Some good rules to follow when plotting, or walking, a cemetery. First, have the proper tools to do the job. Many stones are hard to read, so take a can of shaving cream and a roll of paper towels along. When you put the shaving cream on where the writing should be, then wipe it off, it is much easier to read. Transcribe the entire name, birth, death and marriage date if it exists on the stone. Also, put down the names of any of the children on the stone. If it was a baby buried there and the names of the parents are on the stone put it down also. Do not, repeat, no not, put down information which is the same, in other words avoid duplication of your work. The names and birth dates are often times on the foot stone as well and this is only a duplication of your effort. Also, it is not necessary to put down the inscriptions such as “Rest in Peace”, etc. They are never used when put into a book form and no one really cares about that in getting their family facts. It has also been noted that sometimes their is an indication that the tombstone contains a picture. This can be put down, but is not necessary. Last, but not the least, when doing the typing check and double check your information for errors. In many cases it is typed and submitted without checking, This is a definite “no, no”. Many times a cemetery is done, then forgotten about. This means we sometimes get way out of date. Cemetery plottings should be done at least every two years, or you should have a contact, the caretaker for example, or anyone that may have the cemetery records for an update.

Another thing that is important is the exact location of the cemetery. For example, “Our Saviors Lutheran Cemetery is located 1 mile north and 1 mile east of Milroy, Westline Township, Redwood County, MN.” It is nice to have the name of the person who has the cemetery records, however, this frequently changes so is not a must.

This information was used as a result of a review of a cemetery index at the Allamakee County Courthouse, Waukon, Allamakee County, IA which I used in much of my family research. A very helpful tool when properly put together.