Adventures with Cemetery Records

Dealing with cemetery records can be an adventure. Large metropolitan cemeteries can be the easiest to maneuver. Small rural private/family cemeteries can be the most difficult. Then again, maybe, maybe not.


1. Locating the burial records. Once you know where your ancestor is buried, find out where the cemetery records are located. In many communities, the local historical or genealogical society, the DAR, a local genealogist or some other saintly group or individual has compiled the local cemetery burials. The local library's genealogy room frequently is the repository for them. Other possible locations: the local genealogical or historical society, the cemetery caretaker, the local historian, or the cemetery office. Make sure that you record the exact location of the gravesite(s) you are searching for. [section, plot, row, grave #, etc.]


2. Find out who to contact at the cemetery. If the cemetery is large enough to have an office  containing the records, find out who is in charge and when the records are available. Call ahead. Some cemeteries have a staff genealogist to help researchers, but may only be available one day per week.


3. When you get to the cemetery, ask the caretaker or staff for a map. If none is available, ask about the layout. If you know the section to look in, a little leg work will do the rest.


4. If you are dealing with a family cemetery in a remote location. Get permission to wander around from the property owners. They may also be able to give you directions or know about the graveyard.


5. Types of records on hand. These generally apply to larger cemeteries.
Burial permits: slips granting permission for burial [name, residence, age or birthdate, date of death and burial, location of grave];
Burial cards recording burial info [pretty much the same info as on burial permits];
Day books: record of purchases and burials [in addition to details already mentioned, date of purchase of the plot, plot interments, possibly birthplace & date.]
<Cards and day books may be on microfilm.>


6. Take your camera!


Some of my favorite cemetery adventures:
1. Greensburg, Decatur, IN. After locating the burial records for my Gulleys, I asked the librarian for directions to the cemetery. She didn't know, but was sure her husband did. The wonderful lady called her hubby at work and got the directions!


2. Crown Hill, Indianapolis: The Day Book page for the Cain-Jennison plot was a genealogist's dream. Names, birthplaces and dates for several members of the family. Names of all family members buried in the plot, plus a couple who were buried out of state!


3. Eller Cemetery, Delaware Twp., Hamilton Co., IN: I stopped at the farmhouse that fronted the property where this little graveyard is located. The owner gave me directions by cutting through the housing edition nextdoor. After asking a few people, someone told me the "shortcut." I did a little snooping and found a path that led right to it along the property fenceline! [Aaron Crail was buried in Eller Cemetery in 1868.]


4. Back Creek Quaker Burying Ground, Gainsboro, Frederick, VA: This was my first experience with fieldstones being used as tombstones. [Rogers & Rinker families]
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