For those of you new to the genealogy world, let me be the first to
introduce you to an amazing tool that is masterful at "turning the hearts
(Malachi 4:6)."
BillionGraves.com masterfully
combines serving the genealogy field and learning the information a researcher
needs. Available both online and through a smartphone app, users can upload
headstone and other cemetery pictures, index (essentially "tag" the
names and other information) submitted photos, and search for their own
ancestors or others.
Though not perfect, cemetery records, whether on paper or on a headstone,
are very helpful to a genealogist of any skill level. These records can provide
names, dates, places, relationships, and other information about our families.
Knowing where an ancestor is buried can help us locate other records about them
or spark the desire for a vacation to that area.
For example, I may know an exact death date for my
ancestor, but only have an estimated birth date. Looking at the ancestor’s
headstone can help! The stone may include an exact birth date (which will need
to be verified by applicable records) or a birth place, narrowing my search
location, so I can be most effective.
I am grateful for my genealogical education and the
power of Google. Through these resources, my eyes are opened to the wonders of
the genealogical world. As knowledgeable researchers, we have great power which
can change the world forever!
