Captain, Blacksmith & Realtor

Captain Joseph Willson was all these things in the 58 years of his life. His last incarnation is symbolized by this winged death’s head on his gravestone, the last vestige of his mortality. He died January 14, 1704/5 and spends eternity in Bell Rock Cemetery, Malden, Massachusetts. 

Dimensions - 5×4.5″

One of the many amazing colonial castings we have in the Newburyport shop by the Gravestone Girls of Worcester MA. Colonial stone carvers were true folk artists, and we are blessed to live an area where we can immerse ourselves in the artistry of their work. Importantly, these casting are hand-formed and finished, and no stones are ever impacted by the creation methods. The Gravestone Girls are deeply committed to preservation - and can often be found speaking to groups about cemetery conversation throughout the region.

Given the hand-made nature of the process - each casting may have some variation in color and tone.