Part 24

The Romans had their places of interment in the suburbs and fields especially the highways; hence the necessity of inscriptions. We have a few exceptional instances of persons buried in the city a favour allowed to only a few of singular merit in the Commonwealth. Burying within the walls was expressly prohibited by a law of the xii Tables. Plutarch says those who had triumphed were indulged in it. Val. Publicola and C. Fabricius, are said to have had tombs in the Forum, and Cicero adds Tuberius to the number. Places of burial were consecrated under Pope Calixtus I. in A.D. 210. (_Eusebius._) Among the primitive Christians, cemeteries were held in great veneration. It appears from Eusebius and Tertullian that in the early ages they assembled for divine worship in the cemeteries. Burying in churches for many ages was severely prohibited by Christian Emperors. The first step towards it was the erection of churches over the graves of martyrs in the cemeteries, and translating the relics of others into churches in the city. Subsequently Kings and Emperors were buried in the Atrium or church porch. The first Christian burial place it is said, was instituted in 596; buried in cities, 742; in consecrated places, 750; in church yards, 758. It is said however in the 6th century the people began to be admitted into the churchyards; and some Princes, Founders and Bishops into the churches. The practice adopted at the consecration of cemeteries, was something after this fashion--the Bishop walked round it in procession with the crosier or pastoral staff in his hand, the holy water pot being carried before, out of which the aspersions were made. Many of the early Christians are buried in the catacombs at Rome. Vaults erected in churches first at Canterbury, 1075. Woollen shrouds only permitted to be used in England 1666. Linen scarfs introduced at funerals in Ireland 1729, and Woollen shrouds used 1733. Burials taxed 1695. A tax conducted on burials in England--for the burial of a Duke £50, and that of a common person 4s., under William III 1695, and George III 1783. Acts relating to Metropolitan burials, passed 1850-67. In 1850 the Board of Health was made a Burial Board for the Metropolis, and power was given to the Privy Council to close the City grave-yards. Parochial Registers instituted in England by Cromwell, Lord Essex, about 1538.--_Stow._

Earth to earth system of burial advocated by Mr. Seymour Haden. Wicker Coffins exhibited at Stafford House, 17th June 1875. With the view of rendering the death of persons of quality more remarkable, it was customary among the Greeks and Romans to institute funeral games, which included horse-racing, dramatic representations, processions and mortal combats of gladiators; these games were abolished by the Emperor Claudius, A.D. 47.

The custom of delivering a funeral oration in praise of a person at his funeral is very ancient, it was practised by the Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks and Romans. The old heathens honoured those alone with this part of the funeral solemnity who were men of probity and justice, renowned for their wisdom and knowledge, or famous for warlike exploits. This custom was very early obtained by the Christians. Some of their funeral sermons are now extant as that of Eusebius on Constantine, and those of Nazianzen on Basil and Cæsarius; and of Ambrose on Valentinian, Theodosius, and others.

One of the oldest established and most celebrated of the European cemeteries is that of Pere la Chaise near Paris. In the Scottish cemeteries no such distinctions exist as in England where the cemeteries are divided into two portions--one consecrated for the burials of members of the Established Church over whose remains the funeral service is read and one unconsecrated for the burials of dissenters.

The Burials Law Amendment Act 1880, has given to Parishioners in England the right of burials in Church-yards without the rites of the Church of England.

Though the Incumbent of a parish has no longer the exclusive right of officiating at interments in consecrated ground yet none of his rights are actually abrogated. He is still custos of the grave yard and must be consulted about the hour and place of interment as well as the inscriptions on grave stones. While in the case of lay funerals contemplated under the Act, it is not necessary to have any service at all, the service if performed must be Christian and orderly.]

Another stone bears the following inscription:--

In loving remembrance of William Hayward; born April 4th, 1850, died December 8th, 1874.

"Time, how short--Eternity, how long." Reader, this silent grave contains A much-loved son's remains; Death like a frost has nipt his bloom, And sent him early to the tomb; In love he lived, in peace he died, His life was craved, but God denied.

This stone is erected by his mother as a small token of love for him.

Also of Thomas Hayward, brother to the above; born October 26th, 1855, died June 8, 1876.

Had He asked us, well we know We should cry, Oh! spare this blow; Yea, with streaming tears should pray, Lord we love him, let him stay.

A grave stone records the death of Henry Stening, who met with sudden death on the 25th November, 1875, aged 59 years. "In the midst of life we are in death."

Here is a white marble head stone with gilded monogram (I.H.S.) and stone border to grave prettily decorated with flowers, sacred to the memory of Alfred Thomas Martin, who died September 29th, 1876, aged 31.

Also of Nelly, died July 19, 1875, aged 7; Alfred William, died March 17, 1876, aged 6; Charles Percy, died February 23, 1877, aged 18 months, children of the above. "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away."

Within the precincts of this cemetery is entombed the body of Henrietta, Lady Pollock, widow of Field Marshal Sir George Pollock, Baronet, G.C.B., G.C.S.I., died February 14, 1873, aged 65 years. "Jesus said, I am the Resurrection and the Life." _John xi._ 25-26.

Here is a vault in memory of William Henry Wilson, of Chapel House, Battersea Park, and 6, Victoria Street, Westminster, born 4th of September, 1803, died 8th March, 1871; also of Margaret Isabel (Daisy,) third child of John Wilson; and Margaret Isabel Theobald, died 3rd March, 1876, aged 3 years and 1 month.

Not far from the gravel walk is a grave-stone at the head of which is a dove with a scroll on which is engraved "Thy will be done." Sacred to the memory of Mary Jane Webb, the beloved and only child of Charles and Mary Webb, who departed this life Nov. 30th, 1869, aged 8 years and 8 months, deeply lamented by her sorrowing parents and regretted by all who knew her.

She is not dead, the child of our affection, But gone into the School, Where she no longer needs our poor protection, And Christ Himself doth rule.

Here is a grave-stone; an opening in the stone which is glazed, represents a female in a recumbent position reading a book. In affectionate remembrance of George Barrett, who departed this life January 9th, 1871, aged 2 years and 3 months; also Louisa Barrett, who departed this life September 24th, 1872, aged 16 years and 6 months.

Dear to their parents! to their God more dear, Brother and Sister sweetly slumber here; Blest in their state from fear and danger free; To us they died; they live O Lord with Thee.

Also Daniel Barrett, father of the above, who departed this life August 23rd, 1873, aged 46 years.

Even as he died a smile was on his face, And in that smile affection loved to trace, A cheerful trust in Jesus' power to save, An aged Pilgrim's triumph o'er the grave.

Here is a grave planted with Laurels, having a Rhododendron in the centre, the stone at the head bears the inscription--In affectionate remembrance of Philadelphia Emma, the beloved wife of Ephraim Wilson, of Bridge Road, Battersea, who departed this life, June 24th, 1875, aged 27 years.

The losing thee, our comfort is, to know That those relying on a Saviour's love, Have left this troubled world of sin and woe To be at rest with Christ in heaven above.

Here is a grave covered with a white marble slab and cross, bearing this simple inscription; Phillis, wife of Wyndham Payne, taken to her rest, 26 July, 1870.

Here is a grave-stone; in affectionate remembrance of Clara Cahill, who died 20th of December, 1871, aged 2 years and 3 months.

Dear lovely child, to all our hearts most dear, Long shall we bathe thy memory with a tear; Farewell, to promising on earth to dwell; Sweetest of children, farewell! farewell!

Also Albert, Brother of the above, who died August 7th, 1874, aged 14 months, interred in St. Patrick's cemetery, West Ham.

Oh! why so soon! just as the bloom appears, Strayed the brief flower from this vale of tears; Death viewed the treasure to the desert given, Claimed the fair flower, and planted it in heaven.

Also Caroline, sister of the above, who died March 1st, 1876, aged 1 year and 7 months.

Yes, dearest Carrie, thou art gone, Thy brief career is run, Thy little pilgrimage is past All sorrowing here is done, Just like an early summer's rose, Thou did'st come here to bloom, But long ere thou beganst to blow, Death snatched thee to the tomb.

A head-stone marks the grave of Mary Childs, who died Nov. 24th, 1865, aged 68; for 33 years a faithful servant in the family of George Scrivens, of Clapham Common.

