Civil War Emblems

[Jeff Baucom]

James Anderson (J. A.) Baughcom Confederate Private in the Fifty-Sixth Regiment, Company C.
Eventhough there is no mention of Grandpa Baughcoms service in the War Between the States carved into the tombstone, yet there is a symbol/emblem at the top. Anyone know what that is and what it represents ?

 

[AndyHall]

He was a Freemason. The Compass and the Square are pretty universal symbols of Freemasonry. In English-speaking countries, the G is commonly said to refer to God, or the "Great Architect of the Universe." Freemasonry is largely non-denominational, but does require its members to acknowledge the existence of God or a higher power.

 

[Mike Serpa]

Looks like he is mentioned in this book. J.W. = Junior Warden. (Cokesbury, NC was originally known as Chalk Level.)

Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the State of North Carolina, A. F. & A. M. [1875]
by Freemasons. Grand Lodge of North Carolina.
Published 1875

https://archive.org/stream/proceedingsofgr1875free_0#page/164/mode/2up/search/Baughcom

Also in the 1881 edition - https://archive.org/stream/proceedingsofgr1881free_0#page/104/mode/2up/search/Baughcom

 

[Bruce Vail]

Freemasons are supposed to look after one another, and make sure that deceased members receive appropriate burials. The inclusion of the Masonic symbol on the tombstone may indicate that the local Lodge paid for the tombstone.

 

[Jeff Baucom]

He was a Freemason. The Compass and the Square are pretty universal symbols of Freemasonry. In English-speaking countries, the G is commonly said to refer to God, or the "Great Architect of the Universe." Freemasonry is largely non-denominational, but does require its members to acknowledge the existence of God or a higher power.

Thank you AndyHall, Mike Serpa and Bruce Vail, That was something new I can add to my family research !!!

 

[Bruce Vail]

A.C. Ward was a Confederate veteran and a Mason. He was the younger brother of G.W. Ward, who is pictured at left as my avatar.

I have no idea what the flower symbol on the left of the headstone is supposed to represent. Any ideas out there?

 

[Jeff Baucom]

View attachment 131795

A.C. Ward was a Confederate veteran and a Mason. He was the younger brother of the G.W. Ward, who is pictured as part of my avatar.

I have no idea what the symbol on the left is supposed to represent. Any ideas out there?

I have looked up the symbol and out off all the flower symbols on tombstones this one is elusive, found a website who had the largest collection explaining them, and it said if there was one not represented to let them know and sent the picture to see if they may have a way to find out.

 

[Jeff Baucom]

View attachment 131795

A.C. Ward was a Confederate veteran and a Mason. He was the younger brother of G.W. Ward, who is pictured at left as my avatar.

I have no idea what the flower symbol on the left of the headstone is supposed to represent. Any ideas out there?

Bruce, I still have not heard back from those people I asked in regards to the flower symbol.

Here is what I found the flower looks to be a Lily after close inspection.

Lily
Chastity, innocence and purity. A favored funeral flower of the Victorians. Joseph is often depicted holding a lily branch to indicate that his wife Mary was a virgin. In tradition, the first lily sprang forth from the repentant tears of Eve as she went forth from Paradise. The use of lilies at funerals symbolizes the restored innocence of the soul at death.