This unique old grave marker in Bear Creek shows remarkable workmanship. The lettering is delicate and fancy, and it is likely that it was done by a local craftsperson with tools suited to leatherworking or some other craft. At that time, in our area, stone carving was not a full-time profession, but rather a sideline.

The stone is probably local, as it was unusual for stone to be brought in until much later, when rail transportation made it easier. Many--likely most--graves of the early 1800s in Chatham were marked by simple fieldstones with no inscription.

Sadly, we don't know whose initials were SDC. The name is not spelled out--though the month, October, is spelled in full.

If you are interested in helping us photograph Chatham's cemeteries and grave markers, contact us at CemeterySurvey@chathamhistory.org. There are many cemeteries not yet documented. We'd love to have your help!

More info about the cemetery in which SDC rests can be found here in CCHA's cemetery documentation: https://cemeterycensus.com/nc/chat/cem409.htm

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