Page 141 - Demo

CarversWhile an accurate history of Indiana%u2019s skilled limestone carvers doesn%u2019t exist, a number of them are buried near the monument (left), which was erected in memory of all Bedford, Indiana stonecutters. Standing on the top is the likeness of master carver Johnny Caspar who emigrated to America from Germany. According to local legend, Caspar planned to work hard, and save his money diligently, until he had enough to pay for a house. Then he would send to Germany for his bride-to-be. As his nest egg began to grow, two local women convinced him that he could save on his expenses if he moved into their boardinghouse%u2014which he did. Unfortunately, Caspar soon died of arsenic poisoning, under mysterious circumstances, and his savings disappeared.Bedford Indiana%u2019s Master Stone Carver Frank Arena was 101 years old when he was buried beneath a simple carving of his hat (above), which was crafted by someone else. Frank%u2019s work can be seen all across the U.S., but he was proudest of a massive sculpture (completed in his seventies) of Washington crossing the Delaware River, which was commissioned for the Nation%u2019s Bicentennial.Green Hill CemeteryLawrence Co. (282-09)Springdale CemeteryJefferson Co. (334-08)