diff --git a/Cargo.lock b/Cargo.lock
index 0e87d3cf0..3c46bc3d1 100644
--- a/Cargo.lock
+++ b/Cargo.lock
@@ -1711,6 +1711,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "lazy_static",
  "lemmy_api_common",
  "lemmy_apub",
+ "lemmy_apub_lib",
  "lemmy_db_queries",
  "lemmy_db_schema",
  "lemmy_db_views",
@@ -1836,6 +1837,8 @@ dependencies = [
  "chrono",
  "diesel",
  "diesel-derive-newtype",
+ "lemmy_apub_lib",
+ "lemmy_utils",
  "log",
  "serde",
  "serde_json",
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/Cargo.toml b/crates/api_crud/Cargo.toml
index 670342b70..a5c8e6c52 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/Cargo.toml
+++ b/crates/api_crud/Cargo.toml
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ license = "AGPL-3.0"
 
 [dependencies]
 lemmy_apub = { version = "=0.13.0", path = "../apub" }
+lemmy_apub_lib = { version = "=0.13.0", path = "../apub_lib" }
 lemmy_utils = { version = "=0.13.0", path = "../utils" }
 lemmy_db_queries = { version = "=0.13.0", path = "../db_queries" }
 lemmy_db_schema = { version = "=0.13.0", path = "../db_schema" }
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/community/create.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/community/create.rs
index 1cc40d85f..2d1076f3b 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/community/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/community/create.rs
@@ -7,13 +7,14 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
   is_admin,
 };
 use lemmy_apub::{
+  fetcher::object_id::ObjectId,
   generate_apub_endpoint,
   generate_followers_url,
   generate_inbox_url,
   generate_shared_inbox_url,
   EndpointType,
 };
-use lemmy_db_queries::{diesel_option_overwrite_to_url, ApubObject, Crud, Followable, Joinable};
+use lemmy_db_queries::{diesel_option_overwrite_to_url, Crud, Followable, Joinable};
 use lemmy_db_schema::source::{
   community::{
     Community,
@@ -67,11 +68,8 @@ impl PerformCrud for CreateCommunity {
       &data.name,
       &context.settings().get_protocol_and_hostname(),
     )?;
-    let actor_id_cloned = community_actor_id.to_owned();
-    let community_dupe = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-      Community::read_from_apub_id(conn, &actor_id_cloned)
-    })
-    .await?;
+    let community_actor_id_wrapped = ObjectId::<Community>::new(community_actor_id.clone());
+    let community_dupe = community_actor_id_wrapped.dereference_local(context).await;
     if community_dupe.is_ok() {
       return Err(ApiError::err("community_already_exists").into());
     }
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/community/read.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/community/read.rs
index b29f5f0a0..9008b71da 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/community/read.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/community/read.rs
@@ -1,14 +1,8 @@
 use crate::PerformCrud;
 use actix_web::web::Data;
 use lemmy_api_common::{blocking, community::*, get_local_user_view_from_jwt_opt};
-use lemmy_apub::{build_actor_id_from_shortname, EndpointType};
-use lemmy_db_queries::{
-  from_opt_str_to_opt_enum,
-  ApubObject,
-  DeleteableOrRemoveable,
-  ListingType,
-  SortType,
-};
+use lemmy_apub::{build_actor_id_from_shortname, fetcher::object_id::ObjectId, EndpointType};
+use lemmy_db_queries::{from_opt_str_to_opt_enum, DeleteableOrRemoveable, ListingType, SortType};
 use lemmy_db_schema::source::community::*;
 use lemmy_db_views_actor::{
   community_moderator_view::CommunityModeratorView,
@@ -38,12 +32,11 @@ impl PerformCrud for GetCommunity {
         let community_actor_id =
           build_actor_id_from_shortname(EndpointType::Community, &name, &context.settings())?;
 
-        blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-          Community::read_from_apub_id(conn, &community_actor_id)
-        })
-        .await?
-        .map_err(|_| ApiError::err("couldnt_find_community"))?
-        .id
+        ObjectId::<Community>::new(community_actor_id)
+          .dereference(context, &mut 0)
+          .await
+          .map_err(|_| ApiError::err("couldnt_find_community"))?
+          .id
       }
     };
 
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/user/read.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/user/read.rs
index b029f2998..ea0090c23 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/user/read.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/user/read.rs
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 use crate::PerformCrud;
 use actix_web::web::Data;
 use lemmy_api_common::{blocking, get_local_user_view_from_jwt_opt, person::*};
-use lemmy_apub::{build_actor_id_from_shortname, EndpointType};
-use lemmy_db_queries::{from_opt_str_to_opt_enum, ApubObject, SortType};
+use lemmy_apub::{build_actor_id_from_shortname, fetcher::object_id::ObjectId, EndpointType};
+use lemmy_db_queries::{from_opt_str_to_opt_enum, SortType};
 use lemmy_db_schema::source::person::*;
 use lemmy_db_views::{comment_view::CommentQueryBuilder, post_view::PostQueryBuilder};
 use lemmy_db_views_actor::{
@@ -45,10 +45,9 @@ impl PerformCrud for GetPersonDetails {
         let actor_id =
           build_actor_id_from_shortname(EndpointType::Person, &name, &context.settings())?;
 
