Monument

Michael Schraffenberger is buried in lot55 ½ and section 49. He is the father of Lena Schraffenberger. He was born in Germany in May 1831, and died on September 15, 1906. His death was said to be caused by diarrhea. The only records of any other family are his wife and child listed on the same monument. Also, I found that he was a member of the Cincinnati German Pioneer Club that remained in the news until about 1917 when the United States entered World War One against Germany at which time the clubs disappear. As you can see there is very little information about him.

Magdalena Schraffenberger is also buried alongside her family in lot 55 section 49. She is the mother to Lena Schraffenberger. She was born in Germany on April 5, 1833 and died on January 10, 1902. Her death was said to be caused by acute bronchitis. Her father’s name was Charles Bollinger and there was no record found regarding her mother.

Lena Schraffenberger is buried in lot 55 section 49. She was the mother to John Schraffenberger. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 6, 1855 and died April 22, 1925. Her cause of death was said to be Broncho Pneumonia. Her parents name was Michael and Magdalena Schraffenberger.

There were no records found regarding Mickel Schraffenberger. However it is certain that he was the father of John Schraffenberger.

John Schraffenberger is also buried in lot 55 section 49. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 13, 1874. Sadly he died the exact same day at 3 o’clock P.M. The cause of death was said to be a still birth. His parent’s names were Mickel and Lena Schraffenberger.

There were many different symbols located on the monument such as the hands together, the all Seeing Eye, the harp, the shield and helmet.

The shield and helmet symbol represents power protection and sometimes thought. A biblical reference to the se of a helmet as protection can be found in Psalm 60:7.

The symbol of the harp was being played by a man underneath a tree. This was placed above the dead infant’s name. This represents heavenly aspirations. They are often mentioned throughout the bible as a source of divine music.

The all seeing eye with beams of light is an ancient symbol for God. When this symbol is seen in a cemetery, it usually means this person was a mason. I believe it is also a representation of how even in death they are being watched over and protected. Also, since it is all seeing, that the eye represents the good life beyond the one of which they no longer live.

The hands clasped together are above Michael and Magdalena’s names on the monument. This represents unity and a symbol of matrimony. These represent a strong bond and can also represent a heavenly welcome or an earthy farewell.