19th Century Masonic Tombstones

[boozie]

Call me weird, but there are two things I enjoy looking at in a cemetery. Civil War stones and Masonic stones of the 19th Century. I have seen several that are very unique in my area, I will shoot a few with a camera later on when the weather is nice and post them.

I was hoping that some of you might do the same in your home areas.

Here is the one that made me curious about the Lodge in the early 90's. The compass and square is a little hard to see because of the moss. This is one of my gg- grandfathers, he did not serve in the war. He was a charter member of the Wallace Lodge #495 in Fountain County ,Indiana and served as the first J.W. of the lodge.

[Bushrod Carter]

DUDE!

Boozie, I thought Hicks and I were the only wack jobs that wondered around cemeteries taking photos of Masonic headstones!

As a matter of fact I was going to start a thread on this very subject in the next few days because I am working on a paper and visual presentation entitled "Memento Mori: A History of Masonic Grave Stones."

So, Brothers, PLEASE add to this discussion! I still need example of different stones from around the country.

Here is a fun example that I add. This is from the Old City Cemetery in Nashville. I will add to this thread often in the coming days and weeks!

[Greg Barnett]

I, too, have a profound intrest in cemetaries and Masonic tombstones. I will post some pics from the Old Gray here in Knoxville.

Cheers

[thad gallagher]

Good, I no longer have to try to explain to my 5 year old son that Daddy isn't too wierd for taking these pictures and stopping at every old cemetray we pass. I have some pics that I will also post soon.

Best reagrds Brothers,
Thad Gallagher

[Annette Bethke]

Gentlemen,
My real job is with the Texas Historical Commission's Cemetery Preservation program. We walk through cemeteries and take pictures all the time and love it. I get to look through photos of Texas cemeteries on a daily basis if I find any great masonic examples I'll see what I can do about posting them.

[thad gallagher]

Here are a couple from near me. These headstones are from a small cemetery in the middle of a corn field. Not only does it have these Brethern, but there are multiple War of 1812 vets there, and a couple of ACW vets that I have been able to research. I am attempting to get in touch with the lodge that was nearest to these and see if I can obtaine any info. Enjoy.

This info I could read off of this one is:

Horatio P. Dye
Died Oct. 22, 1859

[thad gallagher]

The other one:

John Gunn
Born in Oxfordshire England, Jan. 1, 1800
Died April 8, 1873

It also has a War of 1812 marker with it, interesting...

[Bushrod Carter]

Annette,

POST AWAY! Please share some pics of Texas Masonic tombstones with us!

Thad,

GREAT pics!

Here is another from the Old Nashville Cemetery. Hummm. I have an image of the entire stone, but keep getting a "failed" message while trying to up-load it.

Anyway, this Brother seems to have connections to two different Fraternal organizations. Looks alot like the pin Brother Greg posted on the material culture thread, doesn't it?

[thad gallagher]

Well, after reading some of the postings on this thread, I felt inspired and made a trip out. The cemetary I went to, Woodland Cemetary, is the largest in Dayton, OH. It has some big names there, such as the Wright Bros, Erma Bombeck, and even Clement Vallandigham. There is a large CW section as well. I have not been there since I began the search for light. I have been there many times looking for CW headstones, as well as for realtives funerals. Due to its size I drove around and just stopped for ones that caught my eye. I think I will be doing some more walking when it warms up. I realize I am very new to Masonry, so I have to ask if there is a link between it and the "Odd Fellows", or just another fraternity? I have noticed alot of markers with both.

The marker for Daniel Eichelberger appeared to have a date of 6/2/53 or 58. Nice to seen one pre-ACW. I will have more to come.

Patrick, I will send more on to you, along with more details if you would like for your studies.

[boozie]

Bros. Pat and Thad, great pics! I don't believe I have ever seen anything like the one in your first image Pat. Thanks for posting them, I hope to see many more on here from all over the country. As I said before,i'll take some when the weather is a little better here. Six inches of snow and a cemetery don't mix.

At least I don't feel so alone as far as touring cemeteries.:)

[3rd arkansawyer]

I found this headstone in an old cemetery in south Arkansas. The last person buried there was back in 1975. The inscription says it all. Also here is a picture of a veteran that is buried in the cemetery where my family is buried in south Arkansas. Thanks for starting this thread, it will be an interesting one for sure.

[Greg Barnett]

Here are two of my favorite stones. Both are located in the Old Gray Cemetery in Knoxville. Both have several symbols that could use explanation. I know most of the symbols, but expansion would be great. My five year old is like me and is fascinated by cemeteries. He can spot a Masonic or fraternal symbol quicker than I can.