-        let person = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-          Person::read_from_apub_id(conn, &actor_id)
-        })
-        .await?;
+        let person = ObjectId::<Person>::new(actor_id)
+          .dereference(context, &mut 0)
+          .await;
         person
           .map_err(|_| ApiError::err("couldnt_find_that_username_or_email"))?
           .id
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/community/add_mod.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/community/add_mod.rs
index 93af4efba..f4e75080e 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/community/add_mod.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/community/add_mod.rs
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ impl ActivityHandler for AddMod {
   ) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
     verify_activity(self, &context.settings())?;
     verify_person_in_community(&self.actor, &self.cc[0], context, request_counter).await?;
-    verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context).await?;
+    verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context, request_counter).await?;
     verify_add_remove_moderator_target(&self.target, &self.cc[0])?;
     Ok(())
   }
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/community/block_user.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/community/block_user.rs
index 976dbc8a3..35db21911 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/community/block_user.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/community/block_user.rs
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ impl ActivityHandler for BlockUserFromCommunity {
   ) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
     verify_activity(self, &context.settings())?;
     verify_person_in_community(&self.actor, &self.cc[0], context, request_counter).await?;
-    verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context).await?;
+    verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context, request_counter).await?;
     Ok(())
   }
 
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/community/remove_mod.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/community/remove_mod.rs
index 3de9ccca1..7e1d344d0 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/community/remove_mod.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/community/remove_mod.rs
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ impl ActivityHandler for RemoveMod {
     verify_activity(self, &context.settings())?;
     if let Some(target) = &self.target {
       verify_person_in_community(&self.actor, &self.cc[0], context, request_counter).await?;
-      verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context).await?;
+      verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context, request_counter).await?;
       verify_add_remove_moderator_target(target, &self.cc[0])?;
     } else {
       verify_delete_activity(
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/community/undo_block_user.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/community/undo_block_user.rs
index cf70fc32c..d8fda9b11 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/community/undo_block_user.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/community/undo_block_user.rs
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ impl ActivityHandler for UndoBlockUserFromCommunity {
   ) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
     verify_activity(self, &context.settings())?;
     verify_person_in_community(&self.actor, &self.cc[0], context, request_counter).await?;
-    verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context).await?;
+    verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context, request_counter).await?;
     self.object.verify(context, request_counter).await?;
     Ok(())
   }
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/community/update.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/community/update.rs
index ec8a2bea9..3061fa1f7 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/community/update.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/community/update.rs
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ use activitystreams::{
 };
 use lemmy_api_common::blocking;
 use lemmy_apub_lib::{values::PublicUrl, ActivityFields, ActivityHandler, Data};
-use lemmy_db_queries::{ApubObject, Crud};
+use lemmy_db_queries::Crud;
 use lemmy_db_schema::source::{
   community::{Community, CommunityForm},
   person::Person,
@@ -85,20 +85,17 @@ impl ActivityHandler for UpdateCommunity {
   ) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
     verify_activity(self, &context.settings())?;
     verify_person_in_community(&self.actor, &self.cc[0], context, request_counter).await?;
-    verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context).await?;
+    verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context, request_counter).await?;
     Ok(())
   }
 
   async fn receive(
     self,
     context: &Data<LemmyContext>,
-    _request_counter: &mut i32,
+    request_counter: &mut i32,
   ) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
-    let cc = self.cc[0].clone().into();
-    let community = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-      Community::read_from_apub_id(conn, &cc)
-    })
-    .await??;
+    let cc = self.cc[0].clone();
+    let community = cc.dereference(context, request_counter).await?;
 
     let updated_community = Group::from_apub_to_form(
       &self.object,
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/deletion/mod.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/deletion/mod.rs
index 5843e5017..2abe7ae7d 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/deletion/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/deletion/mod.rs
@@ -7,16 +7,11 @@ use crate::{
   fetcher::object_id::ObjectId,
   ActorType,
 };
+use diesel::PgConnection;
 use lemmy_api_common::blocking;
-use lemmy_apub_lib::{verify_domains_match, ActivityFields};
-use lemmy_db_queries::{
-  source::{comment::Comment_, community::Community_, post::Post_},
-  ApubObject,
-};
-use lemmy_db_schema::{
-  source::{comment::Comment, community::Community, person::Person, post::Post},
-  DbUrl,
-};
+use lemmy_apub_lib::{verify_domains_match, ActivityFields, ApubObject};
+use lemmy_db_queries::source::{comment::Comment_, community::Community_, post::Post_};
+use lemmy_db_schema::source::{comment::Comment, community::Community, person::Person, post::Post};
 use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use lemmy_websocket::{
   send::{send_comment_ws_message_simple, send_community_ws_message, send_post_ws_message},
@@ -70,29 +65,32 @@ impl DeletableObjects {
     ap_id: &Url,
     context: &LemmyContext,
   ) -> Result<DeletableObjects, LemmyError> {
-    let id: DbUrl = ap_id.clone().into();
-
-    if let Some(c) = DeletableObjects::read_type_from_db::<Community>(id.clone(), context).await? {
+    if let Some(c) =
+      DeletableObjects::read_type_from_db::<Community>(ap_id.clone(), context).await?
+    {
       return Ok(DeletableObjects::Community(Box::new(c)));
     }
-    if let Some(p) = DeletableObjects::read_type_from_db::<Post>(id.clone(), context).await? {
+    if let Some(p) = DeletableObjects::read_type_from_db::<Post>(ap_id.clone(), context).await? {
       return Ok(DeletableObjects::Post(Box::new(p)));
     }
-    if let Some(c) = DeletableObjects::read_type_from_db::<Comment>(id.clone(), context).await? {
+    if let Some(c) = DeletableObjects::read_type_from_db::<Comment>(ap_id.clone(), context).await? {
       return Ok(DeletableObjects::Comment(Box::new(c)));
     }
     Err(diesel::NotFound.into())
   }
 
