It is not often one finds a contract for a tombstone from the 1860 era that includes the desired inscription. But there was one in the probate file for Belinda Newman of Linn County, Iowa.

Her stone was to be about three feet three inches long, four inches thick,  and of proportionate width. It was to include the following inscription:

Belinda wife of Agusta Newman Died July 6-1867-Aged 66 years & 6 Mos.

Apparently a willow was to be inscribed on the stone as well.

The stone was to be delivered on or about 15 October 1868 at Cedar Rapids, Iowa and cost Belinda’s son David A. Newman $40.00, which was to be paid upon delivery. That apparently gave the stone cutter a week or so to cut the stone.

Belinda was buried in the Dunkard Cemetery in rural Linn County. It appears from the order that the stone was not being set by the cutter.

7 October 1868 receipt for purchase of tombstone for Belinda Newman, Linn County, Iowa Probate Case File Packet 570.

This is no guarantee this is precisely what is on the stone–this order should not replace a transcription of the stone. I would cite this document as a contract for tombstone purchase obtained in the probate file of Belinda Newman in Linn County, Iowa.