Lessons from Headstones Could Spark Ideas, Sadness, and a Whole Realm of Thinking

Warning: Walking through cemeteries and reading headstone inscriptions is not everyone’s forte, but you have to admit, some headstone scribblings are downright interesting or historical in nature.

In a general sense, the quietness of walking through cemeteries is the perfect place for deep thinking and reflection on one’s personal life. However, as a blogger and self-proclaimed writer, my main mission is to stretch my legs for a little exercise and when inspiration comes my way from my quiet surroundings, I will gladly take it.

After making such a statement, I’ll admit that when walking down row after row, I do sneak a few peeks at these interesting gravestone inscriptions, which, in turn, normally takes the mind to a different place.‘

Take, for example, a quiet, out-of-the-way rural cemetery in the Waterloo area. There is a headstone written in code, similar to Nostradamus-style writings, normally called “cryptogram inscriptions.” This bizarre headstone, with its unexplained engravings, baffled community members and the public for years until the mystery was finally solved. It’s known as The Bean Puzzle Tombstone.

Two Headstones with cryptogram inscriptions.

Here’s another example of interesting headstones.

While visiting relatives on the East Coast of Canada, there is a place many people go to pay homage, the Citadel Hill Cemetery in Halifax. There, you will find several victims laid to rest of the Titanic tragic event. The gravestones are simple yet respectfully engraved with their names and the heartbreaking manner in which they perished. “A sad piece of history set in stone.”

And then there’s the story of a man simply known as The General from Bridgeport. He was a self-appointed crossing guard who was never paid for his contribution, but he made sure the children got to school and back home safely every day for years. He earned the nickname “The General” because of his military attire. He was put to rest not far from where he helped the community children, and near as I can tell, just a simple marking where he’s laid to rest.

To be fair, my original intention in walking through cemeteries was exercise and the quiet surroundings. But you can’t help but come away with some emotions. These people were once doctors, mothers, fathers, the pillars of our communities; they are all resting peacefully amongst nature. It’s impossible not to feel some emotion as you walk up and down the rows.

Here would be another.

When travelling through the Brantford, Ohsweken area, we passed a small cemetery on the right. My passenger commented, “I wonder if anyone remembers that a famous Hollywood actor is buried in this lonely, unkept place.”

But maybe that was the point of keeping a little untidy, keep a low profile for tourists like me from wandering around for a little “exercise.” Let the poor soul rest.

As the real story goes, according to Wikipedia, Jay Silverheels, better known as “Tonto” from ‘The Lone Ranger series’ was cremated at the Chapel of the Pines Crematory in Los Angeles, and his ashes, as per his request, were returned to the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, where he was born.
That part I found interesting and maybe a follow-up story for my blog.

While doing a walk-about (getting exercise), you’ll find many tastefully done engravings on headstones of birds, animals, or even a long-haul truck carved as a tribute to a high-miler deceased truck driver.

On my family member’s headstone, there is an engraving of a chipmunk. … I know the full story of this little guy all too well, and it was fittingly appropriate for my brother, who passed away and now peacefully lies here. He, too, was intrigued by cemeteries and the historical writings on headstones.

If you walk through these places for exercise and a ‘peace and quiet,’ you have to admit: most headstones are tastefully carved with love, talent, and passion for the final journey.

Two cemetery monuments, one old and one new, with Black Donnelly Inscriptions — Lucan Donnelly Museum photo

As I wind down my story of the peacefulness of cemeteries, the infamous Black Donnelly story from Lucan comes to mind. The original gravestone monument that’s chillingly engraved reads, “Murdered” rather than noting a peaceful passing. A stark testament to dark local history. Although the family’s story ended ‘in a graphic manner,’ it remains a true historical event.

But on a lighter note, last, but not least, a radio announcer’s headstone reads, “Signing off… until we meet again.” Reading that headstone brought an unexplained emotion to my mind.