   // TODO: a method like this should be provided by fetcher module
-  async fn read_type_from_db<Type: ApubObject + Send + 'static>(
-    ap_id: DbUrl,
+  async fn read_type_from_db<Type>(
+    ap_id: Url,
     context: &LemmyContext,
-  ) -> Result<Option<Type>, LemmyError> {
+  ) -> Result<Option<Type>, LemmyError>
+  where
+    Type: ApubObject<DataType = PgConnection> + Send + 'static,
+  {
     blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-      Type::read_from_apub_id(conn, &ap_id).ok()
+      Type::read_from_apub_id(conn, ap_id)
     })
-    .await
+    .await?
   }
 }
 
@@ -114,7 +112,13 @@ pub(in crate::activities) async fn verify_delete_activity(
         verify_person_in_community(&actor, community_id, context, request_counter).await?;
       }
       // community deletion is always a mod (or admin) action
-      verify_mod_action(&actor, ObjectId::new(c.actor_id()), context).await?;
+      verify_mod_action(
+        &actor,
+        ObjectId::new(c.actor_id()),
+        context,
+        request_counter,
+      )
+      .await?;
     }
     DeletableObjects::Post(p) => {
       verify_delete_activity_post_or_comment(
@@ -153,7 +157,7 @@ async fn verify_delete_activity_post_or_comment(
   let actor = ObjectId::new(activity.actor().clone());
   verify_person_in_community(&actor, community_id, context, request_counter).await?;
   if is_mod_action {
-    verify_mod_action(&actor, community_id.clone(), context).await?;
+    verify_mod_action(&actor, community_id.clone(), context, request_counter).await?;
   } else {
     // domain of post ap_id and post.creator ap_id are identical, so we just check the former
     verify_domains_match(activity.actor(), object_id)?;
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/following/accept.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/following/accept.rs
index ab28b9454..be26e0c14 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/following/accept.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/following/accept.rs
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ use activitystreams::{
 };
 use lemmy_api_common::blocking;
 use lemmy_apub_lib::{verify_urls_match, ActivityFields, ActivityHandler, Data};
-use lemmy_db_queries::{ApubObject, Followable};
+use lemmy_db_queries::Followable;
 use lemmy_db_schema::source::{
   community::{Community, CommunityFollower},
   person::Person,
@@ -44,18 +44,17 @@ pub struct AcceptFollowCommunity {
 }
 
 impl AcceptFollowCommunity {
-  pub async fn send(follow: FollowCommunity, context: &LemmyContext) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
-    let community_id = follow.object.clone();
-    let community = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-      Community::read_from_apub_id(conn, &community_id.into())
-    })
-    .await??;
-    let person_id = follow.actor().clone();
-    let person = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-      Person::read_from_apub_id(conn, &person_id.into())
-    })
-    .await??;
-
+  pub async fn send(
+    follow: FollowCommunity,
+    context: &LemmyContext,
+    request_counter: &mut i32,
+  ) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
+    let community = follow.object.dereference_local(context).await?;
+    let person = follow
+      .actor
+      .clone()
+      .dereference(context, request_counter)
+      .await?;
     let accept = AcceptFollowCommunity {
       actor: ObjectId::new(community.actor_id()),
       to: ObjectId::new(person.actor_id()),
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/following/follow.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/following/follow.rs
index 3171d72f7..e9e1d2b83 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/following/follow.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/following/follow.rs
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ use url::Url;
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, Deserialize, Serialize, ActivityFields)]
 #[serde(rename_all = "camelCase")]
 pub struct FollowCommunity {
-  actor: ObjectId<Person>,
+  pub(in crate::activities::following) actor: ObjectId<Person>,
   // TODO: is there any reason to put the same community id twice, in to and object?
   pub(in crate::activities::following) to: ObjectId<Community>,
   pub(in crate::activities::following) object: ObjectId<Community>,
@@ -117,6 +117,6 @@ impl ActivityHandler for FollowCommunity {
     })
     .await?;
 
