How to Find Headstones of Ancestors

Ancestral headstones waiting to be found.

It's frustrating when family historians are unable to locate ancestral headstones. You need to know where an ancestor died before you can find the burial site. Because death certificates are issued before burial, the place of interment isn't often listed. Fortunately, other records exist to help you find the answers you need.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook
• Pen
• Computer

Instructions

1. Talk to your elderly relatives first. It's likely they attended the funerals of ancestors who died before you were born. Your great-aunts and uncles and grandparents might remember attending the funerals of relatives. While they might not be able to pinpoint the exact gravesite, they might remember the cemetery where the burial took place.

2. Check old newspapers for obituaries that list burial details such as cemetery, next of kin, and other specifics. If you know the date an ancestor died, you can find out where he is buried and pay a visit to the grave. You'll find old newspapers on microfilm in your public library or historical society library.

3. Cemetery offices keep records regarding burials. If you have the name and the correct cemetery, officials can direct you to ancestors' plots. Records include information such as perpetual care requests to place flowers at gravesites along with relatives buried in that plot, dates of death, and information about next of kin.

4. Request a copy of an ancestor's death certificate to learn where he died. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries most of our ancestors were buried in or near the town where they died. Once you've located the town, check with local cemeteries to find burial spots. Repositories for records vary, but death certificates are often filed with Vital Statistics or the Health Department. Check your state's website, or ask your reference librarian where to find death certificates for individual states.

5. Many families who have compiled their genealogy have created websites to share information they've collected. Whether your surname is common or rare, you might find information online by asking questions. Reviewing family websites can uncover information you've been seeking. This can include locations of headstones, especially for ancestors who traveled during the country's westward expansion.

6. Check out the genealogical website of the nonprofit United States Cemetery Project, a volunteer endeavor designed to provide individuals with free access to photographs of headstones and obituaries. The website is an ideal solution for those who are unable to visit ancestors' graves in person. If your ancestor was an individual of distinction, you might even find his burial site listed on Find-A-Grave.

Tips & Warnings

• Think geographically when it comes to locating ancestors' headstones. The more you know about their backgrounds, the more likely you are to find the area where they died and were buried.

References

• United States Cemetery Project.
• Graves of ancestors of distinction.
• Burial records and information.
• Listing of cemetery records worldwide.