Garden of Good & Evil?

This of course reminded me of Savannah's bird girl. Even though I cannot read these headstones, the landscaping was purposefully and beautifully done, I think.

Oakland Cemetery
Atlanta, Georgia

Photo © 2012 S. Lincecum

I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes (Today's Epitaph)

I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes
Unto The Hills, From
Whence Cometh My Help.

So says the granite ledger marker for Mr. John Pate Stetson (1874-1921), son of James Daniel Stetson and Eugenia Sophia Pate. As with many a verse included with epitaphs, this one is from the Bible - Psalm 121:1. Verses 7 and 8 would make good epitaphs, too:

⁷The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. ⁸The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. [King James version]

John Stetson died in Asheville, NC, but was not buried there. He was brought to Macon, Georgia and interred in the family plot at Rose Hill Cemetery. You will find his obituary at the Rose Hill Cemetery blog.

A Confession, a New Tag, & My 3rd Cousin (This Time It's Personal)

I have a confession to make: I am not a good blogger of my personal genealogy. It has become increasingly clear over the last several months. My personal genealogy blog is the most neglected of them all. I do work on my personal family history, to be sure, I just rarely want to blog about. On the other hand, I LOVE spending hours and hours in a cemetery, photographing tombstones, conducting research, and bringing you the stories behind those stones. Even though there have been lapses when my personal life took a front seat to cemetery research, this blog has been pretty darn consistent.

I have decided to interject a little bit of my family history into this Southern Graves blog. You will know these posts at a glance because the tag This Time It's Personal will always be included. I plan to migrate applicable posts from my personal genealogy blog to this blog, as I wrestle with the decision as to whether or not to even keep the other blog. These posts will be concentrated on the final days of a particular ancestor, as to not deviate from the theme of this blog. In these posts, however, you might see just as many obituaries and death certificates as you do tombstones. For that, I hope you don't mind.

For you lovely readers who visit strictly for the cemetery art and histories, please don't run away -- or worry. That will always be the main focus of this blog. As I said, a perfect day for me includes hours spent walking and photographing a peaceful and picturesque cemetery. And even the overgrown and neglected ones hold those characteristics for me.

For my first This Time It's Personal post, I'd like to introduce you to a 3rd cousin. Originally posted last December on the Lincecum Lineage blog.

Sallie Caroline Matson, my 3rd cousin, was a daughter of James Vardeman Matson and Mary Lincecum. I have two birth years for Sallie. According to her death certificate, Sallie was born 24 February 1855 in Texas. According to her tombstone, however, her year of birth was 1856. Either way, she was just a young teenager when she married Mr. H. M. Lewis in December 1870. Widowed a couple decades later, Sallie spent about half of her life in Hubbard, Hill County, Texas. That is where she died 14 December 1924, less than a week before what would have been the 54th anniversary of her marriage.

The cause of Sallie's death was listed as Euremia. According to Wikipedia.org, uremia loosely describes the illness accompanying kidney failure, "in particular the nitrogenous waste products associated with the failure of this organ...Early symptoms include anorexia and lethargy, and late symptoms can include decreased mental acuity and coma. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, cold, bone pain, itch, shortness of breath, and seizures."

Sallie was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery at Hubbard.

Sarah Matson Lewis
1856 - 1924

(FindAGrave Memorial #11231900)

A Quick Opinion about the Helen Hunt Episode (WDYTYA?)

The Helen Hunt episode of Who Do You Think You Are? did not take us to any deep south locales, but I won't hold that against her. I think a mention on this blog is still well deserved.

Since the episode aired, I have read some criticisms -- the show was boring, all Ms. Hunt did was mumble, and her reactions were too subdued (to name a few). Conversely, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I like that there were a lot of questions her father could not answer -- how many times has that happened to us "real folk?" I like that Ms. Hunt had felt connections to places in the past but didn't know why, and was now learning those connections were real and tangible. She even mentioned she felt as though little pieces inside her were "waking up."

George S. Hunt (1829-1896)
Augusta M. Hunt (1842-1932)

Evergreen Cemetery
Portland, Maine

Photo by timcdfw
via FindAGrave

The women's history lessons learned were awesome. I like how Ms. Hunt had a certain image of her ancestor Augusta Barstow Hunt, solely on learning she was a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, then had that image enhanced by truly learning and understanding the history surrounding the organization. She learned that alcohol abuse in the home was only a small part of it. That fighting for women's rights in even broader ways was the intent and result. You could clearly see respect for Augusta was gained based on the research, and by the end of the episode, a relationship with someone she never knew clearly had been formed. I was proud for her!

As far as Ms. Hunt's verbal responses to what she was learning -- I dare say she was one of the most "normal" of all the participants in all the seasons. She was not on stage, acting in a role for our benefit. She was a woman on a journey through her family history, asking pertinent questions and taking in the information provided.

