Mrs. & MOTHER tell “her” story…
MRS A. J. Johnson- MOTHER….known only by her “Married Identity.” Aged 77 years- Born 24 Feb. 1826- Died 25 Nov. 1905.
THE MARRIED WOMEN OF BODIE- buried as MRS. & MOTHER!!
~~~Women in the mining camp of Bodie were “Mrs”. In death it was of such importance- MOTHER, WIFE or MRS. was engraved on their tombstones.
~~~Married outside of Bodie, as Bodie went from a rogue “Mining Camp” to a small town with mining operations of significance, “the married men” starting making accommodations for their wives to travel, and accompany them to the isolated 8,700 feet elevation locationed in Mono, County.
~~Small 520 square-foot, two room, “wood-sided cabins with one or two windows” were built to accommodate the miners. Very sparse with only a woodburning stove for heat. (No running water or inside plumbing. Outhouses- a walks distance from the “small cabin,” which were freezing cold.)
“The unheated structures” were not very comfortable or “habitable” for two people to “sustain during the freezing cold, windchill temperatures,” that were constant in Bodie. Winter days were dark and short. Snow storms with blinding -cold-high winds meant “surviving by the stove!” The wood burning stove, which required cut and stacked 3-4 cords of wood. Constant tending to the “stove” and having stored “provisions” to cook, meant planning and organization. No running water, also meant water had to be delivered, and kept inside to keep from freezing. More time was spent inside, than outside- just maintaining a “daily survival.”
Unique to “ONLY IN BODIE”
Engraved in stone… the unique “only in Bodie” Stories ….
From the meticulously documented Burials and Headstone Inscriptions within the “Proper Cemetery” to the poignant tales of those laid to rest “outside the fence”— the stories of misfits, and the marginalized, which include Prostitutes, Gunman, and Chinese laborers. This is not a CEMETERY; it is a Timeline…. a Timeline of the unique Bodie Miners Union, and the “isolated, remote township” the miners’ built in the frozen-ground location above treeline, at the windswept 8400 ft elevation in Mono County, California.The Bodie Cemetery Timeline serves as a poignant record of the lives lost in the historic mining town of Bodie, California. Established in the late 19th century, the Bodie Cemetery initially catered to the community's burgeoning Miner population, documenting burials that reflect the harsh realities of mining life in the isolated 8,400ft mountain location.
As families and individuals succumbed to accidents, disease, and violence, gravestones began to appear on the hillside. Each grave-plot marking a unique story with inscriptions. Inscriptions that often revealed the emotional weight of infant or a young children’s brief existences. Women dying from “childbirth complications,” were the first burial in the “family plot.”
While many prominent Bodie citizens were interred within the fenced area of the Proper Cemetery, it is “Outside the Fence,” where the forgotten Souls of former Prostitutes, Gunmen, and Chinese immigrants were laid to rest.
The unmarked graves “Outside the Fence,” highlighting the diverse and often overlooked narratives that contributed to Bodie's town and mining history. The Timeline not only chronicles, the “dates and names” of the deceased, but also serves as a “solemn reminder” of the mining community's Legacy, and the transience of life in this once-thriving Mountain town and Mining District.
Bodie Mines Report & Suicide 1883
Bodie Cemetery- Sagebrush and Unmarked Graves and the very top Warren Loose grave.
~~Suicide and - the Bodie Mines Report -1 August 1883
Daily Alta California, Volume 35, Number 12161 , 1 August 1883
BODIE, Cal., July 31st—About eight o’clock this morning Chester W. Mills, a carpenter, 51 years of age, committed Suicide by “blowing his brains out with a revolver.” A “state of domestic infelicity” is believed to have been the cause. The deceased was living with his third wife. He was a Pioneer of this section, and had lived here for twenty years. (There is no mention of a “funeral” or where or if he was buried in the Bodie Miners’ Union Cemetery.”)
BODIE MINES REPORT-During the week the STANDARD MINE extracted 1287 tons of Bullion, and shipped 14,004. The “last cross cut” on the 1200 level is in 440 feet.
