Click on an underlined name for the full gravestone inscription.

NINETEENTH CENTURY HYMNALS
In 19th-century America, hymns were integral to religious worship and community life, reflecting denominational practices and social movements. Excerpts from favored hymns became epitaphs, providing comfort and conveying themes of eternal rest, resurrection, and the hope of reuniting with loved ones in the afterlife. The use of hymns on headstones beautifully intertwined music and memory, echoing the promise of eternal life and the peaceful repose of the departed. Here are the most recognizable hymns recorded in Old and New Cemetery sections. 

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William Hiley Bathurst (1796-1877) was an Anglican clergyman and hymnist, known for his deep theological insights and poetic contributions. Educated at Winchester and Christ Church, Oxford. He served as rector of Barwick-in-Elmet for 32 years before resigning due to doctrinal disagreements. His notable works include "Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Use" (1831), which features many of his original hymns. "Death Gain to the Faithful," a hymn reflecting themes of rest and victory after life's struggles, is among his cherished compositions. 

•  “His toils are past, His work is done, He fought the fight, The victory won.”   ~ gravestone of Melrose Gregory Bonner [1878-1933]​

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Father of English Hymnody

Isaac Watts [1674-1748] was an English Congregational minister, hymn writer, theologian, and logician. He authored around 750 hymns that continue to inspire worshippers today, including "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "Joy to the World". His works are characterized by their theological depth and poetic beauty, and his hymn "Triumph Over Death in Hope of the Resurrection" reflects his profound faith in the promise of eternal life.

• "God my redeemer lives, And often from the skies, Looks down and watches all my dust, Till he shall bid me rise."   ~ gravestone of Tabitha Willson [1809-1873]

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Founder of Singapore
Thomas Raffles (1781-1826) was an English colonial administrator, historian, and founder of Singapore. He made significant strides in understanding the Malay Archipelago and authored "The History of Java." His legacy includes the establishment of Singapore as a key trading post, influencing maritime trade between Europe and Asia. He also authored a hymn entitled "High in Yonder Realms of Light," reflecting his spiritual insights and poetic expression.

• "Happy spirit thou art fled, Where no grief can entrance find. Lulled to rest the aching head, Soothed the anguish of the mind. Every tear is wiped away, Sighs no more shall heave the breast. Night is passed in endless day, Sorrow in endless bliss."   ~ gravestone of John A. Shields [1833-1871]​

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A Glee: Not A Hymn
John Wall Callcott [1766-1821] was an English composer celebrated for his glee compositions and catches. A pupil of Haydn, Callcott's works include over 100 glees, many of which won prizes. His choral pieces often set lyrics by poets like Thomas Gray and Sir Walter Scott. Despite ill-health, his Musical Grammar (1806) remained influential throughout the 19th century. Callcott's legacy endures through his contributions to English choral music.

• "Sleep soft in dust, wait the Almighty’s will, Then rise unchanged and be an angel still."   ~ gravestone of Eliza Smith Shields [1815-1822]

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The Hymn and Sermon Intersection
Joel Abraham Knight [1754-1808] was a Methodist minister known for his evangelical sermons and hymns. His hymn "Alas, How Changed That Lovely Flower" poignantly captures life's fleeting beauty and the sorrow of parting. His work was later published in various hymnals, including the Primitive Baptist Hymn and Tune Book (1902, 1907).

• “Alas how changed that lovely flower, Which bloomed and cheered my heart. Fair fleeting comfort of an hour, How soon we are called to part.”   ~ gravestone of Lester Granville Markham [1851-1855]

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The Impact of the Prolific Theodosia on Christian HymnodyAnne Steele (1717-1778) was an English Baptist hymnwriter and essayist, known for her devotional poetry. Using a pseudonym, she composed 144 hymns, 34 versified Psalms, and numerous poems. Her works were published in multiple volumes and widely used in hymnals. In "At the Funeral of a Young Person," she reflects on the suddenness of death and warns the young and thoughtless to be mindful of their mortality.  

