Dr. Collins, grandfather to the last generation of the Hill family, had a big influence on the survival of Portsmouth during the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1855. He was responsible for the continuous running of the railroad during the epidemic, in-turn providing supplies, and a form of egress for survival. He was a prominent Portsmouth Physician and instead of fleeing the city with his family, he remained behind to care for the ill during this pestilence. Unfortunately, the Yellow Fever took his life as well. At the time of his death in 1855, he was the president of the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad. The obelisk statue in the Hill family plot, dedicated by the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad, has a train engine etched into it. At closer look, the coupling rod on the engine is broken, symbolizing “Death”. Cemeteries are rightly celebrated for their abundant symbolism, much of it concerned with physical mortality and spiritual eternity. When you explore Cedar Grove Cemetery the task of interpreting the symbols and finding the meaning of the artwork can be a daunting one.
