Anchor

In the early church the anchor served as a hidden cross, and it became a sign of hope and steadfastness. A study of Iowa stones found it usually meant the soul was anchored safely in God's harbor and seldom had to do with the sea.

It can mark a sailor or a Navy veteran, especially in coastal towns or with other military details. An anchor whose chain is broken means a life that has ended. Check records before assuming a seafaring ancestor.