Seeing Helen Hunt putting together scrapbooks for her daughter in the beginning of the episode, I trust she definitely will be passing on the stories she learned about her ancestors. What more can we ask for?

The one criticism I would offer regarding this episode (and all the ones before, for that matter) of WDYTYA? is the lack of process. How in the world were these discoveries made? I understand the time constraints, but getting people excited about their family history is only the first step. Teaching them, even in small ways, how to conduct research will keep those truly interested going. And those are the ones who will more likely join the genealogy community (online and off) to grow in their research. Those are the ones who will take a more active role in their local societies, as well as things of and relating to history in general. Those are the ones who will stand up and offer their time in a cemetery cleanup. Those are the ones who will become blog readers and blog writers. And, yes, those are the ones who will decide if, when, and where to spend their hard earned money -- genealogically speaking.

The End of the Trail

Though very befitting, this tombstone was my first depicting this well-known image. The original, sculpted in plaster, was created by James Fraser. According to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma, which holds the seventeen foot tall piece, "James Earle Fraser grew up on the plains in Mitchell, South Dakota. There he had unique encounters with pioneers, hunters and fur trappers, and he befriended many of the Plains Natives. He often heard stories about the "doomed fate" of the Native people and sympathized with their suffering as westward expansion threatened to consume their lands." (Read more here.)

The End of the Trail
BEN F. PERRY, JR.
1883 - 1933

Oakland Cemetery at Atlanta, Georgia

Photo © 2011/2 S. Lincecum

Death of Atlanta Pioneer Citizen Eliza Glen

Atlanta Constitution (Georgia)
26 January 1900, pg. 7

"DEATH OF MRS. JOHN GLENN

She Was One of Atlanta's Oldest and Best Known Citizens.
Mrs. John Glenn, aged eighty-four years, one of Atlanta's pioneer citizens, died yesterday at her residence, 391 Auburn avenue, after an illness of some weeks of paralysis.

Mrs. Glenn was one of the best known women in Atlanta. She was one of the charter members of the First Presbyterian church and was the oldest surviving members at the time of her death. She was a woman of many fine traits of character and had many warm friends.

The funeral will take place this morning at 10:30 o'clock from the residence. Dr. Bridewell will conduct the services, and the interment will be at Oakland cemetery."

Eliza, born in 1815, rests beside her husband.
John was born in 1809, and died in 1895.

Photo © 2011/2 S. Lincecum

Neoclassical Monument for Wife & Daughter

First shared on this blog several months ago, I wanted to provide some additional information about Oakland Cemetery's (Atlanta, Georgia) NEAL monument. It's claim to fame is the style of design -- neoclassical. Neoclassicism is defined at TheFreeDictionary.com (citing the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th ed.) as having characteristics of order, symmetry, and simplicity. Renowned cemetery photographer and author Douglas Keister states in his symbolism and iconography book Stories in Stone, "Most funerary architecture in this [Neoclassical] style is characterized by clean, elegant lines and restrained ornament."

Though the monument is simple in design, there are still symbolic elements included. The cross, open book, palm frond, and wreath may all be described as Christian symbols. Most notably are the cross and open book, possibly depicting the Bible. The palm frond and wreath are Roman symbols of victory, adapted by Christians as triumph over death. (Another example of the palm frond a wreath symbols is here.)

The NEAL monument stands to memorialize Mollie C. Neal (1844-1894) and Mary Lizzie Neal (1867-1889).

Photos © 2011/2 S. Lincecum.

Another Clinging to the Cross (Wordless Wednesday)

Homicide of Daniel Dougherty

Daniel Dougherty
Died April 17, 1855
Age 45 Years
R.I.P.

Photo © 2011/2 S. Lincecum
(Click to enlarge.)

"HOMICIDE -- About noon yesterday a difficulty occurred in the vicinity of the drinking saloon adjoining the Holland House between Mr. Daniel Dougherty and James Martin, which resulted in the death of Mr. Dougherty by a stab from a knife in the hands of Mr. Martin. He survived but a few minutes after receiving the wound. Martin was at once arrested and lodged in jail. In regard to the particulars of the affair we have heard several conflicting statements, but as Martin will probably receive his trial this week, (the Superior Court being now in session in this city,) we defer any further account of the matter for the present. Mr. Dougherty was one of an old and valued citizens and his loss will be regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. -- Atlanta Intelligencer, April 18" [pg. 2, 24 April 1855 edition, Macon Weekly Telegraph (Georgia)]

Unfortunately, I cannot offer any more "particulars" of the incident at this time. I can tell you that Mr. Dougherty was laid to rest in Oakland Cemetery at Atlanta, Georgia. Also memorialized on the same monument as he is Patrick Connely (d. 1851). Online family trees suggest this was Daniel's father-in-law. The monument is extraordinary, massive,  and beautiful. And, I somehow cannot find a photo of it as a whole in my personally photographed files. Thankfully, Paul, Karen, and Katherine shared a nice shot with FindAGrave. If you come back tomorrow, you'll find a pretty close up I took of the top as the Wordless Wednesday post.

