One of the most artistic and beautiful tombstones in a cemetery filled with amazing art, this elegant relief seated angel guards the tomb of Mary Glover Thurman in Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta GA.
From the Adventures in Cemetery Hopping blog: (
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"Welcome to Oakland Cemetery, Part Two
Friday 26 Apr 2013
Last week, I talked about the history of Oakland Cemetery and its different sections. This week, I’ll share the stories behind some of the graves and highlight some of my favorites.
Neoclassic is the prominent style seen at Oakland. Many of the monuments reflect the Victorian era in which they were created. Certain symbols are featured that have special significance.
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Some monuments are just stunning to look at. The one for Mary Glover Thurman is one of them. She came to Atlanta with her husband, Dr. Fendall Thruman, as a new bride in 1855 when he set up a dental practice. Together, they cultivated an amazing flower garden known throughout the city. Their lavish home was located where the Biltmore Hotel now stands.
The statue is said to be a copy of one originally done by Daniel Chester French that is in Woodlawn Cemetery,
The statue is very similar to one originally done by Daniel Chester French that is in Woodlawn Cemetery in New York.
After Dr. Thurman died, Mary started giving her beautiful flowers to neighbors and sick friends. She frequently took flowers to the sick in the local hospitals, earning herself the name of “The Angel of Atlanta”.
The statue is said to be based on a design of a very similar sculpture by Daniel Chester French, who is best known for the seated Abraham Lincoln centered in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. French’s sculpture is part of the Angie Kinsey monument in Woodlawn Cemetery, which is located in the Bronx in New York City.
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There are simply too many graves and too many fascinating stories for me to share in a few blog posts. That’s why I can now say, as so many others do, that you have to see and experience Oakland Cemetery for yourself.
Afterward, you can cross the street to enjoy a cold beverage at the aptly named pub, Six Feet Under. If you took the guided tour of Oakland, show them your receipt and they’ll take 20 percent off your bill.
Not a bad way to wrap up a day of hopping, is it?"