A beautiful granite Grecian cross is erected in memory of the dear loved wife of Arthur Steains, Jun., born 8th January, 1844, taken to her eternal rest 22nd June, 1875. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

Here is a stone--sacred to the memory of Wm. Chas. Brewer, who died June 11th, 1875, aged 21 years. Remember the days of thy youth. This stone was erected by some of his fellow employés, as a token of affection. Our time will not allow us to comment upon the different inscriptions, but it is gratifying to observe how many grave-stones have been erected as a tribute of generous affection by working men themselves, in memory of their deceased fellow workmen. A noble feature this in the British Mechanic, a quality possessed and not unfrequently displayed by English hearts and hands.

At the head of a grave is a marble stone, erected to the memory of Anne Grover, late of Wendover, Bucks, who died April 30th, 1877, aged 54 years. "The Lord is a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knoweth them that trusteth in Him."--_Nah. i._ 7.

A small stone is erected in loving memory of Catherine Weedon, who departed this life, December 24th, 1876, aged 38; underneath are the following well known lines.

We cannot tell who next may fall, Beneath Thy chastening rod; One must be first--but let us all Prepare to meet our God.

At the head of a grave is a stone erected by the friends and companions, in memory of Alfred Fell, and Arthur Ronald, who were accidentally drowned while bathing in the River Thames, July 6th, 1873, both aged 19 years. The subjoined lines read--

Mark the brief story of a summer's day, At noon, in youth and health they launched away, Ere eve, death wrecked the bark and quenched their light; The parent's home was desolate at night, Each passed alone that gulf as eye can see, They meet next moment in eternity. Friend, kinsman, stranger, dost thou ask me where? Seek God's Right Hand and hope to find them there.

A few yards from the spot is a stone in memory of Alfred Halsted who died May 1st, 1873, aged 2 years and 5 months.

Also of Emma Halstead who died January 3, 1875, aged 12 years.

Also of Emma Halstead sister of the above who died June 28th 1879 aged 18 months.

"Speak gently to the little child, Its love be sure to gain; Teach it in accents soft and mild, It may not long remain."

Here is a private grave with a stone in affectionate remembrance of Agnes Eliza Waller, who fell asleep in Jesus, April the 6th, 1871, in her 15th year; also Elizabeth Waller, mother of the above who died in the Lord, February 27th, 1873, in the 37th year of her age. Looking unto Jesus the Beginner and Finisher of our faith.--_Hebrews xii._ 2.

Here also lie buried the mortal remains of James Waller, who died July 7th, 1880, he was an earnest and successful city-missionary.

Here is a monumental stone, in form of an Iona cross, encircled with a ring emblematical of the Unity and Catholicity of the Christian Church. The epitaph states, that Laura Susan Cazenove, "fell asleep," August 24th, 1861, in her 22nd year. "There shall be one fold and one Shepherd."

Here is a sepulchre stone, in memory of Frances Elizabeth Scrivens, widow of George Scrivens, Esq., of Clapham Common, who died March 11th, 1867, aged 81 years.

In this cemetery are interred the mortal remains of Arthur Miller Rose, who died 12th July, 1864, aged 67; also Susannah, his wife, who died 30th December, 1870, aged 75. "The memory of the just is blessed."--_Proverbs x._ 7.

Near this spot we observed an iron label, with the number of somebody's grave; there was no hillock, the surface was completely flattened; over the label was placed by fond hands a faded wreath.

Covering a brick vault is erected a superb monument, bearing the following inscriptions--in affectionate remembrance of Marianne, the beloved wife of Robert Jones, of Clapham Common, born May 9th, 1808, died November 17th, 1868; also in memory of Anne, second daughter of Robert and Marianne Jones, born July 12, 1841, died October 22, 1872. "He hath prepared for them a city."--_Hebrews xi._ 16.

"O Paradise! O Paradise! Who doth not crave for rest? Who would not seek the happy land Where they that love are blest? Where loyal hearts and true, Stand ever in the light; All rapture through and through, In God's most Holy sight."

Also Falkland Robert, the third son of Robert and Marianne Jones, who died 29th November, 1875, aged 23 years.

