Graveyard Guru – August 13, 2009

Transcribing a Tombstone
by Stephanie Lincecum

The last time we were together, surveying a cemetery as a whole was the topic. Now we move on to transcribing a tombstone. Merriam-Webster says the definition of the word transcribe is “to make a written copy of, write down, record.” That is exactly what we want to do, in as much detail as possible.

As a reminder, my go-to guru for this part of a cemetery survey is Sharon DeBartolo Carmack, author of Your Guide to Cemetery Research.

Once you have noted all you can about the cemetery as a whole (location, type, accessibility, condition, etc.) you can begin to concentrate on one particular tombstone at a time. First, note the location of the grave in relation to the entrance. Here is where a system of numbering the graves comes in handy. If rows are easily identifiable, the location could be “Row 1, Grave 15” or the like. Drawing a generalized map of the cemetery would be very useful as well. GPS coordinates would work here, too. If there is already a cemetery map with sections and plot numbers, all the better.

Note the orientation of the grave (east-west; north-south). Is it the same as the others in the cemetery? If not, tell how it is different.

If the cemetery is divided into sections (religious groups, veterans, infants, organizations, etc.) be sure to note in which one the particular tombstone is located.

Always take note of who is buried around a particular stone, if you are not intending on transcribing the entire cemetery. Look on either side, as well as front and back. These may later prove to be relatives.

Take notice of and document the decorations and/or plantings around the grave. Also be sure to describe any artwork carved on the stone. In all of these things, symbolism might come into play. Becoming familiar with all facets of the grave site might help you learn more about the individual interred.

What type of marker are you transcribing? Is it a granite ledger marker or a marble table top? Even if you do not know the “proper” name to use, describe what you see.

Finally we can focus on the actual inscription. Be sure to copy it exactly. Do not put an abbreviation where there is none, and do not assume you know what an abbreviation you see means and write it out. It’s best to even note the line breaks.

If there is an epitaph or poetry included on the stone, be sure to write it down as well. Again, clues about the individual (or how they were thought of by others) could possibly be gleaned from the inscription in its entirety.

If the inscription is difficult to read, there are a few things you can try to improve that readability. Before you try anything, be sure to note the condition of the inscription. Next, decide whether or not the stone is stable. If you have any doubts, do not touch it. If it is stable, sometimes you can feel the engraving and learn better what it says.

A little light cleaning may help, too. A spray bottle with plain water, and a soft-bristled nylon or plastic brush just might do the trick. Be sure to check the readability of the stone right after spraying it with water. That could be all it takes to better see the inscription. If that doesn’t work, lightly loosen any debris with the brush and check again. Anything more than that and you risk doing damage to the stone.

Another trick to try is using the sunlight to your advantage. Using a mirror, direct the sunlight to the portion of the inscription that is difficult to read. This could also be handy when photographing the stone.

Speaking of photographs, be sure to take one or several if you are able. Do not do this in lieu of writing down what you see, though. Pictures can say a lot, but you would have to take a photo that includes all the information previous to equal what a written description and documentation can provide. Photographs are an added bonus, not a replacement for proper transcription.

There you have it! Follow the suggestions above, and you should have a tombstone transcription that is a source document you can confidently use to supplement whatever type of research project you are conducting.

Source

Carmack, Sharon DeBartolo. Your Guide to Cemetery Research. Cincinnati, Ohio: Betterway Books, 2002.