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== [[Image:1024px-DSC 0048-Ostfriedhof-1-Dortmund Germany.JPG|thumb|right|350x300px | == [[Image:1024px-DSC 0048-Ostfriedhof-1-Dortmund Germany.JPG|thumb|right|350x300px]]What is a Sexton? == | ||
A sexton is the office of the person or persons who are in charge of a cemetery. They are often referred to as the caretaker of a cemetery. Churches also have a sexton for the maintenance of the church building and/or the surrounding graveyard. In larger buildings, such as cathedrals, a team of sextons may be employed. Also in some cities where there are multiple cemeteries, there may be a city-appointed department to fulfill the many responsibilities required to maintain the local cemeteries. | A sexton is the office of the person or persons who are in charge of a cemetery. They are often referred to as the caretaker of a cemetery. Churches also have a sexton for the maintenance of the church building and/or the surrounding graveyard. In larger buildings, such as cathedrals, a team of sextons may be employed. Also in some cities where there are multiple cemeteries, there may be a city-appointed department to fulfill the many responsibilities required to maintain the local cemeteries. | ||
The word "Sexton" is said to be derived from the Anglo-Norman word "segerstein", which originated from the Latin word "sacristanus", which basically refers to "someone who looks after the sacred objects".<br><br> | The word "Sexton" is said to be derived from the Anglo-Norman word "segerstein", which originated from the Latin word "sacristanus", which basically refers to "someone who looks after the sacred objects".<br><br> | ||
== What are the responsibilities of a Sexton? == | == What are the responsibilities of a Sexton? == | ||
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Amongst the traditional duties of the sexton in small parishes was the digging of graves - the gravedigger in Hamlet refers to himself as sexton, for example. In modern times, grave digging is usually done by an outside contractor. The general duties of a modern sexton may include (but are not limited to): | Amongst the traditional duties of the sexton in small parishes was the digging of graves - the gravedigger in Hamlet refers to himself as sexton, for example. In modern times, grave digging is usually done by an outside contractor. The general duties of a modern sexton may include (but are not limited to): | ||
*Keeping diligent records of those buried in the cemeteries and those moved to other cemeteries, as well as details of the number of lots and plots, who is owner of each, and details about the interred person<br> | *Keeping diligent records of those buried in the cemeteries and those moved to other cemeteries, as well as details of the number of lots and plots, who is owner of each, and details about the interred person<br> | ||
*Keeping and updating detailed maps of the cemeteries, including the layout of the lots and individual plots <br> | *Keeping and updating detailed maps of the cemeteries, including the layout of the lots and individual plots <br> | ||
*Opening and closing the cemetery gates on schedule | *Opening and closing the cemetery gates on schedule | ||
*Mowing and weeding of the lawn | *Mowing and weeding of the lawn | ||
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*Emergency response during bad weather, etc. | *Emergency response during bad weather, etc. | ||
*Providing security and protection of the property | *Providing security and protection of the property | ||
*They are responsible for opening and closing all graves. (This ensures that graves are the proper size, vaults are properly installed, and equipment that lowers vaults and coffins into graves is set up and operates properly and safely.) <br> | *They are responsible for opening and closing all graves. (This ensures that graves are the proper size, vaults are properly installed, and equipment that lowers vaults and coffins into graves is set up and operates properly and safely.) <br> | ||
*Retaining copies of keys to every above-ground mausoleum and crypt | *Retaining copies of keys to every above-ground mausoleum and crypt | ||
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== What kind of detail can I find in Sexton Records? == | == What kind of detail can I find in Sexton Records? == | ||
'''Almost always include:'''<br> | '''Almost always include:'''<br> | ||
*Name of deceased | *Name of deceased | ||
*Date of burial | *Date of burial | ||
'''May also include:'''<br> | '''May also include:'''<br> | ||
*Date of death | *Date of death | ||
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Keep in mind that the Sexton, or the person in charge of these important records, is not required to give anyone access to them, even after proving relation, especially full access to the wealth of information they often hold. | Keep in mind that the Sexton, or the person in charge of these important records, is not required to give anyone access to them, even after proving relation, especially full access to the wealth of information they often hold. | ||
Reference [[United States Cemeteries]] or look in the state you are researching in for tips on how to locate a cemetery where you can find these records about your family. | Reference [[United States Cemeteries]] or look in the state you are researching in for tips on how to locate a cemetery where you can find these records about your family. | ||
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[[Category:Cemeteries]] | [[Category:Cemeteries]] | ||