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Illegible Tombstone

I've been searching for my 4x great uncle's resting place in Ontario and have finally found a likely candidate but the tombstone is listed as illegible other than an age at death and the words "parent of John." This death would have occurred in 1809-1810. I am in New Jersey. Other than actually trying a rubbing are there other methods of determining what was on the tombstone. The church no longer exists just the small cemetery.

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Permalink Reply by Frank Glahn, Sr on June 19, 2010 at 3:51pm

Sometimes, the light hitting it at a different angle will make it more legible. Rubbing is a last ditch effort because you will only make it more illegible. Also, those in the know say never to use chalk, etc. You might also try wetting it with water to make the letters stand out better. There are others who are more "in the Know" than I am about these things.

Permalink Reply by Sandra Prairie on June 19, 2010 at 4:15pm

Since the tombstone is illegible and even rubbing or wetting it probably will not help thry contacting a local town hall or historical society to ask who may now take care of the cemetery. Posting the name of the cemetery someone on FAG may know who takes care of the cemtery. Have you looked this cemetery up on-line?

Sandy

Permalink Reply by Loretta P. Lisowski on June 19, 2010 at 4:36pm

Yes - I have looked it up on-line. That's how I found out it was illegible. It is the Bethany Cemetery located in North Fredericksburg Township near Napanee, Ontario. See a listing of unknown markers at the bottom of this list. The one I'm interested in is the first unknown marker listed with "@65y 9m 28d" & "parent of John"

Permalink Reply by Loretta P. Lisowski on June 19, 2010 at 4:47pm

Sorry forgot to post the link:

http://www.sfredheritage.on.ca/nfcemSZ.html

Permalink Reply by Sandra Prairie on June 19, 2010 at 5:03pm

Loretta,

I looked on-line and this person does trasnvritpions of that cemetery and others. She may know where to look for the records of that cemetery. If no try a RAOGK (Randon Act of Genealogical Kindness) volunteer in that area.

Charon Jensen - charon_jensen@hotmail.com

Permalink Reply by Loretta P. Lisowski on June 19, 2010 at 8:26pm

Thanks Sandy - I'll give her a try.

Permalink Reply by Jen Bawden on June 20, 2010 at 2:07pm

You can try spraying the stone with water to bring out whatever might be carved. Also, use aluminum foil and press lightly into whatever is carved can them out.

Best of luck!

Illegible Tombstone

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