Look to Churches and Cemeteries for Family Information

I knew some of my relatives were buried in Catholic cemeteries in a couple of different towns, so I called the Catholic Churches, which had the information for those cemeteries and found that one of the churches actually had some obituaries, as well and even some information on one of the relatives buried in another state.

I found where relatives are buried going back to the great great grandparents  and great great great aunts and uncles.  I was able to go to these cemeteries and take photos of their headstones and learn about children who died young or as infants that were not listed on the census records.

Some of these churches even have copies of all of the people buried in the cemetery which you may be able to purchase for a few dollars.  Other churches have archives and you can send a request for them to research names and send copies, for a small fee.
I usually begin my search online, looking for churches of the area, then, the type of church or diocese.  I call the numbers listed and usually learn more about who I need to contact.  Three phone calls led me to the Diocese of Pittsburgh - Archives and Records Center Information, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where my great grandmother's baptismal records might be available.  I need to send a research request form, available at their website http://www.diopitt.org/archives/arcinfo.htm and the fee of $15 which covers one hour of research and includes as many people or records as can be researched in that one hour.  They will bill you for any additional time.  They advise you not to send more than the initial $15.

I often find an email address with the cemetery websites and send an email to learn what the next step is to get more information on my relatives.  I received a reply from a Catholic cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, today and for just $6 and a letter requesting information on specific names, I can get that information sent to me.  I also inquired about a listing of all those buried there in case there are other surnames I am not aware of yet.

Everyone is so nice and helpful.  I am discovering cousins across the country, too.  It is nice to feel like you have roots going so far back.  Have fun!