Preserving the Past: How One Sexton Uses the Mighty Probe at His Cemetery
For cemetery sextons and groundskeepers, work isn’t just about meticulousness and efficiency; it’s about respect. At Monmouth Cemetery in Monmouth, Illinois, Kenneth Presswood has the solemn responsibility of ensuring every new burial site is prepared carefully without disturbing existing graves. His work, which is common at cemeteries around the world, can be more complicated than it seems.
In an environment where burial records may be incomplete, old grave markers may have long since disappeared and the ground may be difficult to penetrate, the task isn’t always easy. Presswood, now in his fourth year working at the cemetery and his first year as sexton, needed a solution to his site preparation challenges. He found it in the Mighty Probe from T&T Tools, Inc.!
We spoke to Presswood about his work, why he decided to give the Mighty Probe a try and the difference it has made in his day-to-day activities. Learn why he recommends that others in his profession add this innovative tool to their equipment inventory.
The Hidden Challenge Beneath Every Plot
Before a grave is prepared, Presswood must first determine whether the intended site is free of previous burials. In older sections of the cemetery where headstones might be missing or misaligned, this can be especially difficult. The only way to be sure is to probe the ground, searching for the telltale resistance of a casket or cremation vault.
“The casket is very hard, and I know exactly when I hit it,” Presswood explained.
Probing was previously done using a solid steel rod that was pushed by hand into the ground to see if it would meet resistance. But anyone who’s ever worked with compacted, clay-heavy or frozen soil can imagine what a serious physical challenge this can be. Presswood noted that the gentleman doing the work before him was 86 years old and struggled to push the probe into the ground.
It was a classic case of needing a new approach. Finding the right tool could make all the difference.
A Better Tool for the Task
Presswood’s introduction to the Mighty Probe came through observation — he saw someone else using it and decided to try it.
He purchased the Mighty Probe with Slide Adapter, a model designed specifically to reduce the physical effort required to penetrate challenging soil. The slide adapter allows the user to drive the rod downward with a striking motion, rather than forcing it manually through resistant ground.
Presswood also invested in three different rod lengths, giving him flexibility depending on burial type. He noted that cremation boxes are typically buried 3 to 4 feet deep, while caskets are located 5 to 6 feet underground.
After he began using the Mighty Probe, the difference was immediate and welcomed!
A Noticeable Difference
The key benefits of the Mighty Probe with Slide Adapter are its strength, durability and ease of use. It has allowed Presswood to determine what is beneath the surface more quickly and easily. This is crucial in his line of work, where uncertainty can lead to mistakes that are both operationally disruptive and emotionally distressing for families.
“It’s made things a lot easier, certainly,” Presswood said. “If you’re using it in a cemetery, I would definitely recommend it.”
While he’s only been using the tool for a few months, through spring and summer, he’s already seen how it’s streamlining his work. And when winter arrives, a season when probing becomes even more difficult, he’s optimistic.
He explained that frozen ground usually needs to be warmed with ignited charcoal to soften it and enable probing. That may still be necessary in some cases, but potentially to a lesser extent because of the Mighty Probe’s ability to penetrate hard ground.
Navigating the Unknown, Respecting the Past
In addition to difficult soil conditions, cemetery sextons and groundskeepers can also benefit from a reliable probing tool when working in historic sections of the property. Recordkeeping used to be much less meticulous than it is today. Grave markers may also be absent due to not being replaced after breaking down or disappearing. Presswood has found his Mighty Probe to come in handy in these situations.
“A lot of times, in the early 1800s and late 1700s, things weren’t done as well back then,” he said. “[The Mighty Probe] has made it a lot easier for me to search for graves from back in those days.”
The reliability of modern tools doesn’t just make the job easier; it also helps uphold the dignity of those already interred, many of whom may no longer have family advocates or visible headstones. In this way, Presswood’s work and the tools he uses play a critical role in preserving the past.
Advice for Sextons and Groundskeepers
For others working in cemetery maintenance or burial preparation, Presswood’s message is simple: the right tools matter.
Traditional manual probes can get the job done, but they require significant strength and lack an ergonomic design. In contrast, a tool like the Mighty Probe — especially with the slide adapter — brings physical ease, better sensitivity and flexibility for different soil and burial depths.
Whether you're maintaining a centuries-old cemetery or working in a newly developed section, having multiple rod lengths and the ability to probe easily regardless of the conditions is worth the investment.
The Future of Grave Locating
As Presswood continues his work at Monmouth Cemetery, he brings both a respect for tradition and an openness to innovation. While his job is rooted in honoring those who have passed, his tools reflect the future of cemetery maintenance, where precision and respect go hand in hand. Now, he does his work with confidence, clarity and control in a job where mistakes are simply not an option.
For more information about T&T Tools Inc. and our products, browse our website, call (800) 521-6893 or email sales@mightyprobe.com.
