Tag Archives: Adams County

Cemeteries, Mississippi, Symbolism

The Turning Angel-Natchez, Mississippi

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The Turning Angel watches over the graves of five young women and girls who were killed in a blast at the Natchez Drug Company on March 14, 1908. The owner of the company placed to have the angel, also known as a scribe angel, over the headstones. Luella Booth, 17, Ada White, 19, Mary Worthy, 12, Inez Netterville, 17, and Carrie Murray, 22, lost their lives in the explosion.

The Turning Angel got its name because the angel sits near a curve in a road around the cemetery. At night, drivers would insist the angel was turning when their headlights lit the angel.

Cemeteries, Georgia

Grave of Florence Irene Ford in Natchez City Cemetery-Natchez, Mississippi

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Florence Irene Ford died at the age of 10 because of yellow fever. She was terrified of storms and the dark, so her mother placed her in a glass-topped coffin with glass installed at the edge of her grave. The mother then had steps built at the top of the grave. She would join her daughter during those storms to keep her company. Considering this is Mississippi, she likely spent a lot of time on those stairs during spring and summer months. Cemetery official covered the glass wall to protect from vandals.

The top of the stairs can be seen above the grave marker.
Cemeteries, Mississippi, National Register of Historic Places

Rufus Case crypt at Natchez City Cemetery-Natchez, Mississippi

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Located in Natchez City Cemetery, there is an interesting family plot. Rufus Case (1819-1858) was buried in his rocking chair next to his daughter, Laura Narcissa, while facing towards Louisiana. This “crypt” was built around him and the child.

Cemeteries, Mississippi, Save Outdoor Sculpture

Louis Winston marker in Natchez City Cemetery-Natchez, Mississippi

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Louis Winston (1844-1918) was born in Natchez. He served mainly as a lawyer, but he also served as a police officer and toll collector. He was a prominent Black lawyer in the Natchez and Greenville areas.

Winston founded the Colored Building and Loan Association, which helped finance the purchases of homes for African Americans. He was also the manager of the Mississippi Cooperative and Benefit Association.

The Woodmen of the Union honored Winston as their founder by commissioning the bronze bust on his tombstone. Winston died in 1918. Black artist Isaac Scott Hathaway sculpted the bust. It is listed on the Save Our Sculptures database that the Smithsonian manages.