I have always been interested in headstone art and epitaphs. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an epitaph as
“an inscription on or at a tomb or a grave in memory of the one buried there.”
Additionally, it is defined as “a brief statement commemorating a deceased
person.” Here are some epitaphs I recently came across in my research which speak to character and death.
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| Robert W. Oliver |
Robert W.
Oliver (1768-1829) is the 6th great uncle of my sons. He was
born in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and died in the state of New York. He was
a veteran of the War of 1812. He is buried in the Ingraham Cemetery in
Ingraham, New York. His headstone reads as follows:
In Memory of
Robert Oliver
who departed
this
life Dec 30th
1829
Tis finished
tis done the spirit is fled,
The prisoner is
gone the Christian is dead.
The Christian
is living through Jesus’ love,
And gladly
receiving a Kingdom above.
 |
| Samuel Swift |
Samuel Swift (1683-1747) is
the 1st cousin 10x removed of my sons. He was born and died in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Samuel was one of the wealthiest and most influential
men in the town of Wilton: He was a
Colonel in the militia, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (trial court), and
moderator of town meetings. He is buried in the Milton Cemetery in Milton,
Massachusetts. His headstone reads as follows:
Here lies Inter’d the Remains of
SAMUEL SWIFT Esq who departed this Life Oct 13 1747
age 64 years.
Who never did a Slander forge
His Neighbour’s Fame to wound;
Nor Hearken to a False Report
By Malice whispered round.
Who to his plighted Vows and Trust
Had ever Firmly stood,
And Tho’ he promis’d to his Loss
He made his Promise good.
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| Anna Swift |
Anna Holman Swift (1680-1769)
is the wife of the above Samuel Swift. She was born and died in the
Massachusetts Bay Colony. Anna was the mother of 11 children. She is buried in
the Milton Cemetery in Milton, Massachusetts. Her headstone reads as follows:
Her lie inter’d the Remains
of Mrss. ANN SWIFT the
virtuous Consort of
SAMUEL SWIFT ESQ.r
SHE exchanged this life for
A better MAY 19th 1762
in the
82d Year of her Age.
Reader remember thou art born to
die,
Hark from the Grave to you this is
my Cry;
Withdraw, prepare, think, Act
Accordingly.
Luke, XVI 31.
Sarah Swift Adams (1711-1774)
is the daughter of the above
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| Sarah Adams |
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Swift. Sarah was born and died in the Massachusetts
Bay Colony. Like her mother, she was also the mother of 11 children. She is
buried in the Milton Cemetery in Milton, Massachusetts. Her headstone reads as
follows:
In memory of
MRS. SARAH ADAMS
late Consort of Mr. John Adams
who died Nov. 16th, 1774
aged 63 tears
Death is a debt to nature due,
As she has paid it so must you.
As she has paid it so must you.
In life then strive to get prepared,
To fly with her to meet the Lord.
All of
the Swift headstones have a winged head. The head is referred to as the “death
head.” Adding the wings, signifies that life is a fleeting thing.
Note: All images are from Find A Grave website.
