Bible Verses
Epitaphs dedicated to bible verses comprise a large majority within both cemeteries. Sixty-nine percent of the epitaphs in St. John's Episcopal Cemetery had bible verses inscribed on the headstones, and Old City Cemetery had forty percent. The Book of Matthew was quoted the most frequently, along with the verse Matthew 5:8: "Blessed are the pure at heart for they shall see God." The types of verses chosen fell into 4 categories: the power of God, how to live, promises, and children.
Power of God
Adna Rowe’s untimely death is reflected in her epitaph, which warns the viewer of the end of times and what they should focus on. Her epitaph reads:
This token is erected To the Memory of Adna Rowe, A Native of Farmington For many years a resident Of Augusta, Geo. Who died While on a visit to this place July 25, 1836. Aged 50 Years [side 2] Be ye therefore also ready For the son of man cometh at an hour when ye Think not. Luke 12.40 [side 3] Set your affections on things above Not on things on the earth. Col. 3.2. |
Mary Louisa Berry ‘s small box tomb meekly accepts that God gives and takes away as he sees fit. It reads:
Sacred To the memory of Mary Louisa. Daughter of J & A.E. Barry Who died October 3rd A.D. 1843. Aged. 2 years 4 months & 10 days. The Lord gave and Lord hath taken away Blessed be the name of the Lord Job 1.2 [signed] Hugh Sisson Baltia M.D. |
How to Live
Hugh Archer’s epitaph urges the viewer to follow
the path of righteousness in order to find eternal life. It reads: Hugh Archer, Born In Colleton District, S. Carolina, August 21, 1796, Died January 23, 1858 [?] in the Christian’s hope. [broken] He that followeth after righteousness And mercy, findeth life, righteousness, And honor. Prov, XXI, 21. |
Lena Pott’s epitaph humbly states that she has lived according to scripture and done what she could. It reads:
Lena wife of J. H. Potts Sept. 21 1851 - Nov. 24 1887 She hath done what she could. |
Promises
William Pettes’ headstone speaks of a life beyond death that only God can grant. Also, the epitaph denies death by stating that he only sleeps. It reads:
“He shall receive the crown Of life, which the lord hath Promised to them that love him.” William Richards Pettes Born in Windsor, Vt. Oct. 7, 1821, Died In Tallahassee Fla. Feb. 23 1881. “He giveth his beloved sleep.” |
Stephen Miller’s impressive headstone reveals the belief that he will rise from his slumber when God calls him forth. It reads:
Sacred To the memory of Gen. Stephen Miller, Son of Col. Stephen and Winnefred Miller, Of Duplin, North Carolina; He was born Novr. 13, 1793, And departed this life March 5 1841 Aged 46. [side 2] Gen. Miller For many years enjoyed The confidence of his friends As Solicitor, and Senator, In his native state. He came to Florida with the Intention of making it his Future home, Where he had remarried but a year Previous to his death. [side 3] He is not dead, but sleepeth Matt. 9.24 I know that he will rise again in The resurrection at the last day. John 11.24 [side 4] To Gen. Stephen Miller, By his wife, Lucena. He hath a more enduring monument In the hearts of those who loved him. |
Children
Matthew 19:14 was used extensively in both cemeteries, but only on children's headstones. Below are several common examples of children's graves, which typically have angels, broken columns signifying a life cut short, the innocence of lambs, and the peace of a dove with an olive branch.
For of such is the kingdom of heaven
Alexander Jackson Margaret Helena Children of T.P. & V. E. Denham |
Robert Byrd
Born Jan. 2nd 1875 Died May 18th, 1878. __ James Edgar, Born Oct. 25th, 1872 Died July 6th 1878. Children of Lila & C. E. Dyke, Jr. Of such is the kingdom of heaven. Dyke |
Perez Bonney
Son of Peres & Cornelia O. Brokaw Died Jan. 15th 1853 Aged 1 year 10 mos. & 7 dy. Suffer little children to come unto me. |
Little Mary
Daughter of John A. & M. W. Henderson Born Jan. 21.1875 Died Nov. 17, 1882 Of such is the kingdom of heaven. |