Adjacent to that of his parents, is erected a monument of Scotch granite, mounted with a white marble urn, partially covered with a cloth or veil. Sacred to the memory of Joseph May Soule, second son of the late Rev. I. M. Soule, who departed this life, 15th March, 1875, aged 33. "I am the Resurrection and the life."--_John xi._ 25. On the south side of the beautiful obelisk erected over his Parents' grave is an epitaph to the memory of Hannah Turnbull, for 13 years a devoted nurse in the family of the Rev. I. M. Soule, who died June 9th, 1866, aged 44 years. Fallen asleep in Jesus.

By the side of one of the gravel walks a modest head-stone is erected in memory of Elizabeth Ursula, wife of James Pillans Wilson, Esq., born October, 1836, fell asleep in Jesus, 11th May, 1869, in her 33rd year. She was a regular attendant at the public worship of God, from her childhood, and sought sincerely to please Him, but did not become a worshipper of Him, 'in spirit and in truth,' by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, and being saved until her twentieth year, from which time she knew Him indeed as her Father, and walked with Him in this world as His child. Subjoined is the following address to the reader--

Dear reader, how is it with you? Are you still only an outward worshipper, or perhaps not even that? O! believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, as having died on the cross for your sins, and ask Him to make Himself known to you in your heart as your own Saviour, and then you also will walk this earth as a happy child of God, loving and serving Him by the power of His Spirit in you, till He shall take you home to Himself to the fulness of joy in His presence, and the pleasures at His right hand for evermore.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this, the judgment; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him, shall He appear the second time without sin, unto Salvation.--_Hebrew ix._ 27-28. _Isaiah liii._ 6. _Acts xvi._ 30-31.

Here is a grave with stone border and marble head-stone--in memory of the Rev. Edwin Thompson, D.D., Vicar of St. John's Parish, and honorary Chaplain of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls, Battersea Rise, who died February 2nd, 1876, aged 51 years. "Knowing that he, which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also, by Jesus, and shall present us with you."--_II. Cor. iv._ 14.

Also of Hannah Thompson, mother of the above, who died July 1st, 1876, aged 80 years. "This is the victory that overcometh the world--even our faith."--_I. John v._ 4.

We must tread softly among these grassy mounds, for yonder at the end of the gravel walk is situated our Darling Teddie's grave, (No. 7217). Edward George Curme Simmonds, who was drowned off Battersea Park embankment, October 16, 1875, aged 10 years. In another part of the cemetery is interred all that is mortal of our beloved daughter Hannah, who died June 12, 1873, aged 18. "My faith looks up to Thee, Thou lamb of calvary, Saviour divine!"

But we have tarried almost too long, and as time is precious we must leave for the present our meditations among the tombs, only observing that as we examined the records of mortality, and thought of the promiscuous multitude rested together without any regard to rank or seniority within those thousands of graves, we were reminded of the words of the Rev. James Hervey, when gazing upon a similar scene in a church yard. "None were ambitious of the uppermost rooms, or chief seats in this house of mourning; none entertained fond and eager expectations of being honourably greeted, in their darksome cells. The man of years and experience reputed as an oracle in his generation, was contented to lie down at the feet of a babe. In this house appointed for all living, the servant was equally accommodated and lodged in the same story with his master. The poor indigent lay as softly, and slept as soundly as the most opulent possessor. All the distinction that subsisted was a grassy hillock, hound with osiers, or a sepulchral stone, ornamented with imagery." In Thy fair book of life divine; My God inscribe my name.

My flesh shall slumber in the ground, Till the last trumpet's joyful sound; Then burst the chains with sweet surprise, And in my Saviour's image rise. How many graves around us lie! How many homes are in the sky! Yes for each saint doth Christ prepare, a place with care, Thy home is waiting, brother there!

On the south side of the centre gravel walk east of the mortuary Chapels is a neat marble head-stone. Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Farmer, born January 13th, 1810, died February 1st, 1873. Also of William Farmer, born May 14th, 1802, died May 26th, 1877, he was for 36 years a faithful servant in the employ of Messrs. Thorne, Brewers, Nine Elms. "The memory of the Just is blessed. They rest from their labours."--_Rev. xiv._ 14. This stone as a tribute of filial affection is erected in loving remembrance by their sons.

