The weather for the rest of this week did not look good, so yesterday my "boneyard buddy" who is my newly retired husband Steve, and I pulled out the cemetery bag, the new mirror, put on our old clothes and waterproof shoes. We joyfully got into the car and headed past the numerous apple orchards in this area to the most lovely Pan Burying Ground in the next town.
This cemetery is visible from the exit off Rt. 495 and I vowed I wasn't going back on the highway again until we took a closer look at it.
What you can see in this photo is the watering hose that the town has put out to water the newly planted trees outside of the stone wall of the cemetery.
This is Massachusetts Historical Cemetery 801. It used to be known as the East Burying Ground. It is not the oldest cemetery in Bolton.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Elizabeth TILLEY
Elizabeth Tilley, wife of John Howland. Her memorial stone located in the Brown Section of the Little Neck Cemetery [RI Historical Cemetery #5] in East Providence, RI.
This is what it looks like just in from the the Brown family plot.
Please feel free to take a copy if you are a descendant.
This is what it looks like just in from the the Brown family plot.
Please feel free to take a copy if you are a descendant.
John HOWLAND
This is the memorial stone for John Howland which is located on Burial Hill in Plymouth, MA. Please feel free to take a copy if you are a descendant.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tombstone Tuesday: Little Robbie
Graves of little children are the most heartbreaking of all. This little granite gravestone is still clearly readable and is a good example of a carved gravestone of this era. It amazes me that there was room to get in the "Our Darling Robbie".
Children like Robbie are often not included in compiled genealogies. It is important to include them because it can explain why whole families died (from disease) or even if the mother die of a broken heart.
Children like Robbie are often not included in compiled genealogies. It is important to include them because it can explain why whole families died (from disease) or even if the mother die of a broken heart.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Ruth's Memorial Service
Yesterday, we celebrated the life of my mother-in-law, who was 95 when she passed away this month.
She requested a memorial service at her church which is The Warren Baptist Church in Warren, Rhode Island.
It was a lovely service by Rev. Irish and most of it was about my mother-in-law. Her favorite hymns (as best we can remember) and a lovely "history" of her life. She was baptized here at the age of 12 as was my husband.
Bill and Ruth were married here and so were we. I thought it would be good for us to be married in my husband's church. Some wise woman told me that I should always try to make my mother-in-law happy for it is her baby that she gave up to me.
This church has a lot of historical significance. Before the service, I took photos of the inside, the historical plaques and the signage outside. I am pleased that my photos came out so nicely. The photos of the inside of the church, taken my church members are here. [Church History is here]
Today, the minister agreed to hold another service in the retirement home where my in-laws lived. My husband will do this by himself. I think he needs some time alone.
By the way, this is a high tech minister. The service was recorded and will be put up on their Web site. I smiled. They have a Facebook page.
She requested a memorial service at her church which is The Warren Baptist Church in Warren, Rhode Island.
It was a lovely service by Rev. Irish and most of it was about my mother-in-law. Her favorite hymns (as best we can remember) and a lovely "history" of her life. She was baptized here at the age of 12 as was my husband.
Bill and Ruth were married here and so were we. I thought it would be good for us to be married in my husband's church. Some wise woman told me that I should always try to make my mother-in-law happy for it is her baby that she gave up to me.
This church has a lot of historical significance. Before the service, I took photos of the inside, the historical plaques and the signage outside. I am pleased that my photos came out so nicely. The photos of the inside of the church, taken my church members are here. [Church History is here]
Today, the minister agreed to hold another service in the retirement home where my in-laws lived. My husband will do this by himself. I think he needs some time alone.
By the way, this is a high tech minister. The service was recorded and will be put up on their Web site. I smiled. They have a Facebook page.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sentimental Sunday: Ruth and Her Sons
Today, we will travel to Rhode Island to the memorial service for my mother-in-law.[Ruth C. Frazel) Her service will be held in the church where my husband and I married. It is one of the oldest churches in Rhode Island. I don't remember it well. My wedding service was 22 minutes almost 38 years ago. The pews are hard wood and it is cold in there.
This photo is of her with her three boys. My husband is the middle child. He is being obedient, standing still next to his mother and baby brother, posing for the camera.
