52 Ancestors - Quaker Cemetary

Cemetary was the prompt for 52 Ancestors in 52 Days.

There are numerous Quakers on my paternal side. I am interested in all things Quakers. It is interesting to note that early Quaker Cemetaries were just grassy areas appearing to be a well-tended yard or garden. There were no visible graves. I found this explanation on the find a grave page for Charity Grubbs Beeson.

Charity Grubbs Beeson is my 8th Great Grandmother. Charity was born to John Grubb and Frances Vane. John Grubb had immigrated from England. Charity married Richard Beeson October 24, 1706. They had 9 children. Both Richard and Charity became Quakers early in their lives.  Both were active members becoming ministers. They help found the Hopewell Meeting in Martinsburg, VA and Deep Creek Meeting in Guilford County, NC. They preached in various meeting until shortly before their deaths. charity passed in 1761 and Richard in 1777. They both are thought to be buried at the Centre Friends Meeting Cemetary in Greensboro, NC. Their graves are unmarked as grave markers weren't used until the mid 1800's.

"Quaker burials are very simple. Historically, Quakers did not have headstones as they wanted the graves to have an equality to them that would be disturbed by the presence of large, ornate headstones. (that only a few could afford) That morphed into the practice of having very minimal stones with a slight curve at the top that came only 6-10 inches above the ground. These stones are known as pillowtop or Quaker style headstones." Quaker Burial Practices