-    AcceptFollowCommunity::send(self, context).await
+    AcceptFollowCommunity::send(self, context, request_counter).await
   }
 }
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/mod.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/mod.rs
index e72f1e1dc..f477a66a4 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/mod.rs
@@ -7,11 +7,7 @@ use crate::{
 use anyhow::anyhow;
 use lemmy_api_common::blocking;
 use lemmy_apub_lib::{verify_domains_match, ActivityFields};
-use lemmy_db_queries::ApubObject;
-use lemmy_db_schema::{
-  source::{community::Community, person::Person},
-  DbUrl,
-};
+use lemmy_db_schema::source::{community::Community, person::Person};
 use lemmy_db_views_actor::community_view::CommunityView;
 use lemmy_utils::{settings::structs::Settings, LemmyError};
 use lemmy_websocket::LemmyContext;
@@ -104,18 +100,12 @@ pub(crate) async fn verify_mod_action(
   actor_id: &ObjectId<Person>,
   community_id: ObjectId<Community>,
   context: &LemmyContext,
+  request_counter: &mut i32,
 ) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
-  let community = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-    Community::read_from_apub_id(conn, &community_id.into())
-  })
-  .await??;
+  let community = community_id.dereference_local(context).await?;
 
   if community.local {
-    let actor_id: DbUrl = actor_id.clone().into();
-    let actor = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-      Person::read_from_apub_id(conn, &actor_id)
-    })
-    .await??;
+    let actor = actor_id.dereference(context, request_counter).await?;
 
     // Note: this will also return true for admins in addition to mods, but as we dont know about
     //       remote admins, it doesnt make any difference.
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/post/create_or_update.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/post/create_or_update.rs
index a46c9b066..72df0052d 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/post/create_or_update.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/post/create_or_update.rs
@@ -106,9 +106,9 @@ impl ActivityHandler for CreateOrUpdatePost {
         }
       }
       CreateOrUpdateType::Update => {
-        let is_mod_action = self.object.is_mod_action(context.pool()).await?;
+        let is_mod_action = self.object.is_mod_action(context).await?;
         if is_mod_action {
-          verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context).await?;
+          verify_mod_action(&self.actor, self.cc[0].clone(), context, request_counter).await?;
         } else {
           verify_domains_match(self.actor.inner(), self.object.id_unchecked())?;
           verify_urls_match(self.actor(), self.object.attributed_to.inner())?;
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/private_message/delete.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/private_message/delete.rs
index 107a50891..499f0a938 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/private_message/delete.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/private_message/delete.rs
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ use activitystreams::{
 };
 use lemmy_api_common::blocking;
 use lemmy_apub_lib::{verify_domains_match, ActivityFields, ActivityHandler, Data};
-use lemmy_db_queries::{source::private_message::PrivateMessage_, ApubObject, Crud};
+use lemmy_db_queries::{source::private_message::PrivateMessage_, Crud};
 use lemmy_db_schema::source::{person::Person, private_message::PrivateMessage};
 use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use lemmy_websocket::{send::send_pm_ws_message, LemmyContext, UserOperationCrud};
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ use url::Url;
 pub struct DeletePrivateMessage {
   actor: ObjectId<Person>,
   to: ObjectId<Person>,
-  pub(in crate::activities::private_message) object: Url,
+  pub(in crate::activities::private_message) object: ObjectId<PrivateMessage>,
   #[serde(rename = "type")]
   kind: DeleteType,
   id: Url,
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ impl DeletePrivateMessage {
     Ok(DeletePrivateMessage {
       actor: ObjectId::new(actor.actor_id()),
       to: ObjectId::new(actor.actor_id()),
-      object: pm.ap_id.clone().into(),
+      object: ObjectId::new(pm.ap_id.clone()),
       kind: DeleteType::Delete,
       id: generate_activity_id(
         DeleteType::Delete,
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ impl ActivityHandler for DeletePrivateMessage {
   ) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
     verify_activity(self, &context.settings())?;
     verify_person(&self.actor, context, request_counter).await?;
-    verify_domains_match(self.actor.inner(), &self.object)?;
+    verify_domains_match(self.actor.inner(), self.object.inner())?;
     Ok(())
   }
 
@@ -89,11 +89,7 @@ impl ActivityHandler for DeletePrivateMessage {
     context: &Data<LemmyContext>,
     _request_counter: &mut i32,
   ) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
-    let ap_id = self.object.clone();
-    let private_message = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-      PrivateMessage::read_from_apub_id(conn, &ap_id.into())
-    })
-    .await??;
+    let private_message = self.object.dereference_local(context).await?;
     let deleted_private_message = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
       PrivateMessage::update_deleted(conn, private_message.id, true)
     })
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/activities/private_message/undo_delete.rs b/crates/apub/src/activities/private_message/undo_delete.rs
index aff4a59a2..486476298 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/activities/private_message/undo_delete.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/activities/private_message/undo_delete.rs
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ use lemmy_apub_lib::{
   ActivityHandler,
   Data,
 };
-use lemmy_db_queries::{source::private_message::PrivateMessage_, ApubObject, Crud};
+use lemmy_db_queries::{source::private_message::PrivateMessage_, Crud};
 use lemmy_db_schema::source::{person::Person, private_message::PrivateMessage};
 use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use lemmy_websocket::{send::send_pm_ws_message, LemmyContext, UserOperationCrud};
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ impl ActivityHandler for UndoDeletePrivateMessage {
     verify_activity(self, &context.settings())?;
     verify_person(&self.actor, context, request_counter).await?;
     verify_urls_match(self.actor(), self.object.actor())?;
-    verify_domains_match(self.actor(), &self.object.object)?;
+    verify_domains_match(self.actor(), self.object.object.inner())?;
     self.object.verify(context, request_counter).await?;
     Ok(())
   }
@@ -97,10 +97,7 @@ impl ActivityHandler for UndoDeletePrivateMessage {
     _request_counter: &mut i32,
   ) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
     let ap_id = self.object.object.clone();
-    let private_message = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
-      PrivateMessage::read_from_apub_id(conn, &ap_id.into())
-    })
-    .await??;
+    let private_message = ap_id.dereference_local(context).await?;
 
