I recently shared a post with you on Christ Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
which was attended during the Revolutionary era of these United States of America.
There are some graves on the grounds of the church, but in 1719.
As the congregation grew, a 2 acre burial ground was purchased
"on the outskirts of town" - only 3 of today's city blocks away.
As the congregation grew, a 2 acre burial ground was purchased
"on the outskirts of town" - only 3 of today's city blocks away.
In addition to many important men, among them signers of
the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution,
the most popular person buried here is Benjamin Franklin.
the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution,
the most popular person buried here is Benjamin Franklin.
To the right of the entrance is this plaque:
Here's the grave of Franklin and his wife Deborah, as seen from the sidewalk looking in.
So, let's pass through the gate and take a look inside Christ Church Burial Ground.
I had hoped to be able to read the epitaphs,
but the years had worn away almost all traces.
Flat table-tombs are especially susceptible to erosion.
I found 2 gravestones that were still legible:
Here lyeth the Body of
Eleanor Dupuy
who died 21st Jan. 1753.
Aged 2 years.
Aged 2 years.
Daughter of Daniel
& Eleanor Dupuy.
In Memory of
Alexander Conynch
Late of Letterkenny in
IRELAND
who departed this life
October the 15th 1748.
Aged 31 years.
Back to the grave of Ben Franklin.
As a young man, Franklin came up with his own epitaph,
but later in life, he left instructions that only a simple inscription was to be used.
Benjamin and Deborah Franklin 1790
A plaque next to his grave shows that epitaph.
Christ Church Burial Ground is located on Arch Street
between 4th & 5th Streets in Philadelphia.
between 4th & 5th Streets in Philadelphia.
Learn more at their website.
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