Are you trying to trace your family history but are stuck at a dead end? Headstones can be a treasure trove of information. They provide names, dates, and sometimes even stories that can help build your family tree.
Understanding the Importance of Headstones in Genealogy
Headstones hold key information about your ancestors. They show names, dates, and relationships that are crucial for genealogical research. Headstone inscriptions help fill gaps in family history.
For example, gravestones can tell you a person’s death date and final resting place.
Not all burial locations have markers, but many do. These markers offer clues about cultural and religious practices from different times. Studies even hint that middle and upper-class individuals were more likely to have gravestones.
Types of Headstones Commonly Used
Headstones come in different shapes and sizes, each with its own style. Some are tall and upright, while others lie flat or have a slanted face.
Upright Headstones
Upright headstones are the most traditional type of grave marker. They stand tall and are easy to spot in cemeteries. Typical dimensions for upright granite headstones are 42 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 4 inches thick.
These markers help with genealogy research by showing death dates and burial locations.
Single upright headstones made from gray granite can cost around $1,899. A companion upright headstone costs about $2,099. Both prices include free shipping within the contiguous USA and usually take 8 to 10 weeks for delivery.
Flat Markers
Flat markers lie flat on the ground. They are often made of granite or bronze. These graveyard markers can get damaged over time, making them hard to read. Prices for flat markers vary.
For example, a small one (16in x 8in x 3in) with a symbol costs about $197.99, while a larger one (24in x 12in x 4in) with two symbols is around $519.99.
Finding flat gravestones in cemeteries can be tricky without help. Cemetery guides can tell you where to look for these burial markers and give detailed burial info. Online cemetery databases like BillionGraves also use GPS tagging to make it easier to locate these memorial stones.
Flat markers may lay low but hold rich stories.
Slant Markers
Slant markers, also known as slant headstones, stand at an angle. They are usually made from granite. The slanted design makes them easy to read from a distance. You can customize designs, fonts, and engravings on these grave memorials.
These headstones keep dirt and debris off the surface due to their slope. This makes them easier to maintain over time. Families feel comforted visiting these cemetery monuments because they help connect with loved ones better.
Decoding the Symbols and Inscriptions on Headstones
Common Symbols and Their Meanings
Headstones often have symbols that tell us about our ancestors. These symbols can give us clues about their lives.
- Skulls and Crossbones: Used by Puritans, this symbol reminds us of death and mortality.
- Angels: Angels often mean heaven or protection. They show a belief in an afterlife.
- Doves: Doves usually stand for peace or the Holy Spirit.
- Lambs: Lambs often mark the graves of children and symbolize innocence.
- Wheat Sheaves: This symbol represents a long life or harvest, indicating someone who lived a full life.
- Grim Reaper: Seen on older headstones, the grim reaper symbolizes death and the end of life.
- Crosses: Crosses are common in Christian graves, signifying faith and resurrection.
- Roses: Roses can signify love or beauty and are often linked with young women’s graves.
- Books: Books may indicate knowledge or a religious text like the Bible.
- Open Gates: Open gates suggest entry into heaven.
Each symbol carries meaning from its time period and cultural background, giving hints about our ancestors’ beliefs and lives.
Interpreting Epitaphs and Dates
Epitaphs tell stories. Dates offer clues about the past.
- Reflecting Feelings: Epitaphs often show how living relatives felt about the deceased. They chose these words with care and love.
- Catalog Choices: Families picked verses from catalogs given by monument makers and funeral directors. These were popular sayings or Bible quotes.
- Historical Insight: Epitaphs and dates reveal a lot about the times. For example, many deaths in the same year might point to an epidemic.
- Cultural Context: The style of writing can give hints about cultural beliefs. Some epitaphs reflect religious faith, while others may focus on virtues like bravery or kindness.
- Final Tribute: Epitaphs serve as a last gift to remember the person by. They often highlight what made this person special in life.
Tips for Tracing Ancestry Through Headstones
Visiting Cemeteries and Taking Notes
Visiting cemeteries and taking notes is a key part of tracing your ancestry. The right steps can make your research easier.
- Plan your visit. Set goals about which ancestors to focus on.
- Contact the cemetery office. Make an appointment and ask for any needed records.
- Take initial photos of the area. This helps you recall where graves are.
- Start with big headstones. They often have more info than smaller ones.
- Bring a notebook or use a phone app. Write down names, dates, and symbols on each headstone.
- Ask the cemetery staff for historical materials. They might have old maps or burial records.
- Organize your notes after the visit. Sort them by family lines or generations.
- Upload your photos to online databases. They can help others in their research too.
Using Online Databases and Records
Cemetery records are also key. These records show death dates and where someone is buried.
Not all burials have clear markers, so online tools and onsite cemetery checks are crucial for your research.
Conclusion
Headstones help us learn about our past. They show us names, dates, and symbols that tell stories. By looking at headstones, we can trace our family roots. Visit cemeteries and use online tools to find more information.
These steps make tracing ancestry easier and meaningful.