There are three deaths. The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consigned to the grave. The third is that moment, sometime in the future, when your name is spoken for the last time. (David Eagleman)

In addition to visiting cemeteries and adding grave photos, I like to research who these people were, as best as I can, and try to put some of them back together with their families. I know that can be a dangerous thing, because maybe they didn't want to be together in life!

Anyway, another contributor told me he considered Find-A-Grave as "Facebook for dead people". He was dead on....

I double-check most edit suggestions and will ask for more info if I can't verify myself. If I can't verify, and I don't get an answer back from the suggestion maker, I'll have to respectfully decline the edit suggestion.

I will make transfers of memorials I created outside of the Find-A-Grave guidelines. Just ask.

Please feel free to use my photos as you wish. (Credit is appreciated.)

Grave Photo Tips:

• Take at least two grave photos- one close up, and one wider angle to orient the grave in the plot. Especially if it is a family plot with multiple headstones. Include those headstones in the wide-angle photo.

• For UNMARKED GRAVES: don't just take a single picture of a patch of grass and attach it to a memorial. These photos are useless.
• Temporarily mark the grave with something (small flag, flowers, etc.) I usually carry a small American flag with me.
• Again, take a wider angle photo to orient the unmarked grave and try to include nearby headstones in adjacent plots. Good oriented photos will help others find the grave, should they decide to visit.

• ALWAYS check the sides and backs of headstones for any additional inscribed names.