The oldest dated stones in America are Slates from the 1650s
why slate?
Quite simply, because it lasts. Cemeteries are full of Marble stones from the 1860s that are unreadable with huge letters but when you see slates from the 1760s whose letters are shallower, thinner and as crisp as the day they were carved, I think you will agree.
J. David Gillespie, Slate Tomb and Grave Stone Cutter
Biographical Sketch
David's has been carving slate gravestones since 2003. Having been trained person to person he has gained commissions as far North as Connecticut and as far South as Edisto Island South Carolina. He has been commissioned for stones to go into Historic, Private and Modern Cemeteries. He has been commissioned for works in Municipalities, The Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC, and Drayton Hall Plantation, Charleston SC.
David has been selected as one of America's Best Craftsmen, & Listed in Early American Life Magazine, in the Directory of Traditional American Crafts, where the judges are Museum Curators, and Historic Material Culture Professionals from all across the US.
David uses only the best slate which is monument grade and listed as unfading. Colors for monuments can be Blue Black, Green or Purple.
David's work is heavily influenced by 18th century original stones that yields timeless designs. He has carefully studied techniques proven over the centuries to produce pleasing effects carved into stone.
My Process to Commission a Stone
Please Click the Link Below to See my process and more of your questions can be answered about how to commission your own Stone that should last for hundreds of years.
Great for use for design ideas!
Our Book on 18th Century Gravestones
David's book "A Brief Treatise on Tomb and Grave Stones of the 18th Century" is perfect as a "design catalog" for you to gain many ideas for your own stone project. $19.99 and click below to buy it now or to see more details.