My uploads are failing. I will try and post these later. They are worth the wait!

[TATTOOS1]

Bros
I took these photos when i visited the McGAVOCK confederate cemetery when i was in Franklin Tennessee.
I have other masonic grave photos from my trips to the States ill post later,
also when im out over here in Scotland looking for graves of scottish soldiers who fought in the American Cvil War, ( I locate them and put markers down)
I also look for old masonic stones as well would you like to see old masonic stones from Scotland ?

all the best

Bill 1712 friendship , Edinburgh.
W S MESS

[BrianHicks]

Bros

I also look for old masonic stones as well would you like to see old masonic stones from Scotland ?

all the best

Bill 1712 friendship , Edinburgh.
W S MESS

Yes... please share those pictures with us!

[thad gallagher]

It would be great to those from Scotland, along with the ACW vets that you may have.

All the best,
Thad

[Bushrod Carter]

Here is COOL Masonic stone I actually pulled off some Internet site. It is 19th century, but LATE 19th I believe.

[Matthew.Rector]

Attached is a selection of photographs of Masonic tombstones located in different cemeteries at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Fort Knox has over 115 cemeteries located in Hardin, Meade and Bullitt counties. The office I work in, the Cultural Resources Management Office, is responsible for managing and inventorying these historic cemeteries. Most of these cemeteries may only be visited on Memorial Day.

Additional information about the photograph is found in the file name:name of cemetery, when the photo was taken and person buried.

Most of these are post-war, but there is one that pre-dates the war and one who died in 1863.

[Annette Bethke]

Brown Family Cemetery, north of Koss, Limestone County Texas

[Greg Barnett]

I think I have finally uploaded these pictures. I believe that they were too large before, so I have reduced them. I have more, but these are my two favorites.
I await comments...

[Bushrod Carter]

Brother Matt and Ms. Annette,

Those are great stones!
But...

I think Brother Greg gets the prize today! Those are FANTASTIC stones! WOW!

I LOVE the tree with the keystone, great lights and apron! That is just way cool! I have seen A LOT of Masonic stones, but never one as different as that!

[Annette Bethke]

My apologies, I should have warned you before hand. All our photos will be black and white as that is what we require for our applications.

This is so fun. So many different styles and yet so many similarities.

[Dale Beasley]

For the good of the order, I agree with Brother Pat. I like the "Tree"

[Greg Barnett]

Side Note on the "tree", which is my 5 year son's favorite as well.

Dr.John W Paxton was Captain of Co E 19th Tenn Inf Reg CSA

Knoxville was not a friendly town for Rebels during the time and after. Parson Brownlow is buried only 75-100 feet from our Brother.

Regards

[Vuhginyuh]

These burial markers were originally at the Cape Fear Lodge and St Johns Lodge burying grounds near the corner of 4th and Market in Wilmington North Carolina. In 1855 the city banned all burials within the incorporated limits. Many families moved their loved ones to the new Oakdale Cemetery on Burnt Mill Creek. The two lodges moved their marked burials to Oakdale at that time as well. These surviving stones were on the grounds at 4th & Market as early as 1790. Masonic burials were first recorded in the St James Parish Church register and the Wilmington Town Books in 1769.

The top-stone of the five piece white St Johns monument is dated 1823. The lower two marble sections are dated 1858. The granite and masonry bases are not marked though the pressed bricks date roughly to the middle period of the 19th century

The brown stone is a memorial to Duncan Cameron, Cape Fear Lodge, a chandler’s cooper lost on the Cape Fear in December 1790.

[wanderer]

Geez this is relaxing. I felt like I needed to come on and be like " hello my name is Scott and I am a gravestone picture taker." All kidding aside, once the weather clears here I will have an opportunity to get some nice pics put on here. Unfortunately that may not be til may... lol But I will get some on as soon as possible.

As a Mod., I must remind you that you must sign your name to each post. Thanks. Patrick Craddock, AC Mod.

[Bushrod Carter]

Here is another I pulled off the Internet. Its no tree with apron and great lights, but still kinda cool.

[Tennessee Boy]

The following members of the 16th Tennessee Volunteer Regiment are identified as Masons on their headstones,

Alfred Hatcher - Surgeon - Rose Hill Cemetery - Columbia - Maury Co - Tenn
Ben Randels - Major - Hico Cemetery - Hico - Hamilton Co - Texas
George Parks - Cpl - Friendship (Hebron) Cemetery - Campaign - Warren C0 - Tenn

Pictures are available, but maybe copyrighted, so can post them.

[Bushrod Carter]

Ian Smith?
55th Virginia?

