Died March 15, 1842
During a summer conservation day, the team uncovered pieces of stones that had been mortared together and used to shore up a leaning headstone. The team carefully removed the mortar from the pieces, and the initials C. F. R. were revealed. Only one name in the records book fit these initials, and the fact that his marble headstone was nearby led them to believe it was the footstone of the headstone for:
Charles F.
son of
George & Charlotte R.
Ropes
born Apr. 7, 1837
died Mar. 15, 1842
"With loving kindness have I
drawn thee."
His father, George, was a Portland abolitionist who campaigned against slavery, provided safe-houses, and assisted runaway slaves on their journey to freedom. He was a patent-holder (Mode of Making Table Knives and Forks) as well. Mr. Ropes passed away 9 months later of consumption and is buried in the plot next to George.
Thanks to Ron Romano for the information on the Ropes family and for the footstone photo.
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