This statue which stands at the east end of the Old Nauvoo Cemetery, speaks volumes to me.It speaks of families who "bore one another's burdens", it speaks to the personal loss that so many experienced, but it also speaks of the hope that is provided through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, that we will all rise again, and that "little children are alive in Christ."
As you can see, many of the headstones are falling down and deteriorating. Although there are many headstones here, there are far more unmarked graves. There are many children buried here in the cemetery. Joseph Smith said, "To me, the place where a man is buried is sacred". I sure feel that way whenever I go out to the Old Nauvoo Cemetery.
I need to find out if this a relative of my fifth grade teacher and dear friend. But the amazing story of this man was that someone was offered a fifth of whiskey to shoot him, so they did. The reason they wanted him dead? He would not deny his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Workmans names listed in the kiosk are the ones of record who died in Nauvoo. In Lands and Records, we have another little boy, Joseph, who is not listed but the family history says he died here. They sacrificed for the cause.
3 comments:
That was my favorite spot in Nauvoo. Granted, we didn't get to visit much of the city, but the spirit in that cemetery was incredible.
I am amazed whenever I visit an old cemetery at how many graves are children, many from the same mother and father. What a difficult time to live! But like you said, what comfort the gospel brings, especially in the loss of a little one.
We were puzzled at first by what seemed to be extra stones and then found our they had headstones and foot stones. What was weird. I agree, there is quite a spirit there.
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