The October 9, 2008, meeting of the Madison County Genealogical Society was held at the Edwardsville Public Library in Edwardsville, Illinois.

President, Robert Ridenour, called the meeting to order.

Reports:

Treasurer LaVerne Bloemker presented the financial report for the period ending September 30, 2008.

• General Fund - Beg. Balance $2,577.32- Income $80.47 - Expense $1,104.39 - End Balance $1,553.40
• Publications Fund - Beg. Balance $10,627.65 - Income $19.00 - Expense - $2.58- End Balance $10,644.07
• Life Membership Fund - Beg. Balance $5,397.28 - No Change - End Balance $5,397.28
• Total Assets as of September 30, 2008 - $17,594.75

Jim Pauk of Highland, Illinois, made a presentation on Photographing Tombstones for findagrave.com. Jim combines a love of history and knowledge of computers for his hobby of taking digital photographs of tombstones and posting the information on www.findagrave.com for those doing genealogical research. He is working towards having photos and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) readings on every cemetery in Bond County, Illinois. After pursuing his hobby for less than a year, he has posted more than 1,000 photos on the website.

Jim said that people who take pictures of tombstones have been referred to as "crypt-tographers."

Pauk has separated cemeteries into several categories: those that are peaceful and delightful to look at, historic sites and individuals, those established bye special groups (e.g., labor unions, insurance societies, etc.), and family groups.

Jim has a special project - to photograph the tombstones of all deceased Illinois governors.

Mr. Pauk encouraged those present to join findagrave.com and post photographs to the site. This was a very enjoyable and informative presentation.