Genealogy Chat

I really just wanted to boast about my productive afternoon. (see more below)

Having recently finally found the death of my 2xGGrandfather, we went to the cemetry office (luckily very local). I took a guess at his being non-conformist and it turned out to be correct. The incredibly helpful man looked to see if there were any memorials on it for us, which there was. He also discovered there were FIVE people listed in the grave. The grave was purchased in 1925 by 2xGGF's youngest son. Both he and his wife are buried there, along with their youngest son and eldest daughter (both unmarried). I didn't have dates for any of them except the original search. The final one was an unusual reference that confused the man, but was listed simply as a 4yr old. We hurriedly went to the grave (which we found ridiculously easily) and discovered that the 4 year old was a Grandson that we didn't know about, believing that his sister had been an only child. Very exciting. We returned to the office to let the man know what we'd found.and he searched with the new info (name and DoD). We discovered that he was buried in a public grave (hence why the unusual reference number), 6 months before his grandfather and the memorial was later added. While there we also enquired about grave ownership and discovered that all three graves that belong to our family are owned outright, not leased for a period of time. Apparently the older graves (the youngest of ours is from the 1950's) are all owned outright. Much relief with regards recent discussions of graves being reused. Must enquire with regards of ability to use a grave for family burial/cremation interment when the original buyer is now deceased though. So much information for about an hours worth of effort. I'm a very happy person. I guess my tip here (as it's a tips board) is to get as much info out of your grave search as possible. Always ask about who bought the grave and if there are any others in there. Try not to have a preconceived idea of what you may find. Liz

Liz You are right! We found my 2 x GGF's grave some 30 years ago. We neglected to ask any questions,as it all seemed very straightforward, and a 25 year search followed for his death registration. Finally - I got back to the cemetery and asked if he had actually been interred, rather than just commemorated on the stone. They were able to say yes - and to give me the address at which he had last lived - which was in another County! No wonder we couldn't find the death registration. Armed with that information, we immediately found the death cert. Also in the same grave was one of his sons. My father told me this man was a bachelor and died aged 40 and the gravestone 'confirmed' this. I didnt bother to get the death cert. So imagine how surprised I was, many years later, to have contact from a descendant of this man, who had married shortly before his death and produced twins! There is absolutely no mention of his wife on the stone, for some unknown reason (not money, not a falling out) As you say - don't assume. Ask questions and cross the Ts and dot the Is! OC