The “North Drift” on the 1000 level is in256 feet wide. The “South Drift” is 203 feet. the vein is 5 feet wide, and “looking well.”
The “Upraise” is up 110 feet: vein 4 1/2 feet wide. The upper levels are producing the usual amount of ores.
BODIE MINE crushed 146 tons; average Pulp Assay $23 1/2. Bullion shipment $2262. The “West Cross Cut” on the 1000 level is 312 feet. The “East Cross Cut” on the same level is on 404 feet. Prospecting unbid tunnels continues.
~~~Keeping the BODIE MINING DISTRICT in the Newspapers (both San Francisco and Sacramento papers) was extremely important for keeping “Investors positive” about their speculation on the “Bullion Assays.” Funding the construction of the Stamp Mills took “capital investors” to keep the Mines in operation. Most important “the Assay” was was paying the miners’ wages- not the “bullion” coming out of the Mines. The Investors needed the “confidence” of the “Bodie Mining Stocks” to reflex, the operations worth and sustainability.
The Mines in Virgina City, Nevada had been very speculative for “early investors.” The money that pour into the Financial Markets from the COMSTOCK MINE- made “Mining Stocks” the future in 1880’s. The Bodie Mining District had to keep competitive in the Stock Market with its “news of new levels of tunnels, and the amount of “bullion being ship weekly!”
Bodie in Ruins- 29 July 1892
July 29, 1892—- BODIE IN RUNS…..
San Francisco Call, Volume 72, 29 July 1892
BRIDGEPORT, July 28.- The business portion of the town of Bodie, was almost totally destroyed by fire on Tuesday night.
The fire started in a “Defective Flue” in the Bakery of Mrs. J. Perry. For some “reason unknown” the Fire Department was unable to get any water playing on the flames.
Nothing was saved from the building which caught, and the loss in all amounts to about $75,000, covered by $10,000 Insurance.
Fire of 1932- destroyed the town- The IOOF Hall and the brick DeChambeau Hotel were spared.
~~~The Mining town population had dwindled to 1,591 residence listed in the 1890 Federal Census Report. Two years later, the 1892 fire destroyed the “business section of town-” which never recovered or rebuilt.
~~~The 1930 Federal Census lists the population as 228 residence. Two years later 1the 1932 destroyed 40 buildings including the BANK OF BODIE, the Post-Office, the Sawdust Saloon, the United States Hotel and the Occidental Hotel.
Uncovering the History of Bodie Mining District- December 29, 1879
~~~BODIE MINING DISTRICT- December 29, 1879- “was without a single Church!”
December 29, 1879—— BODIE MINING DISTRICT—- Daily Alta California, Volume 31, Number 10850, December 29, 1879
Grif. J. Griffith’s Views:
Mr Griffith recently visited Bodie in the interests of heavy Mining Operations here. On being asked, his opinion of the District and the general Outlook for the “Future yield of Bullion,” he said:
“Bodie contains about 6,000 inhabitants, who support 156 drinking places, several Newspapers and many Attorney-at Law, “without a single church.” Prior to 1876, but 18 mining Claims were recorded in the District. From this date until 1878- 106 claims were made.
January 1878, 206 mining claims were made, and the Bullion amounted to $797,833,800.
During the rest of the year 1878, 2,100,409, 27 was extracted, and 306 claims were recorded.
In 1879, 374 additional locations have been made, and the yield $3,688,454,— 86 claims making in all 935 recorded locations- very few of which have begun yield- “and the gross Bullion paid, since 1872, $385,886,00.”
There are already erected, exclusive of whims (horse power) 26 steam Hoisting Works on the following mines: Standard, Bodie Mono, McClinton, Con Pacific, South Bulwer, South Standard, South Bodie, Goodshaw, Adends Ore, Noonday, Maryland Ore, University, Queen Bee, Jupiter, Champion, Spaulding and Booker.
These are erected, and “in the process of erection seven Quartz Mills, counting 175 stamps,” as follows: Standard 30, Syndicate 20, Bodie 10, Miner’s 5, Bulwer and Standard 30, Noonday 30, Spaulding 10.
