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Finding an ancestor's place of burial is an important part of one's genealogy research. Simply knowing the where an ancestor is buried is not enough. Clues found at the gravesite can provide valuable information such as a birth date, death date and even the name of a spouse. Important genealogical clues leading to other records are often overlooked. When possible, it is optimal to take genealogy research into the cemetery to ensure all of the pertinent clues are found.
Once the cemetery where an ancestor is buried has been located, a systematic gathering of all possible clues will ensure a thorough collection of information on the family. Below is a step by step approach to making the most of cemetery research.
Step #1 - Research the cemeteryStep #1 - Research the cemetery
The first step to successful cemetery research is to learn about the cemetery itself. This step can actually be done prior to visiting the cemetery. Determine why the cemetery is in that specific location, and if it is affiliated with a specific group. For instance, is the cemetery a church cemetery and affiliated with a specific church or faith? If so, a search for church records can be added to the research plan.
Is the cemetery a city or county cemetery? If so, a search for the cemetery records at the city or county level is warranted.
Is the cemetery where an ancestor is buried in what is seemingly today, the middle of a corn field or in the woods? Likely, this was a family cemetery on the family's property. A search for property records can be added to the research plan.
Step #2 - Make note and document all cemetery signageStep #2 - Make note and document all cemetery signage
Upon arrival at the cemetery, the first thing to do is make a note of all signage and photograph the signs. This is a quick, but important step. Signs may include hours and contact information. In the event, a question or request for more information is needed at a future date, it's quick and easy to access the phone number.
Additionally, older cemeteries sometimes have informational signs on specific history of the cemetery that add context to genealogy research.
Step #3 - Evaluate the gravesiteStep #3 - Evaluate the gravesite
Once at the ancestor's gravesite, it's time evaluate its location and any markers or gravestones. Record the name as spelled and any dates on the tombstone. Look for other writing on the tombstone? Is there a family relationship such as "wife of" or "husband of" mentioned? Are there any unfamiliar terms such as relict or consort on the stone? If so, add a lookup of those terms to the research plan.
Pay attention to any markings or symbols on the gravestone and record them. Religious markings can indicate an ancestor's faith leading to a search for religious records. A military marking or stone can point the researcher toward a search of military records. Many fraternal type organizations have emblems that can be found on gravestones. The presence of one indicates an ancestor's membership. More modern gravestones may even display symbols of the deceased's occupation.
Be sure to look at all sides of the gravestone and photograph each side. Additional information may be inscribed on the back or sides of a gravestone. For example, more information about the deceased's life or family may be inscribed on the backside of an ancestor's gravestone.
Step #4 - Evaluate who is buried closeStep #4 - Evaluate who is buried close
After evaluating an individual's gravesite, it is crucial to determine who is buried close by. Frequently, other family members are buried close. This is an opportunity to discover previously unknown family members.
Pay attention to who is buried on either side, in front of and behind the ancestor. If the ancestor is buried in a designated family plot, document everyone who is buried in that plot. (This applies to small individual family cemeteries, too.) Each individual in that family plot would have some type of relationship within that family. The relevance of this information may not be readily evident, but could become clear in future research.
Repeat steps #2 - #4 for each of the individual ancestors in the cemetery being evaluated.
Step #5- Update the research plan for future researchStep #5- Update the research plan for future research
Cemetery research is not complete until the newly found information and insights are added to the family tree and the research plan is updated. As noted throughout, the clues found in the cemetery frequently point to additional records to be searched. If it is discovered from an ancestor's grave, he/she was in the military, add military research to the research plan. If an previously unknown family member was noted in the family plot, determining that person's relationship to the family should be added to the plan.
This step takes only minimal time, and ensures important family clues are not forgotten.
See alsoSee also
Explore more about how to conduct step-by-step cemetery genealogy researchExplore more about how to conduct step-by-step cemetery genealogy research
- Death, Burial Cemetery, Obituaries collection catalog at MyHeritage
- Amazing Ways to Use Death Records for Family History Research on the MyHeritage blog
- Daniel’s Favorites: 5 Cemeteries Our Genealogy Expert Loves to Visit on the MyHeritage blog
- Visiting Cemeteries to Preserve Family History on the MyHeritage blog
- Documenting Cemeteries with BillionGraves webinar on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- Stories in a Stone — Cemetery Research ,webinar by Gail Blankenau on Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- Cemetery Research: Six Photos You Must Take by Lisa Lisson on Are You My Cousin?
- The MOST Important Question in Your Cemetery Research by Lisa Lisson on Are You My C
