Historically Speaking

Leaving a lasting legacy
Atascosa Co. Historical Commission Chairman


 

 

The other day, I was asked how Historical Commission business was with the COVID Restrictions. I answered honestly, “Slow, we can’t meet together and all of the educational workshops and exhibitions are cancelled. However, we have had time to focus on surveying markers and cemeteries. We can visit cemeteries without restrictions and this break has given us the opportunity to designate a few historic cemeteries.” We both laughed at the notion of cemeteries keeping us busy.

You would think that all cemeteries are old, but this week alone, we mapped and identified two fairly new cemeteries in Atascosa County. What I mean by mapping and identifying is that we have verified that there is/will be a cemetery and that we have documented the coordinates of the cemetery. The information and photographs are then reported to the Texas Historical Commission for inclusion on their website atlas. This ensures that the cemetery will not become lost to history or forgotten. To visit the current list of all historic places in Atascosa County visit: atlas. thc.texas.gov/ or let me know and I’ll send you the link.

During visits to older cemeteries, I noticed the older graves occasionally bore markings and symbols that most folks today wouldn’t recognize. Some of these, I had to research myself.

The first is a grave marker that resembles a tree trunk. When I approached the grave, inscribed was “Woodmen of the World.” Further research says this was a fraternal order that served as an insurance company for families if the breadwinner were to die.

Another common marker was the capitalized letter “G” surrounded by the square and compass. This has several variations and I will not get into the specifics since I am not familiar with the group, but these represent the Freemasons.

Shells on a grave symbolize a person’s Christian pilgrimage through life and baptism within the church.

Hands on gravestones have several meanings depending on the grave and the person. Holding hands can symbolize the bond between husband and wife. Fingers pointing upwards symbolize the deceased’s journey after life. This is just a sample of symbolism that I found. There are far more out there waiting to be seen.

We will continue our work in some form or fashion and if you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to let us know.

Until next time.

MARTIN GONZALES is the Atascosa County Historical Commission Chairman. If you have history to share, you may contact him at 830-480-2741.

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