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 McNeel’s “The Greatest Name In Stonecraft” has a section for soldier monuments. On page 290 of this classic treatise is an illustrated memorial for the Barnett Family.
Major General George Barnett (b. Dec. 5, 1859, d. Apr. 27, 1930) graduated from the U.S. Naval academy in June 1881. He was transferred to the Marine Corps, and he rose through the ranks to be a Major General and Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. He died in Washington D.C. on April 27, 1930, and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery in a section reserved for members of the Naval Academy Class of 1881.
A picture of the monument shown on the Internet shows his wife’s name below; the epitaph shown, indicates Lelia Montague Barnett (b. Jul. 22, 1871, d. Apr. 3, 1859).
Curiously, “Semper Fidelis,” the Marine Corps slogan, written on the face of the original sketch shown above was chiseled out. The memorial may have been subjected to vandalism. Certainly, the monument has been damaged in various places on the base, and the seal appears to have been fractured too.
The Barnett Memorial Summarized
Ridge Top With Round Top, Ogee Mold With Pencil Rounds
The Barnett has a ridge top on the tablet, with a check followed by rounds that flow downward into the straight sides.
The check is the recess at the top. Rounds are shaped like the outside of a circle. A ‘V’ or ‘U-Line’ is used for ornamentation and bordering on the face, sides, and presumably the back. The tablet is a horizontal monument, as it is wider than it is tall.
Two stars symbolizing the final rank of Major General Barnett are above his name. This is excellent symbolism that explains his rank to lay people who may not understand the levels of military rank. Every life has a story and thankfully, a portion of Major General Barnett’s life has been told on his memorial.
Panel & U.S. Marine Corps Insignia
The U.S. Marine Corps insignia is carved within a panel that is recessed in a circle around the seal. The Marine Corps’ Eagle, Globe, and Anchor seal have changed since this early monument was created. I like the circle panel, as it is an unusual look that allowed the seal to be carved.
Base
The base appears to have a wash that then drops into a wash.
McNeel identifies the dimensions of the Barnett design as follows:
McNeel provided three recommended size options for the Barnett.
290A
Barnett
Z-3535
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A
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4-8 x 1-2 x 2-10
6-0 x 2-0 x 0-10
B.
5-4 x 1-4 x 3-2
7-0 x 2-4 x 1-0
C.
6-0 x 1-6 x 3-6
8-0 x 2-10 x 1-0
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Tablet
Base
Tablet
Base
Tablet
Base
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Monument Dimensions Explained
McNeel’s suggested dimensions for the tablet are as follows:
Option A above is the smallest size shown, as it is 4 feet long, 1 foot 2 inches wide, 2 feet 10 inches tall, with the base 6 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 10 inches tall. Option B offers a 5 feet 4 inches long tablet, 1 foot 4 inches width by 3 feet 2 inches tall, with the base 7 feet by 2 feet 4 inches wide by 1 foot tall. Option C is 6 feet long, 1 foot 6 inches wide and 3 feet 6 inches tall, with a base that is 8 foot long 2 feet 10 inches and 1 foot tall. As with all designs, you can scale the basic design for the monument larger or smaller proportionally as your needs may require.
Final Comments
The epitaph summarizes a life of great and noteworthy service to our country. Major General Barnett lived a remarkable life committed to military service. Semper Fidelis.
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