Have you ever heard the expression "It's not written in stone"?
Well, in the case of Headstone Genealogy it is!
Well, in the case of Headstone Genealogy it is!
 |  |  Old Clinton Burying Ground Kirkland, NY |
~History from Headstones~
| Before the common use of civil registration, family event information was usually recorded and kept in-house by the families themselves. Births, deaths and marriages were recorded in journals of some-kind, or carefully written on special pages in the family Bible. Churches, when involved, would also keep certain information in their records, such as marriages, baptisms and births. In the absence of any true, safe or official way of record-keeping, our rather brilliant ancestors saw to it that important family history information was placed on the grave markers of themselves, and their loved ones. For this reason, cemetery research and 'Headstone Genealogy' should be an essential part of any genealogy research process. |
 What can headstones tell us about our ancestors & their families? Correct spellings of names Date of birth Date of death Location of birth or country of origin Location of death Cause of death Name of spouse or spouses Marital status Maiden names Parents names Siblings names Children's names Grandparents names What they looked like Occupations Club or organization memberships Military service Religion Favorite bible quotes or poetry Personal thoughts or messages Symbol's or carvings that represent the persons life Personal interests can even be found on headstones |    |
Elisha A. Edwards son of Bodolphus & Lydia Edwards was drowned June 5, 1829 in the 11 year of his age. |  |
The headstone of young Gilbert Terry son of Linus and Patty Terry "He died suddenly by the kick of a horse" Oct. 30th 1830 aged 7 years 2 months Terrytown Cemetery Sangerfield, NY |  |
This headstone of Frederick Hudson Shilling was found in a back wooded corner of Utica, NY's grand Victorian Cemetery Forest Hill. It reads that Frederick was formerly of Sheffield, England and that he died Feb. 10, 1897 at the Utica State Hospital. The Utica State Hospital was also know as the Utica Lunatic Asylum. |  |
These headstones located in are GENEALOGY GOLD! While William & Ester Green Abbot have been gone for over 170 years, they give us an important look at their lineage. |   |
| Though originally, each had their own separate and distinct meaning; the terms: Headstone, Tombstone and Gravestone, are now commonly used synonymously in reference to Grave Markers. (see article here for more information) Whatever you prefer to call them, these Grave identifiers can be a wealth of genealogical information about the persons resting below them. I suggest, if at all possible, making the trip to the cemetery yourself. First-hand research is always the best. While there, it's important to remember to explore the entire cemetery and possibly visit the records office for any additional information that might be available to you. The example at right: the Headstone of Caroline Loomis located in The Old Clinton Burying Ground, Kirkland, NY Gives us at least 9 peices of genealogical information. |  Caroline M. Loomis | The Inscripton as written ........................................... Sacred to the Memory of Caroline M. Loomis Wife of Truman Loomis Daughter of Joathon & Orpah Hart who Died July 15th 1823 Aged 23 years Silent in sickness and suffering, she died with Christian fortitude and resignation. So Jesus Slept: God's dying son past through the grave and blest the bed Then rest dear youth till from his throin the morning breaks & pierces the shade |
The genealogical information learned from the headstone of Caroline M. Loomis: Middle initial She was married Maiden Name Husbands name Parents Names Death Date Birth Year (1800) (1823-23=1800) Cause of death was sickness She was a Christian We also learn a bit about her as a person in that she was perhaps strong, faithful & brave. |
 | Lost Leaves~ An elaborate carving of a beautiful young woman walking on clouds surrounded by cherubs & holding the hand of a small angel gives us some sad clues even before we read the inscription. Hannah Elvira wife of J.P Wind and dau of A.& B Wethey was born June 7, 1819 & died Aug 30, 1838 at 19 years, 7 mo & 28 days Miss Hannah infant daughter of J.P & H.E Wind born Aug 21, 1838 died Sept. 3, 1838 This headstone is a perfect example of how people may be missed & become lost leaves in our family tree. While there were many Wethey's in this cemetery, I found no J.P Wind. I can assume that Mr. Wind remarried & is buried elsewhere with his 2nd wife- making it easy to miss this wife & daughter buried here at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Port Byron, NY |
Need help getting started with your search? See the Links below! Cemetery, Burial Record & Obituary Resources: Some are totally free, free to search or membership required sites many have FREE trial memberships to take advantage of All are excellent and recommened sites! |
Take Plenty of Notes!
