Grave Markers, Headstones and Memorials

Over the centuries, grave markers and headstones have greatly changed - for the better. Early grave markers were actually stones and boulders that were placed on graves for a strange and superstitious purpose. It was believed they were needed to keep the dead from rising from their graves. The weight of the markers was meant to keep them from climbing out from beneath the heavy rocks.

Eventually, grave markers were instead used to memorialize the person buried there. Early grave markers were made from rough stone or wood and did not last long over time due to exposure to wind, rain and snow. In Europe and in old New England, carvings on headstones were used to frighten the living to maintain a life of righteousness by images of a horrible damnation. Carvings on these monuments were usually skeletons, angels of death and winged skulls.

However, changes for the better began in the Victorian era. Headstones and grave markers in American cemeteries were now ornamental. Beautifully carved statues and mausoleums were made by companies that were formed specifically for this purpose. Italian immigrants who had studied carving in Milan were hired to do the intricate carving that had become so popular.

Carvings on headstones now were used to make a statement about the lives of the deceased. Images such as flowers, especially roses and lilies, represented purity and love. The willow tree, urns and columns are just a few examples of the changes in funeral art. Cemeteries had become places that appeared park-like and tranquil instead of creating fear in the mourners.

There are several different names for grave markers: cemetery headstones, grave headstones, memorial headstones, granite headstones, bronze markers, affordable headstones, discount headstones, upright headstones to name but a few.

A number of headstones and grave markers were inscribed with amusing or thought-provoking epitaphs. The following can be found at Benjamin Franklin’s grave site:

“The body of B. Franklin, Printer
Like the Cover of an old Book
Its Contents turn out
And Stript of its Lettering and Guilding
Lies here, Food for Worms
For, it will as he believed appear once more
In a new and more elegant Edition
corrected and improved
By the Author.”

Some amusing epitaphs:

In a New Mexico cemetery - “Here lies Johnny Yeast, pardon me for not rising”.

In a cemetery in Nova Scotia - “Here lies Ezekial Aikle, Age 102, The Good Die Young.”

A man who died in an accident - buried in a Pennsylvania cemetery - “Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake, Stepped on the gas instead of the brake.”

In Silver City, Nevada - “Here lies Butch, We planted him raw, He was quick on the trigger, But slow on the draw.”

A lawyer in England - “Sir John Strange, Here lies an honest lawyer, And that is Strange.”

In Boot Hill Cemetery in Tombstone, Arizona - “Here lies Lester Moore, Four slugs from a .44, No Les No More.”

In a Georgia cemetery - “I told you I was sick.”

Some epitaphs of celebrities:

“That’s All Folks, The Man of 1,000 Voices, Mel Blanc”
(He did the voices of Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck and countless other Disney cartoon characters).

“She Did It The Hard Way - Bette Davis”

“My Jesus Mercy, Alphonse Capone”
(The notorious gangster Al Capone)

“A Star on Earth - A Star in Heaven, Karen Carpenter”
(Singer who died in her 30's of anorexia)

“A Gentle Man and a Gentleman, Jack Dempsey”
(Heavyweight boxing champion)

“Called Back, Emily Dickinson”
(Well-known poet)

And strangely, this is all that appears on the headstone of famous funnyman W.C. Fields “1880-1946".

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