This photo says a lot about his mom and his brothers. It is the only "old" photo I can find will the brothers and their mother. Did you notice the imperfection in the lower left of the picture? Is it a reflection on something in front that we can't see?
Reflecting on the life of my mother-in-law today. I liked her. She was a kind and loving mother.
Here is a recent photo taken with two of her sons.
This photo is of her with her three boys. My husband is the middle child. He is being obedient, standing still next to his mother and baby brother, posing for the camera.
This photo says a lot about his mom and his brothers. It is the only "old" photo I can find will the brothers and their mother. Did you notice the imperfection in the lower left of the picture? Is it a reflection on something in front that we can't see?
Reflecting on the life of my mother-in-law today. I liked her. She was a kind and loving mother.
Here is a recent photo taken with two of her sons.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Front Row Seats
For this final quick look and lesson about visiting a local cemetery, I took this quick photo while leaning over the wall. I will go back and take photos of some of the stones very soon.
Without my digital camera, I can't see the names on the gravestones clearly enough to find out who the folks are resting in this neat row.
This is where the Web site "Find a Grave" comes into the picture. Visiting this cemetery before I go back is a must as I would like to fulfill someone's wish to see their ancestor's gravestone.
Hillside cemetery in Stow, MA
Without my digital camera, I can't see the names on the gravestones clearly enough to find out who the folks are resting in this neat row.
This is where the Web site "Find a Grave" comes into the picture. Visiting this cemetery before I go back is a must as I would like to fulfill someone's wish to see their ancestor's gravestone.
Hillside cemetery in Stow, MA
Friday, September 24, 2010
Dead Folks Buried Here
As you can see, this is a close up of the side of the sign at Hillside Cemetery. It is a good thing for digital photography as I am not tall enough to take a really close up shot of the plot and the names.
When I return, I will have my regular camera which will allow me to zoom in and take a look at sections of both the map and the names. I wouldn't be surprised to see this printed in the cemetery records that are located in the town library. I could photograph that with my camera for easier studying in my pjs and bathrobe.
However, if the library was closed, and you came from a distance to locate a grave this would be a help, wouldn't it?
When I return, I will have my regular camera which will allow me to zoom in and take a look at sections of both the map and the names. I wouldn't be surprised to see this printed in the cemetery records that are located in the town library. I could photograph that with my camera for easier studying in my pjs and bathrobe.
However, if the library was closed, and you came from a distance to locate a grave this would be a help, wouldn't it?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
See the Hill?
OK, so I can't resist. I took this photo to see if there was a hill in Hillside Cemetery. Guess so.
A few years ago I went to the Central Cemetery in East Bridgewater with Margaret Alexander. She and her late husband were the caretakers of the cemetery. I learned a lot from her about what work it is EVERY DAY to be in charge of a cemetery. Rain, shine, sleet and snow, one of them drove through the cemetery to check for signs of vandalism. I put this job on my lists of ones I don't want. After her husband died, Margaret did this job. She is a very sharp lady who must be over 80. It made me stop complaining about climbing the hills in the cemetery. Well, maybe I complain less.
Margaret told me that cemetery ground was often hilly and rocky because it was not good for farming so the towns took it for the specific intent of burying people instead of planting crops.
I guess that's my cemetery humor for this week.
A few years ago I went to the Central Cemetery in East Bridgewater with Margaret Alexander. She and her late husband were the caretakers of the cemetery. I learned a lot from her about what work it is EVERY DAY to be in charge of a cemetery. Rain, shine, sleet and snow, one of them drove through the cemetery to check for signs of vandalism. I put this job on my lists of ones I don't want. After her husband died, Margaret did this job. She is a very sharp lady who must be over 80. It made me stop complaining about climbing the hills in the cemetery. Well, maybe I complain less.
Margaret told me that cemetery ground was often hilly and rocky because it was not good for farming so the towns took it for the specific intent of burying people instead of planting crops.
I guess that's my cemetery humor for this week.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Hillside Cemetery Sign
One of the first things to do when visiting a local cemetery is to see if there is a sign. This one is exceptional. It is called a kiosk.
I wasn't surprised to see it because the Lower Village Cemetery here in Stow has one too. This one is newer and the wooden housing must be tighter and it doesn't show signs of water damage to the paper.
