what does DEA indicate on this man's memorial inscription?

Question

It looks like his name is DEA NELSON CORNING.  Could that really be his name? He is just plain Nelson Corning Sr in the registry for his second marriage.

Comments

Was he perhaps a Deacon?

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I think it is likely Kathie is correct, as there is a fullstop after the "a" = DEA.

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When I googled it, the common answer was that death and/or birth was estimated.

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That might be so for anywhere other than the gravestone.  This is a monumental inscription and the DEA. is very much a prefix.

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Wow, Melanie!  how did you create that pic and get it to go in the message?

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Seems like Deacon is a likely possibility.  Has anyone seen any other memorial inscriptions using it like that?

Or any ideas on how i can find out if he really was a Deacon?

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Wow, Melanie!  how did you create that pic and get it to go in the message?

commented by Shirlea Smith

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Vector graphics.  I took a rectangle and placed it over the photo of the stone, then shaped it, then added the words (fitting text to path).

Adding to the post is easy, using the image add button:

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Also .. Nelson's son Thomas (by third wife Sarah (the one on the gravestone)) is notable. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Corning

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There is a notable grandson as well: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Corning

I might get around to making the profiles this fall.  I sure don't mind if someone else does.

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Have seen DEA. on several stones lately for men who were, in fact, church deacons.

Suggest you check for local town histories that may contain information about the activities of the local churches, as well as family histories that may contain biographical information about this man.  Also run a search of historic newspapers published in or near the community for obituaries.  A deacon is the type of local notable who would usually qualify for one.

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Accidental duplication.

Answer 1

I vote for Deacon.

Answer 2

Yes, its stand for "Deacon ".

Answer 3

Deacon.  Very common abbreviation.

Answer 4

Biography

http://usgenwebsites.org/OHLake/bios/corning1.html