American Cemeteries

A lot of research for historical and geneological information can be done at cemeteries.  In the 19th and early 20th century, many Victorian families would have picnics at cemeteries to remember their ancestors.  Generally, a grave stone will have the person's name, date of birth, and date of death on it.  At other times, it may include their military service history.  Here are some pictures from some American cemeteries I have done research at:

 

 

 

Many tombstones are flat or rounded at the top.  There are also a large amount of obelisks present at many American cemeteries.  Mausoleums are expensive tomb markers and many older cemeteries (Queen of Heaven in Hillside and Resurrection Cemetery on Archer Avenue) have them.  Many believe cemeteries are haunted and perhaps they are right. I choose to look at them as places to remember the ancestors.


By Rita Jean Moran (www.thelibrarykids.com)


Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resurrection_Mary

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_of_Heaven_Cemetery

http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-4382-resting-places.html