This beautiful monument is dedicated to the memory of Jessie, wife of W. D. Frazer.  Jessie was born in 1871 and died at the young age of 21, in 1892.  I could find nothing to give a reason for dying at such a young age.  But if we examine this monument we can see she was dearly loved.  Was this large figure a depiction of the woman?

Notice that every part of this statue is delicately cut, very life-like – from the hair piled atop her head, to the short sleeves puffed into fullness, the young breasts, the cape at the back, and down to the shoes.  Even a bit of a petticoat is shown peeking out from under the skirt – we can see eyelet lace that forms the ruffle at the bottom.  This is one of the most realistic statues I have seen.

The next gravestone looks like a bird bath!  I’m not sure if that was the intention, but it is, again, very unusual!

Jane Ridgely Peckover was born in 1840 and died in 1920 at 80 years of age.  Perhaps she was an avid bird lover?

This beautiful stone is dedicated to Joel C. Frazer, died May 22, 1863; Nancy Frazer, died April 2, 1872; and Hubbard W. Frazer, died November 9, 1860.  Jesus holding the cross gives great comfort.

This small cross monument is beautifully decorated with ivy, fern, lilies of the valley and other leaves.  The cross itself is covered with either leaves or decoration, but I am not sure what it is.  Two doves add to the overall effect.  Very lovely.  Nannie Frazer, wife of C. W. West was born May 11, 1851, and died May 19, 1882.  Again, another young woman who died too soon.

This next stone is not so unusual in look, but the information on it, is!  Caleb W. West, husband of Nannie, was born May 25, 1844, and died February 2, 1909.  Interesting fact, he was governor of the Utah Territory May 12, 1886 – May 5, 1889; and May 9, 1893 – January 4, 1896.  Did he feel he needed something different and far away after the death of his wife?

This stone is in wonderful condition, considering the person was born in 1775!  Any stone with that early a date will catch my attention!  Sally C., wife of F. B. Flournoy, born February 1, 1775, died June 20, 1858.

Dr. W. H. Curran was born June 15, 1830, and died April 22, 1893.  I love the symbology of this stone!  The tree stump – symbolizing death.  The scrolled paper with the name and dates.  And the fern at the bottom of the trunk – generally found deep in the forest, only by those who have honestly searched.  A delightful gravestone, not only for the person that it represents, but for those of us left behind to enjoy!

A more modern stone, but just as interesting.  The scroll contains the information for the couple buried here – Cornelius A. Renaker, 1850-1926; Julia Beale Renaker, 1850-1938.  The leaves on the side of the scroll, and partially wrapped in it, as well as coming up the other side of the stone and over the top are quite decorative – as well as the font used for the names.

The angel Gabriel is perched atop this last gravestone, holding his horn, ready to wake the dead at the last judgement.  Buried here are John and Sarah T. Williams.  Under Gabriel’s feet the stone is draped, symbolizing the veil between heaven and earth.

I hope you have enjoyed this visit to Battle Grove Cemetery, located in Cynthiana, Kentucky.  Perhaps one day you can visit!