On the west-side of the cemetery is erected a small red granite cross in loving remembrance of John Hext Ward, Churchwarden of Battersea, 1874. Died 9th December, 1877, aged 40. A few of his friends thus record their admiration for his sterling worth, for his manly godliness, and for his self-denying efforts to help the poor to help themselves. "Thy Kingdom come."

Here is a grave adorned with pretty flowers and rose trees a glass shade covers a wreath, in the centre of which is an image representing the Redeemer. At the head of the grave a memento card is framed and glazed, In loving remembrance of Kate Ellen Wilson, who departed this life July 2nd, 1878, in her 21st year.

The stem broke and the flower faded. When my final farewell to the world I have said, And gladly lie down to my rest; When softly the watchers shall say "she is dead," And fold my pale hands on my breast; And when with my glorified vision at last, The walls of that city I see; Angels will then at the beautiful gate, Be waiting and watching for me.

Conspicuously by the side of the carriage road may be seen a stone obelisk tapering like a spire, with hand and forefinger pointing to the sky. On front of the obelisk is a dove with marble scroll with the words "for of such is the kingdom of heaven." In memory of Jessie Felicia, the beloved wife of Frederick Reed, of Wandsworth, late of Battersea; who died 22nd October, 1874, aged 31 years. Also Emily Kate, the beloved daughter of the late C. Q. Baker, of Margate, Kent; who died 6th January 1877, Aged 2½ years.

A grave stone with dove and scroll with the words "Jesus wept" is erected in affectionate remembrance of Rozinia Sarah eldest daughter of Henry and Rozinia Osborn, and grand-daughter of Mrs. M. E. McBain; who departed this life October 14th 1868, aged 8 years and 7 months. "The sting of death is sharp--But the love of Christ surpasseth all."

Another stone sacred to the memory of Mrs. Mary E. McBain who died July 8, 1866, aged 68 years.

Also of James Fairbain McBain, husband of the above who fell asleep in Jesus, May 18th, 1879. For many years he had been a temperance advocate and successful evangelist.

Here is a stone in affectionate remembrance of Little Marke, the dearly beloved child of Philipp and Rose Konig, who fell asleep February the 3rd, 1876, aged 22 months.

Our loss is his great gain, We trust in Christ to meet again.

Another stone in memory of Elizabeth the beloved wife of John Tyler Larking, who after a painful mental and bodily disease fell asleep in the dear Lord Jesus, August 27th, 1878, in her 76 year. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

On the right hand side of the principal road from the main entrance to the cemetery is a grave-stone erected in loving undying remembrance of Kate Ellen Wilson, whom it pleased God to take from this world of care on the 2nd of July, 1878, aged 21 years.

"Gone for ever in the blossom of life and love, After scarcely a moment's warning. Eloquence is lost in attempting to describe her noble qualities Loving, faithful, generous and pure, Thou wert the bright star that guidest me on, Toiling for thee and rank among strangers. Thy smile my reward when the battle was won, In sickness or sorrow, in sadness or sleeping Thy smile ever near to guide me along, Whispering hopes of a bright tomorrow My sad spirits cheering with dreams of relief, But e'er one summer passed away That gentle voice was hushed for aye I watched my Love's last smile and knew, How well the angels loved her too, Then silent.-- Then silent but with blinding tears I gathered all my love of years, And laid it with my dream of old, When all and loved slept white and cold."

On the border stone are the words "the property of Walter Scott." No. of grave 8747.

We observe another stone in memory of Mahalah the beloved and affectionate wife of Henry Noble Williams, who died November 12th, 1873, aged 38 years. In her prostrated affliction she "endured as seeing Him who is invisible" and longed to behold "the King in His beauty."

How calm and easy was her parting breath, No conscious sorrow shook her bed of death No infants fall when wearied sleep oppressed So did her soul sink to eternal rest "Until the morning breaketh."

"She looked well to the ways of her household, and ate not the bread of idleness." _Prov. xxxi._ 27.

Also the above named, Henry Noble Williams, who died October 28th, 1879, aged 44 years.

"This mortal shall put on immortality." _I. Cor. xv._ 53.

Here is a grave the head-stone is erected in affectionate remembrance of John Allison Peel, who died March 23, 1871, aged 40 years.