skull and crossbones on a headstone.?

Question

Recently my girlfriend and i visited a very old graveyard here in my hometown in newfoundland.Most of the people buried there passed away in the late 1700's to the early 1800's .We came across this one large headstone with a large skull and crossbones on it,We both thought that was very strange ,It was the first time we saw a headstone like that,The person passed away in 1787 ,We was just wondering if there is any meaning behind this .

Answer 1

Here's an article with some speculations on similar headstones in Ireland: http://www.mythicalireland.com/other/skullandcrossbones.php From what I'm finding, it seems to have been used mostly in the 1700's, wherever it was used--I've also found a couple sites discussing them in England and America. Speculation includes disease victims and morticians/undertakers...

Answer 2

The skull and crossbones were a sign of poison or illness. Many of those that died of plague were buried under them. As were pirates, heretics and witches for that matter. Grave robbery may also have been the reason for the marking. Remembering that the bodies of wealthier people were buried with riches, rings, pendants, necklaces, etc. A grave robber seeing the skull and crossbones would think twice before digging up the body to strip it of silver and gold.

Answer 3

There is an organization called "The Association for Gravestone Studies" in Greenfield, Mass. It's web site is: http://www.berkshire.net/ags/ and it might be able to answer your question. My guess is that it simply a symbol for death or might be what is called a "death's head" design. There was an article in "Archeaology" Magazine's web site entitled "Headstones for Dummies, the New YOrk Edition" on September 29, 2006 that talks about designs similar to the one you found. I think the magazine's web site is http://www.archaeology.org. I am sure there are other sites and studies on cemetary stones that might have a more detailed answer. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

That was a relative of mine. He was a descendant of Captain Cook.
A seafarer and scoundrel by nature. There are several of those headstones scattered across Nefounland and Prince Edward Island. There are many such relatives in these parts and they still entertain smuggling and booze and cigarette running across the gulf. This is a true story people.

Answer 5

phi beta kappa

Answer 6

he/she was a pirate?