During your Headstone Genealogy trip remember to take plenty of notes on important cemetery & headstone attributes-
During your Headstone Genealogy trip remember to take plenty of notes on important cemetery & headstone attributes-
Address and descriptive physical location of the cemetery such as:
On a mountain side
Road-side pocket cemetery
On a mountain side
Road-side pocket cemetery
In the woods or a field
In a private family cemetery
In a churchyard
Make note of any cross streets or other landmarks to help identify the cemtery location
Ease of access: private, fenced, gated or locked
If the cemetery is maintained or not
Size of the cemetery w/approx # of burials
Headstone date ranges is also helpful to note
Ease of access: private, fenced, gated or locked
If the cemetery is maintained or not
Size of the cemetery w/approx # of burials
Headstone date ranges is also helpful to note
What is the location of the headstone in the cemetery?
If possible make note of the lot & plot. Often found on cornerstones, signs on trees or other markers.
If no lot markers are found, make note of other identifiers such as near-by monuments, or others items in the cemetery such as water pump, caretakers building or roads.
Note if it is a family plot.
If possible make note of the lot & plot. Often found on cornerstones, signs on trees or other markers.
If no lot markers are found, make note of other identifiers such as near-by monuments, or others items in the cemetery such as water pump, caretakers building or roads.
Note if it is a family plot.
What type of section is it in-
Pauper section, institutional section such as those from an orphanage, home for the aged, poor house, prison, hospital or lunatic asylum or other healthcare institution such as a tuberculosis clinic.
Pauper section, institutional section such as those from an orphanage, home for the aged, poor house, prison, hospital or lunatic asylum or other healthcare institution such as a tuberculosis clinic.
Military or organization's plot?
Is it in a place of prominence?
Which way is the headstone facing?
Is it in a large family plot or alone?
Make notes about the headstone:
Is it Large or small
Grandly decorated or plain and simple
Sandstone, marble, granite or white bronze?
Remember to examine the entire headstone! Often, the back of the headstone will also include writing or other names. Larger, headstones and monuments can also have names on multiple sides.
And don't forget to explore the rest of the cemetery or at the very least the nearby graves. This is a very important step in genealogy research. Neighboring stones can be other family members such as a first spouse or children... often these people have not made it into the family tree for one reason or another. Usually because a young wife passed away, often in childbirth, and the husband remarries quickly- as was the custom and culture- especially if he had surviving children that needed to be cared for- and the second wife becomes the one of record, the one perhaps on the same headstone as the husband, and thus the one added to the family tree! The nearby graves of undocumented infants and children are common finds, so make sure that you have a good look around!
What to take with you for a day of Headstone Genealogy-
A partner. Although not necessary, taking someone with you to search a cemetery is a good idea- two can cover more ground at a time, and because safety is first! Depending on the location of the cemetery, from extremely remote to inner-city you never know who or what you may run into. (More about this topic and my own process later)
A cell phone- fully charged
Digital camera with neck strap, extra memory card and batteries
Composition notebook and pens
Any research notes that you have made
Cold bottled water & Advil
A book bag, shoulder bag or camera belt to carry everything in
Scissors or grass clippers
Small soft brush
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Sunglasses and hat
Small spray bottle of water
Soft cloth or paper towels
Plastic grocery bag
Snacks
Flashlight
Personal protection such as mace or pepper spray
An air conditioned car
First aid kit
Toilet tissue
Gloves
A small spade or trowel- for digging out partially buried headstones
I'm sure that you will develope a system of cemetery & headstone research that is comfortable for you, as I have done.
My process- I spend a significant amount of time in cemeteries doing professional genealogy research and memorial art photography for a living.... so my equipment kit is a little more involved than the list above, and often changes depending on my plan for the day. After years of doing this kind of work, I've developed a pretty good system for cemetery research that works well for me. My cemetery visits are usually successful and without event, even juggling camera equipment and notebooks.
First, I have a composition notebook dedicated to just cemetery visits. I research the cemetery a head of time, including the address, GPS coordinates and office hours if any, and write it all down in the composition notebook. Most cemeteries only have office hours Monday thru Friday, so if your visit is on a weekend, don't expect help from the office. I often check for any volunteer requests for the cemeteries I plan on visiting that day, or if I'm doing hired genealogy work, I try and do as much research ahead of time that I can. Knowing the general location of the grave before you get there is best. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, so wear your old, comfortable walking sneakers and keep an extra pair in the trunk!
