Sharing from Atlas Preservation - "Historic Pointing Mortar 101 - Resetting a Headstone Into a Slotted Base"

Taking a look at the discoid markers - AKA "ring headed Celtic" markers at the Old Burying Ground in Greenfield, Madison Township, Highland County, Ohio.

The Old Burying Ground sits on the West side of the gently flowing waters of the Paint Creek separating Greenfield, Madison Township, Highland County, Ohio and Buckskin Township of Ross County on the East side. 

Since 2014, this early to mid 1800s burial ground, where some of the town's pioneer settlers rest in peace, has become a most prominent place to be and witness the unfolding  preservation progress that is so evident in this conservation project that I'm sure is the pride of Greenfield. 

The landscape of cleaned, repaired, and re-set markers and monuments welcome visitors to linger awhile to read their epitaphs and marvel at the unique carvings of motifs and symbols as well as learn their names, dates of death, and their ages at death.

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Thanking all of the dedicated volunteers who have worked to make this transformation possible!  

Those hearty souls are primarily from the Greenfield Historical Society who have been trained to properly clean, repair, and re-set the markers and monuments at their town's pioneer cemetery.

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Here we'll focus on three special white marble markers that are admittedly small in size but hold a mighty presence at the Old Burying Ground in Greenfield! 

These markers were created in the distinctive discoid design not often seen at most Ohio cemeteries!    

These rather rare discoid markers are sometimes referred to as "ring headed Celtic markers".:

Cordelia Macey DePoy

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Corporal Thomas Coffey

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Ellenor Coffey

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Adding this possibility for another discoid marker at the Old Burying Ground. 

It is not known at this time if this marker was actually repaired and epoxied back together.  

It appears it was taken apart for restoration so it may appear to be as seen in the photograph on the left if the process wasn't completed.:  

It is listed on BillionGraves as an unknown marker.  

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Sharing this Youtube video about discoid markers here in America entitled.:

"The Necked Discoid Grave Marker - An Archaeologist's Study to Learn More about the Unique Headstone" 

by Rich Kuenneke

Teresa Straley Lambert will present Cemetery Iconography at the Dorcas Carey Public Library - Large Meeting Room - Tuesday - January 23, 2024 at 6:00PM

The Dorcas Carey Public Library will be the site for an upcoming presentation by Teresa Straley Lambert who will explain in detail the meanings of grave marker symbolism also known as iconography that helps tell the story of a life lived perhaps long ago that just might not exist anywhere else.  

Most grave markers and monuments have motifs and symbols as well as their name, death date, and age at death that pertain specifically to the person and the life they led. 

Learn what those additional carvings and exquisite embellishments signify - i.e. an open bible on top of the marker may mean the deceased was a preacher during their lifetime.  Small markers with a sleeping lamb carved on top identifies the gravesite is for an infant.  

There is so much more to learn! 

Well-known author Teresa Straley Lambert, will share her vast knowledge on this subject that is also a fascinating study to enjoy while visiting a cemetery!