USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Malden > The Woodlawn cemetery in North Chelsea and Malden > Part 3
USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Chelsea > The Woodlawn cemetery in North Chelsea and Malden > Part 3
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No person shall write upon, deface, or injure any fenee, monument, or other structure, in the Cemetery.
No person shall discharge fire-arms, or destroy any bird or animal, in the grounds.
Any person, other than a known proprietor, shall, upon request, give his name ; and, upon refusal, shall be excluded.
The Superintendent, the Gatekeeper, and any other person aeting under them, shall enforee these regulations, and remove any person who may violate them. Trespassers are also liable to be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars.
All persons are requested to give notice of any trespass or violation of these regulations ; and no person, who has wantonly violated any of them, will be again admitted, even if he shall obtain a tieket.
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GREAT TOWER.
At present, visitors are permitted to enter the Ceme- tery, on foot or in vehicles, without a ticket of admission ; it being presumed that all will observe the proprieties of the place.
We come next, in a few paces, to the junction of Netherwood and Mount Moriah Avenues, and to the beautiful triangle, in which stands, upon a granite pedestal, that emblem of fidelity and affection, the St. Bernard dog. Behind him rises the rare and wonderful ginko-tree, of which only a few specimens exist in this country. The sway of the limbs, the construction of the leaf, and its leathery texture, are well worthy of observation. The leaf is nearly fan-shaped, with radiations from a single point of the stem, and not from successive parts of a centre chord. Mahonias, japonicas, Swedish junipers, with rhododen- drons and mezereons, and other flower-bearers, fill up the spare room.
On the cast, Mount Moriah Avenue, gently ascending, leads to the -
GREAT TOWER.
This massive pile of rocks is about seventy-five feet in diameter at the base, and more than thirty feet high, five or six feet of the bottom courses being concealed by earth- filling. It is solid throughout, and can be easily as-
1
Wilkie Del
ROCK TOWER. (Mt, Moriah Avenue,)
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GREAT TOWER.
cended by a spiral walk, which commences on the north- east side. It is estimated that nearly three miles of ordinary stone-wall were consumed in its erection. It does not now appear like a modern structure ; and when its interstices are filled with ferns and mosses, and its huge bowlders are bound together by countless cords of woodbine and ivy, and its baldness covered by green leaves and lichens and relieved by running roses, it will seem still more like a relic of ancient times. What an altar for Mount Moriah ! From its summit now opens the broad sea, and Lynn, Saugus, and Nahant, the outer islands, and the bay. The ponderous Malden Heights, the green hillsides and savin slopes of the Chelseas, the forest near, the far-reaching meadows, and the distant spires, make up a set of picturesque and striking views. Probably, in time, it will form only the foundation for some high observatory ; but, while remaining in its pre- sent unpolished grandeur, it may well remind us of the altar of Abraham, and of his unfaltering faith. Here, then, let us rekindle our faith in God, and renew our good resolves.
Hope, like the glimmering taper's light, Adorns and cheers our way ; And still, as darker grows the night, Emits a brighter ray. GOLDSMITH.
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ABRAHAM'S SACRIFICE.
ABRAHAM'S SACRIFICE.
And Abraham on Mount Moriah bowed himself, And buried up his face, and prayed for strength. He could not look upon his son, and pray ; But, with his hand upon the clustering curls Of the fair, kneeling boy, he prayed that God Would nerve him for that hour. Oh! man was made For the stern conflict. In a mother's love
There is more tenderness ; the thousand cords, Woven with every fibre of her heart, Complain like delicate harpstrings at a breath : But love in man is one deep principle,
Which, like a root grown in a rifted rock, Abides the tempest. He rose up, and laid The wood upon the altar ; . . . then he nerved His spirit with a bitter strength, and spoke, - " Isaac, my only son !" The boy looked up ; And Abraham turned his face away, and wept. " Where is the lamb, my father ?"
