Fiske & Co. 1902.

An Epitaph A Day - October 26

2008-10-26T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Sacred to the Memory of

RACHEL LAZARUS,
Relict of Marks Lazarus

Died on the 27th of Heshvan, A. M. 5608, corresponding with 6th. November, 1847, aged 85 years, 2 months, 15 days. Fifty-two of her descendants preceded her to the grave, and one hundred and twenty-one survived her!

"Our mother! She taught us how to live and how to die."

Source:

Elzas, Barnett A. The Old Jewish Cemeteries at Charleston, S.C.: A Transcript of the Inscriptions on Their Tombstones. 1762-190. Charleston, S.C.: Daggett Print. Co. 1903.

An Epitaph A Day - October 25

2008-10-25T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE

Sacred to the memory of ROBERT WILEY,
who departed this life, the 4 day of June, 1801,
aged 21 years, 6 months, and 27 days.

View this monument, ye young
and careless, and boast no more of tomorrow.

Source:

Alden, Timothy. A Collection of American Epitaphs and Inscriptions, with Occasional Notes. New York: S. Marks, Printer. 1814.

An Epitaph A Day - October 24

2008-10-24T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

On a horse thief:

He found a rope and picked it up,
And with it walked away.
It happened that to other end
A horse was hitched, they say.
They took the rope and tied it up
Unto a hickory limb.
It happened that the other end
Was somehow hitched to him.

Source:

Unger, Frederic William. Epitaphs: A Unique Collection of Post Mortem Comment, Obituary Wit, Quaint and Gruesome Fancy. Philidelphia: The Penn Publishing Company. 1904.

The Graveyard Shift

2008-10-23T01:33:00.001-07:00

England is ancient and doesn't cover a lot of ground. When they started running out of space to bury people they would dig up coffins after so many years and reuse the graves. In reopening these coffins about 1 in 25 were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realised they had been burying people alive.

So they tied a string on the deceased's wrist and led it through the coffin lid and up through the ground and tied it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night and listen for the bell.

Hence, the Graveyard Shift.

This explanation is discounted by many who think it is merely "a good tale." I agree - It is a good tale! And the title of another article section of the Western Washington Graveyard Rabbit where you will find some good tales.

An Epitaph A Day - October 23

2008-10-23T01:33:00.000-07:00

Keeps Death's Spectre Away

Caroline Islands.

Sacred to Wm Collis boat-steerer of the ship St George
of New Bedford, who by the will of Almighty God was
killed by a whale off this Island

also

Pedro Sabbanas of Guam 4th mate his back broken by
whale above mentioned.

Source:

Darling, Susan. Quaint Epitaphs. Boston: DeWolfe, Fiske & Co. 1902.

Deadman's Corner Or . . .

2008-10-22T01:49:00.000-07:00

An Epitaph A Day - Keeps Death's Spectre Away

A WATCH-MAKER'S EPITAPH

(Copied from a tomb-stone in Wales by old Sexton Brown, the
once famous sexton of Grace Church, N. Y.)

Here lies in a horizontal position the outside case
of George Rutlege watch-maker, whose abilities in
that line were an honor to his profession.

Integrity was the main-spring of all the actions of
his life. Humane, honest and industrious his hands
never stopped until they had relieved distress.

He had the art of disposing of his time in such a
way that he never went wrong except when set
agoing by persons who did not know his key, and
even then was easily set right again.

He departed this life wound up in the hope of being
taken in hand by his Maker, thoroughly cleaned,
regulated and repaired and set going in the world to
come.

BLOCK ISLAND
NEW YORK

Source:

Darling, Susan. Quaint Epitaphs. Boston: DeWolfe, Fiske & Co. 1902.

Sermons In Stones

2008-10-22T01:48:00.000-07:00

Go where the ancient pathway guides,
See where our sires laid down
Their smiling babes, their cherished brides,
The patriarchs of the town;
Hast thou a tear for buried love?
A sigh for transient power?
All that a century left above,
Go, read it in an hour.

~ HOLMES ~

Monumental inscriptions excited the attention of the ancients and are regarded by family historians as sources of information and amusement.

Epitaphs are not simply memorials; epitaphs are brief biographical memoirs, the outlines of characters which have appeared in the drama of human life. The desire of gaining some clue to the knowledge of our ancestors, is secondary only to the wish of transmitting to posterity some token of the fact that we too existed.

However amiable the maxim "speak not ill of the dead;" praise for virtues never possessed is poignant satire in the eyes of those who knew the deceased well.

Starting today, The Western Washington GYR will publish an epitaph or inscription a day. You know what they say, "An Epitaph a Day, Keeps Death's Spectre Away."

So enjoy the Complimentary Epitaphs that characterize the wise, the great, and the good. Epigramic Epitaphs which consist of satirical description, ironic eulogy, or the wit of the punster, or those that solve brick walls long thought impossible to overcome.

You never know, you may just discover an ancestor.

Grab A Badge!

2008-10-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations on your membership in the Association of GraveYard Rabbits! Now all you need to dress up your GraveYard is a GYRabbit Badge.

Click in the text box of the size badge you would like to display, copy, and place on your GraveYard Rabbit page.