Thanks for that link, Lanita! I'm surprised that, on the subject of reading tombstones, no one has mentioned the value of digital photography. I realise it is a relatively new technology, but now widely available. And it doesn't take a lot of time to learn the techniques of image manipulation with computer software (Adobe's Photoshop is one of the better products). Intensify, reverse polarisation, colour manipulation, etc. Its amazing what one can do without ever actually touching the stone! Personally, I think one of the best memorial stones is that of my great grandfather John Jackson Cowart (JJC) Holland in the Munsell Cemetery (Shannon County, MO). Many of you will have seen it. A very large rough-hewn granite block with just the word HOLLAND on it. His name and dates are on the footstone. No missing that one! Cheers, Ron Burnett descendant of Burnett/Wilson/Woodward/Shoemate, Holland/Swafford/McKinney/Cook/Gilmore/Pratt. > http://www.cemeterypreservations.accessgenealogy.com/ > This site also tells of the hazards of preserving of those cemeteries > prior to 1910... lots of interesting info..