     let deleted_private_message = blocking(context.pool(), move |conn| {
       PrivateMessage::update_deleted(conn, private_message.id, false)
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/fetcher/deletable_apub_object.rs b/crates/apub/src/fetcher/deletable_apub_object.rs
index 5df90dd18..503949e10 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/fetcher/deletable_apub_object.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/fetcher/deletable_apub_object.rs
@@ -6,7 +6,13 @@ use lemmy_db_queries::source::{
   person::Person_,
   post::Post_,
 };
-use lemmy_db_schema::source::{comment::Comment, community::Community, person::Person, post::Post};
+use lemmy_db_schema::source::{
+  comment::Comment,
+  community::Community,
+  person::Person,
+  post::Post,
+  private_message::PrivateMessage,
+};
 use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use lemmy_websocket::LemmyContext;
 
@@ -83,3 +89,11 @@ impl DeletableApubObject for PostOrComment {
     Ok(())
   }
 }
+
+#[async_trait::async_trait(?Send)]
+impl DeletableApubObject for PrivateMessage {
+  async fn delete(self, _context: &LemmyContext) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
+    // do nothing, because pm can't be fetched over http
+    unimplemented!()
+  }
+}
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/fetcher/object_id.rs b/crates/apub/src/fetcher/object_id.rs
index 7b3c535fa..883ee8c16 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/fetcher/object_id.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/fetcher/object_id.rs
@@ -4,9 +4,10 @@ use crate::{
   APUB_JSON_CONTENT_TYPE,
 };
 use anyhow::anyhow;
-use diesel::NotFound;
+use diesel::{NotFound, PgConnection};
 use lemmy_api_common::blocking;
-use lemmy_db_queries::{ApubObject, DbPool};
+use lemmy_apub_lib::ApubObject;
+use lemmy_db_queries::DbPool;
 use lemmy_db_schema::DbUrl;
 use lemmy_utils::{request::retry, settings::structs::Settings, LemmyError};
 use lemmy_websocket::LemmyContext;
@@ -26,12 +27,12 @@ static REQUEST_LIMIT: i32 = 25;
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize, Debug)]
 pub struct ObjectId<Kind>(Url, #[serde(skip)] PhantomData<Kind>)
 where
-  Kind: FromApub + ApubObject + DeletableApubObject + Send + 'static,
+  Kind: FromApub + ApubObject<DataType = PgConnection> + DeletableApubObject + Send + 'static,
   for<'de2> <Kind as FromApub>::ApubType: serde::Deserialize<'de2>;
 
 impl<Kind> ObjectId<Kind>
 where
-  Kind: FromApub + ApubObject + DeletableApubObject + Send + 'static,
+  Kind: FromApub + ApubObject<DataType = PgConnection> + DeletableApubObject + Send + 'static,
   for<'de> <Kind as FromApub>::ApubType: serde::Deserialize<'de>,
 {
   pub fn new<T>(url: T) -> Self
@@ -46,12 +47,12 @@ where
   }
 
   /// Fetches an activitypub object, either from local database (if possible), or over http.
-  pub(crate) async fn dereference(
+  pub async fn dereference(
     &self,
     context: &LemmyContext,
     request_counter: &mut i32,
   ) -> Result<Kind, LemmyError> {
-    let db_object = self.dereference_locally(context.pool()).await?;
+    let db_object = self.dereference_from_db(context.pool()).await?;
 
     // if its a local object, only fetch it from the database and not over http
     if self.0.domain() == Some(&Settings::get().get_hostname_without_port()?) {
@@ -66,30 +67,32 @@ where
         // TODO: rename to should_refetch_object()
         if should_refetch_actor(last_refreshed_at) {
           return self
-            .dereference_remotely(context, request_counter, Some(object))
+            .dereference_from_http(context, request_counter, Some(object))
             .await;
         }
       }
       Ok(object)
     } else {
       self
-        .dereference_remotely(context, request_counter, None)
+        .dereference_from_http(context, request_counter, None)
         .await
     }
   }
 
-  /// returning none means the object was not found in local db
-  async fn dereference_locally(&self, pool: &DbPool) -> Result<Option<Kind>, LemmyError> {
-    let id: DbUrl = self.0.clone().into();
-    let object = blocking(pool, move |conn| ApubObject::read_from_apub_id(conn, &id)).await?;
-    match object {
-      Ok(o) => Ok(Some(o)),
-      Err(NotFound {}) => Ok(None),
-      Err(e) => Err(e.into()),
-    }
+  /// Fetch an object from the local db. Instead of falling back to http, this throws an error if
+  /// the object is not found in the database.
+  pub async fn dereference_local(&self, context: &LemmyContext) -> Result<Kind, LemmyError> {
+    let object = self.dereference_from_db(context.pool()).await?;
+    object.ok_or_else(|| anyhow!("object not found in database {}", self).into())
   }
 
