Saving Graves
A collaborative effort of cemetery preservation advocates working to increase public awareness and activism in preserving, protecting and restoring endangered and forgotten historic cemeteries worldwide.

 Home   About   Nations   Reports   Library   News   Events  Projects  Support  Volunteer  Links  Search  Site Map
 
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

Back to Learning Lab Main Page



The information contained within this website is website is provided as a public service and is submitted by it's users. Saving Graves makes no guarantee that the information is current or accurate. Readers should make every attempt to verify the information before acting on it.

Copyright © 2000 - 2005 Saving Graves
All Rights Reserved