Cemetery Tour - North Henderson

MOUNT VERNON CEMETERY - NORTH HENDERSON

A mile south out of North Henderson is a small iron sign that says "Mount Vernon Cemetery" with an arrow pointing east. I've driven by it a hundred times and never thought about a visit, until this week.

It is surprisingly large cemetery for a small town and sparsely populated area.

I was stunned by the rather nice Veteran's Memorial that is at the edge. This is something virtually unheard of in the smaller cemeteries and wondered where the money came from and who maintains it.

Just walking aimlessly often reveals interesting things about those who rest here, like Gilbert who apparently is still with us or decided against spending any more time with wife Ethzelda.

Ship anchors are also common stone markings.

A tree with ornate flowering blossoms and ferns.

Tasselled cloth is common on 19th century stones.

The tragedy of infant mortality back in the 19th century. Frank lasted no longer than a month, William 5 months, and the Twins (notice no first names) died on their birthdays.

The intricacy of the wrinkles in the stone cloth is striking.

The lettering is indecipherable.

An open book and timber is a recurring theme.

I have always been fascinated by the history and stories a cemetery reveals. "Gone But Not Forgotten" is a phrase etched into many stones, but of course, the people under those stones are not only lost but now mostly forgotten. It imbues me with a reverence for life and a need to do the best I can to enjoy it while it is good. In the past week I visited this place and a couple more in the area. I will be posting these soon. I don't think it's morbid to visit these places, that were more like parks a hundred years ago. It is more a realistic peek into the future and walk in the past.

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