Dedicated to Preserving our Genealogical Heritage

Genealogy research inevitably leads to visits to cemeteries for the purpose of locating grave markers, the bearers of important data, such as birthdates, death dates, and even who was married to whom. 

Sadly, the markers are disappearing from many of the gravesites of our early ancestors.  Every older cemetery has its share of graves marked by pieces of fieldstone, with no writing or identification at all.  Other grave sites have markers that were once carved with valuable data, but they are becoming or have already become illegible. 

A group of genealogists, which includes me, the creator of this web page, has decided to raise funds to place markers on graves that have been identified but are now unmarked.  One example is a gravesite in Lee County, Va.  According to records, the second wife of Reuben Blaylock, Sinda Cowan Blaylock, is buried next to Reuben, who died many years before Sinda passed away.  Sinda's tombstone is clearly marked, although the part of the cemetery where it is located has grown up in trees and the marker has sunk into the ground so deep that the base of the marker is totally sunken below the ground.  There is no marker on Reuben's grave. 

A group of volunteers is cleaning up the cemetery, and they will also probe to try to locate Reuben's marker.  If they are fortunate enough to locate a sunken marker that is still in good shape, then it can be lifted and remounted.  If no marker can be found, then we will purchase a marker for Reuben and erect it on the site.  And, of course, there are others--such as the example in the photograph above.

To view free genealogy charts, access marriage records in .pdf format, and view other collected data, please click here.

Joseph M. Blaylock Family Portrait

Father:  Joseph M. Blaylock 3/20/1871 - 8/19/1947
Sons:  tallest--Marion Wesley Blaylock  b. 9/2/1892;
at father's right--William Robert Blaylock  b. 12/28/1898;
seated on father's lap--Farris Oliver Blaylock  b. 9/10/1900
Daughter:  Anna Maude Blaylock b. 8/27/1895  d. 4/23/2973
IMAGE SIZE:  14 x 9.85 inches; DPI: 200
PRICE:  $5.99   

If you find a photograph of someone you know on this page, then there is a good chance that you have an ancestor who will be the subject of this preservation project. 

As genealogists, we are dedicated to acquiring and sharing information without charge, which includes family photographs.  However, as a way of funding this project, we have decided to offer some of our sleuthed out old family photos for sale at a nominal price.  All proceeds from sales of these photographs will be used to purchase markers for identified but unmarked graves.

If you have questions or comments, please contact me. 

New photos are being added every week.  Please check back for new additions to the site.