-  async fn dereference_remotely(
+  /// returning none means the object was not found in local db
+  async fn dereference_from_db(&self, pool: &DbPool) -> Result<Option<Kind>, LemmyError> {
+    let id = self.0.clone();
+    blocking(pool, move |conn| ApubObject::read_from_apub_id(conn, id)).await?
+  }
+
+  async fn dereference_from_http(
     &self,
     context: &LemmyContext,
     request_counter: &mut i32,
@@ -128,7 +131,7 @@ where
 
 impl<Kind> Display for ObjectId<Kind>
 where
-  Kind: FromApub + ApubObject + DeletableApubObject + Send + 'static,
+  Kind: FromApub + ApubObject<DataType = PgConnection> + DeletableApubObject + Send + 'static,
   for<'de> <Kind as FromApub>::ApubType: serde::Deserialize<'de>,
 {
   fn fmt(&self, f: &mut Formatter<'_>) -> std::fmt::Result {
@@ -138,7 +141,7 @@ where
 
 impl<Kind> From<ObjectId<Kind>> for Url
 where
-  Kind: FromApub + ApubObject + DeletableApubObject + Send + 'static,
+  Kind: FromApub + ApubObject<DataType = PgConnection> + DeletableApubObject + Send + 'static,
   for<'de> <Kind as FromApub>::ApubType: serde::Deserialize<'de>,
 {
   fn from(id: ObjectId<Kind>) -> Self {
@@ -148,7 +151,7 @@ where
 
 impl<Kind> From<ObjectId<Kind>> for DbUrl
 where
-  Kind: FromApub + ApubObject + DeletableApubObject + Send + 'static,
+  Kind: FromApub + ApubObject<DataType = PgConnection> + DeletableApubObject + Send + 'static,
   for<'de> <Kind as FromApub>::ApubType: serde::Deserialize<'de>,
 {
   fn from(id: ObjectId<Kind>) -> Self {
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/fetcher/post_or_comment.rs b/crates/apub/src/fetcher/post_or_comment.rs
index 531074993..940123aec 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/fetcher/post_or_comment.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/fetcher/post_or_comment.rs
@@ -1,13 +1,10 @@
 use crate::objects::{comment::Note, post::Page, FromApub};
 use activitystreams::chrono::NaiveDateTime;
-use diesel::{result::Error, PgConnection};
-use lemmy_db_queries::ApubObject;
-use lemmy_db_schema::{
-  source::{
-    comment::{Comment, CommentForm},
-    post::{Post, PostForm},
-  },
-  DbUrl,
+use diesel::PgConnection;
+use lemmy_apub_lib::ApubObject;
+use lemmy_db_schema::source::{
+  comment::{Comment, CommentForm},
+  post::{Post, PostForm},
 };
 use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use lemmy_websocket::LemmyContext;
@@ -33,19 +30,23 @@ pub enum PageOrNote {
 
 #[async_trait::async_trait(?Send)]
 impl ApubObject for PostOrComment {
+  type DataType = PgConnection;
+
   fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
     None
   }
 
   // TODO: this can probably be implemented using a single sql query
-  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: &DbUrl) -> Result<Self, Error>
+  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: Url) -> Result<Option<Self>, LemmyError>
   where
     Self: Sized,
   {
-    let post = Post::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id);
+    let post = Post::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id.clone())?;
     Ok(match post {
-      Ok(o) => PostOrComment::Post(Box::new(o)),
-      Err(_) => PostOrComment::Comment(Box::new(Comment::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id)?)),
+      Some(o) => Some(PostOrComment::Post(Box::new(o))),
+      None => {
+        Comment::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id)?.map(|c| PostOrComment::Comment(Box::new(c)))
+      }
     })
   }
 }
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/fetcher/search.rs b/crates/apub/src/fetcher/search.rs
index da152f2f9..0faca2da5 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/fetcher/search.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/fetcher/search.rs
@@ -4,19 +4,18 @@ use crate::{
 };
 use activitystreams::chrono::NaiveDateTime;
 use anyhow::anyhow;
-use diesel::{result::Error, PgConnection};
+use diesel::PgConnection;
 use itertools::Itertools;
 use lemmy_api_common::blocking;
-use lemmy_apub_lib::webfinger::{webfinger_resolve_actor, WebfingerType};
+use lemmy_apub_lib::{
+  webfinger::{webfinger_resolve_actor, WebfingerType},
+  ApubObject,
+};
 use lemmy_db_queries::{
   source::{community::Community_, person::Person_},
-  ApubObject,
   DbPool,
 };
-use lemmy_db_schema::{
-  source::{comment::Comment, community::Community, person::Person, post::Post},
-  DbUrl,
-};
+use lemmy_db_schema::source::{comment::Comment, community::Community, person::Person, post::Post};
 use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use lemmy_websocket::LemmyContext;
 use serde::Deserialize;
@@ -102,6 +101,8 @@ pub enum SearchableApubTypes {
 }
 
