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Iron Infant Grave Markers & Covers

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Cora Lilian and Little Phoebe died in the early 1870's. Over their graves were placed these cast iron markers / covers. They are topped with a sculpted bouquet of flowers and sleeping baby. The sun was not cooperating with me and my camera, but I hope you can see the tremendous detail on these markers.



At the head of each marker (Cora's is broken) is a circle where is inscribed their names and death dates. Atop this is a crown.


I am not sure of the surnames for Cora and Little Phoebe, but they were laid to rest next to Asbury J. (1847-1924) and Fannie E. Mewborn (1851-1895).


Located in Duluth Baptist Church Cemetery at Duluth, Gwinnett County, Georgia. Photos © 2010 S. Lincecum.

Update! According to some great reporting by Traci Rylands at Adventures in Cemetery Hopping, these cast iron tombstones were likely invented by Joseph R. Abrams.
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Comments

Renee G. said…
I have recently found a marker in one of my local cemeteries that is almost identical to the Iron Infant Grave Markers and Covers. Do you know where I can find more information about this style of marker?
July 13, 2011 at 9:30 PM
S. Lincecum said…
Hi, Renee! Thanks for stopping by.

Since these markers were sometimes made by local foundries or blacksmiths, a Google search of 'iron grave marker' + the area of interest might produce some results. Also, the Association of Gravestone Studies (http://www.gravestone studies.org) has some general articles in their "Markers" publication archives.

I did not notice a company signature of any kind on the infant markers I photographed for the post, but I did find one on a different iron grave marker in another cemetery. If yours has a company signature, searching on that might produce some results as well.
July 14, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Anonymous said…
Thanks for the photos. I found a cast iron "sleeping" child at my local flea market that is an identical casting from the ones in your photos. It is nice to see how the piece would have been used back in the old days.

Robert
July 13, 2016 at 5:15 PM
S. Lincecum said…
That's a neat find, Robert. Glad the photos helped.
July 13, 2016 at 5:45 PM
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