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Gravestone Portraits of Ministers

Updated: Jan 18



Gravestone portraits in the 18th and early 19th centuries were not generally intended to be an exact likeness of the deceased. Their function was to demonstrate to the viewer the taste and status of the deceased. They were not at all common until the 1750s.


Ministers in New England during the Colonial Era were highly educated and leaders in their community. They had the resources to purchased large grave markers to show off their status and taste.


The gravestone portrait of Rev. Ebenezer Bridge
Reverend Ebenezer Bridge

Forefathers' Burial Ground

Chelmsford, MA


Carved by the Parks

c. 1790s

The tombstone portrait of Rev. Grindal Rawson
Reverend Grindal Rawson

Old Cemetery

Mendon, MA


Carved by William Codner

c. 1740s

The gravestone portrait of Rev. John Chandler
Reverend John Chandler

Old South Burying Ground

Billerica, MA


Carved by the Parks

c. 1750s


Reverend Nathan Holt, AM
Reverend Nathan Holt, AM

Old South Cemetery

Peabody, MA


Carved by the Parks

c. 1790s

Reverend Samuel Ruggles
Reverend Samuel Ruggles

Old South Burying Ground

Billerica, MA


Carved by the Parks

c.1750s

Reverend Thomas Jones
Reverend Thomas Jones

Second Parish Burial Ground

Burlington, MA


Carved by the Parks

c. 1770s


The portrait gravestone of Rev. William Whitwell
Reverend William Whitwell

Old Burial Hill

Marblehead, MA


Carved by the Parks

c. 1780s

The gravestone portrait of the Reverend Mr. Jonathan Pierpont
Reverend Jonathan Pierpont

Old Burying Ground

Wakefield, MA


Carved by the Lamsons

c. 1710s

The gravestone portrait of Reverend Silas Bigelow
Reverend Silas Bigelow

Center Cemetery

Paxton, MA


Carved by William Young

c. 1770s


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