Let us Now Praise Great Men: A Micro-historical and Archaeological Analysis of Three 19th-Century African American Gravestones
Author(s): Richard F. Veit; Christopher Matthews
Year: 2024
Summary
Antebellum grave markers for African Americans are uncommon as most individuals were buried without benefit of formal gravestones. However, some of those which survive are extraordinary. The markers examined here commemorate Caesar Drake, a Revolutionary War soldier; Elisha Gaiter a sailor; and Anthony Clapp, a musician. Individually, they illustrate the lives of three exceptional people; collectively they highlight the grit, resilience, and courage of individuals who, in spite of the structural inequities engendered by a profoundly racist society, were able to craft meaningful lives, accomplish great things, and were well respected by their peers.
Cite this Record
Let us Now Praise Great Men: A Micro-historical and Archaeological Analysis of Three 19th-Century African American Gravestones. Richard F. Veit, Christopher Matthews. Presented at Society for Historical Archaeology, Oakland, California. 2024 ( tDAR id: 501334)
Keywords
General
African American
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commemoration
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Gravestones
Geographic Keywords
Northeastern United States
Individual & Institutional Roles
Contact(s): Nicole Haddow