Tombstone Tuesday - Robert L Kight

 

  I asked ChatGPT about the symbolism at the top of the headstone, and this is what it shared:

"The symbolism on this headstone is quite meaningful. The carved image at the top shows a hand pointing downward, with what appears to be rings or chains around the fingers.

Interpretation:

1. Hand Pointing Downward – While a hand pointing upward typically symbolizes the soul ascending to heaven, a downward-pointing hand can have multiple interpretations. In some cases, it represents the "Hand of God" reaching down to take the soul to the afterlife. It does not necessarily symbolize damnation, as some might think, but rather divine intervention or guidance.

2. Rings or Chain Links – The presence of rings or a chain could represent a connection between the deceased and those left behind. If they are broken links, this may symbolize a "broken chain," often used to indicate the passing of a family member, breaking the earthly bond with loved ones.

3. Fraternal or Religious Symbolism – Sometimes, hands on tombstones are associated with fraternal organizations like the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), Freemasons, or other societies that used specific hand symbols to denote membership. If this person was affiliated with such a group, the rings or chain might indicate their involvement.

At first glance, it  [the image above the hand] might look like a lamb, but upon closer inspection, it appears to be a cloud or cuffed sleeve from which the hand is emerging. This design is common in 19th and early 20th-century gravestones, symbolizing the Hand of God reaching down.

However, if it were a lamb, that would carry Christian symbolism, as the lamb represents Jesus Christ (the "Lamb of God") and innocence, often seen on the graves of children. The texture and weathering of the stone may make it look more ambiguous."

  Robbie was only 17 years old when he passed away.  

Robert Lee "Robbie" Kight/Kite

 

b 30 Jan 1886 in Georgia, USA

d 02 Feb 1903 in Georgia, USA

 

laid to rest at

Kite City Cemetery

Kite, Johnson County, Georgia, USA

 

Son of

William Norris "Bill" Kight (1851-1919)

and Sarah L Tapley (1854-1923)

 

Robbie was my 3rd cousin, 2x removed.  

 

Our common ancestor is 

Newhampton Tapley (?-abt 1807)