Important Things To Check When Finding a Grave

When a person dies, a grave is located, but there are certain details which need to be checked before and during the search to ensure that the grave is the one corresponding to the burial record and that the record is the correct one. When the proper information is checked at each stage, confusion is avoided, time is saved and families and researchers know that they have the right resting place.

Key things to check when finding a grave through records

Verifying the accuracy of search record details

It would be important to verify that the grave search result is accurate before using it. Care needs to be taken over coming across the same name, names with similar spellings, and historically simultaneous records. When performing searches, record, if needed, the following information:

• Full name spelling accuracy: Ensure first name and surname and any given middle name(s) on the record agree with spelling as found in other family records or official documents.
• Date of birth and death alignment: Checking the birth and death dates in the returned record with the dates in family knowledge, or genealogical records, to be certain that the record is for the correct person.
• Cemetery location consistency: Checking that the cemetery appearing in the search result is consistent with the one the family knows/bears having been the site of the burial.
• Multiple matches with the same name: Carefully checking all the results to be sure the result is for the right person.

Checking the grave location reference before visiting

A confirmed burial record will contain a section, row and plot number which will designate help find a grave location in the cemetery. Details of these must be verified and recorded before visiting, to make the process of navigating the cemetery and searching efficient on arrival. Information about location to verify prior to visit to gravesite shall consist of:

• Section or precinct identifier: This tells where you are in the cemetery, it is the main way of navigating around the ground of most graveyards.
• Row and plot number: A record of the row number and individual plot number which gives the exact location of the grave in the identified part of the site.
• Operating hours and access requirements: Checking visiting times of the cemetery and the need for separate arrangements of access to sections, or car access during the visit.
• Parking and entrance point location: Identifying the closest car park to the relevant section, or the location of entry to the section to minimize walking, particularly in grounds of large cemeteries.

Confirming the correct grave on site

Even if you have an exact location, you should verify on location that you have reached the correct grave site. Inscriptions on the headstones, the layout of the graveyard, and the fact that they’re here confirm that the right place has been found. When examining the grave in the location, the following checks will be used as to reassure that the correct grave has been located:

• Headstone name and date inscription: Reading the full name and date on the headstone and comparing this with the result directly from the search returned burial record.
• Plot number marker or kerb inscription: Find a plot number marker/inscription on kerbside or a memorial plaque that matches with the plot reference given in the search result.
• Surrounding family grave confirmation: Cross-testing family names or cross-testing dates of death of surrounding graves that support the determination of the gravestone.
• Row counting from section boundary: Counting the rows from the nearest section marker/boundary when headstones are worn, not clearly legible, for name checking purposes.

Conclusion

The accurate determination of the location of a grave requires the verification of the information on the search records, storing physical location details prior to travelling there, checking details of headstone and plot marker and checking the what is on site against information available on associated burial records. Time to do each of these will help you to be sure of the right grave.