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November 7, 2007
Feature Photo: Schinkel Family Tomb
Schinkel family tomb in St. Louis Cemetery Number Three
In spite of this being a tomb for a German family, the style is French, and typical to St. Louis #3. The family was a bit more well-off than some, and this is demonstrated by the urn ornament on top, as well as the sculptured trim around the tomb.
This tombstone tells an interesting story. The first name is that of what we assume is the family patriarch, Edward, but he wasn't the first one buried here. Bertha Henriette, who died at the age of 23 months, was buried in the tomb five and a half years before Edward. This might explain the frilly-ness of the tomb, the flowers and rosettes carved into the front, as well as the flower-draped crosses on the upper pillar.
The draped urn is a common symbol of mourning. There's no specific significance to the urn beyond this. It's an expression of the grief of a family losing a two-year old baby.
The story of the Cordts burials could be an interesting one. John Henry was 33 when he passed in 1870, but Mary Felicite was 9. Father and daughter? This is also a good example of why many families have "double" tombs, so more than one person can be buried within a year and a day of each other.
Posted by YatPundit at November 7, 2007 10:35 AM