It was the last deep struggle. Abraham held His loved, his beautiful, his only son, And lifted up his arm, and called on God. And, lo ! God's angel stayed him ; and he fell Upon his knees, and wept. N. P. WILLIS.
RECEIVING TOMBS. (Forta Path.)
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THE RECEIVING-TOMBS.
Let us now return to the Netherwood Junction. Here, on a gentle bank, is a thick planting of all the harmless varieties of the early-blooming dog-woods. Intermixed with evergreens and other forest-trees, how beautiful are their white flowers ! Pass on towards the wood : what an inviting vista opens! But pause for a moment at Forest Glade Avenue, and turn into Portal Path. It is but a step ; but that step brings you to the Tomb.
THE RECEIVING-TOMBS.
Two of these have been in use since the consecration of the grounds ; but two more and larger ones are now being constructed. They are not, as of old, hewn out of the solid rock, but are inserted peacefully and tastefully into an excavation made for the purpose in the solid earth, and are approached through a pathway lined with moss- grown rocks, and overhung by shade-trees and weeping- willows. Their solidity, simplicity, and repose have been much approved. They are kept with scrupulous neat- ness, and the area in front of them is sufficiently large for an ordinary funeral-gathering. When, as is sometimes the case, there is vocal music at the grave, the effect is very impressive, the mourners being concealed from the neigh- boring avenues.
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RECEIVING-TOMBS. - ALL MUST DIE.
The writer cannot forget the first time that this occurred. It was when the Rev. Sylvanus Cobb and his family as- sembled here to deposit all that remained of their remark- able little son James, concerning whom a small volume has been published. On that occasion, the music was touching in itself; but the sounds, coming from unseen sources, received additional power from the surprise of the hearer, and impressed him with their harmony.
As the Receiving-tombs are designed solely for the accommodation of the proprietors of lots, no charge is made for their use ; a fee of only one dollar, for opening and sealing the tomb and making a record of the fact, being charged. But it is expected that there will be no unreasonable delay in removing the remains from the tomb to the grave ; and the corporation reserve the power to do so, if, after notice, it is too long neglected.
ALL MUST DIE.
" Thus mighty Nature speaketh : All around must perish, - All that mankind maketh, All that mankind cherish !"
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THE TIME FOR DEATH.
WHAT IS THE TIME FOR DEATH ?
What is the time for death ? In life's new morn, The young soul bright in all its purity, Unstained by sorrow, and by care unworn : Say, is not this the fittest time to die ? When would we die ? In the bright noon of life, When, thoughts and hopes and aspirations high, Each passing hour with virtuous deeds is rife : Say, is not this the fittest time to die ? When would we die ? When life's calm twilight hour Sends soothing rest to the dim, wearied eye ; When maddening zeal, and fierce ambition's power, Have fled : is this the fittest hour to die ? We know not. Put each anxious care at rest ; Let all our thoughts and powers to God be given : He will decide for us what time is best, And, at the fittest, take our souls to heaven.
L. D. G.
" Life, like a dome of many-colored glass, Stains the white radiance of eternity."
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SELECTIONS FROM GOLDSMITH, ETC.
SELECTIONS.
O peace of mind ! thou lovely guest, Thou softest soother of the breast, Dispense thy balmy store ; Wing all our thoughts to reach the skies, Till earth, diminished to our eyes, Shall vanish as we soar. GOLDSMITH.
Shrink not, O human spirit ! The everlasting Arm is strong to save. Look up, look up, frail nature ! put thy trust In Him who went down mourning to the dust, And overcame the grave. NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE.
I opened not my mouth ; for it was thou, O Lord ! who didst it ; and thou canst not err. Enable me unto thy will to bow, And be thyself thy rod's interpreter.
BERNARD BARTON.
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LIFE AND DEATH.
LIFE COMETH OF DEATH.
