Dennis O'Leary - Santa Fe National Cemetery - Santa Fe, NM - Occupational/Hobby Grave Stones on Waymarking.com

Information on the headstone from the National Park Service:
(visit link)

"A few private headstones are in the cemetery. The most unique marker is a sandstone statue over the grave of Private Dennis O’Leary. O’Leary died on April 1, 1901, at the remote Fort Wingate in northwest New Mexico. Originally interred at the fort’s post cemetery, his remains and marker were transferred to Santa Fe National Cemetery in 1911. Local legend claims that the bored O’Leary carved the statue with the date of his death. On April 1, he committed suicide, leaving a note directing that the marker be placed over his grave. Military records contradict the story, citing tuberculosis as the cause of death, thus leaving the statue and the private’s death a mystery today."

My commentary:

The headstone is carved of sandstone completely in the round. The sculpture is very detailed - the soldier is reclining on a tree stump, the bullets in his belt are clearly visible. He is holding his hat in his right hand and the scroll reads:

Dennis O'Leary
Pvt Co. I 23rd Infantry
Died Apl 1, 1901
Age 23 Yrs, 9 Mos.

Is Gravestone Showing Occupation or Hobby?: Occupation What is depicted occupation or hobby?: Soldier Date of death: 04/01/1901 Access hours and days: Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day. Date of birth: Not listed

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Original picture of grave(nothing should be placed on grave stone).  Logs with pictures which are deemed to be inappropriate will be deleted.

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