Of the Most Artistic Design -- Crouch Marble & Granite Co.

Remember the stone I showed you a couple of days ago? The one for Kate Malone Sullivan? I was able to find out a bit about the monument maker when I came across a newspaper article that profiled the business of Crouch Marble and Granite Company.

The Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
Sunday, 12 June 1904

DOINGS IN ATLANTA; OR NOTES AROUND THE HUB:

MONUMENTAL WORK
Of the Most Artistic Design and Workmanship -- Crouch Marble and Granite Company.
The towering shaft of sculptural marble or granite which marks the spot where pomp and beauty have been leveled by the grave or the rude headboard roughly placed that tells the passerby that some poor wayfarer has gone to his long home, all remind us that life is transitory. Everything connected with the subject of caring for the last resting place of a loved relative or commemorating the deeds of those who in life inspired our reverence and respect naturally makes us diffident about haggling over the cost as in other purely business transactions, and being well aware of this a great many take advantage of it in their dealings. This is all wrong and it is gratifying to know that there is at least one who has taken the initiative in a much-needed reform. I refer to the Crouch Marble and Granite Company. This company places its services at the disposal of those who have decided to have cemetery work performed in such a way as to be not only the most economical to its patrons, but also in the very best and most workmanlike manner. The company was incorporated in 1899, with Mr. G. G. Crouch, who is an expert modeler and sculptor, as president and general manager. Since then some of the costliest and finest description of work, both in marble and granite, has emanated from their establishment, one of their recent pieces of work being a beautiful monument for ex-Mayor Porter King, another recently completed is one for the deceased father and mother of Charles Currier, president of the Atlanta national bank. The company has also just completed a vault, called the Lester Patent vault, for John M. Hill and W. G. Herndon. This vault is located in Oakland cemetery and is the first one erected under this patent.

Photo by icedobe via FindAGrave

Another fine piece of work is a mausoleum now being set in Oakland cemetery by this company for the retired contractor, J. C. Peck. The company has about completed a fine monument for the late Judge James A. Anderson also. It has agents all over the southern states and its operations extend as far as Washington, D.C. They carry a very large stock, both in monuments, statuary and headstones, and sales are are made at wholesale to the trade all over the south. By the exercise of energy and enterprise, combined with liberality in all its transactions, the company has earned a present prosperity as well deserved as it is commendable. The office, ware rooms and works are located at No. 1 Hill street, corner of the Georgia railroad.

Mary's Brick Tomb

Mary Helena Lynes was born 30 June 1861. She married Elijah F. Donehoo just a few weeks before her 28th birthday in Fulton County, Georgia. The marriage was a short one, ending with the death of Mary a few years later on the 31st of December, 1892. Her colonial brick tomb is at Oakland Cemetery at Atlanta, GA.

Mary Helena Lynes
Wife of E. F. Donehoo
Born June 30, 1861
Died Dec 31, 1892

Photo © 2011/2 S. Lincecum

While poking around Ancestry.com in search of something about Mary, I came across the Atlanta Centennial Year Book. Included within was a bit of history about the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Atlanta. Baptismal registers for the year 1861 list a Mary Helena Lynes. The church stands today as the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. (Photo at right courtesy of TripAdvisor.)

Irish Born was Kate Malone Sullivan (Happy St. Patrick's Day!)

Kate Malone Sullivan rests at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. Her tombstone is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. My breath was stolen when I first laid eyes on it.

The work of art by Crouch M. & G. Co. of Atlanta includes a recessed sculpture of a cross in crown surrounded by Madonna (Easter) lilies and ivy. Each of these items carry much meaning. The cross in crown is a symbol of victory and Christianity. The lilies represent purity, and the ivy can mean immortality, fidelity, and undying affection. Kate's stone is draped and also bears a flowering laurel wreath with her epitaph.

Rest in Peace
Kate Malone Sullivan
Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland
June 17, 1840
Atlanta, Ga Aug 17, 1901
Our Mother

All photos © 2011/2 S. Lincecum
P.S. Pay no attention to the doggie behind the tombstone. :-)

Cemetery, Meet City. City, Meet Cemetery. (Wordless Wednesday)

A Sampling of Stones from Snellville Cemetery (Several Tombstones Tuesday)

More than fifty photos from Snellville Historical Cemetery are now online. This cemetery is located in Gwinnett County, Georgia.



You may view the photos individually via the album online here. Surnames include the following: Barnett, Biffle, Biggers, Brownlee, Cofer, Donaldson, Greer, Gresham, Haney, Holmes, Johnson, Lanford, Magill, McQueen, Pate, Pratt, Rawlins, Rollison, Sawyer, Smith, Snell, Watkins, Wiley, Williams, and Worthy.