101 Ways, Part 21: Perished in a Storm

For a brief intro to the "101 Ways to Say 'Died'" series, click here.

This Ipswich, MA epitaph attests to the dangers of maritime life:

Sacred to the memory of

CAPT. JOSEPH MELCHER youn

gest son of MR. JOSEPH & MRS

MARY MELCHER of Brunswick

who perished in a storm

Nov. 7th 1802 on Ipswich Bar

In the 21st year of his age. 

Amidst the raging billows drove,

My life to save in vain I strove;

And soon my strength began to flee,

I perish'd in the Cruel sea.

My weeping friends, your silence keep,

When to my Grave you come to weep;

Prepare to follow me you must

And mingle with your native dust.