 impl ApubObject for SearchableObjects {
+  type DataType = PgConnection;
+
   fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
     match self {
       SearchableObjects::Person(p) => p.last_refreshed_at(),
@@ -114,23 +115,26 @@ impl ApubObject for SearchableObjects {
   // TODO: this is inefficient, because if the object is not in local db, it will run 4 db queries
   //       before finally returning an error. it would be nice if we could check all 4 tables in
   //       a single query.
-  //       we could skip this and always return an error, but then it would not be able to mark
-  //       objects as deleted that were deleted by remote server.
-  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: &DbUrl) -> Result<Self, Error> {
-    let c = Community::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id);
-    if let Ok(c) = c {
-      return Ok(SearchableObjects::Community(c));
+  //       we could skip this and always return an error, but then it would always fetch objects
+  //       over http, and not be able to mark objects as deleted that were deleted by remote server.
+  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: Url) -> Result<Option<Self>, LemmyError> {
+    let c = Community::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id.clone())?;
+    if let Some(c) = c {
+      return Ok(Some(SearchableObjects::Community(c)));
     }
-    let p = Person::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id);
-    if let Ok(p) = p {
-      return Ok(SearchableObjects::Person(p));
+    let p = Person::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id.clone())?;
+    if let Some(p) = p {
+      return Ok(Some(SearchableObjects::Person(p)));
     }
-    let p = Post::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id);
-    if let Ok(p) = p {
-      return Ok(SearchableObjects::Post(p));
+    let p = Post::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id.clone())?;
+    if let Some(p) = p {
+      return Ok(Some(SearchableObjects::Post(p)));
     }
-    let c = Comment::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id);
-    Ok(SearchableObjects::Comment(c?))
+    let c = Comment::read_from_apub_id(conn, object_id)?;
+    if let Some(c) = c {
+      return Ok(Some(SearchableObjects::Comment(c)));
+    }
+    Ok(None)
   }
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/objects/post.rs b/crates/apub/src/objects/post.rs
index 451ce0554..c92213a62 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/objects/post.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/objects/post.rs
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ use lemmy_apub_lib::{
   values::{MediaTypeHtml, MediaTypeMarkdown},
   verify_domains_match,
 };
-use lemmy_db_queries::{source::post::Post_, ApubObject, Crud, DbPool};
+use lemmy_db_queries::{source::post::Post_, Crud, DbPool};
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   self,
   source::{
@@ -78,12 +78,10 @@ impl Page {
   /// the current value, it is a mod action and needs to be verified as such.
   ///
   /// Both stickied and locked need to be false on a newly created post (verified in [[CreatePost]].
-  pub(crate) async fn is_mod_action(&self, pool: &DbPool) -> Result<bool, LemmyError> {
-    let post_id = self.id.clone();
-    let old_post = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
-      Post::read_from_apub_id(conn, &post_id.into())
-    })
-    .await?;
+  pub(crate) async fn is_mod_action(&self, context: &LemmyContext) -> Result<bool, LemmyError> {
+    let old_post = ObjectId::<Post>::new(self.id.clone())
+      .dereference_local(context)
+      .await;
 
     let is_mod_action = if let Ok(old_post) = old_post {
       self.stickied != Some(old_post.stickied) || self.comments_enabled != Some(!old_post.locked)
@@ -101,7 +99,7 @@ impl Page {
     let community = extract_community(&self.to, context, request_counter).await?;
 
     check_slurs(&self.name, &context.settings().slur_regex())?;
-    verify_domains_match(self.attributed_to.inner(), &self.id)?;
+    verify_domains_match(self.attributed_to.inner(), &self.id.clone())?;
     verify_person_in_community(
       &self.attributed_to,
       &ObjectId::new(community.actor_id()),
@@ -177,7 +175,7 @@ impl FromApub for Post {
   ) -> Result<Post, LemmyError> {
     // We can't verify the domain in case of mod action, because the mod may be on a different
     // instance from the post author.
-    let ap_id = if page.is_mod_action(context.pool()).await? {
+    let ap_id = if page.is_mod_action(context).await? {
       page.id_unchecked()
     } else {
       page.id(expected_domain)?
diff --git a/crates/apub_lib/src/lib.rs b/crates/apub_lib/src/lib.rs
index 192108e29..361a64b4c 100644
--- a/crates/apub_lib/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/apub_lib/src/lib.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 pub mod values;
 
-use activitystreams::error::DomainError;
+use activitystreams::{chrono::NaiveDateTime, error::DomainError};
 pub use lemmy_apub_lib_derive::*;
 use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use std::{ops::Deref, sync::Arc};
@@ -30,6 +30,17 @@ pub trait ActivityHandler {
   ) -> Result<(), LemmyError>;
 }
 
