Author Mollie Smith Waters has released a new book, Historic Resting Places of Alabama, which documents a specific cemetery in each Alabama county. The project, which stems from a lifelong passion for local history, aims to connect readers to the stories of the past through funerary art and epitaphs.
From Sunday church trips to "That Cemetery Lady"
Mollie Smith Waters has transitioned from a lifelong educator to a puublished author with the release of her latest work. As reported by local news, Waters' interest in the deceased began in childhood. Following church services on Sundays, her grandparents would take her to various cemeteries throughout the county, a practice that turned a potentially somber subject into a lifelong pursuit of historical connection.
The evolution of Waters' career shows a steady progression from observer to guide. After spending years as a teacher, she began conducting cemetery tours in 2018. She eventually moved into local journalism, writing cemetery-focused articles for her local newspaper before finally deciding to compile her findings into a book format.
A single cemetery for every Alabama county
The sheer scale of Historic Resting Places of Alabama is its most striking feature. By visiting a cemetery in every county, Waters has attempted to create a statewide map of Alabama's funerary heritage. According to the report, the goal was to learn the specific stories of individuals who lived and died in these communities, even if they were people she never personally met.
Decoding epitaphs and unusual grave symbols
Waters' methodology relies heavily on the physical evidence left behind on headstones. She looks for specific markers that tell a story, including:
- Unique eptiaphs: Written messages that deviate from standard phrasing.
- Symbolic carvings: Visual icons that represent the deceased's life or beliefs.
- Unusual ornaments: Grave markers that are unlike anything seen in typical cemeteries.
For Waters, these details are not merely decorations but are essential clues that allow her to bridge the gap between the present and the past. while many people find cemeteries to be "creepy" or unsettling, Waters views them as vital storytelling tools that offer a unique chance to engage with history.
The unknown details of the Alabama county project
Despite the depth of the book, several questions regarding the research process remain unanswered. The report does not specify whether Waters relied solely on physical site visits or if she utilized genealogical databases to verify the identities behind the stones. Furthermore, the source does not indicate if there are plans for a digital companion or if this project will eventually expand to neighboring Southern states.
Finally, the report does not mention if any local historical societies or state archives collaborated with Waters on the project.. Knowing whether this was a solo endeavor or a community-supported effort would provide more insight into the book's academic weight.
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