Is this the same Ian Smith from south Wales that I had the great furtune to meet about 10 years ago?

If so, I hope all is well with you and all in the 55th. Please tell O'Sullivan that its about time for him and a few friends to make a REAL event "out west" again!

[Becky Morgan]

Here are the tombstones of Samuel Coleman and his brother (I believe), Dr. James Coleman, Lockwood Pioneer Cemetery, Belmont County, OH.

[boozie]

Very cool Becky!! I have never run across any like that in my neck of the woods.

[Greg Barnett]

Becky,
What are the dates on those markers?
Cheers

[Becky Morgan]

They're really hard to read. I believe Dr. Coleman's are 1819-1867 and Samuel's are 1819 (may be 1809)-1857.

[Bushrod Carter]

Becky,

Those last two stones are WAY cool! I've never seen one like them, either. But, being an apron fanatic I really, REALLY like those examples.

Keep 'em comin'!

[TATTOOS1]

Bros
Got this photos when visiting the Ransom familys plot just out side Murfreesboro when i was in Tennessee.

Ransom Cemetery cleanup

In March 2001 Camp #33 members and guests undertook the cleanup of the Ransom family cemetery in southwestern Rutherford County, TN.

The cemetery contains the graves of two Confederate officers, Capt. John C. Jackson and Col. C. D. Venable. Captain Jackson survived the war despite several severe wounds. Col. Venable died of illness during the war while staying at the Ransom home.

bill 1712 frienship
W S MESS

[TATTOOS1]

Here is one from Edinburgh it is that old there are no dates and not much of the stone left.
here is some history though.

This particular Tombstone is to be found at St Margaret’s Church Restalrig and was used due to the fact that prior to 1560 St Margaret’s was the Parish Church of both Restalrig and Leith. However the Baron’s of Leith and Restalrig the de Lestaric’s and the Logan,s were in the Middle Ages both Templar knights and later the Logan family had very strong Masonic connections.

[boozie]

Here are a couple I took.

The first one is the grave of William Garland, 9th Indiana Battery. Taken at the Presbyterian Cemetery in Waveland, Indiana. His service record states he mustered out in 1865, but, as you can see he died in service October of 1864. I added a close up of the square and compass and also the federal shield that says "Union" on the top with crossed cannons behind it. He was a 64 recruit and served in Bank's Campaign.

The second set was taken at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Waveland. It is not a 19th Century stone, I post it to make a point about the Brotherhood of the Lodge. Richard L. Moore was from Virginia and served in the 1st Virginia Cavalry, he moved to Montgomery County like many other soldiers (50 or 60) from the ANV who had family here. He became a member of the Waveland Lodge #300, many members of the Lodge were his former enemies. He has two stones, one with a small square and compass, the other is a Confederate headstone.

[Annette Bethke]

This one has a masonic marking, but is on the stone for a woman. East Mound Cemetery, Motley County, Texas.

[boozie]

Here are the Wilhite twins buried side by side in the Masonic Cemetery,Crawfordsville, Indiana.

[Bushrod Carter]

Here is a "stone" from the old Nashville Cemetery. I need your opinions.

Is this a Masonic monument?

Sorry, but I couldn't get the photo of the entire monument to post. It is VERY Gothic.

The columns, arch, key stone , eye and King Davi's seal is repeated on each face of the spire.

[boozie]

Here is a "stone" from the old Nashville Cemetery. I need your opinions.

Is this a Masonic monument?

Sorry, but I couldn't get the photo of the entire monument to post. It is VERY Gothic.

The columns, arch, key stone , eye and King Davi's seal is repeated on each face of the spire.

That's a good question that I don't have a great answer for. It's one of those things where I would research the history of the fellow and lodge records. It does have the makings of a possible masonic marker. I do know that I would have shot some pictures of it and asked the same question.

[boozie]

Here is my favorite local monument, I visit it alot. It contains C.W. history, Masonic history, and a heck of a story. This is the grave of two brothers, Lt. James Hanna and Cpl. Robert Hanna, both of the 40th Indiana Infantry, Company C. The grave is located 2 1/2 miles north of Waveland Indiana at Freedom Cemetery.

James and Robert enlisted in the 40th Indiana in the fall of 1861. They were both in action at the battle of Missionary Ridge.At a reunion of the regiment after the war, Capt. DeWitt Wallace of Co. C told the story of the brothers on Missionary Ridge. During the battle the 40th Indiana lost several color bearers going up the ridge. At some point James was carring the regiments flag and was severely wounded in the thigh. Young Robert seeing his brother fall, picked up the flag and continued on, before moving very far he was shot through the head and died on the ridge. Many in the regiment were moved by the sight and a very long poem was published in the local paper about young Robert. James was in the hospital for two months and passed away at Chattanooga.

