On a visit to McGavock Family Cemetery in Wythe County, Va, I discovered a small group of unique headstones attributed to Laurence Krone, using symbols popular in Pennsylvania folk art. Created from local sandstone between 1812 and 1837, they are a distinct departure from the classical marble headstones of the period.
The cemetery is located on a hill at the end of a road leading to a now defunct factory outlet center. Standing in the graveyard looking down on the decaying buildings, I felt as if I were exploring two cemeteries. A quick look at the group of Krone markers shows the unique shape of the headstones. Each one of the stones in this group is slightly different. No two are alike. The sandstone has weathered beautifully, and these monuments are a joy to behold.
The tree of life and thistle designs in the McGavock Family Cemetery are folk art symbols not seen anywhere else in the area. Included on the left headstone are two opposing circular patterns joined by an arch representing the movement of the sun. On the right we see the tree of life entwined—or perhaps growing with its roots in— the heart (of the earth?).
Below are the headstones of three members of the McGavock Family. On the left is the monument for Mary McGavock, wife of James McGavock, Jr. She died in November of 1826. The center panel shows the marker of James McGavock Sr., who died in 1812 at age 84 . He emigrated from Ulster, Ireland. In 1760 married Mary Cloyd, in the then colony of Virginia. According to Find-a-Grave and Wikitree, he fought in the Revolutionary War, and acquired the buildings of Ft. Chiswell, later adding to the settlement. He and Mary were the parents of 10 children. Grandson Randal McGavock on the right, died in October of 1826, son of James McGavock Jr. I could find no reference to Mary as the mother of Randal, but it would seem likely. Perhaps they died of a common illness, since their deaths were a month apart.
As an aside: The stones look to be different colors, but the early morning light softens, and the harsh noon light of the next day makes them seem grayer in tone.
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