Paul (1702-1749) and Catharine (1711-1749) Mazyck’s slate grave marker in Black Oak Cemetery is one of the oldest legible in the county. It was moved from Pooshee Cemetery during the Santee Cooper Project. The Mazycks may have been visiting Catharine’s stepfather at Pooshee when they died.
Photo by David DuBose.
The hourglass on the left of the marker represents the quick passing of time; the winged person, leaning on the hourglass, perhaps Death personified, was common on early 18th-century tombstones like this one. Next to the scythe is an ouroboros. Curiously, while three bones are carved on the stone, there is no skull to make a skull-and-crossbones. Columns bound the marker's text; whole columns like these often mean a life well-lived.
The marker reads:
In hopes of a Joyful Resurrection
here rest in Peace the Remains of
PAUL MAZYCK ESQ.
Who departed this Life the 18th
January 1748/9 Aged 46 years
and CATHARINE his Wife who
died the 17th of the same Month
aged 37 Years