18 May 2010

Tombstone Tuesday--Lincoln Township Cemetery

At first glance, Lincoln Township Cemetery appears to be a fairly new cemetery. A closer look at the sign though shows it was established in 1892. And judging from the field stones around the sign, even though this is a very flat cemetery, it is near the rocky and gravely part of the county.
Even a wide look over the cemetery shows lots of newer stones, although the older ones are also present.
This lovely stone of the Tripp family has some crisp carving. I do love all the detail in the carving. Even the words in the recessed area, "Blessed are the pure in heart," are easy to read. I assumed that George (1863-1943) and Margaret (1910-1913) were husband and wife until I read the dates. While I have seen children listed on the tall obelisk like stones, I have never seen one like this. Now I want to know if this was a daughter, and if so, where is the mother?
As I said there are still some older stones. These types of stones often had parents on one side and children and other relatives on adjacent sides. This stone for William L. Horton (1853-1914) and (presumably) his wife Montana M. (1870-1944) has a huge and wonderful urn beside it. I don't believe I have seen one on a pedestal that tall before.
Or course Lincoln Cemetery has its share of homemade markers as well. I saw at least three different graves with markers similar to the one below. All were well varnished but with different engravings. This one for Julius (Jule) B. Seitz (1923-1994)appears to have an deer's head with a full rack of antlers. Other graves had pictures showing engravings of a leaping fish and a guitar. The plot here has been bordered with landscape timbers and has a slab laying the the middle. With the flag planted next to the slap, it had the look of a military marker. I checked out our transcript but it was too old to have this grave listed.
Another hand-made marker is this one, made from an old saw blade. Painted and mounted in a metal framework, topped with a cross, it appears quite sturdy and durable. but notice anything unusual? No names! It has a picture, wedding date but no name or death info. My co-blogger Sandy lives in this township and says she thinks names may be on the back. I may have to send her out on a reconnaissance trip.
Then there is this one. I love it. Simple, stark. Can't you just picture it on Boot Hill or something?
This stone below I am not sure if is homemade or not. It appears like it could be cement and carved by hand. While the carving is easy to see, I am having trouble making it out. Possibly VanBlargan? With the name Belle below? Back to the transcript.
Well. I was right. Belle VanBlargan, 1884 to 1976--so not as old as I thought, which leads me to believe it is cement. And the inscription below the date--Love.
Another old stone. And another example of the evils of planting too close to the stones.
Not a tree this time, but a rose bush which seems to be embracing the stone. If you must plant roses, do not opt for the climbing or clinging variety.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.