This preborn infant died with her 19-year-old mother, Florence Birdie Ballard, who was the adopted/foster daughter of Jefferson and Mary Ballard. Florence became pregnant out of wedlock, and the family scrutiny was so intense that she committed suicide by taking strychnine. Her tombstone is separate and faces east, the opposite way from the rest of the 'family,' who all face west. It is also out of line from the rest of them. Finally, to further punish Florence and her baby for all eternity, their tombstone was inscribed with "and illegitimate baby" for all to see. That phrase has since been removed.
This preborn infant died with her 19-year-old mother, Florence Birdie Ballard, who was the adopted/foster daughter of Jefferson and Mary Ballard. Florence became pregnant out of wedlock, and the family scrutiny was so intense that she committed suicide by taking strychnine. Her tombstone is separate and faces east, the opposite way from the rest of the 'family,' who all face west. It is also out of line from the rest of them. Finally, to further punish Florence and her baby for all eternity, their tombstone was inscribed with "and illegitimate baby" for all to see. That phrase has since been removed.