Although, several patent Applications remain, the Standard, Syndicate and Spaulding mines covered by United States Patents. The depth obtained (500 feet), and permanency of the ore channels fully warrant the certain that the Bullion Yield will be nearly doubled in 1880.
“The Future of the Camp is certainly full of Promise.”
Death of “Our Soldier Boy” Louis Gregg Scanavino 23 October 1918
Louis Scanavino “Our Soldier Boy” died at Camp Sheridan, Alabama- October 23, 1918- 26 years old, 9 months, 28 days.
LOUIS GREGG SCANAVINO (born 1891- died 1918)
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, 11/23/1918:
Death of “Our Soldier Boy” Louis Gregg Scanavino.
Louis Gregg Scanavino, one of the best known Citizens of this section, died at Camp Sheridan, in Alabama, Wednesday afternoon, October 23d, at six o’clock.
Louis Scanavino was born at the Goat Ranch near Bodie, California December 25, 1891, and was therefore 26 years and 9 months and 28 days of age at the time of his death.
~~~He was a “native son of high personal character,” industrious and well respected by all who knew him. He was always willing to help anyone with credit to himself and the people he represented.~~~~
~~~He lived with his Folks from childhood to manhood, and up to the time he was called to the colors, July 23, 1918. He was first sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he at once joined the Medical Corps. ~~~
After a months stay in Kansas, he was transferred to Camp Sheridan, Alabama, where he trained for two months, when on October 23, 1918, word was received, “that he died of influenza-pneumonia after suffering eight days with it.” His remains were shipped to his Mother at Bodie, California, at which place the Funeral was held Saturday, November 2d.
The fenced Scanavino “family plot”- all the graves facing the towards town- Bodie Miners’ Union section of the Cemetery.
The Services were held in the Bodie Miners’ Union Hall, and were conducted by Judge Pat. R. Parker, of Bridgeport.
His “casket was covered with a profusion of flowers,” supplied by the people of Bodie and Bridgeport. A large American flag was sent with the body, wrapped around the casket.
~~~Relatives, friends and acquaintances accompanied the remains to their Resting Place. As the casket was lowered the tears of the friends mingled with those of the bereaved relatives of the Soldier, “who died for the country that he loved – U. S. A.”
When he left to go fight for his country he went willingly, and said to his relatives and friends “he was going to give his life up that you and I might have Liberty and Peace.”
“Scan,” as he was nicknamed in the Army, was a Whole-Souled and Genial Fellow, numbering his friends by the score, silent when he could not say a good word for a Fellow Being.
The Deceased leaves to mourn his loss besides a beloved Mother, four Sisters and six Brothers, namely: Mrs. Kate Dondero, of Hawthorne, Nev.; Mrs. Mary Pimentel of Bodie, Calif.; Mrs. Adell Bauers of Stockton, Calif.; Steve Scanavino in active Service in France; Peter Scanavino ,who is in Class one; Miss Theresa Scanavino; Paul, Dave and Victor Scanavino, all of Bodie, Calif. He also leaves one nephew and three nieces.
~~~The Bereaved Family have the Sympathy of the Entire Community.~~~~
Instead of wearing our little service pins
With double stars of blue,
We change one star to golden hue,
But still keep, O God, our service pins
With one star of blue!
– T. S.
“We give unto the end until the World be Free.” Mrs. M. Scanavino and family.
James Gordon Welch- Died 19 September 1907 Aged 1 year 22 days
~~~JAMES GORDON WELCH (died 7 September 1907- Aged 1 year, 22 Months) Buried in the Dolan Family Plot.
~~~JAMES GORDON WELSH
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, 16 September 1907:
Doings In Bodie. The young son of Mr. and Mrs. George Welch is still in a “critical condition.” All is being done that is possible and it is hoped the little Fellow will pull through.
James Gordon Welch (died 19 September 1907- infant grave in the Dolan Family Plot- Bodie Miners Union Cemetery section.
