In the words of the late humorist, Lewis Grizzad, I am an “American by birth; Southerner by the grace of God”. I was born, raised and educated in Atlanta, Georgia. I remember my childhood and teenage years included the annual cemetery cleaning, reunion and meal-on-the-grounds at my maternal family cemetery (Maxwell Cemetery) in Alpharetta, Georgia. For some reason, that I am sure made good sense at the time, the nineteenth century descendents of the Maxwell family selected the second Saturday in August to have the event. Historically, this is a time when the heat and humidity in the area are at their peak. This annual event continues to this day on the second Saturday in August.

Life took me far from Atlanta, but retirement affords me the opportunity to finally explore the history of my family. The miracle of digital records certainly makes this quest possible for this transplanted Georgian. When I return to Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama I spend a significant amount of time exploring cemeteries containing my ancestors and deceased family members. There is something comforting about laying one’s hand on the final resting place of someone who paved the way for my success.

I always carry the request for photo page for each cemetery I visit and make a diligent effort to locate and photograph the gravesites listed. I am pleased to help others locate and document a departed relative.

My pictures are your pictures. You need not ask for my permission to use my gravestone photographs.