The boys were brought home along with three others from the 40th who are buried in the same cemetery. The weather has been hard on the sandstone and the base has tilted somewhat. Each brother has his own side of the stone. As you can see James was a Mason, he more than likley belonged to Alamo #144, Waveland Lodge was not chartered until early 1864. There is also a flag that drapes the top of the monument and a federal scramble on the front.

[Greg Barnett]

This is one with a different take on the scribe and compass. Not like another I have noticed yet.
What do the letters represent?

Scott,
Great one and great story!

[Bushrod Carter]

Brother Greg,

That is VERY Masonic, but as you said a different composition for a stone. The circular device and letters are from the Mark Master degree - that is the first degree of the York Rite.

[Bushrod Carter]

Here is another I found on the Internet.

[boozie]

Here is another I found on the Internet.


Wow, now that's some craftmanship! What part of the country is that one from Patrick?

Here are a couple of examples of 19th century metal/zink headstones with Masonic markings. They sure seem to stand the test of time rather well.

[TATTOOS1]

Bros.
I got this one when I over and visited The Stonewall Cemetery in Winchester Virgina

GEN`L TURNER ASHBY CSA DIED IN BATTLE JUNE 6, 1862

Bill 1712 FRIENDSHIP 1712 EDINBURGH,
W S MESS.

[boozie]

The grave of Captain Absalom Kirkpatrick of the 40th Indiana Infantry. He was killed during the June 27 assault on Kennesaw Mountain by artillery fire from Turner's Mississippi Battery. The book "Kennesaw Mountain", by Richard A. Baumgartner recounts the last moments of the Captain on page 126.He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Lodge #63 (present day New Richmond), the lodge issued a resolution for Capt. Kirkpatrick in the local paper which I posted in the thread "Masonic Incident." His body was brought home and he is buried in the New Richmond Cemetery. The Masonic emblem on his headstone is very modest.

The second stone is for William Cannine of the 38th Indiana Inf.,Company H. He died of disease in Tennessee, the family placed a stone for him in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Crawfordsville, Indiana. This cemetery is rather large and unkept.

[Annette Bethke]

Inman Cemetery, Newton Co. Texas

[styler]

I'm researching Quakers, not Masons, but on my way home from W'64 I stopped at an Orthodox Friend's cemetery and noticed a stone from 1871 with a prominent square and compass. I'll have to dig and see if there is a wartime connection, as there was at least one (modern) GAR flagholder in the cemetery as well.

[boozie]

A headstone that was saved in the Methodist Cemetery , Waveland Indiana. The S&C is a little hard to see, just above the break. Vandals have been very hard on this old and unkept cemetery, there are some stones that have been broken off and taken away.

Brother John A. Reed was a member of Waveland #300. He enlisted in the 40th Indiana Inf., Co. H, in Jan. 1864 at the age of 41, surviving Kennesaw Mt. and the regiment being placed outside of the works at the battle of Franklin. He mustered out in Sept. of 1865

[Annette Bethke]

Bowman Cemetery, Collin County, Texas

[Annette Bethke]

Eagle Lake Masonic Cemtery, Colorado Co., Texas

Obelisk: Dr. A.B. Gilmer (1842-1892)
Small stone with emblem: Luke Matthews (1857-1899)

[Annette Bethke]

Thorp Spring Cemetery, Hood County, Texas

[TATTOOS1]

found this one at the confederate cemetery in Rome Georgia

BILL
W S MESS

[TATTOOS1]

I have at last finished looking through all my photos and this is the last one from my travels, all new photos posted will be from this part of the world.

This one is from one of my favourite places Murfreesboro TENNESSEE.

Bill
1712 friendship Edinburgh
W S MESS

[Annette Bethke]

Corinth Cemetery, Shelby County Texas

[Matthew.Rector]

Attached is a photograph of Cyrus Branham’s wooden grave marker, which was carved by a comrad after he was killed at the battle of Jonesboro, GA in September of 1864. Branham was a member of Company B, 6th Ky. Later, his father retrieved his body and had him buried in Vine Grove, Kentucky. His stone marker erected there also contains the square and compass. If I get an opportunity sometime, I’ll try to get a good photo of it for this thread. The wooden grave marker is currently on loan and display at the Hardin County History Museum in Elizabethtown.
Here is a link detailing more of the story:
http://www.aths.com/cyrusBranham_ConfederateSoldierInVineGrove.html

[Greg Barnett]

This marker is little late for our period. The gentleman was merely a child in our time, but the marker is "remarkable". Comments are encouraged.