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, 21 September1907:
Sad Errand-Sheriff Dolan was called to Bodie Thursday evening by a telegram, announcing the “death of his young Nephew,” the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Welch.
Bodie Fraternal Burial Association, Report, Receipts, Year ending 5/31/1908: Welch Child burial charges,-$42.
“Our Darling” Leslie Nicholls died October 4, 1908 (3 months old)
Infant Leslie Nicholls- (born 17 June 1908, died 4 October 1908) Aged three months old. (Front grave is Annie Fouke)
Daily Nevada State Journal, 7/24/1907:
Traveling 6,000 miles to wed her childhood sweetheart, to whom she had plighted her troth years ago, “back in romantic Cornwall, England,” Miss Lilly E. Berryman saw her “love dream” realized yesterday as she stood in the parlors of the Bodie Methodist parsonage.
By the side of the man, she had adored since the days she was in pinafores, and he in knickerbockers, and heard the Rev. L. M. Burwell pronounce, ”the words that made her his Wife.”
The “lucky groom” is Thomas Nicholls, a mining man of Bodie, Cal., who had made his home in Nevada for six years. He is 26 years of age and his bride is 24.
~~~~~Leslie Nicholls was born June 17, 1908 and died October 4, 1908- “Our Darling’…buried in the Wards Cemetery.
Bridgeport (CA) Chronicle-Union, 5/22/1915 (Saturday): Bodie News Items.
Thomas Nicholls, who was taken seriously ill with “ptomaine poisoning,” last Saturday night, has about recovered.
George Dolan- Aged 21 years.
George W. Dolan- Aged 21 years- buried in the Dolan Family Plot- November 21, 1905.
George W. Dolan (born 4 April 1884 -died 21 November 1905) Aged 21 years.
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, Saturday 25 Nov 1905
Death of George Dolan: Passes Away at the Home of His Mother After a Lingering Illness
At the home of his mother, Mrs. J. S. Dolan, George succumbs to heart trouble. He was on a visit to his sister, Mrs. Wm. Roach, of Sweetwater, Nevada, when stricken with the fatal disease. (He rallied enough to stand the trip to Bodie.) About two weeks ago was taken to the home of his Mother, there “receiving medical skill, science and the attention of a fond Mother and sisters,” but of no avail and on Tuesday morning at four A.M. his Spirit passed to the Great Beyond.
~~~ George was a “Bodie boy,” the fourth son of the late J. S. Dolan. He was reared and educated in the “little mining camp,” grew to Manhood and was held in high esteem by his friends and school-mates. When in good health, he was employed in the Mines of that town.
~~~He was born in Bodie twenty-one years ago, and leaves to mourn his loss, a mother, Mrs. J. S. Dolan, four sisters, Mrs. Wm. Roach, of Sweetwater, Nevada, Mrs. George Welch, of Bodie, Miss Agnes and Grace Dolan, and James, Bert, Frank and Harry Dolan his four brothers.
Dolan Family Plot- Bodie Miners’ Union Cemetery.
He was buried Thursday afternoon, from the home of his mother in Bodie, a large concourse of friends and acquaintances with the family, followed the remains to last “Resting Place." (Dolan Family Plot- Bodie Miners’ Cemetery)
McQuaid Family Plot- Bodie Cemetery
The McQUAID family plot- Bodie Cemetery….MOTHER ( 60 years), Hugh McQuaid (16 months), Arthur McQuaid (18 years)
The fenced McQuaid family-plot in the Bodie Miners’ Union Section of the Cemetery contains Hugh McQuaid- an infant, who died in 1883, next in death was Arthur McQuaid- a son who died at 18 years of age and their Mother- who died 1909 at the age of 60 years.
A Christian Cross is on top of the Memorial and Ivy is carved at the bottom of the Memorial. The “expense of the stone” and carving of three different Names and Death Dates, plus the ornate fence surrounding the grave- shows the expense the family went to Remember their children, and Mother, who died in Bodie.
Arthur Mc Quaid -Died -Dec. 26, 1890. Aged 18 years.
