The collecting of gravestone impression and inscriptions is a hobby to some and a necessary part genealogy research to others. Either way, Tombstones of Your Ancestors by Louis S. Schafer, provides a worthwhile introduction to the locating, deciphering, and collecting of gravestone carvings and inscriptions. The author believes the book is especially useful to three types of individuals: the genealogist, or family historian; those intrigued by their American heritage; and those who hobby in collecting tombstone epigraphs, poetry, and reproduction.
The book is broken into two parts. The first provides the history and research information. The second provides reproduction suggestions and tools. The historical development of tombstones includes a review of materials used to construct grave markers, artwork and epitaphs. Sample epitaphs are found throughout the book, though, the author does reserve one whole chapter just for interesting American epitaphs.
“llo livod
llo wopt
llo smilod
And diod.”
He lived
He wept
He smiled
And died.
This epitaph found by the author and included in the book shows how humorous and difficult translation of gravestones may be. Genealogists will be happy to know the book covers ways to deal with these issues, along with information and methods for searching out and finding gravesites. There are also lists of common abbreviations, dating systems, translations of Latin phrases. Common symbolic images are also covered.
The second part of the book covers the major ways in which to reproduce a headstone or marker. General options include photography, highlighting, chalking, tracing, rubbing, dabbing, foiling, and transferring. Each is explained in the book with details for cleaning the marker and preserving the reproduction copies.
Tombstones of Your Ancestors can teach the hobbyist and researcher alike how to find, utilize, and preserve tombstones and grave markers; while, perhaps finding a bit of humor and literary enjoyment along the way.
Contents
Preface
Chapter 1 – Why Collect Epitaphs and Tombstones Sculpture
Chapter 2 – American Grave Markers
Chapter 3 – The History of Epitaphs
Chapter 4 – Quaint, Curious, & Educational American Epitaphs
Chapter 5 – How to Locate A Particular Ancestor’s Grave
Chapter 6 – Deciphering Epitaphs
Chapter 7 – Understanding Tombstone Art
Chapter 8 – Tombstone Highlighting, Chalking, & Tracing
Chapter 9 – Tombstone Photography
Chapter 10 – Tombstone Rubbing & Dabbings
Chapter 11 – Tombstone Foiling
Chapter 12 – Tombstone Transfers
Bibliography
Index
Tombstones of Your Ancestors is available from Family Roots Publishing; Item #: HBS0436; Price: $19.60.