How far would a home be from a family cemetery back in the day?

[Fourman110]

Before I start, a disclaimer for the PC Police. I do not plan on metal detecting in or next to the cemetary. That would be abhorrent.


So through research I found a small family cemeterery in Iowa. I haven't been there yet, but I'm guessing it's going to be 1880's to 1900 time frame due to the history of the area (could be earlier, doubt that it's later). The location is rather hard to get to, so I'll end up hiking to the area and pack in my equipment. Due to it's location, I'm guessing nobody's been there metal detecting before.

My question to the TN community is, back in the day, how far away from the family home would the family cemetery be? I would like to find the cellar hole and check the area out when we get some good killing frosts to knock some of the foliage (and mosquitos) down. Would the cemetery be in any typical direction from the home?

 

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[DonDigger]

I've never heard of any specific standards for locating a family plot. That said, I would think the plot would be within sight of the residence, and would be on high ground. Then again, sunrise or sunset, east or west, may have provided a very reverent setting when seen from the residence. Just trying to apply some logic.

 

[gollum]

100 feet from a house = Family Plot

Under the house = Serial Killer

The line between loving family member and serial killer is quite thin!

Mike

 

[RobRieman]

100 feet from a house = Family Plot Under the house = Serial Killer The line between loving family member and serial killer is quite thin! Mike

That's an awesome answer

 

[Fourman110]

100 feet from a house = Family Plot

Under the house = Serial Killer

The line between loving family member and serial killer is quite thin!

Mike

Bwah ha ha ha ha. That's great.

 

[Fourman110]

I've never heard of any specific standards for locating a family plot. That said, I would think the plot would be within sight of the residence, and would be on high ground. Then again, sunrise or sunset, east or west, may have provided a very reverent setting when seen from the residence. Just trying to apply some logic.

I like the logic. Looks like the plot is on a hill overlooking a creek, but a way back. Maybe I'll try to find the cemetery and then try to find spots that could have a direct view.

 

[gollum]

 

[CladGrabber]

I would guess the average family farm size for the time period to be at or near 100 acres...? Based on that way of thinking should be a home site within that square area.

 

[BigWaveDave]

While you're at it, beep the cemetery.....