Hugh McQuaid- Died September 7, 1883. Age 16 Months.
“Mother” is written on the Side of the Memorial Stone- Died October 10, 1909. Aged 60 years.
Mary Burkham (d. 17 January 1945) Burkham family plot- Bodie Cemetery.
Solomon and Mary Burkham Family Plot- Bodie Cemetery- one of the most noticeable Graves - can be seen from the town.
MARY BURKHAM (b. 14 February 1860- d. 17 January 1945)
Solomon and Mary Burkham (buried in the Ward section of the Bodie Cemetery) had four children. Cecil Burkham , Harlan Burkham, Eleanor Burkham and Kathryn Burkham.
Cecil Burkham (born- September 22, 1878 in Bakersfield, CA died-January 7, 1972 in Reno NV.)
Cecil Burkham married Miss Josephine Seiler, from Bodie, CA. and had two sons- Frank and Cecil II. Cecil II Burkham was called “Bert” his whole life. Bertran was his middle name.
Harlan Burkham (born- July 1883 in Lundy, CA died in 1914 in Jerome, Arizona.)
Harlan Burkham had married Maude Metzer, also from Bodie in 1904 in the Bodie Methodist Church. (They divorced in 1909.) Harlan Burkham died in 1914- five years after his divorce, and is interred in the Bodie Cemetery, Ward Section- Solomon Burkham Family Plot.
Eleanor “Nellie” Burkham, (born- in Bodie July 1888 and died October 17, 1926 in Los Angeles) married Grant Holcomb. Together they had four children- Grant Jr. Holcomb, William Holcomb, Theodore Holcomb and Kathryn Holcomb.
“Kate” or Miss Kathryn Burkham was born in December 1892 in Bodie, CA and died in 1912, age 20 years old. (Kathryn Burkham is interred in the Solomon Burkham Family Plot, Wards Section of the Bodie Cemetery.)
Wood Larson- 29 September 1900
Wood Larson- died 29 September 1900. The population of Bodie, California was 965. With the number of Chinese as 80.
~~~~~~Wood Larson - At rest; in loving remembrance. Died September 29, 1900, 7 Months, 18 days.~~~~~~
Death of Wood Larson.
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, 29 Sepetember 1900— Wood Larson, late an old resident of Mono County, but recently removed to Inyo county, died last night in Bodie.
He was recently “thrown from a vehicle,” while on a visit to Modoc county. He sustained an injury to his head, affecting his brain.
The deceased was a native of Norway, and aged about 65 years. He leaves a Wife, three Daughters and three Sons, who have the Sympathy of their old friends in this county in “their great and sudden bereavement.“
Alexander Nixon (1847-1878)
Gone but not Forgotten- ALEXANDER NIXON (1847- 13 June 1878)- Shot by Tom McDonald in a “drunken argument.”
Alexander Nixon (1847 - 1878) Aged 31 years.
President of the Miners Union. Native of Tyrone, Ireland. Nixon was killed in a shootout at Gallagher and O'Brien's Saloon by his friend Tom McDonald in “a drunken argument over which was the better man.”
Epitaph reads: "Gone but not forgotten."
Sacramento Daily Union, 6/14/1878
Alex. Nixon was shot and killed by Thomas McDonald, Wednesday night, at Bodie.
Pacific Rural Press, 6/22/1878
Thomas McDonald shot and killed Alexander Nixon, at Bodie, in a drunken brawl. Nixon was President of the Miners' Union
Sacramento Daily Union, 6/14/1878:
Killed in a Drunken Brawl. Bodie, June 13th. – Thos. McDonald shot and killed Alex. Nixon last night in a drunken brawl. Nixon was President of the Miners’ Union here.
Esmeralda Herald (Aurora), 6/15/1878:
The Shooting at Bodie
About half-past two o’clock last Thursday morning Alex Nixon and Tom McDonald had a difficulty in Gallagher & O’Brien’s Saloon.