You should always wear long, protective pants and socks when doing this work. Even in the sweltering heat of summer, don't be tempted to wear shorts. In some areas, ticks are a problem, spiders, bee's, snakes, other wildlife, and poison ivy are likely to be encountered in a cemetery. Plus, you'll be kneeling down to examine and photograph your findings, so you'll want to have long pants on, and perhaps an extra pair in the trunk. I usually wear jeans and a tank-top and do just fine.
When heading to a very large cemetery, a cemetery in remote location or with-in a large city, I do like to bring a partner if possible. The additional person helping to search and sometimes assisting to lift a fallen, face down headstone, and help deciphering inscriptions is always useful. Plus, you never know who or what you may encounter in a cemetery! Wildlife abounds in cemeteries. Depending on your area, you could expect to see anything, including stray domestic dogs and cats. It goes without saying, but no matter how cute... keep your distance. If you go cemetery hunting by yourself, tell someone where you are going, which cemeteries you will be at and how long you expect to be gone.
You may also encounter other people in the cemetery. Families visiting a loved-ones grave, other researchers, grounds keepers or perhaps even a funeral in progress. And yes, the occasional "creepy" cemetery guy, or homeless person sleeping in a crypt (Yes, it happens) even partying teenagers hanging out. I always do a drive-thru and scan the cemetery when I first arrive. If there are other people in the cemetery visiting a grave, I avoid the area to give them privacy to visit their deceased loved one. My practice is to always keep an eye on anyone else in the cemetery. You will notice that they also keep an eye on you! So it's best to know who else is around before getting out of the car. If there are other folks around, I try to work towards them, so my back is not to them. I don't want anyone sneaking up on me! I also make it a practice to stay within eyesight of my car. Even if that means returning to my car and moving it frequently.
Sometimes you may encounter grounds keepers working in a cemetery. They will have obvious machinery of some kind... trucks, lawn mowers, weed whackers, etc. and they will actually be working. I do not make it a practice to approach anyone in a cemetery, at all. I try to stay clear of any workers or work that is being done. Grounds keepers will try and be respectful of visitors to the cemetery, but once they realize that you are wandering around with a camera and notebook, “working” rather than just paying respects to a passed loved-one, they will resume their mowing without concern. Occasionally you may be approached by an inquisitive grounds keeper who offers to help... who better to know names and locations within a cemetery than those who mow it every week! I have met some wonderful, insightful and interesting folks in cemeteries, but please use discretion when talking to or being approached by anyone in a cemetery!
Other safety habits that I follow are: Keeping the car locked. Sad as it is, thieves have been known to take advantage of unlocked cars in cemeteries. I also carry my keys on my person, in a secure pocket, not in a bag or fanny pack. Bags of any kind are easy to misplace while headstone hunting. I never, ever go to a cemetery without my cell phone, either. Upon arrival I check for cell service, and carry it on my person, not in a bag, but in my jeans pocket. I carry only a composition notebook, a few pens in my back pocket and my camera with a nice large camera strap that can go around my neck. I'm not in the habit of letting my large, heavy, expensive camera's dangle from my neck, but when writing notes and copying transcriptions, its better to allow it to hang on my chest rather than placing it on a nearby headstone. You will find that even with small pocket cameras its a good idea to have a neck strap. Wrist straps get in the way of documenting and restrict usability, so you may be tempted to put your camera down and lose it. So, invest a few dollars in a neck strap, even for a small pocket camera.
I also like to bring, but leave in the car, cold bottled water, a cup of coffee, a muffin and a bottle of Advil.... but that's just me. I also leave the bug spray, sunscreen, etc. in the car. Fanny packs are fine if you like them, but a notebook won't fit inside them. I recommend a one shoulder sling-bag like photo pro's use, a strap-on front sling type bag or even a fisherman's type vest works great.
