Recently I published a suggested list of tools to clean ancestors grave markers.

Sharing an update of our visit and cleaning in excess of 30 ancestors grave markers.

First, the most important part is to locate and take photos of the marker with visual points of reference in the background to help others find these markers.  If there is a marker in the background with a really unusual shape or feature, make sure that is visible in the background.

Second, try to capture the row and approximate location of the stone to help others locate and help you find your way back in future visits.

We stopped at six different cemeteries where we had very good information on locations of ancestors grave markers.  One of the cemeteries we needed to rely on the help of the cemetery staff to locate a few of the markers, for which we were very grateful.

Note that information from http://www.ancestry.com and http://www.findagrave.com was instrumental in locating these markers.  Doing that research before venturing out to a cemetery is really smart and will help you zero in on your intended target (vs. wandering aimlessly).  My spouse was really key to doing much of the advance scouting work.

Tools update:

We did not have much time and the following tools were really helpful

• String Trimmer – cordless (Black & Decker – LST300)
• Leaf Blower – cordless (Black & Decker – LSW221)
• Pump Sprayer – 1 gallon (Chapin 22000)
• D/2 Cleaner – comes in gallon jugs, can be applied to headstones diluted or full strength.
  • Kind of expensive, however the cemetery staff were impressed we were using the chemical used in the Arlington Cemetery to clean grave markers.
• Bristle brush – hand held and on a pole – I preferred the pole mounted one to keep me off the ground (the knees are not like they used to be)
• Shovel – flat bladed – sharpen the edge to assist in cutting through matted grass

Note that we intend to come back every couple of years to touch these up.  Honestly, the attention given exceeds that received in many years.

We found that first using the string trimmer (plastic line is softer than stone) to clean up around the stones was a great and quick start.

Second, we used the leaf blower to clear all the debris, followed if needed by the bristle brush.

We chose not to scrub the stones and simply apply the D/2 Cleaner to the stones to get the surface wet and followed by a second coat after a few minutes.  We did not rinse and will let mother nature’s showers rinse the stones over time.

This may not be the best protocol for cleaning, however we could get it done quickly and with 30+ stones to find and clean thought best in our situation.

Again, we plan on returning in a couple of years to see how the cleaning worked.

It was a very satisfying effort and really cool to reconnect with family members who passed away 75 to 150 years ago in the Freeport IL area.

This included the grandson of my ancestor whom I initially applied and was accepted to the SAR.

Hope this is helpful!

Note, you don’t have to be perfect doing this.  Anything you do is rewarding to yourself and simply is a sign of respect for your ancestors who paved the way for you to be who you are.