Percent Photographed

Find-a-Grave's Percent Photographed

As part of my daily work, I use the information posted at Find a Grave to learn, not just about my own ancestors, but those cemeteries, local and distant in which I am photographing gravestones. I have not shared as many as I should since I am posting them to my blog for people to find. 

I have had great experiences with having my own gravestone requests fulfilled. I am always very thankful not to have to drive huge distances to take photographs that are meaningful to my own family work. 

This is a photograph of a family cemetery in Mystic-Groton Connecticut where I have fourth great grandparents buried. It is on privately owned land. 

I have photographed it and put those photos at the beginning of this blog. These photo were taken with permission of the family and it was with this cemetery that I started my blog because family lives next door (on the side you can't see here) and they came out of the house as I was photographing. They were very nice and allowed me to take the photos. They mailed me the plot map. They told me ONLY descendants can be buried here. It was a wonderful experience. I realize now that if they hadn't been nice, I might have been arrested for trespassing. Yikes.

I see that Find-a-Grave reports that this cemetery is 95% photographed. The names of those who took photos are not familiar to me.  They could be family, I don't know. I do know that after I took photos, there was a death and a private burial. The family told me that when they went to the town hall to give them a list of those who were buried there (in later years), they had to pay the burial fees. I did warn them about that. I wonder why the funeral home didn't tell them? They keep this private burial ground mowed and cleaned. Imagine being charged with the upkeep of a cemetery next door to your home? 

I suggest that you return to your own ancestral cemeteries (virtually at Find a Grave) and look to see if there are new photos or information there. Report back to me about what you learn! Thanks!

Right Side View Toward Street

Right Side View Toward Street
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel.

This is the last photograph of the Fish Burying Ground in Groton/Mystic. CT.

Photographs taken in 2005 and posting them here began in June 2006 and ended in August 2006. To see their entires, click on each month in the "archive" listing on the right side.

More references and dates will be added as they are researched from town records, family genealogies and census records. There are many living Fish descendants from the people resting here in this lovely peaceful place. Please respect their privacy.

Thank you for viewing!

Nathan Gallup FISH (footstone)

Nathan Gallup FISH (footstone)
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel.

N.G.S. (footstone of Nathan G. Fish)

Capt. Nathan Gallup FISH [Photo from Mystic Seaport] (Sands7, Nathan6, Nathan5, Samuel4, John3, Alice2, John1) was born and died in Groton. (see monument for birth and death dates)

The Mystic Seaport: Museum of America and the Sea holds his papers in Collection #252. It says in part that Nathan "was one of Mystic's most successful shipping investors. From 1825 to 1845 he led a seafaring life, eventually commanding the sloop PRUDENCE, schooners CREOLE and HUDSON, and brigs EMELINE and LION. Upon retiring from the sea, he opened a retail business in Mystic, specializing in outfitting and provisioning vessels. He also operated a large coal yard in connection with his store."

Nathan married Emeline F. MINER on 9 January 1833.

Buried: Lot 5, Row 1, Grave 1

Dea. Sands FISH

Dea. Sands FISH
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel.

Sands Fish, (Nathan6, Nathan5, Samuel4, John3, Alice2, John1) born 16 October 1762, died 20 Aug 1838 in his 76th year. He was the son of Nathan FISH and Catharine HELME.

He married Bridget GALLUP on 17 June 1789 in Groton, CT.

Biographical information (Fish Genealogy): "... He inherited the old homestead, and lived there until 1838, when a new home was erected. He was industrious and frugal, and acquired a measure of property equal to the demands of the times. In 1778 he united with the First Baptist Church at Groton, and filled the office of deacon with fidelity and honor until his death. He was tall and well built, with a fair and winning countenance, and graced the Deacon's seat beneath the pulpit alike with his person and character, especially when age had whitened his flowing hair. His religious activity was tireless to the last and his death was calm and triumphant, a fitting close to his unselfish and useful life....{his will dated 26 Nov 1833 and codicil dated 18 May 1838] proved in Probate Court, District of Stonington, Conn, in 1838 [inventory] amounted to $9, 919.39 [after the death of his wife his estate and land] to be divided into eight shares three to son Alden and sons Asa and Simeon were named Exeutors."

"Green are the graves of pious sires and honor guards their memory."

Buried in Lot 1, Row 1, Grave 3

References:
Fish Genealogy # 1885 ppps. 293, 300-301
Wheeler's History # 39 p. 373

View from Pequot Ave.

View from Pequot Ave.
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel.

This is the view of the cemetery from Pequot Ave. with the lovely gate and beautiful Connecticut stone wall.