A Look Into Some of Charleston's Church Graveyards

Our class took a trip to two of Charleston's church graveyards. Our first stop was to the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul on Coming Street. After that we headed to St. Patricks Catholic Church. In these old graveyards our task was to photograph and identify 10 different types headstones. 

At the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul we had a member of the church, Mrs. McCants share an interesting story about how the church had very little information about the individuals who are barred in the graveyard. She told us that it's her hard for of finding out more about the people and to make records of all who are married there.  

Identified below are a few of the grave markers I photographed in the Cathedral Church Graveyard and the St. Patricks Catholic Church Graveyard!

Pedestal Tomb-Valted Top

This grave marker is in memoriam of Matthew Sully Reeves. He lived from 1814-1862.

Pedestal Tombs are similar to obelisks, but are shorter and wider, they also tend to have more carving on them. 
As you can see in the photograph his last name "Reeves" is engraved in all caps towards the base of the grave marker.

Obelisk Cross

This grave marker belongs to Seattie H Dawson. She was born in 1859 and died in 1879.

Appears to be a marble headstone, and contains a leaf and an easter lily in the center of the cross. The easter lily symbolizes purity and Chasity.

Headstone

Headstone beloning to Allyson Jordan Key. Lived from 1975-2013 being one of the more recent grave markers in the graveyard.

One of the more simple markers I noticed in the church's graveyard. Engraved on it, a cross and a quote at the bottom.

Die in Socket

Memoriam belongs to Samuen Wragg who lived from 1771-1844 and his wife Mary Wragg 1782-1872.

The crown in the top of the grave marker usually symbolizes triumph over death.

Ledger

This is a ledger grave marker that belongs to Constance Wigfallsimons. She lived from 1842-1929

At the top of the ledger is a laurel which represents the "evergreen" memory of the deceased.

Sarcophagus

Grave of Catherine Simons, died in 1862 at the age of 21.

Hidden in the side of the graveyard but one of my favorites. The lion feet on the bottom of the coffin make it unique.

Column

Site of Mary 'Ion Lucas, who lived from 1831-1891

Her grave read a scripture from Proverbs 31:28, "Her children arise and call her blessed."

Box Tomb

This Tomb is from the saint Patricks church graveyard, it's  regular in shape with a ledger on the top. 

I found out that these were most likely opened by homeless people looking for shelter.

Slant Marker

Arnoldus Vanderhorst, he lived from (1860-1921).

Unique slant design made from marble. 

Gov't Issued


Carl H. Wohlfeil was a Lieutenant Colonel of the US Army that served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Also a silver star recipient