The Stone As A Primary Source
The grave stones themselves can serve as the first and most immediate primary source for students to gather information about their soldiers. Collecting dates and other information found on the stones helps students:
- learn to record data;
- make connections between their community / place and larger historical issues;
- and increases their investment in working with primary and secondary sources.
The epitaph on the stones are great sources of information. Lyman's stone, below, includes information about his company and how he was killed. This can be helpful information to students on its own, and it can also provide good leads for further research. Look at Lesson 2: Finding the Civil War in your local Cemetery for more information.
BORN AUG 4, 1849
DIED JUNE 24. 1864
A MEMBER OF Co F 1st REGT
U.S.S.S. MORTALLY WOUNDED
AT PETERSBURG VA
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