Every Side of the Stone

Always look at all sides of a tombstone–there may be additional details on the “back,” the “side,” or the “top” of the stone. Most stones won’t contain a reminder the way this one does.

There usually isn’t anything on the bottom of a stone and digging them up to look is frowned on and occasionally dangerous.

And the back of the stone does give more information about Franzen:

 

The Franzens are buried in what’s known locally as the “South Cemetery.” It’s actually the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery southeast of Golden, Adams County, Illinois.

Learn more about research methods and analysis in Michael’s newsletter Casefile Clues.