Unusual Epitaphs
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         WADE. Jane; a young woman
Died December 26, 1811
Buried in the crypt of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Virginia

WALDON, James
Died December 26, 1811
Buried in the crypt of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Virginia

WALKER, John
Buried in Bridgeford-on-the-Hill, Nottinghamshire, England.

    Sacred to the memory of John Walker, the only son of Benjamin and Ann Walker,
    Engineer and Pallisade Maker, died September 22nd, 1832, aged 36 years.

    Farewell, my wife and father dear;
    My glass is run, my work is done,
    And now my head lies quiet here.
    That many an engine I've set up,
    And got great praise from men,
    I made them work on British ground,
    And on the roaring seas;
    My engine's stopp'd, my valves are bad,
    And lie so deep within;
    No engineer could there be found
    To put me new ones in.
    But Jesus Christ converted me
    And took me up above,
    I hope once more to meet once more,
    And sing redeeming love.

    Source : Andrews 1899


WALKER, Thomas
Died 1592
Buried All Hallows Lombard Street, London, England

    Man's life betimes, trie it who shall,
    Shall finde noe tyme in it to trust:
    Sometime to climbe, sometime to fall,
    Till life of man be brought to dust.

    Source : Ravenshaw 1878


WALL, David
Inscription in the church at Ashover, Derbyshire, England

    To the Memory of
    David Wall,
    Whose superior performance on the
    bassoon endeared him to an
    extensive musical acquaintance.
    His social life closed on the
    4th Dec., 1796, in his 57th year.

    Source : Andrews 1899


WALLIS, Jannet
Died June 6, 1745
Buried Lethnot, Angus, Scotland

    This stone was erected by James Black tenant in Wood, in the parish of Edzell, in memory of his spouse Jannet Wallis, who died the 6 of June 1745, aged 65 years; and sd. James Black was of age 68 years: -

    Ah Sin! hence momentary life, hence breath,
    Sighs for ye silent grave and pants for death:
    What means ye warning of ye passing bell?-
    A soul just gone to Paradise or Hell.
    To darkness tends ye broad, but slippry way,
    O frightful gloom, deny'd each cheering ray;
    While such as walk in paths divinely bright
    shall shine within ye Courts of endless light.

    James Black
    Born at Mill of Lethnot, dy'd Oct. 24, 1750, at Wood of Dalbog. Chiefly built the Bridge of Gannochie, and doted for the support of it 5f0 merks Scots : Besides 1000 merks for other Bridges and pious uses : vix. 500 merks for a Schoolmr. at Tillibardin : and 300 merks toward building a Bridge at Balrownie, with 200 merks to the poor of Fettercairn.
    No Bridge on Earth can be a Pass for Heav'n,
    To generous deeds Let due Praise be given.
    Memento - 1746 - mori.

    Source : Jervise 1875


WANTON, Edward; a youth
Died December 26, 1811
Buried in the crypt of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Virginia

WARING, Richard. Mentioned in the epitaph of: MILLER, James
From Dover, Delaware
Buried in South Carolina

    To the memory of James Miller, A. M. student of law, yougest son of the
    late reverend mr. John Miller of Dover, state of Delaware. He died, under
    the hospitable roof of doctor Richard Waring, 15 April, 1795, aged 22 years.

    Affected with pulmonary consumption, he had left his relatives and
    native home, and was travelling abroad for the recovery of health;
    when he was arrested by death, in a land of strangers, whose sympathetick
    tenderness embraced all the duties of kindred and friends.

    This stone was created by his brothers and sisters, not only to point
    out the spot, where his ashes repose; and to commemorate the virtues
    and talents of an amiable young man, and the loss of a beloved brother;
    but also to express their affectionate gratitude, for the kindness and
    friendship, with which he was treated in South Carolina.

    Source : Alden 1814 v.5


WATKINS, Anne (Mrs.)
Buried : St Pancras, Middlesex, England.

