Lincoln Cemetery

Association: J.F. Bell Funeral Home
No. of Markers: 433 (View)
No. of Individuals: 384 (View)
Location: Charlottesville, Albemarle Co.

The Lincoln Cemetery is owned by the J.F. Bell Funeral Home. Burials are still allowed in this cemetery, where there is space in existing family plots. The cemetery is enclosed by a stone fence to the north and woods to the south. There are several hundred burials here, representing a diverse selection of gravestone motifs and forms. The more recent stones are carved from granite, whereas the early 20th Century gravestones include marble, soapstone, and metal markers. In addition to inscribed, permanent markers, there are numerous plantings that supplement, and occasionally, replace markers. These floral elements include pine trees, shrubs, and perennials.

The stone at the left, with the praying hands and Bible, is a common Biblical motif, indicating worship. Other stones commemorate military service (often illustrated with a simple cross). Because the cemetery is owned by a funeral home the plots are laid out in an orderly fashion. The photograph below illustrates several rows of gravestones, most of which are divided into family plots (indicated on the ground by marble or granite plot markers that include the initial of the family's last name).