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On this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, uncover the mystery behind Dr. Samuel Bean's cryptic monument in Wellesley, Ontario, where two of his wives, Henrietta and Susanna, rest in peace. Jennie and Dianne explore the Ordinary Extraordinary life of Samuel, a Civil War veteran and puzzle enthusiast, and the intricate cryptogram headstone that kept visitors guessing for 80 years. What secrets did Samuel hide in the stone, and what message did he want the world to know?
View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xW15IiUlEUg?si=UOzm0omaHFywSlrv
Purchase tickets for the 36th annual Central City Cemetery Crawl here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator
Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com
Resources used to research this episode include:
, BirdDog1959. "Cryptic Headstone Puzzles Visitors ." https://ancestrybirddog.wordpress.com/. 12 July 2001. ancestrybirddog.wordpress.com/2021/07/12/cryptic-headstone-puzzles-visitors/. Accessed 20 July 2025.
, Wellesley Township Heritage & Historical Society . "https://www.wellesleyhistory.org/settlement-patterns-of-wellesley-townshiip.html." https://www.wellesleyhistory.org/. www.wellesleyhistory.org/settlement-patterns-of-wellesley-townshiip.html. Accessed 20 July 2025.
Hayden, Martha. "A Grave With A Secret Code." https://www.restless-viking.com/. 30 Jan. 2024. www.restless-viking.com/2024/01/30/a-grave-with-a-secret-code/. Accessed 20 July 2025.
Campbell , Tim. "Henrietta Furry Bean ." https://www.findagrave.com/. 15 May 2010. www.findagrave.com/memorial/52428366/henrietta-bean. Accessed 20 July 2025.
Barwick, Susan. "Rev Samuel G “Sam” Bean ." https://www.findagrave.com/. 27 Feb. 2013. www.findagrave.com/memorial/105902136/samuel_g-bean. Accessed 20 July 2025.
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