Abel Webster, pioneer, patriot, and stonecutter: Historical New Hampshire/ by Peter Benes.

Title:

Abel Webster, pioneer, patriot, and stonecutter: Historical New Hampshire/ by Peter Benes.

Author:

Benes, Peter,

Call Number:

977.8 N5321h

Publication Information:

Concord, NH: New Hampshire Historical Society, 1973.

Physical Description:

p.221-240.

Source:

Concord, New Hampshire: New Hampshire Historical Society, 1973 Vol. 28, Issue 4 (Winter 1973) Historical New Hampshire

Description:

Traces the career of Abel Webster (1731-1801), pioneer and speculator, who, in his spare time, carved gravestones which are to be found in his towns of residence and neighboring localities. He developed decorative styles with a variety of stylistically unrelated skull or face carvings. Shows that they reflect a relationship between design and the ecclesiastical history of the towns and parishes. Favoring New Light religion himself, Webster used smiling caricatures in parishes favoring New Light views, suggesting the happiness of the sanctified. Skulls and scowling or neutral caricatures appeared where the future well-being of the deceased was more in question. His carvings were the most explicit examples of redemptive symbolism to appear in local graveyards.

Subjects:

Sepulchral monuments.

People:

Webster, Abel.

Organizations:

New Hampshire Historical Society Periodicals History.

Terms of Use:

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Electronic Resources:

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