Abstract
Necrogeography in Monongalia County, West Virginia
Track: Archaeology
Author(s): Jennifer Selfridge
GIS has been used numerous time to map single cemeteries. It has not been used to map cemeteries on a county-wide scale. The application of GIS on a county-wide scale allows a better understanding of its past residents. Headstone inventories were taken at different types of cemeteries across Monongalia County using a handheld GPS to ensure enough variety in cemetery size, age, and ownership. Spatial and temporal analyses were performed on surname distribution, veteran status, age at death, and date of death at specific time intervals. Cemetery-specific details were mapped to allow for better management and preservation efforts. Gravestone aspect, age and material were correlated with marker weathering. Uses of this map for genealogy research will also be discussed.
Jennifer Selfridge
CTL Engineering of WV, Inc.
733 Fairmont Rd
Morgantown , West Virginia 26501
United States
Phone: 304-292-1135
Fax: 304-296-9302
E-mail: jselfridge@ctleng.com