I visited the Town of Stow Web site and looked at the information given there for the cemetery department. I went grocery shopping soon after looking at the cemetery superintendent's name and much to my surprise, the Town "cemetery truck" drove right by where I was standing. I will bet that the man driving the truck was the man listed on the Town page.
I almost shouted out to him to stop but I am still a newbie to this town so I remembered my manners! Don't want to get in trouble until I have lived here a month.
I visited the town library's Web site and discovered that the cemetery records for Hillside Cemetery are held there. You can't take them out on loan but they are available for study at the library.
The Vital records of Stow are not online as yet at NEHGS but I did find this Web site that does list some of the families. I don't know how accurate this is. I trust NEHGS more but I guess that's another trip I would have to make.
I wasn't surprised to see it because the Lower Village Cemetery here in Stow has one too. This one is newer and the wooden housing must be tighter and it doesn't show signs of water damage to the paper.
I visited the Town of Stow Web site and looked at the information given there for the cemetery department. I went grocery shopping soon after looking at the cemetery superintendent's name and much to my surprise, the Town "cemetery truck" drove right by where I was standing. I will bet that the man driving the truck was the man listed on the Town page.
I almost shouted out to him to stop but I am still a newbie to this town so I remembered my manners! Don't want to get in trouble until I have lived here a month.
I visited the town library's Web site and discovered that the cemetery records for Hillside Cemetery are held there. You can't take them out on loan but they are available for study at the library.
The Vital records of Stow are not online as yet at NEHGS but I did find this Web site that does list some of the families. I don't know how accurate this is. I trust NEHGS more but I guess that's another trip I would have to make.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tombstone Tuesday: Cyndi's List
What could be more perfect for today's post that this tweet I read before I even got out of my cozy bed this morning? [Think: what to my wondering eyes should appear?]
Cyndi Howell's Famous List is the 1st place for any topic in genealogy. There is simply nothing that compares. Here's the link mentioned in this tweet so you don't have to type it. Wait until you see it. There is so much to know. Wow.
Yes, Cyndi, cemetery crawling is one of my favorite hobbies? It's a hobby, a vocation and a way of life. My first cemetery photograph is dated 20 June 2002. That is the date of my mother's burial.
I promised her I would visit the graves. I am sure this was not what she had in mind.
I am celebrating the wonderful work of Cyndi's List by buying a new item of clothing for fall from my favorite "genealogy" shopping site.
Cyndi Howell's Famous List is the 1st place for any topic in genealogy. There is simply nothing that compares. Here's the link mentioned in this tweet so you don't have to type it. Wait until you see it. There is so much to know. Wow.
Yes, Cyndi, cemetery crawling is one of my favorite hobbies? It's a hobby, a vocation and a way of life. My first cemetery photograph is dated 20 June 2002. That is the date of my mother's burial.
I promised her I would visit the graves. I am sure this was not what she had in mind.
I am celebrating the wonderful work of Cyndi's List by buying a new item of clothing for fall from my favorite "genealogy" shopping site.
Monday, September 20, 2010
First Look at Hillside
Getting out of the car, I stood for a second and looked at the cemetery from the wall in front of me. Then, I quickly moved up the hill (there is a semi-circular path for cars to get off the road) to look at the cemetery sign. Passing the opening in the stone wall, I noticed a well worn path in the center of the cemetery. After looking at the sign, I went back to the car, picked up my cell phone and went back to take a few photos.
It was a great first look on a lovely day. Arriving home, I immediately sent the photos I took to my email noting the naming convention of the few shots in my log book. Then, I went to the Town of Stow Web page and read the history. I pulled out Dave Lambert's Guide to Massachusetts Cemeteries, 2nd edition and found that Stow has 3 cemeteries. The one I briefly looked at last Spring was listed and another on Gleasondale Road.
Dave's book says that this cemetery was not always called Hillside. [Yes, there is a hill.] It was called Pilot Grove Hill Cemetery. A few days later, I found Pilot Grove farm just "up the road" from the cemetery on the opposite side of the street. Geography and history of the area are very important. I learned this the hard way with previous cemetery adventures.
In the Vital records, this cemeteries records will be listed as GR#2. He lists a date of 1812 which is either the year of consecration of the cemetery or the date on the oldest stone.
