Today I share with you three gravestones of young mothers who died before the age of 40.  All three are old graves in the Elizabethtown City Cemetery in Hardin County, Kentucky.

If you notice all three stones are similarly shaped – indicative to the 1820-1840 time period.  Some have weathered the years better than others.  I think it so important to photograph the older stones – we don’t know how much longer they will last.

Consort is an older term for husband or wife – spouse.  I have seen its used for men and women.  It’s not a negative term as some think!

In memory of Mrs. Jane B. Rogers, wife of G. L. R., who departed this life on March 22nd A.D. 1823, aged 27 years and 4 months.

Jane Rogers was born in 1795, married George Lawson Rogers (1793-1892), and had one son, George Edward Rogers, before her death in 1823.

In memory of Nancy Park, consort of James Park, who departed this life April 27, 1820, aged 27 years.

Nancy Williams, born in 1793, and James Park (1796-1823) were married Augusts 10, 1818, in Hardin County.  She gave birth to two sons, James Williams Park and George P. Park.  Since James Park died three years after his wife, the young boys must have been raised by grandparents or other relatives.

In loving memory of Nancy Strickler, consort of G. W. Strickler, who departed this life in the full knowledge of faith, May the 26, 1833, aged 27 years.

Nancy Peck Strickler was born in 1796.  She and husband George had two children before her death – George W. and Elizabeth Strickler.