Inside and Out
Researchers rely heavily on church records. Historical church records may be available to document the birth, baptism, marriage, deaths, confessions
of ancestors, and more. Experienced researchers would never overlook these
records. But often they forget to go beyond the books. What’s in the yard of
the church? What’s in the edifice? Are there hints to our ancestors' lives?
Recently on a pre-Revolutionary War project, a trip to
New York answered many of my questions. Beginning with the gate of St. Paul’s
Chapel - Trinity Parish, the invitation to enter was full of intrigue. The cemetery shared
secrets, and the interior of the church held family plaques that answered
questions. With some analysis, a colorful tapestry of family connections and
histories were learned.
Walls and Plaques
On the walls of the church a plaque proffers dates and names,
cause of death, place of origin, and father’s name. What a great
confirmation! We have discovered the same types of wall tributes in AME Zion churches of
North Carolina, small town churches in Scotland Missouri, and so many more! So researchers
should not underestimate the walls of older churches.
Cemeteries and
Headstones
Capturing scripts on tombstones are not optional, but essential, as they
too may reveal a bit more about your ancestor. Of course, most know the value
of FindaGrave.com and BillionGraves.com, but take time to read the words for hints. It's not often you get an invitation to "follow" your ancestor!
Behold you See as you Pass By
As you are Now so Once was I
As I am Now you soon will Be
Prepare for Death and Follow Me.
For some, the tombstones are actually wonderful substitutes
for a written obituary with detailed family information.
Jacob Kemper, son of Daniel and Jane who
departed this life Dec 10th 1793, aged 21 years 3 months…
1) Books/Records
2) Walls / Plaques (and artifacts)
3) Church Cemetery Headstones
Kathleen Brandt
a3Genealogy.com
Accurate, accessible answers
Note: The examples above are from St. Paul’s Cemetery. The a3Genealogy
project and client are not discussed or revealed in this article/post.
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