My Genealogy Hound

Boston, Massachusetts, King's Chapel Burying Ground, Joseph Tapping, Tombstone, photo

The tombstone of Joseph Tapping in King's Chapel Burying Ground, Boston, Massachusetts. Joseph Tapping, died at age 23, on December 20, 1678. His tombstone with its rich symbolism is regarded as one of the most well known in all of Boston. Near the top of the tombstone is an hourglass which is symbolic of time with the Latin phrases of Fugit Hora (Time Flies) and Memento Mori (Remember Death). Beneath the hourglass is a winged skull, symbolic of the soul departing the body at death. The most notable portion of the engraving is at the bottom center of the tombstone. Pictured here is a winged and bearded figure (regarded by most as Father Time) struggling to prevent a skeleton figure (symbolizing death) who is attempting to snuff out the candle (symbolic of life). At the left is the name and death date of Joseph Tapping. At the right is a Latin phrase which roughly translates to "Live Mindful of Death". See the enlarged photos below.

An enlarged view of tombstone of Joseph Tapping in King's Chapel Burying Ground, Boston, Massachusetts, photographed in 2009.

Detail view of tombstone of Joseph Tapping in King's Chapel Burying Ground, Boston, Massachusetts.