The tombstones of our ancestors were made to create a lasting memorial to the lives of those lost. But when they become distressed by time and weather, many of these stones become difficult to read and some of become so faint that deciphering them is next to impossible. Before they are lost forever, these tombstones need to be preserved for many years to come.
That is why the U.S. Genealogical Society of Florida has created the Tombstone Transcription project, a project dedicated to create a long-lasting tribute to each county's ancestors. By receiving submissions, the Genealogical Society is able to transcribe the tombstone inscriptions and make these easily accessible to all.
In fact, Madison has its own section within the Tombstone Transcription project. There are several cemeteries that have data recorded within the project. The list can be found at http://www.usgwtomb-stones.org/florida/madison.htm.
Want to do your part and submit tombstones within a specific cemetery? It's easy!
Before you start, find out who has legal jurisdiction over the cemetery property and get permission to be on the grounds recording the data.
If the cemetery is abandoned, attempt to find out who owns the land the cemetery is on and obtain permission from the legal owners to be on the property. The cemetery office, church office, etc. might have a copy of the plat of the cemetery and copies of internment records.
Check your library for any previous transcription work done on the cemetery. This will come in handy if some of the stones are no longer legible.
Assemble your supplies next!
Be sure to have:
Soft brushes
Scrubber pads (preferably white ones)
Large spray bottle of water
Grass clippers
Plastic pad for kneeling on
Paper and pencils
If you have a plat of the cemetery, follow that to make sure you don't miss any stones. Begin recording the data from the stones, using the blocks drawn on your paper (if you decide to use this suggestion).
Record the information on the tombstone exactly as it appears. Copy it word for word, line for line. Keep the spelling, punctuation, etc., as it appears on the stone. Resist the temptation to make corrections. Record all information on the stone, including any epitaphs that may be carved there.
It is very important to be careful of the old tombstones, particularly when accompanied by children. There are many old "monoliths" in cemeteries and even the smaller headstones can cause severe damage, so please beware when you are searching and recording, especially with the children. These tombstones and monuments are not secure after centuries or decades of weather and human fiddlings.
Formatting the data
Type your data into a word processor, if at all possible.
Begin the file with the name of the cemetery, as well as the town, county and state where the cemetery is located.
Give directions to the cemetery, using street and road names, route numbers and landmarks, if applicable.
Don't forget to include your name and contact info at the top of the file.
Include any interesting historical data on the cemetery, if known---date established, background info, etc.
Enter the tombstone inscriptions just as you wrote them down.
If you have additional genealogical information for the individuals that might be of interest, include that in a separate comments column.
If you would like to transcribe data for this project, or if you already have cemetery surveys and would like to share that work with the world, email National Tombstone Project Coordinator Kathi Jones-Hudson at mdcat.geo@yahoo.com. Be sure you include the following information in your email: name of the cemetery, the county and state where the cemetery is located and the names of the people who will be doing the transcribing.
Please use "Cemetery Registration" as the subject line of your message.