John Hartshorn(e)

John Hartshorn was a stone carver from Haverhill, Massachusetts. He was a soldier in his youth, serving as a Lieutenant in the militia during the French and Indian War. In 1708, Hartshorn survived a French and Indian attack on Haverhill that left his third wife, a son, and three grandsons dead. 

Hartshorn was not originally a stone carver, instead beginning his carving career at age 50. He took up the craft to fill a void left by a lack of headstones being imported from Boston to Haverhill and neighboring towns.  

Hartshorn's style is unique, characterized by expressionless masks surrounded by whirls and lines that are not typical of the usual soul effigies of the time. 

Eventually, Hartshorn settled in Connecticut, where he carved headstones well into his eighties. He died at 87 years old, and is buried in New London County, Connecticut.