FindAGrave.com can be a valuable resource for genealogists and family historians, offering an extensive collection of cemetery records and gravestone images. However, information on the site is not always accurate, so it's important to approach certain details with a critical eye, particularly those that don't come directly from the tombstone. It's best to use a Find A Grave memorial as a clue, not a definite source of truth.
Information on the Images of Gravestones is Usually Correct
Using photos of tombstones on Find A Grave can be incredibly helpful for genealogy research, providing details like birth and death dates, names, and family relationships. However, it's important to remember that even these valuable resources aren't always error-free. While rare, tombstones sometimes contain typos and inaccurate dates. Although it's unlikely that the inscription on the gravestone is inaccurate, it's wise to cross-reference information with other documents and records to ensure the highest degree of accuracy in your research.
Verifying the Time Period of the Tombstone
When examining a tombstone for genealogical research, it's essential to consider its style and condition in relation to the deceased ancestor's lifespan. A gravestone that appears significantly newer than the death date inscribed might indicate the original marker was replaced, potentially introducing inaccuracies. For instance an ornate or modern tombstone-looking tombstone for someone who died in the 1700s could suggest a replacement or an inscription added much later.
Verifying Non-Tombstone Information
Information on FindaGrave that is not explicitly carved onto the tombstone, such as names of family members added without proof of their connection or other biographical details, should be treated with caution, as they may not be accurate. This additional information requires verification with reliable sources like vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), wills, or census data. Relying solely on unsourced information on Find A Grave can perpetuate errors and lead to inaccuracies in your genealogy research.
Example: Examining Henry Shufelt's Find A Grave Memorial
This image, found on the Find A Grave memorial page, displays Henry Shufelt's tombstone. The inscription clearly lists his death date as February 5, 1839. The weathered condition of the stone appears consistent with a death date from the early 19th century, so the tombstone information is probably accurate.
Further down on the page in the memorial section, it lists Henry's spouse and five children. This information should be approached with caution. Unlike the death date on the gravestone image, there is no immediate visual proof to support these family relationships. These details are likely contributed by users and their accuracy cannot be assumed. Additional research is necessary to determine that this is Henry's actual family.
To summarize, Find A Grave is a powerful tool for genealogists, but its effectiveness hinges on your commitment to diligent verification. By treating Find A Grave as a starting point for your research and consistently cross-referencing information with other credible sources, you can ensure the accuracy of your family history findings.
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