The request came in through Find a Grave. Someone wanted a picture of Dorcus Ackerson's gravestone. Having just seen Garrett Ackerson's stone, I knew exactly where it should be. I drove past the new section and wound my way through the shady meandering paths until I pulled up beside a cluster of ancient stones isolated from their newer sleepmates.
On the right side of Garrett was a red stone from the same period (he died in 1811) but the epitaph was eroded and flaked away. Poor Dorcus slated to anonymity through weather and an irregularity in the stone itself. I gazed at the defaced stone for long minutes weighing the options. No matter the condition, I would want to see the stone of one of my ancestors. I took the picture.
Now, every time I fulfill a request from this cemetery, I visit Dorcus. Today I visited her with the express purpose of planting a handsome but prolific penstemon from my front garden.
Although she is hidden behind the marred stone, today she sports a perennial that will bloom and bear babies like she did.
Dorcus Springsteen Ackerson
Birth and death dates unknown
Married to Capt. Garrett Ackerson
Had a daughter Martha Ackerson Lequier in 1765
I was walking through the old section of Warwick Cemetery when I across this stone. What a frowny face. I wonder if the carver knew the man. Look at the wig, jowls and tie. He looks decidedly unhappy about his fate.
The same carver did this one and this angel looks worried to me, as if he were not sure of his fate. I wonder if the family had any say in the type of angel that got carved-whether they were smiling or not. I do like these better than the winged skulls though.
