When the Tombstone Has the Incorrect Date of Birth

The tombstone of my 2x great grandfather, Thomas F. Larkins, at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Sandusky, Ohio, lists his birth date as 1879 and his death date as 1944.

The death record of Grandpa Larkins, accessed at FamilySearch.org, states his birth date was March 2, 1969, in Sandusky, Ohio.

Grandpa Larkins' baptism record, from Holy Angels Church, also lists his birth date as March 2, 1869.

 

So, even though the tombstone of Grandpa Thomas F. Larkins lists his birth year as 1879, vital records and church records state that 1869 was indeed his birth year. Even when a date appears to be "set in stone" verify its accuracy through vital records, church records, and Family Bibles, if available.

I wish I could have met my Great Great Grandpa Larkins. My mother had such very fond memories of him!