Sea Stories in Stone

Philena (Berry) Morrell(1802-1851) - Riverview, Topsham

Mysterious Imagery

Philenia Berry was born in Minot (or Lewiston) December 1802 and married Benson Morrell in Topsham, March 24, 1824. Her daughters, Olive and Deanna died at age 19 and 20. In 1850 she lived with her husband and son, John, both were "millman." Philenia died at age 49, August 6, 1851.

The documentary evidence of her life fails to indicate any specific maritime connection, yet her memorial presents the dramatic figure of a woman waving while standing in front of an anchor. What does this enigmatic imagery mean? Perhaps her next journey begins as she waves from the deck of a ship on which the anchor is stowed for sailing.

SourcesTopsham Vital Records; US Census: 1850

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