On Feb.12, 2000, the Guilford Historical Society ran their second annual winter social at the Klee House on Main Street. More than 75 interested people attended indicating that the interest in the "Coffin Man", cemetery preservation and history is growing. Those who attended were also treated to tasty treats some of which were donated by the new Yaleville Inn restaurant. Numerous histories and photographs were on display. Those who attended, coming from various towns and counties were also able to network concerning their individual interests. The lecture was presented by Marianne Greenfield, a member of the Association of Gravestone Studies. It began with a history of land acquisition leading to the development of the turnpikes of New York. Tied to this was the historical beginnings of the first cemeteries on the east coast and their gravestone carvers. Most of these carvers came from New England where they learned their artistic touches. Mary Dexter also a member of the Association for Gravestone Studies, has been conducting research on these carvers for many years. Her research has uncovered that some of these carvers left their marks here in Chenango County. Through endless hours of searching the cemeteries of New York, Mary with the help of Marianne have documented the "Trail of the Coffin Man". A detailed map of their journey as itinerant travelers on the turnpikes is now being developed.

During Marianne presentation, interesting facts as to the identity of our Coffin Man and the ways of identifying the gravestones were given. It is believed that the Coffin Man was a J. W. Stewart who came from New England. He had a number of apprentices. These apprentices called Eclectic Man, Comma Man, Open Urn Man, Fern Man and Sunburst Man, were named by Mary based on their style in carving the gravestones. Currently, their identity is being investigated. Fern Man has been identified as Joseph Crandall who lived in the Norwich area during his carving career.

An important part of Marianne Greenfield's presentation covered the need for cemetery preservation. Many of our old gravestones and cemeteries are neglected and have succumbed to the effects of time and neglect. During her enlightening slide presentation gravestones that have been broken, painted on and weathered were shown. These stones reflect our history and our heritage. Some of the Coffin Man and his apprentices gravestones remain thanks to the efforts of towns and historical societies who see the need for preservation. A joint effort on the part of our towns and historical societies is needed. Last summer, the Guilford Historical Society formed a committee called "The Cemetery Club" that traveled countless hours on the roads in the Guilford Township collecting data the location of all of the townships cemeteries.

This was an initial step in the process of documentation. Many lost cemeteries were located, and to date Guilford now has 22 cemeteries. Each cemetery was photographed and the condition of the cemetery was noted as well as the type of gravestones present. Future work will include the documentation of all the gravestones in the townships cemeteries. With the help of cemetery associations this will become a reality.  Also, the author,  Shirley B. Goerlich was to complete a book entitled "The Cemeteries of Guilford."  Her many years of researching the cemeteries and the data she has collected, will be a valuable reference to our town's history.  Tom Gray, Guilford town historian has been working with her adding historical information.

On April 8th the Chenango County Historical Society will be inviting the county historians and their historical societies to meet for a day long annual meeting dealing with our cemeteries. Marianne Greenfield will be presenting her findings.  And on May 13th, Marianne will travel to Greene to conduct a presentation on the Greene and Coventry Historical Society. The focal point of where the Coffin Man worked is centered around the Coventry area.

The Oxford Historical Society is also considering a similar presentation by Marianne and the Chenango Land Trust is in the process of adding to their educational BOCES courses.  The new course being developed will be entitled " The Trail of the Coffin Man." Currently, the course "Guilford Historical Remains" which will be offered again this spring covers gravestone carvers in general.

With all the interest that has been generated, it is hoped that cemetery preservation, a grave issue, will be in the limelight.

written by:

Thomas Gray
Guilford Town Historian

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