Photo Monument - March 26, 2009

The Gravestone of Roger & Betty Tarvin

by Julie Cahill Tarr

A gravestone rich with symbolism. But what does it all mean? Let's take a look into the lives of Roger and Betty Tarvin.

Roger TARVIN Jr. was born on 14 December 1932 in Havana, Mason, Illinois to Roger TARVIN and Zelma RUSH. Roger married Betty L. FINLEY on 5 February 1955 in Chillicothe, Ross, Ohio. Betty was born on 8 July 1930 in Chillicothe, Ross, Ohio to Albert FINLEY and Rebecca DYER.

Roger died on 3 November 1999 in Normal, McLean, Illinois. Betty died on 9 June 2008 in Bloomington, McLean, Illinois. Both are buried in Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, McLean, Illinois.

Symbol: Masons

This symbol represents the Freemasonry organization. The emblem consists of a square, compass, and the letter "G." From what I can tell, the square represents morality, while the compass signifies equality. There is much debate over what the "G" symbolizes.

The freemasonry is a fraternity, "emphasizing personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment." Today, masons raise money to support a variety of causes including children's hospitals, medical research, and local community services. Roger was a member of the Heyworth Masonic Lodge 251. In fact, Roger prepared the lodge's history for its 140th anniversary in 1997.

Symbol: Shriners

This symbol represents the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (AAONMS), better known as Shriners. This particular version is a variation of the more intricate emblem, which can be seen here. The actual emblem contains a crescent, the head of a sphinx, a star, and a scimitar. In this simple rendition on the gravestone, only the crescent and scimitar are represented.

The AAONMS is a "brotherhood of men dedicated to fun and fellowship but with a serious purpose." Each member is a Master Mason, belonging to the Masonry fraternity. The biggest form of support goes to the Shriners childrens' hospitals. What interesting is that the acronym AAONMS is rearranged, it spells "a mason." Roger was a member of the Mohammed Temple Shrine and McLean County Shrine Club.

Symbols: Rings

An obvious symbol, the rings signify marriage. Although I could not find a reference, I believe that the way the rings are shown (like the infinity symbol) would also symbolize eternity even in death.

Symbol: Hands

It was actually quite difficult to find a reference to the symbolism of praying hands. The only reference I could find came from the Association of Gravestone Studies' website, indicating that it signifies devotion.

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Sources

1. A Short History: Shriners Hospitals for Children & Shriners of North America, http://www.shrinershq.org/files/shrine/PDF/SONA_Short_History_Booklet.pdf, accessed 20 March 2009.
2. J.J. Crowder Masonic Lodge, "The Three Degrees of Freemasonry," http://mastermason.com/jjcrowder/threedegrees/threedegrees.htm, accessed 24 March 2009.
3. Masonic Service Association, "History of Freemasonry," http://www.msana.com/historyfm.asp, access 24 March 2009.
4. Association of Gravestone Studies, "FAQs," http://www.gravestonestudies.org/faq.htm, accessed 24 March 2009.
5. Keister, Douglas. Stories in Stone. Gibbs: Salt Lake City, 2004.
6. "Roger Tarvin Jr." Pantagraph. 5 November 1999, p. A13.
7. "Betty L. Tarvin." Pantagraph. 12 June 2008, p. D6.
   
8. "Heyworth Lodge Celebrates 140 Years." Pantagraph. 8 November 1997, p. A4.

Photo

Roger and Betty L Tarvin Jr. Gravestone, photographed by Julie Cahill Tarr.