Hello Histarchers.  I have a question concerning a project we are currently undertaking in Utah.  In order to accommodate construction of a building, we are exhuming and moving a grave which is outside of a cemetery.  It has what appears to be a headstone, though there are no discernable markings on it.  It is rough cut native sandstone and seems, with little doubt to be a headstone.  It is roughly shaped, and even sawn off at one end and lies near one end of the grave. There are no other stones of such size in the area.  The grave probably dates to about 1900, based on the fact that there are two infant graves in the vicinity dating to the early 20th Century.    

We are very interested in trying to decipher an inscription on it, if such is there. We don't even know if there really is an inscription on it or if something was painted on the stone.  It may have never been altered, but just placed there to mark the grave.  But, we would like to be sure.  Can anyone suggest methods that might bring out markings if they were worn down or if remnants of paint remain or if some other means might have been used to mark the stone?  The stone was laying down, so its not even certain which side might have been used.  Both sides are somewhat rough, though one side is less so.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Mike   


Michael R. Polk, M.A., RPA 
Principal Archaeologist 
Sagebrush Consultants, L.L.C. 
Ogden, Utah
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