SKEALS
Spurn Kilnsea and Easington Area Local Studies
John Medforth - Age 1 Year, Samuel Medforth - Age 22 Years,
Jane Ann Johnson - Age 2 Years
The gravestone of three members of the Medforth family, each of whom died a tragic or untimely death. Photograph - Mike Welton
Inscription reads;
Sacred to the memory of John the son of George and Jane Medforth who died through suffocation in water on the 1st of August 1831 in the 2nd year of his age. Also Samuel the son of George and Jane Medforth who was burnt to death on the 15th day of September 1847 aged 22 years. Beneath this sod, lies mouldering to decay, A parents hope, untimely snatched away; The tender bud, before it bursts, was drown’d, But now it floats where healing streams abound. Not satisfied, unfeeling death returned, The rose in bloom, by a sad fire burnd; Hard was the lot and keen the piercing stroke, When alas, fond nature’s ties were broke. While reflecting, drop a symphathetic tear. With the mourning parents, still to memory dear. Great their earthly loss nature feels the pain. But rejoice to think, this their eternal gain. Also Jane Ann Johnson, granddaughter of the above who was sealed to death July 7th 1850 aged 28 months.
Parish Register;
1831 Jul 25th John Medforth, Easington 2.
1847 Sep 17th Samuel Medforth, Easington 22.
1850 Jul 9th Jane Ann Medforth, Easington 2.
Editors note: When preparing this page I was intrigued by the phrase, 'sealed to death' in the inscription. This apparently refers to the belief that everything about our life is sealed permanently at the time of death. If anyone has any further information about this phrase please contact SKEALS.