It was a great first look on a lovely day. Arriving home, I immediately sent the photos I took to my email noting the naming convention of the few shots in my log book. Then, I went to the Town of Stow Web page and read the history. I pulled out Dave Lambert's Guide to Massachusetts Cemeteries, 2nd edition and found that Stow has 3 cemeteries. The one I briefly looked at last Spring was listed and another on Gleasondale Road.
Dave's book says that this cemetery was not always called Hillside. [Yes, there is a hill.] It was called Pilot Grove Hill Cemetery. A few days later, I found Pilot Grove farm just "up the road" from the cemetery on the opposite side of the street. Geography and history of the area are very important. I learned this the hard way with previous cemetery adventures.
In the Vital records, this cemeteries records will be listed as GR#2. He lists a date of 1812 which is either the year of consecration of the cemetery or the date on the oldest stone.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sentimental Sunday: Us
Someday, this will be a sentimental photo like the one I found of my parent's neighborhood in my grandparents Kodachrome slide collection. When our daughter and son-in-law stopped by this morning, we were finally sitting in our porch chairs having coffee.
We walked to the nearby Dunkin Donuts that is behind our house and although I have been by it in the car, I did not notice the crosswalk from our area across the busy street next to us. The access road is between our house and the one next door and all week I have observed folks walking or running on it!
We haven't got very many neighbors as yet. The house on the other side is finished and available.
We are called Golden Village and we will probably be the oldest couple to live here.
My husband has the unpleasant task of cleaning out his parent's apartment and making sure his father's clothes get to the nursing home where he lives. Next Sunday, we have her memorial service.
He found several boxes of unorganized family photos. I went through all of them looking for photos for the service and found a few suitable ones.
It is going to be a big job organizing and scanning all of them.
We walked to the nearby Dunkin Donuts that is behind our house and although I have been by it in the car, I did not notice the crosswalk from our area across the busy street next to us. The access road is between our house and the one next door and all week I have observed folks walking or running on it!
We haven't got very many neighbors as yet. The house on the other side is finished and available.
We are called Golden Village and we will probably be the oldest couple to live here.
My husband has the unpleasant task of cleaning out his parent's apartment and making sure his father's clothes get to the nursing home where he lives. Next Sunday, we have her memorial service.
He found several boxes of unorganized family photos. I went through all of them looking for photos for the service and found a few suitable ones.
It is going to be a big job organizing and scanning all of them.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Birds Eye View
All good cemetery hunting adventures start with research. Fortunately, technology is improving by leaps and bound to help us with our ancestor quest!
Google Maps has been adding the names of cemeteries as an overlay to help us find them. (see the name?) Most cemeteries do not have a street address (see the tiny number on the street to help you find it) and are identified only by the name of the street it is CURRENTLY on.
That doesn't mean that the name of the cemetery is the same as when your ancestor was buried there or that even the name of the street is the same.
As I just happened on this local cemetery while exploring the streets in our town, I can use this as an example of ways to help others find the cemeteries they are looking for.
Google Maps has been adding the names of cemeteries as an overlay to help us find them. (see the name?) Most cemeteries do not have a street address (see the tiny number on the street to help you find it) and are identified only by the name of the street it is CURRENTLY on.
That doesn't mean that the name of the cemetery is the same as when your ancestor was buried there or that even the name of the street is the same.
As I just happened on this local cemetery while exploring the streets in our town, I can use this as an example of ways to help others find the cemeteries they are looking for.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Welcome Mat
It has been two weeks since we moved into our new home. Things are getting unpacked and put away but it is taking longer than I expected.
I picked out this mat because it looks like granite pebbles. Get it?
I think that I will be able to work in some blog posts while I am unpacking now. Of course, I have visited a local cemetery just to see what it looks like. It is behind the local library. What could be better?
The cemetery I visited is called Hillside. That is the same name as one of the cemeteries near my house in Bridgewater. Coincidence? I think not.
You are WELCOME to rejoin me on my family history adventure.
I picked out this mat because it looks like granite pebbles. Get it?
I think that I will be able to work in some blog posts while I am unpacking now. Of course, I have visited a local cemetery just to see what it looks like. It is behind the local library. What could be better?
The cemetery I visited is called Hillside. That is the same name as one of the cemeteries near my house in Bridgewater. Coincidence? I think not.
