Evening journal., 1898-12-29
An ANCGENT TOMB.

AN ANCIENT TOMB.
One Of the mcst ancient and historic
spots in the states is the old Immannel
Church and burying ground in New
Castle. TO which the Wayferer recently
made visig.
Situated in the very heart OF the
town, the tall spire CT the church DER
shadows all the buildings and trees
with which It is surrounded. The origi.
nal edifce was constructed in 1920, and
within the walls enclosing the grave
yard which surrounds X repose the
remains OF many Of the most famous of
Delaware's earller citizens. Many and
quaint are the inscriptions carved upon
the head-srones which mark the laet
resting place OF one who. in life. was
7oked upon as the bright star in scme
particular pathway OF life's uncertain
course
Among these many ancient tomhs In
the bnryine ground, perhaps there Is
none more interesting than that which
marks the spot where lies the body o.
Jane Read who died In 1892 This old
fepulchre ia situated a few feet 10 tho
LETT Of the main door OF the church
tN+-- --'t 0A- 1AAA htA .A0AA0A1I kJTbPI.
and is built Of brick raised about two
feet above the level Of the ground
Upon the brick work is laid marble g
sab, some six feet in length by four in
width. On which is cut the co0t OF arms
of the Spaulding family, CT which the
deceased was a member. This dnslenia
in Itself curiosity. and is or a
omewhat similar design. to the coat
af arms Of Russia. At the extreme ton
Nt the design, standing upon the crest
Is the figure of duck, beneath which
nd In the centre of the emblem. are
ut the figures Of three little duckMngs
hich. from their attitude. being an
p row, appear to be ascending 10 the
.-tty perch qf the mother bird
Nothing definite is known OF the
meaning Of these quaint carvings and
s''me claim that they constitute a pai4
the coat Of arms OF the Spauldine
'amaly. Others. however, hold to the
retef that they We're cut upon the
zone al the insSigation Of William
Read husband OF the DECEASED. 10 more
io.cibly commemorate the last reS,.re
Mace Of his wife andsthree children
who rep1se beneath the tomb. This iar-
II theory would seem to be the most
plausible In view of the inscription cilt
upon the slab. which Is as follows
Here lyes the body Of Jane. wife OF
William Read. late sheriff Of this coun-
with the remains of his three chill.
IN. who died in their infancy Saee
WAS born in London or the Ancient
crediiable family CT Spauldings Many
we're her exemplary virtues Her tenn.
1er meek and carriage obliging. strict
hastily, Prudent occonemy, Piety with
ut ostentation and Hospitality with
9ut grudging. Her grateful loveing
husband caused to hew an0. here 10
flaco this lasting monument &C real
c-njuaal affeesion. ODjt. With Jury
MB)CCXXXIi. 'Ano. Aetatis XXXVI."
The inscription is blurred somewhat
~ the storms Of over a century and a
hail, but in many places is almost as
lear as the. day ID was cut The let
.em are of The style in vogue al that
early period. and are in striking con-
trast to those Ct the present age
Whichever theory is correCs regard
ing the meaning of the carving, tnG
oid tomb is an interesting relic Of for
ner times and customs, such as arc
rarely seen by the present generation.
Nothing is definitely known pf this
tranch Of the Read family, as they are
p no way connected with Tn, present
generation OF Reads of New Castle who
are direct descendants of George Read.
me signer OF the Declaration Of Inde-
perdence. The early church records
contain some indefinite mentica Of the
Spaulding family.