Grave of Florence Irene Ford
September 3, 1861 - October 30, 1871
Natchez City Cemetery
Natchez MS
Florence died of yellow fever when she was only 10 years old. During her life, she was terrified of storms and would always rush to her mother for comfort.
Upon her death, Florence's casket was constructed with a glass window at the head and steps that would allow her mother to sit with Florence and comfort her during storms. Hinged metal trap doors were installed over the area to shelter the mother. In the mid 1950's a concrete wall was created at the bottom of the stairway covering the glass window of the coffin to prevent vandalism. The trap doors can still be opened today.
Do you love doing genealogy research in the cemetery—finding the burial places of your ancestors, studying the old stones with their intricate designs, taking in the peaceful landscape, and possibly discovering an ancestor you thought was lost?
What, or who turned you into a tombstone tourist?
My mom formed me into the cemetery/tombstone tourist I am today! She and I would visit cemeteries whenever we visited her family in Texas!
How many cemeteries have you visited?
Let me just say that I think I have been to close to a thousand cemeteries. I have visited cemeteries in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana.
What strange cemetery superstition have you encountered?
There are so many superstitions about death and burial. Here are just a few that I’ve encountered. Do you have any superstitions to add to the list?
Never point at the funeral procession. It will bring bad luck.
If it rains in an open grave, it brings bad luck to the family.
Flowers and grass grow on the graves of those who have lived virtuous lives. Only weeds or mud will cover the grave of someone evil.
Never whistle in a graveyard. You are summoning the Devil.
Never take anything from a cemetery; the dead may follow you to get it back.
If there is thunder following a burial, the deceased has reached heaven.
What’s your favorite cemetery (and why)?
If I had to pick, I would say Arlington National Cemetery. Why? This cemetery is like no other. My next would be the Historic Natchez City Cemetery.
Share your superstitions and favorite cemeteries with us. Let me know why you are a cemetery tourist like I am!
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