Lo ! all grow old, and die ; but see, again, How on the faltering footsteps of decay Youth presses, - ever-gay and beautiful youth, - In all its beautiful forms! These lofty trees Wave not less proudly that their ancestors Moulder beneath them. Oh! there is not lost One of Earth's charms : upon her bosom yet, After the flight of untold centuries, The freshness of her far-beginning lies, And yet shall lie. Life mocks the idle hate Of his arch enemy Death ; yea, seats himself Upon the sepulchre, and blooms and smiles, And of the triumphs of his ghastly foe Makes his own nourishment. For he came forth From thine own bosom, and shall have no end. BRYANT.
Each towering oak, that lifts its living head To the broad sunlight in eternal strength, Glories to tell thee that the acorn died ; The flowers, that spring above their last year's grave, Are eloquent with the voice of life and hope.
IMITATION OF BRYANT.
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NETHERWOOD.
NETHERWOOD AVENUE.
Now look again at Netherwood Avenue. Long may its borders remain unbroken by a grave! Let the wildwood reign, with its fantastic roots and velvet mosses! Let the thrush still nestle in the thicket; and the tall trees lift up their green palms into the sunlight, and wave their benedictions as of yore ! Keep it sacred as a forest-walk ! Fortunately, the soil is not suited for graves ; and let only the falling leaves find them there! Such is the length, and so broad the sweep, of this pathway, as it curves into the distance, that it conveys an idea of unlimited extent. Whoever passes through, after it is completed and dark- ened by age, will be awed by the solemnity of its deep shadows, and, emerging suddenly into the brightness of the open ground, must be struck by the contrast. In a few years, it will be equal, as a drive, to that of any other cemetery in the country, and should not be overlooked by those who seek solitude or solace in such retreats. In its passage from Chapel Hill to the Tombs, the avenue almost touches "Cygnet Pond," which, imbosomed in the shade, feeds the fountains in a pond below ; the name " cygnet " being derived from the swans here pro- vided for a jet, where an arbor is soon to be erected. Lawns and springing flowers are always pleasing ; but surely the forest depths are deepest felt.
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NETHERWOOD.
WOOD AND LAWN.
Saw ye the soft and grassy bed Where flowerets deck the green earth's breast ? 'Tis there I wish to lay my head ; 'Tis there I wish to sleep at rest. Oh! let not tears embalm my tomb, - None but the dews by twilight given ; Oh ! let not sighs disturb the gloom, - None but the whispering winds of heaven. MOORE.
My soul is growing sick. I will away, And gather balm from a sweet forest-walk ! There, as the breezes through the branches sweep, Is heard aerial minstrelsy, like harps Untouched, unseen, that on the spirit's ear Pour out their numbers till they hush to peace The tumult of the bosom. There's a voice Of music in the rustling of the leaves ; And the green boughs are hung with living lutes, Whose strings will only vibrate to His hand Who made them, while they sound his untaught praise. The whole wildwood is one vast instrument Of thousand thousand keys, and all its notes Come in sweet harmony, while Nature plays To celebrate the presence of her God. MISS H. F. GOULD.
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THE FOREST.
THE FOREST-WALK.
How sweet to sit within the forest-shade, When the soft wind among the tree-tops stirs ; And Nature has her box of perfumes oped, And scattered freely all its sweets for me ! Then time and space are nothing ; and the soul, Rapt in its own high musings, quite forgets The world without, but in its own locked depths Imprisons thoughts, that, could they but be breathed In words or music, might entrance that world. . But when the soul, full to o'erflowing, yearns To pour its wild and struggling transports forth, Were there no kindred ear in which to breathe Its thoughts, 'twould die for want of utterance ; For language is the life-breath of the soul. And so I turn me to myself again,
And the small flowers, that round me lift, as high As their slight frames can bear, their incense-cups To Him who placed them in the forest depths, With sweet companions in the singing birds, And gave them life beneath the mighty trees. O God ! 'tis in the bosom of the woods The spirit mounts most freely up to thee.
N. G. GOULD.
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WOODSIDE AVENUE.
Passing north, from the Receiving-tombs by Forest Glade or Entrance Avenue again, the visitor comes unex- pectedly upon the long vista of -
WOODSIDE AVENUE.
