Nineteenth-Century Iconography
As political ideologies and philosophies of the new nation began to change, so did attitudes about death and mourning. Neo-classical philosophies and attitudes began to dominate the material cultural evidences of post-Revolutionary society and culture. As notions of classicism in art and architecture began to evolve, American citizens began to look to the buildings of ancient Rome and Greece for models of their houses, public buildings, and even gravestones. The predominant image used on late eighteenth and early nineteenth-century gravestones was the willow and urn motif. The willow was an ancient mourning symbol. The urn was an Imperial Roman device used to contain ashes. Usage of these motifs was part of a larger trend toward sentimentality in mourning art. Larger, more imposing monuments were also used for memorialization. Obelisks, the Roman order of columns, and pediments were ornamental forms widely used on nineteenth-century markers and monuments.
In addition to the imagery, the language and tone of the epitaphs changed during this period as well. Instead of stark and foreboding messages about life and death, epitaphs began to reflect new ideas about resurrection and the afterlife. Commemoration of the dead for the benefit of the living became the underlying theme.
(from https://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/hbgi/iconography.asp)
Sextant? Possible version of Masonic Compass and Set Square, symbol that deceased was a Freemason?
Nested Oak Leaves with Acorn – Oak leaves are often a symbol of faith and virtue and/or endurance.
3 Links. Usually with FLT in centers (but not on this stone). Three links with FLT are a symbol of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization. FLT stands for Friendship, Love, and Truth.
Icon on granite. dove with leaf, flying from crescent moon, towards three link chain. Dove is usually a symbol of eternal life, spirituality, Messenger of God, or peace. Three links is a symbol of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Crescent moon may symbolize a new moon. In Judaism, the new moon, or Rosh Hodesh, is traditionally a women’s holiday celebrating the new month.
Icon on granite. Handshake above a 3-link chain with LFT. Hands clasped, symbol meaning farewell and the hope of meeting again in eternity. Three links with FLT are a symbol of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization. FLT stands for Friendship, Love, and Truth.