A variety of symbols and images can be carved or etched on tombstones. The photos below show examples of carvings and etchings and show the difference between the two techniques.
Religious symbols are the most popular tombstone inscriptions but other symbols tell us a little about the life of the deceased. Today, some local tombstones that indicate a person’s occupation.
Modern etching techniques create realistic-looking images on grave markers. Among my favorites are the photo-like farm images. It is obvious these are the grave markers of farmers.
St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Preble County, Indiana
Swamp College Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio
West Lawn Cemetery, Baltic, Ohio
Below are some carved images and you can see how they differ from etchings.
This person was a medical doctor.
North Grove Cemetery, Celina, Ohio
This person was an Ohio State Highway Patrolman.
Catholic Cemetery, Celina, Ohio
A barber pole indicates the person was a barber.
West Lawn Cemetery, Baltic, Ohio
This person was a truck driver.
Decatur Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana
This person evidently had several trades.
Woodlawn Cemetery, Van Wert County, Ohio
An emblem is sometimes attached to the monument. These emblems indicate a fireman and a volunteer fireman.
North Grove Cemetery, Celina, Ohio
St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Preble County, Indiana