This is a lovely drive, bordered by oaks, elms, and maples, with rare shrubs and flowering plants, inter- mingled with evergreens and annuals. On the northerly side, twelve feet in width have been left for trees and plants ; and various flower-beds have been arranged at the head and at its junctions, where the show of Flora,
in her season, is always attractive. Gothic Avenue, which leaves Woodside by a gentle curve, is reserved for such structures, fences, and ornaments as are suited to that style ; and even the trees are to be in keeping ; so that eventually an arched Gothic passage-way may be formed, lined with proper emblems and accompani- ments.
At the junction of Woodside and Gothic Avenues is the lot of BENJAMIN FARNUM. Here stands a finely sculptured tablet of white marble, erected to the memory of his children, - representing winged cherubs, and sev- ered rosebuds, with an ivy border, cut by Freedly.
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EDGEWOOD PATH.
Further on is the lot of EDWARD PRATT, with a tall, marble monument, bearing the inscription, -
" ONE HOUSEHOLD."
Several other neat lots and monuments will be ob- served on this avenue.
EDGEWOOD PATH,
Which is directly in the rear of Woodside, occupies higher ground, and will soon be finished through its en- tire length. All the lots on the southerly side have been graded with care; and the walk, when perfected, will be one of the finest in the Cemetery. The Woodside lots were among the first purchased after the organization of the Corporation ; and to the efficient gentlemen from Charlestown, who met there in August, 1851, and se- lected them, Woodlawn is greatly indebted for its suc- cess. It also owes much to the energy and devotion of its president, who, without compensation or pecuniary interest, has made constant efforts for its advancement.
Following Woodside Avenue to its junction with Auburn Path, the observer will notice, on the right, the -
FR
ESTEE AND ROULSTONE. (Auburn Path. )
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ESTEE AND ROULSTONE MONUMENT.
MONUMENT TO ESTEE AND ROULSTONE,
Erected by Franklin Engine Company No. 7, of Charles- town. It is a white marble tablet, about nine feet high, surmounted by a fireman's cap, with company initials, and with hose, conducting-pipe, &c., well sculptured, by Freedly. On the face of the stone is inscribed the fol- lowing : -
GEORGE H. ESTEE
Died Aug. 16, 1853, From injuries received at the burning of Tremont Temple, Boston, March 31, 1852, While faithfully and fearlessly discharging his duties as a fireman, Aged 27 years.
WILLIAM W. ROULSTONE
Was killed at the fire in Brattle Square, Boston, Aug. 15, 1845, While manfully endeavoring to stay the progress of the flames.
" We live to rescue ; We die to save!"
On the base, the proprietors are named as follows : -
MEMBERS OF FRANKLIN ENGINE COMPANY No. 7, CHARLESTOWN.
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ESTEE AND ROULSTONE MONUMENT.
On the right of the monument is a headstone to Estee, representing a trumpet, with a scroll around it, bearing the inscription : -
" In peril's hour, at duty's call he fell ; And, while he lingered, angel ministries His spirit blest to its immortal rising."
On the left is a similar scroll to Roulstone, inscribed as follows : -
" No labored epitaph could him more honor pay Than this, - ' In duty's strife his spirit passed away.'"
This lot was presented by the corporation ; and the ap- propriate fence which encloses it, with the emblems of the fire-department, was designed, constructed, and pre- sented by Messrs. Hittinger and Cook, of Charlestown, who were members of the same fire company.