    Sacred
    to the Memory of
    Mrs. Anne Watkins,
    an invaluable servant,
    and a faithful Friend.
    Who was Born 15th February, 1760,
    Departed this Life 22nd September, 1829
    Here also,
    in accordance with his wish,
    repose the mortal remains of
    Henry Levien, Esqre.,
    Who Died March 9th, 1843,
    aged 47 years.
    Few have departed this Life
    more deservedly Beloved.

    Source : Cansick 1869


WATSON, Joseph and Elizabeth
Memorial stone at Disley Church, Cheshire, England

    Here Lyeth Interred the
    Body of Joseph Watson, Bur-
    ied June the third 1753,
    Aged 104 years. He was
    Park Keeper at Lyme more
    than 64 years, and was ye First
    that Perfected the art of Dri-
    ving ye Stags. Here also Lyeth
    the Body of Elizabeth his
    wife, Aged 94 years, to whom
    He had been married 73 years.
    Reader take Notice, the Long-
    est Life is Short.

    Source : Andrews 1899


WEBB, Barbara (Hon. Lady)
Buried : St Pancras churchyard, Middlesex, England.

    Here lyeth deposited in this vault the remains of the late Honble Lady Barbara Webb,
    Wife of Sr John Webb, of Great Canford, in the county of Dorset, Baronet
    Who departed this life on the 28th day of March, in the year of our Lord 1740.
    This pious lady was the surviving daughter and sole Heiress of the late Honble
    John, Lord Belasyse, by his third wife the Lady Ann Powlett,
    Daughter of the Right Noble John, Marquiss of Winchester, who to avoid the
    expense and vanity of a pompous funeral in her family vault
    made it her death bed request in compassion to the poor to be privately interr'd
    in this churchyard & that the repose of her soul may be remembered
    by all good Christians. This tomb was erected by her disconsolate husband.
    Requiescat in pace. Amen.

    Source : Cansick 1869


WEBB, John
Epitaph at Yeovil, Somerset, England

    John Webb,
    Son of John and Mary Webb, Clothiers, who died
    of the measles, May 3d, 1646, aged 3 years.

    How still he lies,
    and clos'd his eyes,
    That shone as bright as day :
    The cruel measles,
    Like clothiers' teasles,
    Have scratched his life away.

    Cochineal red
    His lips have fled,
    Which now are blue and black.
    Dear pretty wretch,
    How thy limbs stretch,
    Lile cloth upon the rack.

    Repress thy sighs,
    The husband cries,
    My dear, and not repine,
    For ten to one,
    When God's work's done,
    He'll come off superfine.

    Source : Johnson 1883


WEBB, Thomson
Kensal Green Cemetery, London, England

    To the memory of
    Thomson Webb
    who died Novr 14th. 1855.
    Aged 54 Years

    Full many a flower that blossom'd in his path
    He stooped to gather, and the fruit he pluck'd
    That hung from many a tempting bough, - All but
    The Rose of Sharon, and the Tree of Life:
    This, flung its fragrance to the gale, and spread
    Its blushing beauties, - that its healing leaves
    Display'd, and fruit immortal, - all in vain!
    He neither tasted, nor admired, - and found
    All that he chose and trusted, fair but false!
    The flowers no sooner gathered than they faded,
    The fruits enchanting, dust and bitterness,
    And all the world a wilderness of care!
    Wearied, disappointed, and near the close
    Of this eventful course, he sougt the plant
    That long his heedless haste o'erlook'd, and proved
    Its sovereign virtues, - underneath its shade
    Outstreched, drew from his wounded feet the thorn,
    Shed the last tear, breath'd the last sigh, and here
    This lov'd one rests, in more than trembling hope.

