Illinois Cemetery Transcriptions - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
Images of cemetery transcriptions and records from various localities in Illinois. The general time period for this collection is 1853-2009 but varies by individual cemetery. As of April 2012, records for the following cemeteries are included in this collection:


 * Elmwood Cemetery, Centralia, Illinois

For a list of records by localities and dates currently published in this collection, select the Browse.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the data and images published on FamilySearch.org. It may include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content


The key genealogical facts of these Cemetery Records may include the following:


 * Full name of Deceased
 * Name of Cemetery
 * Date of Birth
 * Date of death
 * Name of Father
 * Name of Mother
 * If the grave is a veteran grave or not
 * Name of Mortuary
 * Lot Number

How to Use the Record
To search the collection, select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒ Select the “Record Description” which takes you to the images.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

When you have located your ancestor’s burial record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Burial records are often brief so it can be easy confuse individuals. Compare what is information is given with what you already know about your ancestor to make sure it is the correct person.

Next, look at the pieces of information given in the burial record for new information. Add any new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors.

For example:


 * Use the birth date or year to search for birth records.
 * Use the birth date along with your relative’s names to find the family in census records.
 * Use the locality and relative's name to locate church and land records.
 * The name of the undertaker or mortuary could lead you to funeral and cemetery records, which often include the names and residences of other family members.
 * Compile the entries for every person with the same surname. This is especially helpful for rural areas or unusual surnames.
 * 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 with a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.

If you are unable to find the ancestors you are looking for, try the following:


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

Related Websites

 * Illinois Tombstone Project

Related Wiki Articles

 * Illinois Cemeteries

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from the record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you do not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
“Illinois, Cemetery Transcriptions, 1853-2009," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org: accessed 9 August 2012), Elmwood cemetery index 1924-2000 A-Z &gt; Image 150 of 444, Adeline Green, interment 16 November 1962; citing Cemeteries located in Illinois. Illinois Cemetery Transcriptions. Illinois cemeteries.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.