I am researching an inscription on one of my ancestors markers and have been unable 
to find any information regarding its historical significance.  If you would be so kind to 
take a look and possibly offer suggestions, I would certainly be grateful. The headstone 
is located in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Erath county, TX

Martha Lewis Headstone

Close up of Martha Lewis' stone

Email direct at:
Clyde Edmonds
Posted May 12, 2009

Update:
Clyde contacted the Association for Gravestone Studies and here is what they said about the 
abbreviations:

This is a very special designation and rare, as far as we know.  This is a designation that 
was given only to females of Mason members, popular during the mid-1800’s (death dates 
of approximately 1863-1929), in southern states.  The designation of FNDOZBTKC/AMRY, 
was a degree conferred in the US on wives, daughters, sisters, or mothers of Masons to 
secure them, by investing them in a peculiar mode of recognition, the aid and assistance 
of the fraternity, along with a secret sign of recognition.  The mark was: AMRY encircled 
by FNDOZBTKC.  As written in John 12:15 – Fear Not Daughter Of Zion Behold The King 
Cometh, (and AMRY being an anagram of Mary).  More information can be found in Coil’s 
“Masonic Encyclopedia”.  We are aware of only 12 such markers, all in southern states. 
Posted May 14, 2009





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