Spooky Epitaphs in Old Parish Cemetery:Halloween

Today we find the winged skull carvings on ancient gravestones to be rather severe, off-putting, and spooky. It lets us know that life is short and fleeting. And what remains will be the body in the ground.

Similarly, some of the epitaphs engraved on these stones could be severe as well, providing messages that we’d rather not contemplate.

Here are a few of these less than comforting epitaphs found in Old Parish Cemetery.

In memory of Mr. JOEL EVERETT. who died October 9, 1810, in his 25th Year. Young men while in your greatest strength,

Think not yourself secure,

But be prepared while you have'st health

To meet a dying hour.

In Memory of Mrs. Meletiah, wife of Mr. Ebenezer Everett Jun'r who Died April 13th 1790 in ye 20th year of her Age.

Behold and see as you pass by,

As you are now, so once was I,

As I am now so you must be

Prepare for Death and follow me.

In memory of Mrs. SARAH EVERETT, wife of CAPT. WILLIAM EVERETT, who died 9th Feb. 1802, aged 41 years.

Stop here my friends & shed a tear,

Think on the dust that slumbers here:

 And when you read this date of me,

 Think on the glass that runs for thee.

In Memory of Olive, Daugh'r of Mr. Benjamin & Mrs. Mary Fairbanks, Died Dec'r 1st, 1777 in ye 11th year of her Age.

In time of youth was I cut down,

And here in Dust do lie.

Take warning all who this behold,

For you must shortly die.