The following epitaphs are from Susan Darling Safford’s Quaint Epitaphs, Fourth Edition (Boston: DeWolfe, Fiske & Co. 1902). This volume was originally copyright 1898 by S.D Safford. The book the included image is from is part of a private family collection. The handwriting is unknown to me, and due to the presence of the Woolwich entry, may not be from a family member. The first five lines are printed, and the remainder of the page is handwritten.

—

Additional Epitaphs.

These blank leaves are inserted

for the convenience of

collectors of

epitaphs.

—

“On a Cook.”

Ah, Bridget, here is our revenge,

We have no doubt ‘twould make you grieve;

Beneath this monument you dwell —

The only place you cannot leave.

—

Churchyard — Woolwich, Kent, England:

“Sacred to the memory of Major James Brush,

Royal Artillery, who was killed by the ac-

cidental discharge of a pistol by his orderly,

14th April 1831. Well done, good and faithful

servant.”

—

– Christian Science –

Here lies our wife, Samantha Proctor,

Who ketched a cold and wouldn’t doctor.

She could not stay. She had to go —

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.

———

———

© 2011 N. P. Maling