    Source : Maiben 1870


WELCH, John
A stranger lately from England, nephew of sir A. Pigott
Died December 26, 1811
Buried in the crypt of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Virginia

WHITLOCK or WHITELOOKE, Mary Gabriella (Miss.)
Died December 26, 1811
Buried in the crypt of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Virginia

WILEY, Robert
Monument in Newcastle, Delaware

    Sacred to the memory of Robert Wiley, who departed this life, the 4 day
    of June, 1801, aged 21 years, 6 months, and 27 days. View this monument,
    ye young and careless, and boast no more of tomorrow.

    Source : Alden 1814 v.5


WILKINS, Isaac
An American Loyalist, written by himself.
Memorial inscription : Westchester County, New York.

    Sacred
    To the memory of
    The Reverend Isaac Wilkins, D. D.
    who for thirty-one years, was the
    diligent and faithful minister
    of this parish,
    placed here, as he believed, by his Redeemer.
    He remained satisfied with the
    pittance allowed him rejoicing that even in that
    he was no burden to his
    parishioners;
    Nor ever wished nor ever went forth
    to seek a better living.

    Source : Kippax 1877


WILKINSON, Elizabeth
Buried in Great Milton Church, Oxfordshire, England

    The Memory of the Just is Blessed, Prov. 10. 3.
    Sacred to the Glory of God, and to the blessed
    Memory of that eminent Servant of Jesus
    Christ Mrs. Eliz. Wilkinson, late Wife
    to Dr. Hen. Wilkinson Principal of
    Magdalen Hall in Oxford, she was found
    in the faith and truth in Life, to her to
    live was Christ, and to die was gain.
    She liv'd much desir'd, and dyed much
    lamented. She slept in Jesus, being fully
    assur'd of a glorious Resurrection. her last
    words were (I have finish'd my Course)
    She chearfully resign'd up her self to Jesus
    Christ Dec. 8th. 1654 of her Age 41.

    Source : Le Neve 1718


WILLIAMS, Gabriel Jamie
Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Coralville, Johnson County, Iowa, USA

    Front:
    Gabriel Jamie
    “Gabe”
    Williams
    Dec. 10, 1975 - July 2, 1992
    Son of Nancy & Rick
    Brother & friend of Angie
    Gymnast & friend to many
    Angus Geddy Yahoo Dweezil Beethoven forever
    Back:
    For those who are about to rock;
    Gabe salutes you form heaven

    Source : findagrave.com, Memorial #7677204


WILLIAMS, Roger, mentionned in the epitaph of : FISKE, Elizabeth
Buried : Scituate, Rhode Island

    Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Fiske, wife of John Fiske, esq. who
    departed this life, 24 Sept. A. D. 1766, aged 56 years. She descended,
    in a direct line, from the venerable Roger Williams, the pious founder
    of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. In her character shone with
    lustre all the christian, moral, and social virtues.
    Celestial powers, that piety regard,
    From you my labours wait their last reward.

    Source : Alden 1814 v.4


WILLIAMSON, Adam
Lived in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland

    Sacred to the memory of
    Adam Williamson,
    Pressman-Printer, in Edinburgh,
    Who died Oct. 3, 1832
    Aged 72 years.
    All my stays are loosed;
    My cap is thrown off; my head is worn out;
    My box is broken;
    My spindle and bar have lost their power;
    My till is laid aside;
    Both legs of my crane are turned out of their path;
    My platen can make no impression;
    My winter hath no spring;
    My rounce will neither roll out nor in;
    Stone, coffin, and carriage have all failed;
    The hinges of my tympan and frisket are immovable;
    My long and short ribs are rusted;
    My cheeks are much worm-eaten and mouldering away:
    My press is totally down:
    The volume of my life is finished,
    Not without many errors;
    Most of them have arisen from bad composition, and
    are to be attributed more to the chase than the press;
    There are also a great number of my own;
    Misses, scuffs, blotches, blurs, and bad register;
    But the true and faithful Superintendent has
    undertaken to correct the whole.
    When the machine is again set up (incapable of decay),
    A new and perfect edition of my life will appear,
    Elegantly bound for duration, and every way fitted
    for the grand Library of the Great Author.

