Maine, Cemetery Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of images of cemetery transcriptions from tombstones located throughout the state of Maine, for the years 1620 to 2014. 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

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The cards may list any of the following:
 * Name of deceased
 * If a maiden name
 * Birth date
 * Death date
 * Age
 * Military service details
 * Name of cemetery
 * Address. town and county
 * Others who appear on the same lot and if they have a separate card
 * Their relationship, birth date and death date
 * Name of person submitting the card
 * Date of submission

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The place of burial
 * The approximate date of death

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the :
 * 1) Select the Surname Range to view the images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
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.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * 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
 * 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

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names
 * Look for another index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby counties
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Maine.
 * Maine Guided Research
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

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