Existing comment:
The Graveyard
Clues to the Past: Oral History and Archaeology
Several recorded accounts identified that 20 to 30 individuals, including members of the Darne family, were buried here. Given the high infant mortality rates until the mid-19th century even the youngest residents of Darnestown were vulnerable to the hardships of life, disease, and death.
The mystery remains as to who were the occupants of this graveyard. Between 1994-1999 historical research and several archeological digs were conducted to help shed some light on the question. The nearby Darnestown Presbyterian Church had a cemetery that dates from the 19th century; it is possible that residents not affiliated with this congregation were buried in this smaller non-secular graveyard. Equally, travelers whose demise occurred while in Darnestown may been put to rest in this lot. The lack of tombstones could also indicate patronage by some residents lacking financial resources for an elaborate burial. There is even a possibility that some unidentified graves belong to Union soldiers.
Because of a variety of factors -- missing markers, possible grave robbing, neglect over time -- this cemetery was lost to the ages. The occupants might be nameless, but certainly not forgotten.
Victorian Funeral Processions:
Perhaps the most revealing artifact discovered during the archeological dig was an elaborate 1895 coffin handle made of Britannia silver and wood. By the 1890s, Victorian funerals were an event to display wealth and status. No expense was too great for a proper burial. The handles made this task easier and gave invited guests one final somber ornament to examine. The profession of undertaking became specialized in the late 19th century, and elements like ornate casket handles wre promoted to celebrate death.
The funeral procession for President Abraham Lincoln was quite elaborate and well attended. His walnut, lead-lined coffin had four silver handles and four shamrocks formed by silver tacks on each side. |