Nixon was abusive and finally knocked McDonald down. The latter appeared stunned for a few moments, and when he arose from the floor, he told Nixon “it was hard for a man to be knocked down for nothing.”
Nixon called him “a son of a bitch,” and either struck at or struck him again. McDonald drew his pistol and Nixon did the same. Bystanders could not say “exactly who fired first,” but Nixon at the crack of the pistols— fell to the floor.
Here Nixon continued to whirl and writhe, but still kept shooting with his whistler.
McDonald shot at him twice on the floor, but did not hit. McDonald’s first shot struck Nixon in the right side, passing through the lower ribs, and producing a wound from the effects of which he died in a short time.
Several bullets “went wide of the intended mark,” some passing through the Back Door and some into the Walls. One bullet went through the Back Door, and through a window on the opposite side of the street where it lodged over a sleeper’s head. Considering that both men had whistlers, and fired very rapidly it was miraculous that no outsiders were injured.
Nixon, when sober, is said, “to have been a good fellow,” but in liquor was very quarrelsome. He had some trouble of a serious nature in Pioche some years ago. A year ago last April at Belleville (Nevada), he shot and severely wounded Ramon Montenegro, a young Spaniard well known in this locality.
Sacred to the Memory of Mrs. J. E. Boone — (1843-1891) Grave Bodie Cemetery
Sacred to the Memory of Mrs. J. E. Boone - Julia Ellen Hayden Boone (1843-1881)- buried in WARDS Cemetery, Bodie, CA.
Julia Ellen Hayden Boone (1843 - 1881)
Deaths at Bodie.
Bodie, October 20th - Richard F. Brown, well known in California and Nevada, died here yesterday of Consumption. The wife of Harvey Boone, of Boone & Wright, merchants, died to-day, as did Duncan M. McMillan, a lumber dealer. All three funerals occur tomorrow. (Sacramento Daily Union, 10/21/1881)
A Black Friday. Three Funerals Follow Each Other in One Day.
Friday was a sad day to many in Bodie, and indeed there were but few, even though they were not immediately concerned, who did not feel depressed as a result of “the three funerals which occurred on that day.”..
At 1 o'clock the funeral of Mrs. Harvey Boone occurred from Odd Fellows' Hall. Mr. Boone being a member of both the I.O.O.F. and the A.O.U.W., these organizations attended in regalia. Rev. F. M. Warrington delivered a brief and appropriate Funeral discourse. Mrs. Boones remains were followed to the grave-site by a large procession.
The “contemplation of death at any” time is sad, but on this Occasion it is especially so...”Mrs. Boone, who was an unusually devoted and unselfish Wife, and Mother,” leaves three little ones. The eldest child just three and a half years old, the next eighteen months, and the youngest but ten day old. (newborn baby)
All deprived of that “gentle care which a mother alone can bestow.” Sympathy is of but slight service to those whose Hearts are bruised by these visitations of death. But of such Value as it is it is freely extended by the Bodie community to those who have been so severely afflicted.
(Bodie Standard, 10/26/1881, Wednesday)
MARY LOUISA MOORE
MARY LOUISE MOORE (b. 1871- d. 1891) Aged 20 Years. Died from Ether administered for the pain of a Dental Operation.
MARY LOUISA MOORE- (born 23 March 1871- died April 26, 1891) Aged 20 years.
“A precious one of us is gone, A Voice we loved is stilled: A place is vacant in our hearts, Which never can be filled.”
Walker Lake Bulletin, 4/29/1891:
Miss Mary Louise Moore died in Bodie last week from the effects of ether administered to allay the pain caused by a dental operation. (Note: This news items originally stated, the deceased was Julia Moore, who may have been Julia Ray, from Mary Moore’s first marriage. This was in error as it is clear from Mary Louisa Moore’s gravestone that she died at the time the News Articles appeared.)
Bridgeport (CA) Chronicle-Union, 5/2/1891:
Deceased. – Bodie mourns the death of one of her most “lovely young women,” Miss Louisa Moore, who died on Sunday last, aged 20 years. She was the daughter of Fred Moore, of Bodie, and had long been a resident of Mono County, and was a great favorite, and her sudden departure from this life, has saddened the Community.
