Gravestones In The 19th Century

In Massachusetts cemeteries in the seventeenth through the nineteenth century, specifically Granary Burying Ground and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, the standard organization of graves highlights a clear system of hierarchy with prominent men in the center, subordinate men on the sides, and women buried exclusively next to their kin. Although there are some gravestones that defy the usual pattern, a comparison between the graves of men and women, and the graves of prominent and ordinary people, show marked differences, especially in size, the amount of decoration, the presence of an epitaph, and the location of the grave compared to other kin. Despite the gravestone iconography of death heads, cherubs, and classical urns staying consistent …show more content…
Although generally more ornate and larger in size in relation to graves for women, headstones belonging to men in the eighteenth century between the years of 1700 and 1771 range dramatically depending on the social class of the deceased. The grave of Mr. Nathaniel Shannon, died 1723, provides an example of a gravestone for a prominent male. The grave, which medium sized and shaped like a square with an attached semicircle on top, features the distinctive Puritan winged death head above the inscription. The border of the headstone has an intricate spiraling design that develops into a vine. In recent history, Mr. Shannon’s grave has been encased in a metal frame, sharing his profession of a naval officer in the Port of Boston. While the information about Mr. Shannon’s life proves his status as middle class member in society, the ornate border pattern alone reveals his somewhat elevated status. In comparison to Mr. Shannon, the gravestone of Frank, died 1771, represents a burial site for a lower