[Annette Bethke]

Another tombstone for a woman with masonic symbol. A little later--1900

East Mound Cemetery, Motley County, Texas

[Annette Bethke]

Finally, a CSA with the masonic symbol.

Meadow Cemetery, Terry County, Texas

[Bushrod Carter]

Annette,

As much as I like thw CSA stone with the S&C (and yes, that is the first one I've ever seen), I am intregued by the one right before it. Can anyone shed any light on why a lady's tombstone would have S&C on it? It is beyound me.

[Annette Bethke]

And it is the second I've found, see post 37.

[thad gallagher]

Here are a few I took while passing throught the Hoosier state, Centerville to be exact.

There are a few that are post war and 1900's, but they showed a regiment on them.

I also have never see a "G.A.R." stone with the years on it, let alone a S&C.

There were also some KIA's in the cemetery. Probably the richest I have come across for Masonic and KIA's for its size.

The one for Francis Bradburn is listed in the Soldiers and Sailors index as 100 day regiment in 1864, so he would have been 16. His years of life stone intrigued me with the years of the war.

[thad gallagher]

A couple more.

The stone for Brother Morgan states he was born in South Wales in 1829 and died in California in 1869?, that must have been a long wagon ride back to Indiana for the driver.

[thad gallagher]

And lastly.

[Matthew.Rector]

Here is a selection of 19th century masonic tombstones found in the Garnettsville Cemetery in Meade County, Kentucky. Garnettsville no longer exists due to Fort Knox acquiring that area.

[Matthew.Rector]

Here are a couple Masonic tombstones from the cemetery in Virginia City, Nevada. Sorry for the poor quality, but I had to use my cell phone camera to capture them. Its all I had with me at the time. There is a substantial Masonic section in their cemetery.

[M_Kupsch]

All,

I was out this Sunday laying flowers for Memorial Day on family member's graves when I noticed this tombstone. The triangle shape caught my eye and knew that upon closer inspection, I would find a departed brother.

This was taken at the Holden Cemetary, Holden, Missouri

[Bushrod Carter]

Brother Kupsch,

Know the first thing I thought of when I saw that stone? It reminded me of the flap design on a certain Brother's apron!

Cool!

[M_Kupsch]

Brother Craddock,

Indeed you are correct sir! That is probably why it caught my attention so quickly.

[Annette Bethke]

W.H. Stark, Inman Cemetery, Newton Co., Texas. Remains and tombstone moved from W.H. Stark Cemetery on the Sabine River in 2006.

[TATTOOS1]

GREETINGS FROM BONNIE SCOTLAND

Here are some Masonic Gravestones from a little village on the east coast of Scotland named Coldingham photo no 4 of the old stones with the skull and cross on them was part of the old Abby that was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in the 1600s

Bill Brown 1712 Friendship, Edinburgh

W S MESS

[Deborah Hyland]

From the Potosi, MO cemetery. It stands behind the Potosi Masonic lodge, founded in 1851. The lodge is in the site of the former Temperance and Opera house, which only ran for a few years, beginning in 1848. I'll send more pix when I can. These aren't so great b/c they were taken w/ my cell phone.
http://deborah.hyland.googlepages.com/potosi1.jpg/potosi1-medium;init:.jpg

http://deborah.hyland.googlepages.com/potosi2.jpg/potosi2-medium;init:.jpg

[TATTOOS1]

GREETINGS
photos from dalry graveyard Edinburgh

Bill Brown 1712 Friendship, Edinburgh

W S MESS

[Annette Bethke]

Stockton Cemetery, Wharton Co. Texas

[Bushrod Carter]

Brother Hicks and I went "hunting this past weekend. Here are few we found.

[Bushrod Carter]

Here are a few more...

The last one isn't period. But, I thought it worth posting.

[Bushrod Carter]

And finally...

Look at the first photo. Imagine it with an EXACT copy standing right next to it - only with a different inscription. Now, look at the middle photo and then the last photo. Interesting?

[Annette Bethke]

What is the emblem on the top of the inscription?

[M_Kupsch]

Annette,

The marking is that of the York Rite, specifically a Royal Arch Mason.

[Annette Bethke]

Brown Family Cemetery, Kosse, Limestone County, Texas

[Dale Beasley]

Picture of my GGGGrandfathers Tombstone. I am proud to say I am a Fifth Generation Mason.

[Annette Bethke]

Junction, Texas

[Annette Bethke]

Sonora Texas