Occasionally, the descriptors “Deaf” or “Mute” appear on tombstones, to mark the identity or occupation of the individual. This family represents a remarkable pattern asserting a permanent reminder of Deaf affiliation. Whether analyzed from a Deaf space, psycho-social, or Christian perspective, it is a compelling consideration of membership, embodiment, and self-concept.
Variously known as “William B.” and “Berry” on the U.S. Census, when setting his own name in stone, he preferred to be remembered as “W. B.” These records below were transcribed by a volunteer who walked the County Line Cemetery in Lutz, Florida, and the inscriptions are not entirely visible in the images.
The first was in 1877, on his younger sister’s headstone:
Julia A. Ellis
Placed in memory by her mute brother and sister, W. B. and Annie E. Ellis.
Then, in 1890, on his mother’s grave:
Jane Ellis
Placed in memory by her mute son and
daughter, W. B., and Annie E. Ellis
So, why is this post not dedicated to Annie as well, and what does this have to do with historical interpreting? Mainly for what is revealed in the final epitaph for his younger deaf sister in 1892:
Annie E. Ellis
She was a deaf mute. She died in perfect mind realizing the change from earth to Heaven. A blessing. Placed to memory by W. B. Ellis, her
deaf mute brother
Census enumerators routinely listed W. B. as illiterate, yet a distinct ASL-infused message is carved in stone here. The words record Annie’s passing, but they also translate W. B.’s relationship to his sister, and his theology. It is a compact sermon on mental and physical being, transcendence, mourning, and family bonds. It reads as though transliterated into accented English for the sign-conversant visitor to imagine how he might have told us in person.
After he was listed as a boarder on his brother’s farm in 1910, the trail runs cold. However, a simple grave marker laid between Julia and Jane reads, “B. E.” The photo has never been uploaded, and the transcription does not indicate any additional detail. If I had the time, sources to confirm whether this is W. B., and the date of his death or burial are likely attainable in a straightforward search.
If you live near Tampa, FL, or if you are a Deaf genealogist interested in updating the story of W. B. Ellis, please comment below or contact me directly.