The Cannon County TN GenWeb Discussion has recently been centering on snakes and ticks, poison ivy and other things to watch out for in cemetery research, particularly old, abandoned cemeteries. Lots offered advice, but this lady summed it up nicely. Works for the Ozarks too. By: Teresa Elliott Cheasa@bellsouth.net 26 Apr 2006 Here's some good Cemetery advice. This time of the year when the nights are cool, and the days warm and sunny, be prepared to see snakes. They are coming out of hibernation, and they are looking for big stones to sun on. Tombstones with their flat surfaces work perfectly for this. Like Jess said, cleaned off cemeteries are fairly safe. If surrounded by woods, be on your guard. Most snakes hate you more than you hate them. (Yes, I know the extreme of your hatred. <G>) * Buy GOOD hiking boots. These come up on the ankles for several reasons. They are expensive and worth every penny. There are often holes in the cemetery from moles and fallen trees. These boots can save many a twisted ankle. * Wear jeans. Yes, I know it is hot, but jeans protect you from bites of ALL kinds. A good bug spray and sunscreen are advisable too. * Check in with the neighbors. Southern families protect their cemeteries. If you don't check in, don't be surprised if gun shot become more of a threat than snake bite. If you do check in, and you stay in the cemetery too long, that person will check to see what is taking you so long. If you were to get hurt, that could be what saves you. * Take a buddy. This isn't just for girl scouts. Cemeterying is not a single hobby. Take a friend. If you get hurt, you will be glad you did. * Take a cell phone, but don't be surprised if it doesn't work. IF the nearest house is two miles away, then there is little need for cell towers, and your fancy city phone isn't going to work. Be sure to know where you are. If you see a house, write down the local 911 number before you get to the cemetery. If you do need professional help, they are only going to be able to find you IF you know where you are. * Buy a good digital camera that uses AA batteries. I can guarantee that if your batteries die in a cemetery, the local grocery will NOT sell those fancy digital camera batteries. AA batteries are small and easy to carry. Do NOT leave dead ones in the cemetery. Cemeteries are for dead people, not batteries. * Leave the cemetery cleaner than you found it. Trash can be picked up and thrown away. However, NO matter how bad the flowers look, they are not for you to throw away. If you have to move them, put them back. They are precious to someone and that person will want to remove them for themselves. * Use the bathroom in town. You do not want to find that lovely snake sunning himself while you are relieving yourself in the woods. Go with an empty bladder and a full tummy and you will have a much better time. * Do not feed any animals you see. They will think there will be food there later, and once you are gone there won't be and they will just learn to irritate mourners at the next funeral. And remember often country animals aren't vaccinated, especially the wild ones, and if you get bit, you are risking getting rabies. That cute cat needs to be left alone. * Have fun. This is a good part of your hobby. * Share what you find. If we all did one cemetery and put it online, the whole county would be online and others could use our hard work.

VERY GOOD ADVICE!! While visiting the old Holland/Jones Cemetery near Linden last year, I was eaten up with chiggers all over my ankles and feet. I wore jeans but only had tennis shoes on and no repelant. I will be sure not to do that again!! > The Cannon County TN GenWeb Discussion has recently been centering on > snakes and ticks, poison ivy and other things to watch out for in > cemetery research, particularly old, abandoned cemeteries. Lots offered > advice, but this lady summed it up nicely. Works for the Ozarks too. >