Rubbing
This gravestone rubbing captures the imagery of Major Jonathan Minott’s stone at Fairview Cemetery. Rubbings are often more effective than drawings in portraying the details of a gravestone. Typically, rice paper and charcoal sticks are used for this process. While the practice was common in professional research until the late twentieth century, it has largely been replaced by less invasive methods such as high-resolution photography and laser mapping.
Johnathan Minott (1723-1806) served in the Revolution. In command of the Westford Militia, he marched to Concord on the alarm of 1775. He was also on the committee to form a new local government, having served as a Selectman on and off between 1770 and 1777.
From the collection
W.2017.27.20