I like to stop at the front entrance of the cemetery and photograph the sign, if any, as well as the gate or front entrance itself. I then pick a corner or landmark, look for lot markers and start my search, usually moving horizontally across the rows. Depending on the age and condition of the headstones, doing it this way allows you to see two or more rows at a time. I also try and search compact sections at a time, rather than going in long lines. Pick a landmark such as a road or large monument and square of your search area. If a partner is with you, send him or her off to the opposite corner and meet in the middle. You should always stay with-in shouting range of each other, and each of you should have a cell phone or walkie, in case one or the other finds the stone you are looking for or has a question.
Finding your treasure:
So you have found the headstone you were looking for.... now comes the fun part! If need be, gently brush away any debris from the stone. You can use a soft brush, your hand or even blow them away. But you must be gentle with delicate old stones! If you are able to read and photograph the stone without touching it I suggest you do that. Some people carry a spray bottle of water and a cloth to clean the stone of mud, dirt and bird droppings. I prefer not to touch the stone at all. And please don't try to remove any moss, lichens, or other natural elements that have developed on the stone. Doing so may cause disintegration in the very inscription that you are trying to read. In the case of unmaintained cemeteries, its okay to remove long grass if need be, by pushing it down or using clippers, but avoid pulling it out near the stone as it can cause damage to the stone itself. No gravestone rubbings!!! This is a practice frowned upon by historians and preservationists. Rubbings can cause damage, and the usefulness of a gravestone rubbing is obsolete... that's what the camera is for! Make your notes of the inscription and document the lot, plot or landmarks of the headstone in your notebook. If the stone is hard to read, try tracing the lettering gently with your finger.
Do not cut or remove any flowers or plantings. Gently hold them out of the way while you take the inscription photograph. Other decorative items that are movable should only be touched and moved if they are obstructing the inscription. If you have to move them, please be sure to return them to their original location. Any commemorative items such as a flag, military plaque etc. should also be photographed.
If you are faced with a broken or face down headstone, or a stone that is partially buried in the dirt, gently use your gloved fingers to find the outline of the stone, then, and only then use your trowel to unearth what you need of the stone. Don't scrape away at any portion of the stone with your trowel or try and force the stone from the ground... damage will occur. Before and after photos of this action should be made. Remember that these old stones are often fragile and should be handled with great care. If you encounter a stone that is laying flat on the ground and is broken in half, photograph it as it is. Don't try to put the pieces back together, and never try to replace the top portion of a stone that has broken off. It is safer on the ground! If the broken-off piece of stone seems stable, carefully try to lean it against the base of its own stone. Remember preservation is very important. You can contact the cemetery management, or in the case of inactive or abandoned cemeteries, local historical societies and request help in getting the headstone properly repaired. Many community organizations do historical cemetery care and preservation.
Photographing a headstone is really kind of an art in itself, but for general preservation and genealogy purposes the things to remember are to step back and take a good clear photo of the entire stone and grave itself, and also one with some surrounding area, then move in and take a close-up so the stone fills the frame and then an even closer one of the names, dates and inscription, even if you have to take separate shots of different parts of the stone, as you may need to refer to these close-ups later. Try and kneel or sit down if necessary, to get head-on, eye level shots. You will want to be able to present or utilize a photo of the entire stone as well as a clear, close, shot of the inscription. Also, make sure you are not casting a shadow on the stone. A photo from a slight angle is better than a shadowy photo that's hard to read. It's a good idea to get different angles anyway. If light is a problem such as on an overcast day or if you are in an area of a lot of tree's, use the camera's flash, a flashlight or bounce board to fill the stone with light. I like to take multiple shot of the stone, some with flash and some without. That way if I need to use an editing program to bring out the inscription details that may have been difficult to read in person, I have different options to choose from. Never count on just the photo itself, thinking that you can document and record the inscription from the photo once you get home. Things happen. Memory cards get erased accidentally, or the photo of the
inscription may for some reason, be harder to read than it was in person. Take the time to get up close and personal with the headstone and document the inscription on- site as well as photograph it.
And don't forget to check out the neighboring headstones, plots and the rest of the cemetery if possible. You may be pleasantry surprised at what you find! While your at it, maybe take a few extra shots of other headstone and contribute them to a cemetery burial database!
Lastly, don't be discouraged if you don't find what you are looking for. Continue your research by contacting cemetery offices or local historical societies for helpful information, then try your search again. Or, in some areas you can contact a professional in genealogy and cemetery researcher to assist you.
Have fun, enjoy and good luck in your Headstone Genealogy!
I'm off to do some Cemetery Exploring!
