Thread: Dating Gravestones

petal · 12-10-2006, 04:00 PM

DATING GRAVESTONES

One way to help find the era your ancestor was buried is to examine the material from which the tombstone is made.

If your ancestor has a stone made of slate or common fieldstone (except wood used by pioneers), chances are the stone dates from 1796-1830.

If the stone is flat-topped hard marble, dates are about 1830-1849.

If the "mystery" stone is round or pointed soft marble with cursive inscriptions, look for a date of 1845-1868.

Masonic four-sided stones began in 1850 and are still in use today.

Pylons, columns and all exotic-style monuments are usually dated 1860-1900
.
Zinc monuments date from 1870-1900.

Granite, now common, came into use about 1900.

12-10-2006, 04:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
petal Super Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Horncastle, Lincolnshire Posts: 8,522 Total Awards: 5	Dating Gravestones DATING GRAVESTONES One way to help find the era your ancestor was buried is to examine the material from which the tombstone is made. If your ancestor has a stone made of slate or common fieldstone (except wood used by pioneers), chances are the stone dates from 1796-1830. If the stone is flat-topped hard marble, dates are about 1830-1849. If the "mystery" stone is round or pointed soft marble with cursive inscriptions, look for a date of 1845-1868. Masonic four-sided stones began in 1850 and are still in use today. Pylons, columns and all exotic-style monuments are usually dated 1860-1900 . Zinc monuments date from 1870-1900. Granite, now common, came into use about 1900.
	(AKA Mary) How beautiful it is to do nothing and rest afterwards...