Tombstone Tuesday–Nannie B. Headington

Nannie B. Headington, Liber Cemetery, Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana.

This is the tombstone of Nancy “Nannie” Headington, located in Liber Cemetery, Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana. The marker is inscribed:

Nannie B.
Wife of
J.W. Headington
Died
Feb’y, 9, 1871
Aged
35Y. 2 M. 19 D.

Nancy “Nannie” Bosworth was born 21 November 1835, as calculated from her tombstone. She was one of twelve children born to Dr. Jacob and Nancy (Westlake) Bosworth. Her father was born in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, and moved to Gallipolis, Ohio, where he and Nancy Westlake were married 17 February 1820. [1] The 1850-70 census enumerations indicate that Nancy was born in Indiana, so the Bosworth family had moved to Jay County by that time.

Nannie Bosworth married John W. Headington on 9 May 1858 in Jay County, Indiana. [2] John and Nannie had four children: Austin B., Alice (married J.H. Roll), Harry N. (died at age 22), Mary G. (wife of A.A. Richardson). [3]

Nannie B. Headington, Liber Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

 

[1] The Ohio Genealogical Society, Ohio Marriages Recorded in County Courts Through 1820, An Index, (No place: privately printed, 1996), 103, citing Gallia County Marriages Vol. 1, p.91.

[2] “Indiana Marriages, 1811-1959,” abstracts, FamilySearch.org (www.familysearch.org : accessed 21 October 2012), for marriage of John W. Headington and Nannie Bosworth, record 949, digital folder 4714925.

[3] Biographical Memoirs of Jay County, Indiana, (Chicago:  B.F. Bowen Co., Publishers, 1901), 295-98, 611-12.

 

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  1. Notice that this tombstone is covered in algae or moss. It would appear that someone cleaned the area with the writing for get a better view. Given the proviso that you have written about cleaning these stones, could there not be a clear negative to “not cleaning” the face of the stone, ie the acids, chelating agents and other metabolic by-products of these living organisms are very likely taking a toll on the surface if allowed to remain. Which is worse, weathering of exposed surface or digestion by plant metabolism?

    1. Hello! I did clean the inscribed area with plain water and a soft nylon brush so I could read and photograph it. It is a fairly smooth stone with no chipping or roughness. Moss and algae can contribute to the deterioration of a stone and cleaning it off in a safe manner can make it last longer. Moss, algae an lichen may be acidic, trap moisture and the roots can grow into the pores of the stone. There is also the belief that it is best to not remove moss, algae and lichen because it may open up the pores of the stone and lead to quicker deterioration. It is difficult to know what to do. Either way you look at it, it is best not to clean a stone if it is cracked or flaking or heavily pitted. Karen

    • Sally Fienup on June 2, 2016 at 12:00 am
    • Reply

    On this page you state Nannie & JWH were married on 9 May 1858 but on the JWH Tombstone Tuesday page you say “John W. Headington married Nancy “Nannie” Bosworth in September 1858.” Any thoughts on the discrepancy? I have enjoyed/benefited from your research so much!

    1. I have no idea why I put September. It is definitely recorded that they married in May. Thank you for pointing that out and I will correct it.

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