Verbal/Material Lore – Gravestone Epitaph
“The Brown Family”

English

Informant Data

Abner H. Brown was a professor of mathematical medicine and medical jurisprudence at the Berkshire Medical Institute. He died April 21st 1851, at the age of 34. He is buried with his wife, Susan Augusta, daughter of Rev. Roswell Shurtleff, born January 14th, 1822, and died April 24th, 1900.

Contextual Data

Abner’s epitaph is taken from Revelations 14:13, and could be from one of many versions of the Bible. However, given that most epitaphs from this time period and location seem to be taken from the King James version, his epitaph likely is also. Susan’s epitaph is taken from 2 Timothy 1:12, King James Version. Given that her father was a Reverend, it is likely that Susan was a religious individual; thus, it would make sense that she would want a religious epitaph. It is worth noting that excerpts from this verse appear at least one other time in the Hanover graveyards.

Text

Abner: “Blessed are the dead who die in the the Lord.”

Susan: “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him.”