The Knights Templar have origins in the Middle Ages as
protectors of Christian pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. Many
legends have grown up around this mysterious group, including a
connection to the Holy Grail. In the late 18th Century the
Freemasons adopted some Knights Templar rites and symbols (some
believe there is a connection between the two groups). This
explains why Knights Templar symbols found in cemeteries relate
to the Freemasons. The symbol here shows a Maltese cross
surrounding a cross inside a crown. The gravestone below shows
three Freemason related symbols, from left to right: Freemason,
Knights Templar, Shriners. Photos: Gravestone of Samuel A.
Bonesteel (1842-1902), Fairmount Cemetery, Denver, Colorado