The writer has often paused at this monument with unusual interest ; regarding it not only as a tribute to departed worth and heroism, or as a remembrancer of a patience under suffering rarely equalled, but as a me- mento of the noble and generous qualities exhibited by the firemen generally, and by the members of this com- pany in particular, to their unfortunate companions and their families. From the moment when Estee was taken from the ruins, to the hour of his burial, a period of
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ESTEE AND ROULSTONE MONUMENT.
nearly seventeen months, they watched over him and pro- vided for him with a steady and fraternal devotion which never slackened. Even the firemen of Boston, Cambridge, Charlestown, and Chelsea, insisted on contributing ; and Moses Kimball, Esq., with great generosity, aided them in their efforts. When Estee and Roulstone were re- moved to Woodlawn, large numbers followed them to the grave. To the mother of Roulstone, who was more or less dependent on her son, they presented a liberal purse ; and Engine Company No. 7 have deposited with the Cemetery Corporation a fund to keep this lot and all its structures in good order for ever.
Not far from this lot, on Sylvan Path, under the shade of large trees, in a private lot, repose the remains of JOHN SMITH, a member of the Boston Fire Department, who was killed at the Kingston-street fire, Boston, in February, 1852. His widow has expressed her gratitude to the firemen, and especially to Hydrant Company No. 2, for many kindnesses received, and for the means fur- nished to remove the remains of her husband and child into this quiet retreat.
The Warren Fire Company, of Charlestown, purchased a lot on Altona Avenue, near Auburn Path, for their comrade ANDREW JACKSON, and, after paying all funeral expenses, presented it to his family.
Such instances of true sympathy deserve some notice.
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VIRTUE SURVIVES.
VIRTUE ALONE SURVIVES.
Sweet day ! so cool, so calm, so bright, The bridal of the earth and sky, The dew shall weep thy fall to-night ; For thou must die.
Sweet rose ! whose hue, angry and brave, Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye, Thy root is ever in its grave ; And thou must die.
Sweet spring ! full of sweet days and roses, - A box, where sweets compacted lie, - My music shows ye have your closes ; And all must die.
Only a sweet and virtuous soul, Like seasoned timber, never gives ; But, though the whole world turn to coal, Then chiefly lives.
HERBERT.
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ADAMS MONUMENT. (Auburn Path. )
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CHESTER ADAMS. - JOSIAH BACON.
CHESTER ADAMS, ESQ.
On the easterly side of the same path, and not far from the Arch, rest the remains of CHESTER ADAMS, Esq., of Charlestown, for many years the President of the Union Bank, of Boston. Faithful in all his relations, of un- blemished character, and unambitious of honors, after a life of duty, in a good old age, he ceased from his la- bors, and sank to rest, universally respected. His son, the Hon. James Adams, late Mayor of Charlestown, is now, and has been from the outset, the President of the Woodlawn Cemetery Corporation ; and the large lot which embraces the monument represented by the en- graving (one of the best in the ground) belongs jointly to them, and Doctor Jacob Hayes, a son-in-law of the deceased.
JOSIAH BACON.
On the opposite side of Auburn Path is the lot of Deacon JOSIAH BACON, who was born in Boston, Jan. 1, 1786, and died in Chelsea, Oct. 3, 1852. He joined the army at the age of twenty-six, and was with Gen. Harrison in the battle of Tippecanoe. For several years he resided at Sandwich, where he engaged in the manu-
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JOSIAH BACON. - OTHER LOTS.
facture of glass, and represented that town in the Legisla- ture for a number of sessions. From 1841 to the time of his lamented death, he was Steward of the United States Marine Hospital at Chelsea, - an office which he filled with advantage to the government, and honor to him- self ; to the delight of the sailors, whom he always loved ; and to the entire satisfaction of the merchants. He was a gentleman of the old school, an officer of the Winissimmet Church from its organization, and a gene- ral favorite in the community. By his will, all his pro- perty was given to the Sailor's Snug Harbor, which noble charity he did much to originate. His excellent widow, loved and respected like himself, survived him only a few months ; and thus in death, as in life, they were not long divided.
In this vicinity are many tasteful lots, bearing the names of BACON, MITCHELL, EATON, SMITH, DIX, PIGEON, POOL, ROGERS, &c ; and Floral Avenue is bordered by fine enclosures, on which the names of COBB, CASWELL, CABAN, CALDWELL, PARKE, CASWELL, HARVEY, DARLING, WEST, and MAGOUN appear. On Woodside Avenue, a new monument has been lately erected, bearing the name of TAYLOR.
