History of Funeral Rings
The history of funeral rings, also known as mourning rings, is a testament to the enduring tradition of remembrance. These rings, worn to honor the memory of someone who has passed away, have a rich and captivating history dating back to at least the 14th century. The custom of wearing these rings to commemorate the deceased has endured through the ages. Both men and women wore these rings.
The Letter
The society received an intriguing letter from Arne Johnson of Albany, Oregon. Arne’s uncle, Carl Peterson, and his wife, Anna, bought and renovated the old Robie home on North Road in 1940. During their work, they discovered a funeral ring engraved with “George C. Ward Died 11th March 1801 a/e 35” hidden beneath a floorboard.
Anna Peterson mentioned that no one named ‘Ward’ had ever lived in the house, which was originally occupied by a schoolteacher named Tappen. The property once had a one-room schoolhouse, and it’s said that Daniel Webster attended school there. In 1753, there was a home owned by ‘James Tappan’ on North Road, which is documented in Paul Shaw’s book, Historic Salisbury Houses, page 138.
Arne was researching to find the burial site of George C. Ward, wondering if he might be laid to rest in one of Salisbury’s cemeteries. However, the 1933 Hammond List of those interred in Salisbury Cemeteries does not mention George C. Ward (d.1901). The search for his final resting place continued, requiring further investigation.
Modern digital records, such as Find a Grave and Family Search, revealed a match for George C. Ward, listing his correct birth and death dates in Salem, Massachusetts; his burial location was listed as ‘unknown’ in the digital world. Digital records may not always be accurate, so onsite visits are the best way to verify them.
George Curwen Ward was born on 8 August 1765 in Salem, Essex, Massachusetts. His father, Richard Ward, was 29, and his mother, Mehitable Curwen, was 24. Their son George married Abigail Elkins on 30 May 1786, in Massachusetts. They had at least five sons. George died on 11 March 1801, in his hometown, at the age of 35. The names George C. Ward and Richard Ward continued through several generations. The younger generations are interred in the Ward Hill Cemetery, 48 Ward Hill Road, Franklin, NH, with clearly marked gravestones. An on-site visit revealed the cemetery to be an older plot on private property and easily accessible. One short white granite stone in the graveyard has a simple inscription “GCW”. Could this be the George C. Ward we want to locate?
George had distinguished ties to Sanbornton, NH. In 1791, he became a Selectman, as noted on page 134 in History of Sanbornton, New Hampshire. A quick search for his name in the History of Sanbornton reveals the homes he built, the Lovejoy store, and a subsequent distillery he was involved with. This is a great clue to who he was, an interesting read.
After George’s death, Abigail remarried and is buried in Sanbornton, NH. More research is needed about Abigail; it’s possible she was the one wearing the ring, or perhaps it belonged to one of her sons. Abigail Elkins Ordway (1768-1851) – Find a Grave Memorial
George C. Ward and Abigail’s family tree, from the Family Search website
Richard Ward 1737 – 1824 (his father)
George C. Ward & Abigail 1765 – 1801 (Mourning Ring)
George C. Ward & Mary 1786 – 1880 (his son) – confirmed, shoemaker
George C. Ward 1810 – 1861 (his grandson) – confirmed
Richard Ward 1819 – 1898 (his grandson)
Richard C. Ward 1852 -1905 (his great-grandson)
George Curwen Ward (1852-1913) – Find a Grave Memorial
George C. Ward 1855 – 1918 (great-grandson)
The trail deviates at this time period with the birth of three daughters
With Appreciation: We are deeply grateful to Carl and Anna Peterson for uncovering the ring and keeping it safe for decades, as well as to Arne Johnson for sharing the mourning ring with our museum Curator. The Salisbury Historical Society is thrilled to showcase the mourning ring at our Hearse House Museum during the summer of 2026, coinciding with our seasonal reopening.