• “In the bloom of days that grim messenger death calls and we must go, young or old. O! you young and thoughtless take warning; Ere long you may be in a similar condition.”   ~ gravestone of Caroline H. Peeples Ware [1809-1828] 

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"It Is Well with My Soul"

Horatio Gates Spafford [1828-1888) was an American lawyer and Presbyterian church elder. Spafford's life was marked by significant personal tragedies, including the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which ruined him financially, and the tragic loss of his four daughters in a shipwreck in 1873. Spafford spent his later years in Jerusalem, where he engaged in philanthropic work. Despite hardship, his faith remained steadfast and even inspired his most famous work following his daughters' demise - the hymn "It is Well with My Soul" from which the verse below originates.

• “With Christ his haven, he is well.”   ~ gravestone of Daniel Killian [1805-1888]

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Lyricist of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" (aka "America")
Samuel Francis Smith [1808-1895] was an American Baptist minister, journalist, and hymnist. In addition to his iconic contribution, he wrote over 150 hymns and collaborated on The Psalmist (1849), a notable Baptist hymnal.

His hymn "Sister, Thou Wast Mild and Lovely" reflects his deep emotional and spiritual insights. Published in various hymnals, including the Seventh-Day Adventist Hymn and Tune Book (1893), it captures the gentle and loving nature of a departed sister, offering comfort and hope to those grieving.

• “Little Orrin (customized to the decedent) thou hast left us, Here thy loss we deeply feel. But ‘tis God that hath bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal.”   ~ gravestone of Orrin H. Markham [1853-1853]

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Most Common Epitaph - "Asleep in Jesus" 

Margaret Mackay [1802-1887] was a prolific Scottish writer known for her hymns and poems. Her most famous hymn, "Asleep in Jesus! Blessed Sleep," written in 1832, reflects the peaceful rest of believers who have passed away in faith. The hymn's serene and comforting message made it a popular choice. Mackay's work emphasizes the calm and undisturbed repose of those "Asleep in Jesus" but awaiting the resurrection. Given the brevity of the message, this epitaph is featured again and again through most cemeteries, and Madison is no exception.   

• "Asleep in Jesus"   ~ gravestone of Elizabeth Ann Crawford [1809–1891]

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The Primitive Quartet

“A Bright Home (Where Grief Cannot Come)” is a comforting hymn by The Primitive Quartet, a Southern gospel group known for their heartfelt and traditional gospel music. The hymn conveys a message of hope and peace, envisioning a heavenly home free from sorrow and grief. The Primitive Quartet, formed in 1973, has been dedicated to sharing the gospel through music, touching many lives with their uplifting and spiritually enriching songs.

• “Gone to a bright home where grief can not come.”   ~ gravestone of Lillie Belle Collier Toombs [1879-1912]

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The Queen of Song Writers

Fanny Crosby [1820-1915] was a prolific American hymn writer who penned over 8,000 hymns despite being blind from infancy. Her work extended beyond hymns to include secular poetry, patriotic songs, and cantatas. She wrote over 1,000 poems and had four books of poetry published. Crosby's cantatas, such as "The Flower Queen," were among the first secular cantatas by an American composer; while her hymns, including "Blessed Assurance," have left a lasting legacy in Christian music. She composed the comforting hymn, “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” in 1868. 

• “Safe in the arms of Jesus.”   ~ gravestone of Henry Booth [1869-1870]

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A Radical Hymn Writer
James Montgomery (1771-1854) was a Scottish-born poet, hymn writer, and editor. Raised in the Moravian Church, his works often reflect humanitarian concerns, e.g, abolition of slavery, the exploitation of child chimney sweeps, etc. Montgomery edited the Sheffield Iris newspaper, facing imprisonment for his radical views. His notable works include "The Wanderer of Switzerland" and "Prison Amusements". "Funeral of an Aged Minister" is among his most cherished works. Montgomery's legacy is commemorated with a statue and stained-glass window in Sheffield.

• “Servant of God well done, rest from thy loved employ. the battle fought, the victory won, enter thy Master’s joy.”   ~ gravestone of Rev. Allen Clark