Can anyone help me identify this symbol on a gravestone?

Question

I'm doing family research, and the gravestone of one of my ancestors has the following symbol on it. Can anyone help me identify it? Thanks, --Pete

Photo of symbol: http://www.goodagile.com/public/symbol.jpg

Illustration of symbol: http://www.goodagile.com/public/symbol.gif

Sean, here's everything I know: Benjamin Salinger, born 1860 in Pennsylvania, died by suicide in 1910 in Chicago; no known military service; barber; most likely Jewish.

Answer 1

Hi Pete! I have been searching for symbol images 'til my eyes are crossed. I don't believe it's military or Masonic, the symbols are off... and it isn't religious. However, at that period of time, there were hundreds upon hundreds of immigrant fraternal organizations (many that aided the transitions from one's homeland to the US) and the members were loyal, not to mention grateful. I remember my grandfather's funeral being attended by dozens of strangers from one of these organizations. What I see is possibly the French (or Italian) flag surrounded by a "clock" of stars. I found no image from the thousands I scanned that comes even close. I'm not sure what it represents but attached is a list of these organizations... perhaps it will help. As well, it looks like the insignia was done after the headstone. Have you checked the records from the cemetery? There should be archives. One other thought. I believe Jewish people who commit suicide are traditionally denied burial in Jewish cemeteries. You might want to check that, as well. Here are the lists.. maybe something will fall into place. Also there is a web page attached with someone looking for information on a Benjamin Salinger. I hope that this helps and good luck with your search!
http://www.exonumia.com/art/society.htm
http://www.davidkusel.com/book.html

Answer 2

Thanks did you ask the cemetery staff and local historical staff where he is buried about the symbol?

Does this marking appear to be part of the original inscription or done later--same cut?

Have you identified for sure that this burial marker represents your Benjamin Salinger--did you check with the cememtery office for info on place of death, and family?

By the way, I did a quick search and had a bad time finding Benjamin Salinger 1860 PA -1910 IL in the 1860-1910 census'. Did you find one with him and what name, location was he in?

Did you ever look for a new article on his suicide--any obit or notes from that?

Answer 3

It looks like some kind of military symbol to me.

Answer 4

Was this person in the military? If so there is a website you can go through each branch and see the insignias. http://www.army.mil/symbols/index.html.

Answer 5

Was he in any kind of club or organization like the Masons?