This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: PriscillaR Surnames: Aldrich, Pratt Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.massachusetts.counties.berkshire/5521.2.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I have a difficult time believing an undertaker wouldn't have the previous owners records. In my opinion, I think they don't want to to take the time to go through what probably amounts to many boxes of possibly musty smelling records. If one thinks about it, they have no reason to do so. It's been known for YEARS that the local funeral home where I grew up (Lake Co., IL) has boxes of such records. To the best of my knowledge they're still there, untouched, for upwards of 150 years or more! There were burials in this particular cemetery with no headstones and therefore were NOT included in the inscriptions done for that cemetery. I find this sad and frustrating. I wish genealogical societies could/would make an attempt to contact these funeral homes and get permission to go through old burial records. I'm still looking for my Aldrich gals. Sarah/Salley Aldredg/Aldrich, who died ae 32 in 1818 & Lydia Aldrich both married my 3rd great grandfather, Ebenezer Pratt...the only records I found were of their marriages. All three lived in Clarksburg, Ma at the time of their marriages. If it weren't for those marriage records I'd have nothing to say they ever existed! One more thing....the date for the split was Apr. 16th 1878 when part of Adams became North Adams. Priscilla Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.