Joseph Lyman, d. 1763

Mr. Joseph Lyman: In Memory of Mr. Joseph Lyman who died March 30th 1763 in y 64th year of his age. "This shall our mouldering members teach, what now our senses learn, For dust and ashes loudest preach Man's infinite concern." This tall red sandstone grave dedicated to Mr. Joseph Lyman, from the prominent Northampton Lyman family, is quite distinctive. Joseph Williston of Springfield, who worked from 1732 to 1768, most likely carved it. The smooth close grained carving, height and color are all trademarks of Williston. It is clean cut and has a naturalistic cherub face with pupils in the eyes and raised eyebrows, other marks of Williston. It is cut in high relief with little modeling and slight detail on the crown and in the foliate designs around. The lettering is even and cleanly cut. The cherub is wearing a distinct crown of righteousness, signifying heaven, and has a foliate border, which seems to be growing. These signs, along with the cherub imply that this grave is meant to indicate heaven.

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