You are WELCOME to rejoin me on my family history adventure.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Lydia P. GILSON
Tombstone Tuesday: wife of John G. CLIFT
Lydia's gravestone is situated next to her husband, to the left as you look at the matching gravestones. Lydia GILSON, may have been Lydia JILLSON, as there isn't much information about her or her maiden name being spelled like this in a person's tree at Ancestry.com.
Remember, unless the headstone was ordered prior to her death and carved and placed there by her, the name and date of birth must be proved along with the date of death. Cemetery records can be helpful in this quest.
This type of gravestone lists the woman's maiden name and often "the wife of." as part of the information given. In some cases, another wife may also be buried with the man.
I am still working on more proof for Lydia, but the AGBI lists a source of the GILSON and JILLSON families.
[Genealogy of the Gillson and Jillson fam. By David Jillson. Central Falls, 1876. (266p.):177]
Lydia's gravestone is situated next to her husband, to the left as you look at the matching gravestones. Lydia GILSON, may have been Lydia JILLSON, as there isn't much information about her or her maiden name being spelled like this in a person's tree at Ancestry.com.
Remember, unless the headstone was ordered prior to her death and carved and placed there by her, the name and date of birth must be proved along with the date of death. Cemetery records can be helpful in this quest.
This type of gravestone lists the woman's maiden name and often "the wife of." as part of the information given. In some cases, another wife may also be buried with the man.
I am still working on more proof for Lydia, but the AGBI lists a source of the GILSON and JILLSON families.
[Genealogy of the Gillson and Jillson fam. By David Jillson. Central Falls, 1876. (266p.):177]
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
John G. CLIFT
In August, I went in search of more gravestones nearby to the Clift, Denison, Holmes and Hoxie sections.
I must be memorizing names in my charts as when I found this gravestone, I knew immediately that this was one of the sons of Capt. Amos CLIFT and his wife Thankful DENISON.
Born 2 May 1807 and died 18 Feb 1875, this granite marker is classic of that period with full dates and few words. Judging by information at the AGBI database, his middle name was Gardner.
At Rest.
I must be memorizing names in my charts as when I found this gravestone, I knew immediately that this was one of the sons of Capt. Amos CLIFT and his wife Thankful DENISON.
Born 2 May 1807 and died 18 Feb 1875, this granite marker is classic of that period with full dates and few words. Judging by information at the AGBI database, his middle name was Gardner.
At Rest.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Ruth C. FRAZEL
My mother-in law passed away last Friday, September 3, 2010 at 6 PM after a short illness. Her oldest son, David, drove many miles to be with her and to help us out as we were moving. She passed away, quietly, as her son held her hand. We are grateful for his loving support.
She did not choose to be buried with a headstone so I am posting this on "Tombstone Tuesday" in her memory. I wrote this about her for my husband, who is her middle son to take with him to the funeral home. They will edit it as needed.
Ruth Hannah (Craig) Frazel, ofEast Providence
She did not choose to be buried with a headstone so I am posting this on "Tombstone Tuesday" in her memory. I wrote this about her for my husband, who is her middle son to take with him to the funeral home. They will edit it as needed.
Ruth Hannah (Craig) Frazel, of
Mrs. Frazel was the wife of Wilbur H. Frazel. They resided in Barrington , Warren, and Riverside
A 1932 graduate of Warren High School Warren to Providence that she met her future husband Bill, who was a student at Brown University
After graduating in 1937, Ruth was a long time substitute teacher in the East Providence
At the time of her passing, she was the longest time member of the Warren Baptist Church
Ruth enjoyed being a homemaker and spending time with her family. She was an excellent cook, an avid reader and enjoyed a good news broadcast until her recent illness. She will be lovingly missed and always remembered by her husband Bill and her family and friends.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Moving In
The time has finally come for us to move to our new house. I won't have Internet access for several days except on my phone and from my daughter's home.
But, dear readers, I wanted you to know that I will be thinking of you and will be back to blogging as soon as I can. If you are my friend at Facebook or follow my Tweets, I will be reporting in there.
So for now, the porch light will remind you that I am still around....
But, dear readers, I wanted you to know that I will be thinking of you and will be back to blogging as soon as I can. If you are my friend at Facebook or follow my Tweets, I will be reporting in there.
So for now, the porch light will remind you that I am still around....
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