genealogy
Genealogy
Possible sources for genealogy research
Photographing Stones
Since many old stones are hard to read, or may be located in dense woods or high grass (in some cemeteries), these are some hints for getting a better picture.
Things to bring. Water, clippers, small shovel or trowel (some stones are overgrown with dirt and grass at the bottom), and a large mirror to redirect light.
In the past I have used shaving cream and a squeegee to make the letters on worn stones more legible. I have since read that many 'professionals' object strongly to the use of shaving cream, claiming it will eat away at the stone. I have found no proof that this is true, and I cannot see any indications on the stones I have used this method on showing ANY signs of deterioration from using shaving cream. That said, because there is such fervent disdain for this method, (some researchers will not use ANY method of making the stones more legible except for water or re-directed light) I instead will suggest flour as an alternative method of highlighting lettering. By rubbing flour into the letters and then carefully brushing away the remainders, you can get the same effect as shaving cream, with out the mess and danger of any possible chemical reaction. When done, simply brush away the flour. Another method suggested, depending on the time of year was to use snow. I have not tried this method, but anything to fill the letters should help make them more easily read. Because so many of these old marble stones are so deteriorated, and will in another hundred years possibly not be legible at all, I see no reason not to take as much information from them now, while we can. It is also the reason you can now find all the slate and marble stones from the North Weymouth Cemetery on line at Flickr.
Weymouth Birth, Marriage and Death Records
In the town of Weymouth, most cemeteries are privately owned and operated, or have fallen under the care and control of the town's Cemetery Commission.
Cemeteries in Weymouth
Ashwood 31 Broad St
Belcher, Hrs of Eliphalet 720-726 Randolph St.
Cemetery Pleasant St. at Lambert Ave.
Cemetery, Old 608-616 Pleasant St.
Elmwood 574-596 Union St.
Fairmount End of Cedar St.
Highland 899-909 Main St.
Lakeview 331-345 Pond St.
Mt. Hope Elm St. and Pine St.
North Weymouth North St. and Norton St.
Reed 615-645 Front St.
St. Francis Xavier Washington St.
Village Front St.
Weymouth, Town of off 100 Park Ave.
The North Weymouth Cemetery, Village, Fairmount, Mt Hope and St. Francis Xavier are the main large cemeteries in the town, all of which are still in use. There is also Lakeview cemetery, which is a smaller and less used cemetery, but still active.
The other cemeteries listed above are for the most part no longer in use. I am not sure which ones the Town of Weymouth controls, but the town hall or the Weymouth Historical Soc. would be a good place to seek information about them.
Please remember when trying to contact a cemetery to include a self addressed, stamped envelope to help ensure a response. Many small cemeteries are on shoestring budgets and cannot afford to answer queries without postage.
Vital Statistics
For information on deaths that occurred in Weymouth, the Town Clerk's office is a good place to start. There is a card index file in the Clerks office listing all deaths in the town, although owing to the fact that the Weymouth Town Hall, like many wooden town halls in New England, burned down at one point, the information may not be complete. The more recent cards usually list a place of burial. Also the name of a spouse and parents might be obtained from the card. Please check the link for Birth, Marriage and Death Records to find out what information can be had at the Town Clerk's and what their fees are.
Weymouth Historical Soc.
This town gem has enormous potential genealogy sources, as well as a lot of photos and town history and family genealogies that might be useful to any Weymouth genealogist, or anyone interested in Weymouth's history. The Holbrook House is packed with history. Check them out at the link at the top of the page.
Tufts Library
The Tufts Library at 64 Broad St. has a collection of books and records that would be of interest to the genealogist looking up Weymouth ancestors. They have the 4 volume History of Weymouth, published in about 1910, vols. 3 and 4 of which have genealogies of many of Weymouth's families. There is also a book on births, marriages and deaths to 1850. Other towns are also available. There are town reports that list vital records up to the 1950's, and some Poll Books are also available from the 1900's that might give useful information to a genealogist. Some Weymouth High School year books are available, and there are volumes on war veterans and selected family genealogies.
Also available are town newspapers on microfilm, which you will need permission to obtain, but which will contain obituaries and other interesting information on local people and events. There are also a number of maps and files containing numerous local events and happenings that pertain to the town and it's people.
Thomas Crane Library in Quincy, MA
The Thomas Crane Library contains the Patriot Ledger newspaper on microfilm from 1837 to the present which is a good source of obituaries for the entire South Shore. They also have online access at the library to NEHGS on line database.
New England Historic Genealogical Soc.
The NEHGS is located at 101 Newbury St. in Boston, a short walk from the Copley "T" station on the Green Line. Admission is free to members, or a day pass may be obtained for $15.00.
Boston Public Library
The main branch of the Boston Public Library in Copley Sq. (right across the street from the Copley "T" station) also has an extensive amount of records useful to the genealogist. They have census information for the New England Region on microfilm, city directories, and newspapers on microfilm. A library card may be needed to look at some items. Library card information.
Copyright 2007