Bridgeport (CA) Chronicle-Union, 5/2/1891:
DEATHS. MOORE. – In Bodie, April 26th, Louisa, daughter of Frederick Moore, a native of California, aged 20 years, 1 month and 3 days.
Louisa Moore was one of the best known, and most highly respected young ladies of Bodie. The Funeral Services were held in Odd Fellows’ Hall, on the afternoon of the 28th, under the auspices of the Order of Chosen Friends, of which Society she was a member. She was a good and loving daughter, the only child remaining at home with her aged parents.
Much Sympathy is felt and expressed for them in their sad bereavement. The Funeral was largely attended. The people of Bodie, among whom she had grown from Childhood to Womanhood, showed by their grief and tears, the love and affection in which she was held.
That God in His mercy will help her loving parents “to bear this bitter affliction, is the wish and Prayer of their many friends.”
THE GRIM REAPER visits BODIE!
CHRISTINE PARKER—-aged 2 years and 5 months- (d. August 14, 1905)
Death Visits Parker Home.
~~The “Grim Reaper” visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Parker on Monday morning at 2 o’clock, and took away their little girl, Christene, aged 2 yrs and 5 months.
~~Her death was caused by Cholera Infantum, from which Christine had suffered for about a week. Previous to that she had always been in good health.
~~The Funeral was held from the Parker family residence Tuesday P.M. Services were held in the M.E. Church, Rev. Darling officiating.
~~The Parkers have the sympathy of the entire community in the loss of their first born. Christine “had reached the age when children become interesting, and a sunshine in the home, and her loss at this time is a sad blow.”
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, August 9, 1905 (Saturday)
Family Plot in the Bodie Cemetery
George W. - Son of J.A. and M.A. Conway —May 20, 1901—-Age 1 Year. 2 Months. 28 Days.
~~~GEORGE CONWAY-(d. 20May 1901)—- Age 1 Year, 2 Months. 28 days—-died in a Scarlet Fever Epidemic.
~~~Although Telegraph and Stagecoach, had made the route more secure, a “common ailment or insect bite” on the journey could produce disaster.
~~~Dysentery, which affected almost everyone at some time on or other on the Overland the Journey, could cause of death. This was particularity true, especially among infants. The prospect of having to leave a “ new-born-baby” in an unmarked grave along the roadside, was intolerable. Leaving a “infants tiny body” among the sands of the Wilderness, surrounded by Indians and wolves, was the most painful burden the Emigrants had to bear.
Ones natural instinct was to mark a gravesite, so as to find the “final resting place of a loved one” again. But no, possible or adequate grave could be dug on the Overland Trail.
~~~The sun had baked and hardened ground. Digging was like breaking through solid-rock. Next, the rains would come, and wash away the shallow graves.
~~~No matter what grave-marker one might devise- —a pile of rocks, a piece of wood, a shred of cloth- no emblem—- would survive the harsh Winter snows and blizzards, or simple daily passage of time.
~~~There was also the urgent need to “obliterate a grave.” The Indians made a common practice of “digging up the dead” for clothing. This practice also, spread Cholera among themselves —even as they gathered up the treasures.
~~~Even if a grave escaped the notice, it was not likely to escape the prowling wolves and coyotes. Graves were obliterated by the small animal, leaving no trace to be found of a grave even if it had been Properly Marked. The emigrants came to believe, that the greatest service they could do for the deceased, was to “hide the gravesite.” Some Wagon-trail Companies dug beneath the road itself, so “the ox teams would trample over the evidence of a grave.”
The infant and children’s graves in the Bodie Cemetery express the grief and sorrow their parents. The expense to bury a infant, and to mark the grave properly with marble headstone required a “Family Plot” in the Bodie Cemetery. The “family plot” had a different meaning to the Miners themselves, their wives and children, and especially to all the other women, who lived in Bodie.
The Angel of Bodie!
Evelyn K. Meyers “ ANGEL OF BODIE” Born May 1, 1894- Died May 1, 1894.
