Hi Everyone: The following is an article written for the WCGS genealogical society. It was one of their members. Just a reminder here that our world is ever changing and we must be very careful in our research. I apologize for the length. Donna RESEARCHER IS MUGGED IN CEMETERY written by Donna Long Kjendlie, Oct 2003 THOU SHALT NOT GO TO THE CEMETERY ALONE!! This caution comes as a result of a genealogy friend getting mugged, robbed, beaten, kidnapped and the vehicle was carjacked. The researcher was doing a kind deed as many genealogists do for others. A picture of a stone in a cemetery was the request. So that the researcher will remain anonymous, I am going to use the name of Genie. We all know how it comes about. Someone in another state kindly asks for a small amount of research. Sometimes it is from one of our relatives and sometimes, it is from another researcher hoping to find that elusive ancestor. This day, Genie, went to a large cemetery in a large city to find the stones. As good researchers do, Genie was being aware of his surroundings and noticed that there was someone on a bike riding thru. The biker didn't stop anywhere to pay his respects nor did he ride thru. Genie became suspicious and decided to go back to their car. At the car, the biker was waiting with what could have been a gun up under his shirt. As Genie unlocked the car and tried to get in, the biker shoved Genie into the passenger side of the car. He then drove erratically out of the cemetery and onto the street. Genie kept trying to get up but was being hit and shoved back down. Finally Genie was able to turn off the car and grab the keys and get out of the car. The biker grabbed Genie and continued beating and kicking. After robbing Genie, a passerby came to the rescue. Genie came out of it with several stitches, a fractured chin bone and a fractured rib. We must all be more cautious going to cemeteries and remember one of the first rules we learn at meetings and workshops. Never go anywhere alone. Always use the buddy system. In the same week that this happened, I was taking photos in a small cemetery out in the country away from any buildings or homes. My husband was with me and we both noticed a young man come into the cemetery. I went on with my project, but my husband said that the man was not paying respects to anyone, he was just wandering around and so he watched until he left. No one knows what can happen anywhere or at anytime. Genie was mugged in the daylight. It just happened that it wasn't in a good neighborhood. And so researchers, the moral of the story is: Always go with someone. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't go to inner city cemeteries without the sexton there to meet you. Travel with a cell phone. Take limited cash. Genie is now recovering, however, in the future will not be going to do any research without someone going along.