does that mean they're related? there are gravestones beside my family that no one knows if they're related. "Thomas James" is buried beside "James S." of the same last name, and they're almost the same age. no one in my family knows, but is it safe to say they're related? how could I find out? (is it ok to bug churches about it for birth registration?)
2006-10-30 02:56:48 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Genealogy
Often related family is buried together, but it just depends on space in the cemetery.
Your local library usually has either a genealogy department or access to genealogical records. Sometimes your library might have an index of your local paper, or at least of obituaries in the paper they might tell who is buried where.
Depending on how old it is, you can check with your local clerk of court or register of deeds. And yes, it is ok to ask the church or cemetery company about who's buried there. They usually keep pretty good records.
2006-10-30 03:04:37 · answer #1 · answered by joannaserah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could mean they are related, but not necessarily. The church should have record of who is buried there and possibly the info on who their family is. Otherwise the county would have the death records which should lead you to birth records. It's probably safe to say they're related,but only searching the records will tell you for sure.
2006-10-30 11:07:25 · answer #2 · answered by Joanne B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
May or may not be related. Only way to find out is old fashioned research. Look up obits, death certificates, census records, etc. You have a mystery, now go solve it. Anywhere you can find a clue is fair game. I would see no problem in asking the church. Tell them you are wondering if the person is somehow related and ask if they have any information to help out. As long as you are polite and respectful there should be no problems.
2006-10-30 19:19:35 · answer #3 · answered by b0jangle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Burial plots are purchased individually. It could be someone related or just someone with the same last name. Not all cemetary's are owned by churches, but it sounds like yours is. Most will keep records that are public information. Just tell them you are working on your family tree. Birth/death records are public, not private.
2006-10-30 11:07:10 · answer #4 · answered by Laurie D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would ask the funeral director at the cemetery, they usually have information on file
2006-10-30 11:07:34 · answer #5 · answered by linda c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