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CONNECTICUT WPA EFFORTS - Headstone
Inscriptions
From:
Dunkhart@aol.com
DearMYRTLE,
In Connecticut the WPA performed an invaluable service for genealogists by
reading and recording almost all tombstones up to the year 1934. Of course by
now many of these [tombstones] are illegible. I don't know if any other states
had this service. In Connecticut the record in the state library among other
places, is called the "Hale Collection."
DearDUNK,
Funny you should mention the CT tombstone readings through 1934 as a project of
the WPA (Works Progress Administration.) Just yesterday I was at the Family
History Library in Salt Lake City, looking up the results of the effort for a
friend with ancestors who lived in Bethlehem, Connecticut. Below is a copy of
the report I am sending with the photocopies, as an example of how to report
your findings to a distant cousin when doing research for him/her.
Please note the [ ] square brackets are my
comments.
I dare not fax this report to my friend, as the
result will prove even less readable on the receiving end. I'll send this out
priority snail mail in the morning.
THIS IS WHAT WAS
REQUESTED TO FIND & PHOTOCOPY:
- -- 974.61/B2/V3h Headstone Inscriptions
Bethlehem. Bishop, Susannah, wife of Daniel died Jan 5, 1795, age 40
- -- 974.61/B2/V3h Headstone Inscriptions
Bethlehem. Cemetery Transcription from Burial Ground next to Bishop house:
Daniel Bishop died 7 Jan 1813 age 66
THIS IS
WHAT I FOUND 19 Nov 2005
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTIONS of Bethlehem, Conn.
FACILITY: Family History Library, Salt Lake City,
Utah
CALL #: US/CAN Books 974.61/B2 V3h
The book is a thin volume and was created and self-bound from a photocopy of the
typescript that is barely legible, but is somewhat decipherable. The resulting
photocopies are simply terrible, despite working with several photocopy machines
and employing the assistance of the copy room staff. Copies are indicated below.
Of necessity, I've transcribed each page as well, except for the map. The title
page explains the origin of the work:
"This list of inscriptions, Town of Bethlehem,
was copied Nov 1934 under the auspices of the F.E.R.A. and the W.P.A.
sponsored by the Connecticut State Library, was compiled under the supervision
of Charles R. Hale, State Military Necrologist, assisted by Miss Mary H, Sabin,
Secretary.
Hartford, Connecticut, December 1937."
- TITLE PAGE (with publication date of Dec 1937)
- * NO COPYRIGHT PAGE
- INDEX (showing only all "Bishop" entries)
- LIST OF CEMETERIES (page 62)
- PHOTOCOPIES of pp 16, 21, 22 & 47 (Bishop
entries)
- TRANSCRIPT OF EACH BISHOP ENTRY
- MAP INDICATING LOCATION OF CEMETERIES (P 63)
- CEMETERY & LOCATION
1. Old - 1/4 mile north of center
2. Carmel Hill - West dies of town
3. Bethlehem - 1/2 mile south of center
4. Private - Northwest part of town on land of Leonard Bross
[Transcript of pages 16, 21 & 22 not included in
this column]
ITEM: Headstone Inscriptions, IBID (Private
Cemetery, Bethlehem, Conn. copied by David Davis, Date Oct 22, 1934)
PAGE: 47
LINE: 1-3
Bishop, Daniel, died Jan. 7, 1818 [or possibly 1813], age 63 [or possibly 66].
Bishop, Susannah, wife of Daniel, died Jan 5, 1795, age 49 [or possibly 40].
Bishop, Irene, died Jan 9, 1826, age 33.
RECOMMENDATION FOR
FURTHER RESEARCH
Since the book form of the photocopies I viewed at the FHL is stamped
"Bethlehem Public Library, Bethlehem, Conn." I recommend that the original
typescript be consulted, by contacting the library. Perhaps a copy closer to the
original can be more readily deciphered.
Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt :)
DearMYRTLE,
6023 26th Street West PMB 352
Bradenton, FL 34207
http://www.DearMYRTLE.com
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