I believe there is much to be learned about a family when you track to the cemeteries. They peacefully hold a wealth of 'clues'. We can learn of other family members whose final resting place is in or near the same location. Monuments reflect the 'times' the individual lived in; in many cases their trade, religion, military experience, sometimes even their interests, like Brotherhood of Masons or Woodsmen of America, etc. A headstone is, in many ways, the last remaining evidence that this individual actually walked the face of the earth. It is an eternal tribute.
We must remember that the information found on the headstones might not be factual but rather an 'oral history' from close family members. Cemeteries are wonderful place to begin searching for your ancestors.
We each have our own 'History in Headstones'.