MARBLE ORCHARD CEMETERY PHOTOGRAPHY

Natchez City Cemetery, Natchez, Mississippi, March 2008 "In Memory of Frederick Adolph Crone Only Affectionate and Beloved Child of Frederick and Mary Schwartz Crone" This has to be one of the most beautifully preserved pieces of marble statuary left in the open air I have ever seen. I stumbled upon young Frederick by accident. He is not listed on the cemetery map.

Corinne Elliott Lawton (September 21, 1846 - January 24, 1877) Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia April 2004 This marble statue by Palermo sculpter Benedetto Civiletti depicts the eldest daughter of Robert Lawton, Corinne who committed suicide the day before her wedding day to a man she did not love. She sits on a triple pedestal signifying the Trinity topped with a Latin cross. The base is inscribed with the words: Allured to brighter worlds and led the way..

Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, GA Little Gracie Watson was born in 1883, the only child of her parents. Her father managed the Pulaski Hotels, where the charming little girl was a favorite with the guests. In April 1889, Gracie died of pneumonia at age six. Sculptor John Walz carved this life-sized, beautifully detailed marble statue, which for almost a century has captured the interest of passing visitors. Sadly, Gracie lies here alone as her parents moved away and are buried elsewhere.

Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois, September 2004 This incredible monument to grief is for Frances M. Pearce, who died in childbirth along with her infant daughter. The statue was created by Chauncey B. Ives, an American sculptor working in Italy at the time it was carved. The piece remains in museum perfect condition because of the glass case that keeps it safe from the elements.

Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 2008 A fine, scholarly gentleman atop a mausoleum. I was so excited to capture this live bird perched on his hand I forgot to mark down whose tomb this was.

Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana March 2008 This sphinx guards right side of the entrance to the pyramid-shaped Brunswig family tomb.

Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana March 2008 This lady holds court on the pyramid-shaped Brunswig family tomb's left side.

Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York, October 2007 This magnificent fellow sits on the right corner of the Matthews monument.

Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Summer 2001 How sad. The imagery behind this stone brings tears to my eyes.

Greenmount Cemetery, Baltimore, MD May 2012 In 1911, the Rigg Family commissioned this bronze by German sculptor Hans Schuler for their memorial.

Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin March 2006 Poor little mite was only eight and a half months old.

Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 2008 The grave of Blanche Vignes Kimmel and Stanley Preston Kimmel.

Glenwood Cemetery, Houston, Texas March 2008 Grave of four year old John J. Foley Jr.

Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois, September 2004 "Many hopes lie buried here" the inscription reads. Although, I've seen many children's graves, this simple statement moves me every time I read it. The statue itself is in merely fair condition due to being in the elements for scores of years, as well as some very, very poor repair work. A plexiglass box protects it now.

Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY At first glance, it seems to be a happily married couple, but it is actually of Grandpa and His Loving Granddaughter. His wife, Sarah, is also buried here, but it is with his granddaughter, Jensine, he chose to be carved in marble. Jensine died at age 24, nearly a year to the day after her grandfather, Peter. The epitaph reads: "The Earth, the Earth has lost a gem, Heaven has gained a star, the angels saw it shining here and called it from afar."