EVELYN K. MEYERS- “Angel of Bodie” - died 1 May 1894.
A beautifully sculptured, “Angel gravestone” serves as a soothing and comforting Memorial.
“Angels are regarded as agents of God.” Families usually opt for an angel headstone (irrespective of their religious beliefs), in hope that the angels will take care of their deceased child.
This “Angel of Bodie” stone captures the sense of sorrow and lose to the Meyers family.
Evelyn Beloved daughter of Fannie O. and Albert K. Meyers. Evelyn died from an accidential struck to the head with a pick ax by a workman, who was building a drainage ditch around the Meyer’s home. (Bridgeport Chronicle- Union April 5, 1897)
ECLECTIC MONUMENT
JAMES B. PERRY- A NATIVE OF IRELAND- Died June 9, 1896- Aged 63 Years- Late Supervisor of Mono County.
ECLECTIC MONUMENT- James B. Perry (d. 9 June 1896) Bodie Cemetery
~~~Eclectic Monuments tend to be LARGE, and to “incorporate two or three styles in one headstone .”Usually a large, rugged stone, with a “Scroll for the Inscription.”
~~~All have symbolism in the Christian tradition. The “ROCK” is the most common metaphor for “reliability.” It is often equated with the “living force of God.”
~~~ The Rock represents Jesus, the “Rock of Ages” as the Source, or Eternal Life. The Scroll is an “Emblem of Ancient Wisdom, Prophecy” or Cannon Law (Religious Law). The symbolic reference is to “Divine Law”.
~~~I.O.O.F. Symbol- Internal Order of Odd Fellows emblem of the the ODD FELLOWS LODGE— represent FRIENDSHIP, LOVE and TRUTH.
Mourning the Dead in Bodie, Importance of Grave-site Service!
When death occurred in the late 1800s, no one contacted a “funeral home,” no calls were made to “Morticians to handle the burial arrangements.” No one had to go through the “process of contacting the right people” to carry out the task for burying the deceased. Mainly because there were no “funeral homes or funeral directors.” Up until the early 19th century, “the task of preparing the dead for burial,” was seen as a very simple, dignified Family Affair.
During pre-Civil War times, the funeral process followed a typical pattern . One in which people generally, died at home surrounded by their friends and family.
Upon their deaths, the body was laid out by close relations, who washed and dressed the body in a shroud or “winding sheet” made of muslin or wool. Afterwards, the deceased , was placed in a simple pine coffin, often constructed by a family member or neighbor.
It was during this time that the body would remain at home, in the parlor for one to three days. Relatives, neighbors or close friends would “voluntarily watch over the body,” keeping a Round-the-Clock Vigil. Depending on the weather, a large block of ice may have been placed beneath the coffin, with smaller chunks distributed about the unembalmed body.
On the day of the Burial, Hymns were sung, Psalms Read, a Discourse and Eulogy was delivered. As family and friends paid their final respects to their loved one, during “a in-home-service” held often at the home of the deceased.
When the “final goodbyes were said,” so began the journey of the deceased to their “final resting place.” Depending on the distance, the Coffin would be carried by Pallbearers on foot, or conveyed in a Horse-Drawn Wagon through a sombre procession to a grave, pre-dug and awaited by a Sexton.
Upon lowering the Coffin into the ground, “final grave-site words” were spoken by anyone who wished to speak. Shortly after, Mourners would toss a branch, some straw, or a handful of earth onto the coffin lid as a ritual farewell gesture before the grave was filled. As the onlookers stood by and watched or, as more often then not, the mourner’s performed the “task of filling in the grave themselves.”
This was the Mourning Vigil. Every stage of the Process, from the “laying out of the corpse,” to the sewing of the shroud; the watching of the body and the construction of the coffin; the carrying of the coffin and the digging of the grave, each step was conducted, for the most part, by family and friends of the deceased.
The “Mourning Virgil” was an intimate affair, full of catharsis and closure, as Mourners partook in the Ritual of Honoring the Dead.