Here let the visitor pause a moment to view -
ABIDE IN ME
-
RUSTIC ARCH. (Wood-ide Avenue.)
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RUSTIC ARCH.
THE RUSTIC ARCH.
The erection of this rude trellis was almost a matter of necessity, to accommodate and protect the wild grape- vines which clustered over the trees through which the avenue passes. It has become, however, by the favor of the public, an object of much interest ; and a view of it is therefore given. It is constructed from rough savins, and is about twenty feet wide, and twenty-five feet high. On the right it is flanked by a close arbor, which is often resorted to by the weary. On the left is a corresponding resting-place, out of which a narrow path (called " Wild- wood ") leads into the grove. At the proper season, the perfume of the vine fills the place ; while its green leaves and luxuriant growth, gracefully intwined around the cross which surmounts the arch, with side supports of living wood, give fine effect to the whole structure. On the front, beneath the cross, appears Christ's decla- ration, -
" I AM THE TRUE VINE."
On the other side, his ever-memorable admonition, -
" ABIDE IN ME."
Since He vouchsafes the way of life to show, 'Tis mine to follow on, but Him to know.
MISS H. F. GOULD.
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CHAPEL HILL.
Of what an easy, quick access, My blessed Lord, art thou ! How suddenly May our requests thine ear invade !
If I but lift mine eye, my suit is made."
HERBERT.
This arch marks the approach to a favorite location, -
CHAPEL HILL.
This is a beautiful swell of land, rising ten or twelve feet above the surrounding avenues, with banks sloped by nature, and extending many hundred feet in a curve almost uniform. Upon this table-land an avenue has been con- structed, in such a manner as to leave an oval of one hundred and fifty feet in length, which is reserved for the chapel site. A background has been thickly planted, and a front avenue opened toward the west, of the most ample dimensions. A better location than this could not be desired. It is nearly in the centre of the Cemetery, and presents from its surface fine views of headlands and meadows, and the towns and spires of Malden and of Lynn. In the rear of the chapel, Greenlawn Avenue will sweep majestically, nearly half a mile, towards the gate. The effect of such vast curves, when thickly planted, cannot be doubtful.
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THE FORRISTALL MONUMENT.
On Chapel Avenue, from its junction with Holyrood, to Woodside and the Chapel Entrance, are several monu- ments and objects of interest. The lots of BROWN, PIT- MAN, FORRISTALL, BAKER, HITTENGER, HALL, and SAN- BORN, are all worthy of notice.
Near the junction with Floral Avenue, under the shadow of an oak, will be seen a modest marble, bearing the inscription, -
HELEN A. & HARRIET G.,
TWIN CHILDREN OF SYLVENDER AND HARRIET FORRISTALL, Died Aug. 13, 1849, aged 4 years 2 months.
Born the same hour, they became fatally ill on the same day, and died within a few moments of each other, aged as above. What a communion of spirits must have been theirs !
" Sister, stay ! Though angels keep me, Longer yet your sands may run."
" Sister, nay! Together sleep we, As together we have done."
On the opposite side of Chapel Avenue, near the point of the triangle, is another specimen of the wonderful ginko-tree. Moving on towards Chapel Entrance, the visitor will observe a monument, in the form of a small sarcophagus, known as the -
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HALL MONUMENT.
HALL MONUMENT.
" And the Lord answered, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." - HAB. ii. 2.
The inscriptions in this lot speak as follows : -
ELLETTA JANE SNOW,
DAUGHTER OF WILLIAM C. AND EMELINE HALL, Died at sea, April 14, 1852, (Off Acapulco, Mexico,) Aged 4 years 2 months.
" Beautiful and lovely she was, but given A fair bud to earth, to blossom in heaven."
EMELINE, WIFE OF WILLIAM C. HALL, Died at San Francisco, Cal., May 24, 1854, aged 41 yrs.
" Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
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