    Source : Andrews 1899


WILLOUGHBY, Katherine (m. GODFREY)
Buried in Darfield Church, Yorkshire, England.

    Here lyeth buried the Body of Kathe-
    rine the daughter of Will. Willoughby Esqr;
    eldest son of Charles Ld Willoughby Baron
    of Parham, Wife to Joseph Godfrey of Thorock
    in the County of Lincolne Esqr; 27 yeares
    1 Month and 21 dayes his Widow; Dyed 15th
    Aug. Ao. Dni. 1658. Aged about 75 yeares. Wil-
    loughby Godfrey of Ederthorpe second Son
    to her, having decently seene her interred
    did erect this, as his last duty, with her
    due armories.

    Source : Le Neve 1718


WILSON, Lucinda C. (Mrs. Thomas Wilson)
Died December 26, 1811
Buried in the crypt of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Virginia

WOOD, Robert
Monumental inscription in New York, New York

    At Sandy Hook lie interred the remains of the honourable Hamilton Douglas
    Halliburton, son of Sholto Charles, earl of Morton, and heir of the
    ancient family fo Halliburton, of Pitcurr, in Scotland, who perished on
    this coast, with twelve more young gentlemen and one common seaman, in
    the spirited discharge of duty, on the 30 or 31 of December, 1783, born,
    the 10 of October, 1763, a youth, who in contempt of hardship or danger,
    though possessed of an ample fortune, served seven years in the British
    navy, with manly courage, and seemed to deserve a better fate. This
    plain monumental stone is erected by his unhappy mother, Katharine,
    countess dowager of Morton, to his dear memory and that of his unfortunate
    companions, James Champion, lieutenant of marines; Alexander Johnstone,
    George Paddy, Robert Haywood, midshipman; Charles Gascoigne, Andrew
    Hamilton, William Scott, David Reddie, William Tomlinson, William Spry,
    John M'Chain, Robert Wood, young gentlemen; George Towers, common seaman;
    cast away, all found dead and frozen, and buried in one grave.

    Source : Alden 1814 v.1


WOODRUFF, Hezekiah
Springfield, New Jersey, USA

    Beneath this stone lie deposited the mortal parts of Benjamin Sturge,
    aged 20, and Hezekiah Woodruff, aged 17 years, who were, on the 18
    day of August, 1798, instantly snatched from time to eternity by a
    stroke of lightning.
    Stop, heedless youth, and read their awful doom,
    By heaven's own fire hasten'd to the tomb.
    The unerring shaft glides rapid through the air,
    And leaves no time for penitence or prayer.
    Oh, hear the warning voice of their decease,
    This moment fly to God and mke your peace.
    No longer dare provoke th' almighty frown,
    which on your heads will call his thunder down.

    Source : Alden 1814 v.5


WOODWARD, Herbert; mentionned in the epitaph of:
ANDREWS, Sarah
Stone in the old abbey church at Pershore, Worcestershire, England

    To
    the Memory
    of
    Sarah Andrews : a faithful Domestic
    of
    Mr. Herbert Woodward
    of this Place
    In whose Service she died
    on the 10th Feby, 1814
    Aged 80
    having filled the Duties of her humble
    Station with unblemished Integrity
    for the long Period
    of
    52 Years.

    Source : Andrews 1899


WORME, Richard (Sir)
Inscription in Peterborough Cathedral, Northamptonshire, Enland
Died in 1589

    Does Worm eat Worme? Knight Worme this truth confirms,
    For here, with worms, lies Worme, a dish for worms.
    Does worm eat Worme? sure Worme will this deny,
    For Worme with worms, a dish for worms don't lie.
    'Tis so, and 'tis not so, for free from worms
    'Tis certain Worme is blest without his worms.

    Source : Andrews 1899





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