Thomas Brierley was born on July 16 1785 at Mellor to Joab Brierley and Betty Arnfield. He was also known as Tommy and some references call him Didymus - perhaps confusing him for an uncle of that name or as a common alternative to Thomas.
Thomas became a blockprinter at the mill at Strines Printworks where calico was printed and later a carter who plied his trade between Ludworth and Disley
Here is what I could read on the Tombstone.
The oval down at the bottom has two hands shaking and I can say by the outline that it a handshake of people of the highest degrees/rank.
The left side represents heaven and the right earth.
The Masonic symbol of the compass and the T-square represents movement toward perfection and a balance between the spiritual and physical which resembles Egyptian and oriental mysticism. The compass (used to form circles) represent spirit. The ruler (part of a square) represent the physical. Some public schools pass out pencil cases and other gifts decorated with this emblem.
Tau Cross Symbol of the god Mathras of the Persians and the Aryans of India. To them, Mathras was an "angel of light" or the "heavenly light". It is used in modern Masonry under the symbol of the T square
The Lambskin or White Leathern Apron which every Freemason is presented with as an Entered Apprentice is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Freemason. Its pure and spotless surface is to be an ever present reminder of purity of life and rectitude of conduct, a never ending argument for higher thoughts, for nobler deeds, for greater In predominantly Christian societies the Furniture of a Lodge consists of the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses. However, the universality of Freemasonry teaches that all men are free to follow the religious doctrine of their choice. The Holy book of the candidate's chosen religion may be substituted for the Bible during the obligation. In American Lodges the Holy Bible will remain open on the altar as well.
The Mallet is used by operative masons to correct irregularities and create uniformity within a structure. In speculative Masonry the Mallet morally teaches to correct irregularities, and reduce man to a proper level; so that, by quiet deportment, he may, in the school of discipline learn to be content.
The Chisel, in the hands of the craftsman, is used to transform the gemstone from its original rude and unpolished state and reveal the latent beauties within. As a symbol in speculative Masonry it morally demonstrates the advantages of discipline and education. Just as the brilliance of the diamond is revealed by the skillful use of the chisel, so too will the beauties of the human mind be revealed through knowledge
PHOENIX: A universal symbol of the sun, rebirth, resurrection and immortality, this legendary red "fire bird" was believed to die in its self-made flames periodically (each hundred years, according to some sources) then rise again out of its own ashes (some say after three days) -- as in this picture from a 5th century Turkish mosaic. Linked to the worship of the fiery sun and sun gods such as Mexico's Quetzalcoatl, it was named "a god of Phoenecia" by the Phoenician. To alchemists, it symbolized the the destruction and creation of new forms of matter along the way to the ultimate goal: the philosopher's stone
The trowel is an instrument used by operative masons to spread the cement which unites the individual stones of a building into one common mass. As Free and Accepted Masons we symbolically use it to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection; that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of friends and brothers.
On the left side, top corner you will see an angel blowing his/her trumpet, below is ZA (Zeta, Alpha).
On the right, A moon with stars( heaven), A flag with a horse (nobleman), A small ladder (symbelizing the climb into heaven), A man pointing up (To praise), a maul or mallet (Builder), a 5 pioint star (North star, Guide in the night)
In the center, A book (Bible), skull and cross bones (sign of passing or death), Key (Governer or leader, (Master Mason)), a trowel ( a Mallet/maul (builder)....Etc...
I don't want to make this too long of a post. So i will stop there you get the idea. it's a Mason's tombstone. I do see signs of a secret within the stone. The stone itself tells the story of who this man was and his position in the society and his death. I would need to see a much better photo of this stone to be able to say more and I also will point out that the left side has pieces missing.
Thanks for the pic.
Of course I live in the desert.
Anyway, that seems appropriate.
Just ask anyone in Apache Jct for directions to Rattlesnake Road. 
I believe I will get myself another cup of tea. 
> just kind of got a hankerin for a good cup of tea this evening. I hope all is well with you, and really you have a lot of adventures that I hope to hear (or will settle for readin') like riding out an earthquake in a houseboat on a lake! 
Who
