Author and historian Glenn Knoblock spoke to the members of the Historical Society of Amherst, NH on the evening of 7 October 2013, as the remnants of tropical storm Karen swept northward through the village.
Glenn is a native Ohioan who migrated to New Hampshire in 1984. Armed with a BA in history from Bowling Green State University, he's a prolific author concentrating on New Hampshire history and military veterans who have received little or no recognition.
Tonight though, his topic was NH Cemeteries and Gravestones and spoke of the history that these "deeply personal works of art and the craftsman who created them represent." Each "stone page" tells a story and gives insight into the genealogical book of New Hampshire. Through a slide presentation he told of how gravestones came about, spoke of their creators, the artwork, their locations and how they "move about" within a cemetery. As most things in life it's all about economics as to who could afford a $9 headstone in 1776 and that persons standing in the community as to where the gravesite was located with reference to the church building.
Glenn leading a tour and discussion in Hampton, NH. 3 October 2000.
Photo: Steve Jusseaume, Hampton Union.
One of many in Glenn's collection, this is a rubbing of a stone belonging to Major Edward Oakes who died on 12 March 1812, aged - 39 years in Grafton, NH. Note that this is a large stone for its time and the artwork is elaborate. It's unclear though as to whether "Major" is his first name or an Army rank.
The Old Burying Ground, which dates from 1735 from behind the Amherst Town Hall, or third Hillsborough County Courthouse built in 1823.
If you find that Glenn's presentation has spurred an interest in cemeteries and gravestones, you need not travel any further than our own village burial sites which have wonderful examples of the stones that he spoke of. If you walk the graveyards, you'll notice flags and markers identifying veterans and the wars in which they fought. These are there through the efforts of Marie Grella and students from Souhegan High School who volunteered to step up.
Glenn's presentation was made possible through a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities Council. Would you like to know more about Glenn and the books that he's written? Then click over to Amazon to learn of his vast interests and books that he has written.
JUST A REMINDER
Our next meeting will take place at the Congregational Church on 9 December 2013 at 7:30 pm, where speaker Mike Pride will talk about "Our War, a new look at New Hampshire in the Civil War." These presentations are open to the public... we just hope that you join and support the society!
randpeck@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment