Whenever possible, when transcribing the name, birth and/or death date, and age inscribed on a tombstone, also take a couple of extra moments to transcribe any epitaph chisled on it.
Normally, epitaphs are found on the lower portion of the stone written in small, cursive style etching.
Epitaphs convey the culture of the times prevalent during the last days of the deceased's life.
A wonderful book entitled: "Tombstones of Your Ancestors" by Louis S. Schafer, published by Heritage Books, Inc., is a twelve chapter book that covers the broad range of information regaring tombstone epitaphs. It offers the reader educational yet fascinating facts citing many examples of epitaphs spanning the serious and whimsical about the diseased. Some also reveal much about the surviving loved ones.
"Death stikes a blow and we are gone
And leave all things below
Our dwelling place
The Silent tomb
And we are seen no more"
