I respect people's need to read what's on the ancestors' stones, but they won't be there for the next generation if we aren't careful. Here is a method of reading hard to read grave stones that I have not seen posted here yet. I read it in a Genealogy magazine and have used it once and it worked like a charm. Ingrediants: box of Corn Starch, two old nylon stockings or pantyhose Place the two nylons together, put some corn starch in the toes and then gently tap the face of the stone with the dangling nylons. This leaves just enough corn starch on the stone to read the recessed inscriptions and is not supposed to harm the stones - will be washed away with the next rainfall. These ingredients are easy to carry in the car as well - one zip lock bag holds it all. Good luck and happy reading! - Glenda