Once a year, I visit the gravesite of Nancy Fairchild on my photo tour yesterday. She has one of the most beautiful gravestones I’ve seen and is buried in a tiny cemetery across from an old farmhouse.
I know nothing about her, other than that she was married to Col. Reuben Stone, who put an engraving at the bottom of the gravestone that reads: “blessed are the pure of heart.”
I can tell from the stone carving and the beauty of the tombstone that Nancy Fairchild was much loved. One of these days, I’ll go to the County Historical Society and see if I can learn more about her.
I’m not sure it’s necessary.
I went up on the slight hill last year and put some flowers on her grave, but that’s the only time I’ve visited her.
I pulled over yesterday and got out to take a photo of the gravesite. These small cemeteries are all over the country; families used to bury their loved ones on their farms in these small sites.
Many of them are abandoned and neglected or buried in bush and growth after the families have gone or died off. This one seems to be tended every year.
I wonder if her family descendants do that. I’m not somebody who always needs to know the details of things. Sometimes, it’s just good to wonder or imagine.
I am always rewarded when I drive around the back roads up here. There is always something beautiful or touching to see. Life here is out in the open, often for centuries.
I enjoy wandering in cemeteries. Last year I found a Medal of Honor winner from the civil war buried in our local cemetery. Never knew of him and had walked past his grave ,any times. The grave was cleaned up last year and so I finally saw it. Motivated me to research his story. There is so much history in local cemeteries.
I found a headstone when I was back- country fishing once. It was very detailed about who was at rest there, how they passed (caught out in a snowstorm) and had a lovely iron railing around it. It also seemed to be in good condition. I’ve always wondered who looked after it – a nice mystery.
War of 1812 veteran married Nancy in 1806
I love old cemeteries, family plots. You see how many young children died in the first couple of years and how many women died in childbirth. Thank goodness for better healthcare.
I was born but not raised in Alliance, Nebraska. When I go back to visit what few relatives that remain, I head for the cemetery. There I can visit with all the memories I have with the people who rest there.
Enjoyed seeing this photo. Approximately what is the monument size? Looks very large.
Nancy’s son, Horatio Stone who sculptured the relief was an artist, physician and writer. If you have a chance, note that he has some well known pieces and accomplishments.
(Col. Stone’s first wife is also buried in that cemetery. )
Thanks Kande, I appreciate your information