"Stop as you pass by my grave here. I, John Schockler, was born in New Orleans the 22nd of Nov. 1811, was brought up by good friends, not taking their advice, was drowned in this city in the Alabama River the 27th of May, 1855. Now I warn all young and old to beware of the dangers of this river, and now I am fixed in this watery grave. I have got but two friends to mourn."