Graffiti/Grave

Cranston's graffiti on the wall at Ben Lomond House. 

Graffiti found on the wall at Ben Lomond House, displaying William Wallace Cranston's name.  Graffiti offers one perspective on the life of Cranston, as one can imagine him leaving his permanent signature on the wall during a period of injury or boredom in an attempt to perhaps create on some level, his individual presence and legacy.  

A view of Cranston's grave site, which is located in Parsons, Kansas. 

Another form of graffiti, or subject permanence, is Cranston's grave site, which features his Medal of Honor. 

A close-up of William Cranston's grave site at Parsons, Kansas. 

This brings to mind the ways with which soldiers are remembered, through their graffiti, their military records and pensions, their gravestones, and any other available documents. These small fragments of data allow us a brief glimpse into the lives of these soldiers and their roles in history. 

A comparison of William Wallace Cranston's graffiti to his signature on his Declaration of Pension record housed at the National Archives. 

Historical records allow us to see some of the various facets of William Cranston through his military, medical, and pension records, along with his signature and gravestone.