Tag Archives: burial records

Visiting Cemeteries

One of my favorite things to do on a sunny spring afternoon is walk through local cemeteries in search of ancestors who are buried there. No, I have not gone insane, nor do I have an infatuation with the dead or morbidity. Cemeteries are actually a very peaceful place to take a walk, and there is information on tombstones that can come in useful for genealogical research. Information that can be found on tombstones includes birth and death information, a woman’s maiden name, parent’s names, town of origin, and military service. You may also discover the nearby grave of an … Continue reading →

Sexton’s Records

A sexton is a caretaker of a cemetery whose role it is to oversee the maintenance and care of the cemetery, including the buildings and grounds. They may also be responsible for digging new graves. Sextons typically do not perform the actual maintenance, but they do ensure that the job gets done. Sextons are also responsible for keeping diligent records of those buried in the cemetery. These are called sexton’s records, and are kept by both public and private cemeteries. These records can provide valuable information to genealogists. Information that may be found on sexton’s records includes the name of … Continue reading →

Types of Cemeteries

The sun is shining and the air is warm. It’s a perfect day for a walk through the cemetery. Yes, you read that right–the cemetery. Cemeteries are quiet, peaceful, and wonderful places for remembrance. They also provide useful information for genealogists. Even if you already know the date of your ancestor’s death, a gravestone can still help you. It may provide your ancestor’s maiden name or an inscription that you will want to document. The gravestone may also be located near the grave of a child who died at an early age, a second spouse (my great-grandmother is buried next … Continue reading →