WHERE IS GRANDPA'S GRAVE?

Trory Church of Ireland cemetery.

Those who search their family histories often turn to tombstones. But tombstones can present a new problem: Their inscriptions can be so badly weathered by countless years of rain, snow, ice and lichens that they are impossible to read.

But are they?

Dr. David Elliott revealed many solutions to this problem during his presentation to members of the London and Middlesex Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society recently.

Londonmiddlesex.ogs.on.ca 

Here are some of the steps this expert offered that can help. 

David Elliott

Brush the stones to remove lichen and dirt. Spray them with clean water. Permit the surface water to evaporate. This leaves the indentations themselves wet and often perfectly readable.

Dr. Elliott, who is a professional genealogist and operates Kinfolk Finders from his home in Parkhill, Ont., specializes in cemeteries in Ireland and visits the Emerald Isle on research trips each summer. www.kinfolkfinders.com

 Rub a handful of ordinary baking flour into the letters.

The two examples below offer vivid proof of the improved visibility that magically appears once the letters have been brushed to remove the accumulated dirt and lichen and then applied with the flour.

Before the flour was used.

After the flour was applied. Flour won't damage the stones and will wash away during the next rain.

During his presentation and using information he has picked up from some of the very old stones found in Ireland, he described how to find long-lost stones. “Look for protruding edges of stone and changes in the colour of grass or moss. Probe the surface with a sharp knife to see if there is a hidden stone. Cut turf around the perimeter.
When you do come across useful tombstones, watch for details such as these:

• Local addresses

• Parish and county information

• Family relationships

• Maiden names

• Causes of death

• Other person details

• Symbols of associations: lodges, etc.

Dr. Elliott uses a computer program called digital paintbrush when just about all else fails. First step, make a duplicate of the photo within your computer so it remains untouched for possible future needs. This program permits you to use a simulated paintbrush to outline the faint letters of the stone. Use a different colour for every other word, he says. Do the words that you can discern first. Then tackle the more difficult words. Look for unusual spellings.

An example of using the digital paintbrush.

He also manipulates images via PhotoShop software. This, he says, enables you to move fragments electronically, separating broken fragments into different layers. Segments can be tilted in such a way that they are levelled. Segments can then be moved so the gaps can be removed and the lettering is aligned.
As a professional genealogist, he just doesn’t obtain the information he is searching for with one or two stones. He maps out the whole section (or perhaps in some cases, the entire cemetery) and makes a sort of roadmap. Here’s what he advises:
List each stone in its sequence in the row. Where there are many names that are the same in the row, include the first names, too.
Write a transcription in a notebook if there are questions about details.

• Make sure that the first and last stone of each row are indicated.
• Record any spaces, too.
• Compare earlier transcriptions.
• Check burial register of church or cemetery.

Use your photos and enhanced pictures on one computer and prepare a word document on another one. Use your field book and maps for references. Use transcriptions to make an index using a spreadsheet. Separate columns for first and last names. You can then sort by first and last names.

Google satellite view of cemetery and area surrounding it can be useful.

He suggests that you bring these tools: Digital camera and lots of batteries. Cellphone for emergencies. (You could easily trip and fall--even into a deserted grave site. If the cemetery is remotely located, you could summon needed help.)  GPS, first aid kit for cuts, insect bites, etc. Field book for recording information. Compass for making maps. Spray bottle and some brushes. Water for drinking and highlighting, hat.

Bulletin
For those who live within driving distance of London:

Join us at the Lamplighter Inn Wellington Road, London for an enjoyable luncheon followed by a presentation titled:  "We'll Meet Again": The Experiences of British Child Evacuees in Canada During the Second World War. Our speaker, Claire Halstead, a Western PhD Candidate, has been featured on CBC Radio: and noted in “Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter”. Check  http://news.westernu.ca/2015/01/student-returns-identity-to-british-war-evacuees/ for more information about Claire’s original research.

NOTICE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Info from
www.londonmiddlesex.ogs.on.ca

Date: Saturday, 2 May 2015

Time: Noon to 2 pm

Place: Lamplighter Inn, Wellington Road, London

Membership is not required. Tickets are $38.00 and are available from Carolyn Croke (519-679-9644) before 11th of April.

"Anonymous" comments on Grandpa's Grave that flour should never be used. Dr. Elliott replies that enriched flour might produce a chemical reaction. Plain flour, he says, should be OK. Irv