Maine, Cemetery Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This collection will include records from 1620-2014.

The collection consists of images of cemetery transcriptions from tombstones located throughout the state of Maine. Each record is on a 3 x 5 card; the cards are arranged alphabetically by surname, then by first name. The collection is housed at the Maine State Library in Augusta

Record Content
The cards may list any of the following:
 * Name of deceased
 * Date interred
 * Name of funeral director or undertaker
 * Location of grave
 * Cause of death
 * Book, page and jacket number of burial record
 * Death date
 * Birth date
 * Residence
 * Age
 * Permit and grave details
 * Name of informant

How to Use the Record
To begin your search you will need to know the following:


 * The person’s name
 * The approximate burial or death date

Search the Collection
To search the collection: ⇒ Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒ Select the appropriate "Surname Range" which takes you to the images.

Look at each image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind:
 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors. The following examples show ways you can use the information:


 * Use the book, page and jacket number to find the actual burial record at the cemetery.
 * Use the birth date or year to search for birth records.
 * Use the birth date along with relative’s names to find the family in census records.
 * Use the locality and relative’s names to locate church and land records.
 * The name of the undertaker or mortuary could lead you to funeral records which often include the names and residences of other family members.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives of the deceased who may have been buried in the same cemetery or nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Check for variant spellings of the surnames.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby cemeteries.

Related Websites
Find a Grave

Related Wiki Articles

 * BillionGraves Index (FamilySearch Historical Records)
 * BillionGraves

Citations for This Collection
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information; that is, cite your sources. This will help people find the record again and evaluate the reliability of the source. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records. Citations are available for the collection as a whole and each record or image individually.

Collection Citation:

Image Citation: