Headless Angel (Young) - Walnut Grove Cemetery - Boonville, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 58.345 W 092° 44.006
15S E 523090 N 4313749
Somewhere along the line this angle had her head and arms removed. I have discovered the statue is actually: Winged Victory of Samothrace
Waymark Code: WM1CGJ7
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 08/20/2025
Views: 1
County of tombstone: Cooper County
Location of tombstone: Cemetery Dr. & Locust St., Walnut Grove Cemetery, Boonville
This is a limestone statue, not marble. As cemetery custodians have learned over the years, limestone does not hold up well. As a result, this angle statue has had it's head, arms and a foot broken off, either by storms (tree limbs falling) or grounds keepers. There seems to be no record of the catastrophe.
The statue is an angel about ½ human size is scale a top a young woman's gravestone. The angle seems to be running, and her gown, a Roman of Greek typical ancient robe, is flowing around her. Whether she had anything in her hands we will never know, since they are gone.
Tombstone Text:
(Front):
MARY E. DUNCAN
YOUNG
April 29, 1848
April 22, 1914
(Rear): To Our Mother
In Memoriam
"Tis human fortune's happiest height to be a spirit melodious, lucid, poised, and whole; Second in order of felicity
To walk with such a soul."
Running angel statues are a relatively uncommon depiction in cemeteries compared to other angel poses like weeping, praying, or pointing to heaven. However, angels in general are a highly prevalent and significant symbol in funerary art across various cultures and religions.
A running angel could symbolize the deceased's soul being guided rapidly towards the afterlife or heavenly realm. It might also suggest a swift or unexpected departure from earthly life, especially if combined with expressions of sorrow or grief. In some instances, it could represent an angel actively protecting the deceased's spirit or perhaps even a more dynamic portrayal of a guardian angel at work.