As an amateur genealogical researcher I have had a minimum of four years of research, grave finding, restoration and preservation experience under my belt. As a local researcher I find great joy and delight in locating lost and forgotten graves as well as cemeteries in the Appalachian Mountains of both Virginia and West Virginia. As my experience grows in the hands-on field work of genealogical research more of my findings will become available on find-a-grave.
I do my best to present and report the most accurate information possible. If a memorial is added to find-a-grave by me without proof of interment from either death certificate, obituary, or memorial stone, etc. I will support my belief of the individuals interment within that cemetery within the individuals memorial. No memorials will be added to find-a-grave by me if I can not confidently or accurately place them within a known cemetery. Meaning I will not add a memorial to find-a-grave with their burial location being set as "unknown" unless under special circumstances.

Regarding photos including photo requests and cemeteries. I do my best to take the clearest and well positioned photos possible that are easy to see, read, and transcribe. This includes removing any brush or debris from the stone that impedes the wellness of the photo. Properly cleaning the stone with water, brushes, plastic putty knives, D2, and other necessary tools that do not harm the integrity of the stone may be applied to achieve the best photo possible. If a stone is severely defaced and the transcription can not be seen by the photo. Best efforts will be applied to transcribe the stone at that time and will be either updated or added to the individual's memorial.

All cemeteries of unknown location that are found will be updated with GPS coordinates to find-a-grave at the landowners approval. This is done in respect to the landowners kindness and access approval to the cemetery. Any individual who has family or not who would like to visit the cemetery will need to contact the appropriate individuals to gain access and permission upon their land, respectfully. Note that no property or landowner can deny anyone access to a cemetery. In addition upon discovering new cemeteries or ones long forgotten. All recognizable/identifiable headstones will be photographed and recorded. Plot maps of the cemetery within reason will be made in addition to recording all identifiable and unidentifiable headstones, this includes field stones. Plot maps are essential not only for historical documentation but may also help others in their genealogical research. Possibly helping others locate where their ancestors are buried within the cemetery in placement to known others.
I practice best efforts in recording and documenting both memorials and cemeteries while I am there. My mindset is, "I may be the last person here to ever record and document this properly, let's do it right while I'm here"

Lastly, it is my hope that my findings and photos not only bring joy to those who request them but make it possible for those far off to see the stones of their ancestors. It is a great joy to partake in what I consider the closest thing to a treasure hunt you can get. Helping both genealogical researchers, county historical societies and others alike in recording, restoring and preserving local history is rare in these modern times. I know without doubt that my efforts are not in vain due the kind and friendly community that makes up find-a-grave. Thank You.

As an amateur genealogical researcher I have had a minimum of four years of research, grave finding, restoration and preservation experience under my belt. As a local researcher I find great joy and delight in locating lost and forgotten graves as well as cemeteries in the Appalachian Mountains of both Virginia and West Virginia. As my experience grows in the hands-on field work of genealogical research more of my findings will become available on find-a-grave.
I do my best to present and report the most accurate information possible. If a memorial is added to find-a-grave by me without proof of interment from either death certificate, obituary, or memorial stone, etc. I will support my belief of the individuals interment within that cemetery within the individuals memorial. No memorials will be added to find-a-grave by me if I can not confidently or accurately place them within a known cemetery. Meaning I will not add a memorial to find-a-grave with their burial location being set as "unknown" unless under special circumstances.

Regarding photos including photo requests and cemeteries. I do my best to take the clearest and well positioned photos possible that are easy to see, read, and transcribe. This includes removing any brush or debris from the stone that impedes the wellness of the photo. Properly cleaning the stone with water, brushes, plastic putty knives, D2, and other necessary tools that do not harm the integrity of the stone may be applied to achieve the best photo possible. If a stone is severely defaced and the transcription can not be seen by the photo. Best efforts will be applied to transcribe the stone at that time and will be either updated or added to the individual's memorial.

All cemeteries of unknown location that are found will be updated with GPS coordinates to find-a-grave at the landowners approval. This is done in respect to the landowners kindness and access approval to the cemetery. Any individual who has family or not who would like to visit the cemetery will need to contact the appropriate individuals to gain access and permission upon their land, respectfully. Note that no property or landowner can deny anyone access to a cemetery. In addition upon discovering new cemeteries or ones long forgotten. All recognizable/identifiable headstones will be photographed and recorded. Plot maps of the cemetery within reason will be made in addition to recording all identifiable and unidentifiable headstones, this includes field stones. Plot maps are essential not only for historical documentation but may also help others in their genealogical research. Possibly helping others locate where their ancestors are buried within the cemetery in placement to known others.
I practice best efforts in recording and documenting both memorials and cemeteries while I am there. My mindset is, "I may be the last person here to ever record and document this properly, let's do it right while I'm here"

Lastly, it is my hope that my findings and photos not only bring joy to those who request them but make it possible for those far off to see the stones of their ancestors. It is a great joy to partake in what I consider the closest thing to a treasure hunt you can get. Helping both genealogical researchers, county historical societies and others alike in recording, restoring and preserving local history is rare in these modern times. I know without doubt that my efforts are not in vain due the kind and friendly community that makes up find-a-grave. Thank You.