Digging Up the Dirt: A Guide to Finding Someone's Final Resting Place in California
So, you’ve got a burning desire to find out where Great Aunt Mildred kicked the bucket and ended up six feet under. Maybe you’re a genealogist with a penchant for the morbid, or perhaps you’re just really curious about your family history. Whatever your reason, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of finding someone’s final resting place in the Golden State.
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| How To Find Where Someone Is Buried In California |
Online Sleuthing: Your First Dig
Before you start donning your Indiana Jones hat and heading out to the desert with a shovel, try the digital route. There’s a treasure trove of information online, and we’re not talking about buried pirate gold (though that would be cool).
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- Find a Grave: This website is like the Facebook of the dead. Seriously, it's a goldmine. People upload photos of gravestones, and you can search by name, location, and even cemetery. It's like playing Where’s Waldo, but with tombstones.
- FamilySearch: If you’re into genealogy, you probably know about FamilySearch. It’s a free website with a massive database of records, including cemetery records. You might need to do a little digging (pun intended), but it’s worth a shot.
- Ancestry.com: Another popular genealogy site, Ancestry.com offers a wealth of records, including cemetery and death records. But beware, it can get addictive and expensive.
Cemeteries: The Final Frontier
If your online search comes up empty, it’s time to hit the pavement. Or, you know, the cemetery.
- Contact the Cemetery: Most cemeteries have records of who’s buried there. Give them a call or visit in person. Be prepared to provide as much information as possible, like the person’s full name, birth and death dates, and any known relatives buried nearby.
- Check Local Historical Societies: These folks are like human Google Search for your area. They might have old records or know where to find them. Plus, they’re usually pretty cool people.
- Explore Online Cemetery Directories: Some cemeteries have their own websites, and there are also online directories that list cemeteries by location.
Tips for the Grave-Digging Enthusiast
- Be Patient: Finding someone’s final resting place can be time-consuming. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for right away.
- Be Respectful: Cemeteries are sacred places. Dress appropriately, and avoid disturbing graves or headstones.
- Bring a Notebook and Camera: Jot down any information you find, and take pictures of gravestones.
- Share Your Findings: Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, consider sharing your information with others. You might help someone else on their family history journey.
How to...
- How to find a cemetery in California: Use online resources like Find a Grave or the California Cemetery Association.
- How to read a gravestone: Gravestones often include the deceased's name, birth and death dates, and sometimes other information like their age or relationship to others.
- How to transcribe cemetery records: Carefully copy down the information from the gravestone, including any symbols or decorations.
- How to preserve old cemetery photos: Scan photos and store them digitally, or have them printed on archival paper.
- How to research cemetery history: Check local historical societies, libraries, and online resources for information about the cemetery's history.
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