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LOCATING A CEMETERY
Local Records
Contact the Township Trustee to see if he may have some information
on the particular cemetery or burial site. Visit the office if
possible! Township trustees have many records in storage and if they
are truly interested will dig some of these out and do some research
with you.
County Records
Check old plat books. Most counties have these published and
sell at the auditors office. Check at the county records library
(archives) or Recorders office for old plat records. Many counties
have these back to the early 1900’s or earlier. Also check
Assessor's records, these are usually recorded by Township.
Cemeteries were not taxed property, and recorded as such. County
soils maps can prove to be a very good source, as well are the older
survey books and records from the County Surveyors Office. You may
also find that newer recorded surveys in both Surveyors Office and
Auditors Office will contain some references to cemeteries. Some
counties may keep a Cemetery ledger, but these may not be of much
help as they tend to list only individual lots for the most. County
Commissioners Minutes Books may also contain information. Circuit
Court Order Books, family land divisions, especially older records
include hand drawn maps
Libraries
Check your local, county, or state library for cemetery
information. In the past, the DAR has done many inscriptions and put
copies of these in a local library. Also check the local Historical
Society or Museums for information. Check early county histories,
Goodspeed did many county histories around 1885.
Maps
Check U.S. Geological Survey maps. The State Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) has these maps for sale. Also check your local Soil
Conservation Office for these maps. They show some cemeteries on
these maps, however not all cemeteries will be listed. Most USGS
topographical maps show cemeteries, as do the US Army Corps of
Engineers Study maps. On older historic maps, look for a cross.
Other Sources
* County Veterans Service Officer, VFW and Am. Legion
* Local funeral directors
* Local and surrounding county vault and monument companies, they
keep maps forever
* SAR and DAR records and persons
* State Historical Society
* Local Historical Association
* Township Trustees and Advisory Boards
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