Wolihin Masonic Monument (Tombstone Tuesday)

A monument stands in Rose Hill Cemetery at Macon, Georgia to the memory of Andrew Martin Wolihin (1831-1897) and his son William A. Wolihin (1862-1916). They both were Masons, and each held the position of Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.

As you might guess, the monument is rife with Masonic symbols, including a pair I knew nothing about. Please feel free to comment with any corrections. I make no boasts of expertise regarding Freemasonry.

Altar complete with knee rest, bearing the book
of law (or Bible?) with the common square and
compass on top.

Probably best if I just link you to H T W S S T K S -- Huh?

All seeing eye of God, or Eye of Providence, Masonic symbol dating
back to 1797. A reminder that one's thoughts and deeds are always
observed by the "Great Architect of the Universe."

This one is a bit controversial. Some say it is a
double headed eagle. Some say it is a double headed
phoenix. Some say it's proof the Masons worship
Satan. All I will say is it represents a 33 degree Mason.
And the Latin phrase Deus Meumque Jus translates to
"God and my right," the principal motto of Scottish Rite
Freemasonry.

I was ignorant about the two columns and spheres in this last photo until I read a post at The Burning Taper. I was going to ascribe to these the meanings behind a column and sphere in "usual" tombstone symbolism, but there is a Masonic connection I knew nothing about. These, in this context, are most likely to represent the pillars of Boaz and Jachin, which stood as guards of the entrance to King Solomon's Temple, the first Temple in Jerusalem.

I'll Take What I Can Get (This Time It's Personal)

A couple of days ago, I put in a photo request at FindAGrave to help adorn the memorial of Dr. Addison L. Lincecum. This Dr. Lincecum, my third cousin, died almost 48 years ago. He was a son of Lucullus Lincecum and Fanny Rainwater, as well as a husband to Letha Gandy.

Per his death certificate, Addison's last residence was at Gandy Bend in Lavaca County, Texas. This was the old homeplace of the Gandy family, Letha Gandy being the last to live there. Addison's death certificate also states he was buried in the Gandy Bend Cemetery.

I would like to visit some day, but in lieu of that visit, I'm happy to have come across a newspaper article describing the location -- not only the old home, which is not an uncommon write-up to find, but also the old cemetery.

Vignettes of Old Victoria: Gandy Bend Landmark by Sidney R. Weisiger was published in the 23 April 1972 Victoria Advocate (Texas). The author gives a nice description of the land and home at Gandy Bend, and then he describes the cemetery:

The Gandy Cemetery is a short distance from the house, something less than a mile.

According to the descendants of the Gandys, Malcolm Gandy, a brother of Daniel, selected a spot and began the construction of a house. He fell over dead while at work and was buried on the spot. This was the beginning of Gandy Cemetery and Malcolm was the first person to be buried in the plot.

This little graveyard is well fenced and fairly well maintained. A number of large cedars grow around the grounds.

The oldest marked grave is that of Daniel Gandy who died March 12, 1874. The latest two burials are those of Letha Gandy Lincecum, who died Dec. 22, 1959, and her husband Dr. A. L. Lincecum, deceased on Dec. 6, 1965. Dr. Lincecum has a government grave marker as he was a capt. in the Army in World War I. His headstone has an arrowhead embedded in the stone to honor his Army division.

Since I'm roughly 920 miles away from this sacred spot, I'll take what I can get.

Two Proverbs and a Revelation in the Weaver Family Plot (Today's Epitaphs)

William Hudnall Morgan Weaver
And His Wife
Anna Stephens Corry
Married Crawfordville, GA. January 21, 1892

W. H. M. Weaver
Born Greensboro, GA
February 25, 1867
Died Macon, GA
September 28, 1936

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great
riches, and loving favour rather than silver and
gold."
[Proverbs 22:1]

Anna Stephens Corry
Born Greene County, GA
September 9, 1867
Died Macon, GA
January 5, 1935

"Her children arise up and call her blessed,
her husband also, and he praiseth her."
[Proverbs 31:28]

"Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord from henceforth:
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours:
and their works do follow them."
[Revelation 14:13]

Greensboro City Cemetery
Greene County, Georgia

Photos © 2013 S. Lincecum

Alexander H. Smith: Soldier, Farmer, Legislator (Today's Epitaph)

Alexander Hamilton Smith
Born April 29, 1843
Died September 11, 1916

Capt. Alexander Hamilton Smith
A Brave Confederate Soldier; A
Successful Farmer; An Able Representative
Of Greene County In The
Legislature For Four Years.
He Was Cautious, Practical And Independent,
Commanding Confidence
By The Frankness Of His Manner, The
Purity Of His Words, And The Wisdom
Of His Course.
A Truer, Nobler Heart Never Beat
Within A Human Breast.

Greensboro City Cemetery
Greene County, Georgia

Photos © 2013 S. Lincecum