How to Find Out About Old Graves
Gravestones have been around for centuries, marking the place where a loved one was laid to rest. The symbols, designs and text on the stones have specific meanings. Researchers looking at stones from the 1600s will find different symbols than those found on stones in the 2000s, as designs changed over time. For example, in the 1600s of New England, a time of higher mortality rate, many stones had a skull and crossbones on them. This design signifies death and mortality. Learning about old graves is simply a matter of researching the design and the history of the time when the stone was erected.
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Instructions
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Research the history of a town or city and the cemetery containing graves of interest. Each cemetery was created for a specific reason. The land where the cemetery stands may have been the site of a bloody battle. The land may sit near a large city where an epidemic killed hundreds or thousands of people. The land may also be contained on a family's property, where family members were buried for decades. Learning the history of a cemetery and when it was created can help explain the graves.
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Examine the symbols, designs and text on a grave stone. Each symbol has a specific meaning. A symbol representing one's religious affiliation may be seen in the form of a cross or crucifix. A symbol representing an organization to which an individual belonged could be seen as a symbol or text like WBA, which stands for the Women's Benefit Association. The loss of a child is represented in many ways, from a pair of shoes with one overturned, a lamb resting near the grave, and a vacant chair. Military service can be symbolized with an anchor for the Navy, a rifle for an Army infantryman or the text of the unit to which a service man or woman belonged.
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Contact the cemetery's caretaker or a local genealogy or historical society to inquire about the history of the area, cemetery and stones. Some graves have stood so long that time and weather have worn away much or all of the symbols and text engraved on the stone. Many times geneology or historical societies have written histories about the area and cemeteries. Local libraries are also a good source of information and many books can be requested through inter-library loan if you do not live in an area of interest.
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References
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