+pub trait ApubObject {
+  type DataType;
+  /// If this object should be refetched after a certain interval, it should return the last refresh
+  /// time here. This is mainly used to update remote actors.
+  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime>;
+  /// Try to read the object with given ID from local database. Returns Ok(None) if it doesn't exist.
+  fn read_from_apub_id(data: &Self::DataType, object_id: Url) -> Result<Option<Self>, LemmyError>
+  where
+    Self: Sized;
+}
+
 pub fn verify_domains_match(a: &Url, b: &Url) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
   if a.domain() != b.domain() {
     return Err(DomainError.into());
diff --git a/crates/db_queries/src/lib.rs b/crates/db_queries/src/lib.rs
index a94fb4659..6ca502397 100644
--- a/crates/db_queries/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/db_queries/src/lib.rs
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ extern crate diesel_migrations;
 #[cfg(test)]
 extern crate serial_test;
 
-use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
 use diesel::{result::Error, *};
 use lemmy_db_schema::{CommunityId, DbUrl, PersonId};
 use lemmy_utils::ApiError;
@@ -155,16 +154,6 @@ pub trait DeleteableOrRemoveable {
   fn blank_out_deleted_or_removed_info(self) -> Self;
 }
 
-// TODO: move this to apub lib
-pub trait ApubObject {
-  /// If this object should be refetched after a certain interval, it should return the last refresh
-  /// time here. This is mainly used to update remote actors.
-  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime>;
-  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: &DbUrl) -> Result<Self, Error>
-  where
-    Self: Sized;
-}
-
 pub trait MaybeOptional<T> {
   fn get_optional(self) -> Option<T>;
 }
diff --git a/crates/db_queries/src/source/comment.rs b/crates/db_queries/src/source/comment.rs
index ec8466db5..8031131c5 100644
--- a/crates/db_queries/src/source/comment.rs
+++ b/crates/db_queries/src/source/comment.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-use crate::{ApubObject, Crud, DeleteableOrRemoveable, Likeable, Saveable};
-use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
+use crate::{Crud, DeleteableOrRemoveable, Likeable, Saveable};
 use diesel::{dsl::*, result::Error, *};
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   naive_now,
@@ -179,17 +178,6 @@ impl Crud for Comment {
   }
 }
 
-impl ApubObject for Comment {
-  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
-    None
-  }
-
-  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: &DbUrl) -> Result<Self, Error> {
-    use lemmy_db_schema::schema::comment::dsl::*;
-    comment.filter(ap_id.eq(object_id)).first::<Self>(conn)
-  }
-}
-
 impl Likeable for CommentLike {
   type Form = CommentLikeForm;
   type IdType = CommentId;
diff --git a/crates/db_queries/src/source/community.rs b/crates/db_queries/src/source/community.rs
index dbce19694..26e33380a 100644
--- a/crates/db_queries/src/source/community.rs
+++ b/crates/db_queries/src/source/community.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-use crate::{ApubObject, Bannable, Crud, DeleteableOrRemoveable, Followable, Joinable};
-use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
+use crate::{Bannable, Crud, DeleteableOrRemoveable, Followable, Joinable};
 use diesel::{dsl::*, result::Error, *};
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   naive_now,
@@ -93,19 +92,6 @@ impl Crud for Community {
   }
 }
 
-impl ApubObject for Community {
-  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
-    Some(self.last_refreshed_at)
-  }
-
-  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, for_actor_id: &DbUrl) -> Result<Self, Error> {
-    use lemmy_db_schema::schema::community::dsl::*;
-    community
-      .filter(actor_id.eq(for_actor_id))
-      .first::<Self>(conn)
-  }
-}
-
 pub trait Community_ {
   fn read_from_name(conn: &PgConnection, community_name: &str) -> Result<Community, Error>;
   fn update_deleted(
diff --git a/crates/db_queries/src/source/person.rs b/crates/db_queries/src/source/person.rs
index 2b2e7d0e9..3f0c6f867 100644
--- a/crates/db_queries/src/source/person.rs
+++ b/crates/db_queries/src/source/person.rs
@@ -1,11 +1,9 @@
-use crate::{ApubObject, Crud};
-use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
+use crate::Crud;
 use diesel::{dsl::*, result::Error, *};
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   naive_now,
   schema::person::dsl::*,
   source::person::{Person, PersonForm},
-  DbUrl,
   PersonId,
 };
 
@@ -181,20 +179,6 @@ impl Crud for Person {
   }
 }
 
-impl ApubObject for Person {
-  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
-    Some(self.last_refreshed_at)
-  }
-
-  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: &DbUrl) -> Result<Self, Error> {
-    use lemmy_db_schema::schema::person::dsl::*;
-    person
-      .filter(deleted.eq(false))
-      .filter(actor_id.eq(object_id))
-      .first::<Self>(conn)
-  }
-}
-
 pub trait Person_ {
   fn ban_person(conn: &PgConnection, person_id: PersonId, ban: bool) -> Result<Person, Error>;
   fn add_admin(conn: &PgConnection, person_id: PersonId, added: bool) -> Result<Person, Error>;
diff --git a/crates/db_queries/src/source/post.rs b/crates/db_queries/src/source/post.rs
index 7f185f429..f9c34be83 100644
--- a/crates/db_queries/src/source/post.rs
+++ b/crates/db_queries/src/source/post.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-use crate::{ApubObject, Crud, DeleteableOrRemoveable, Likeable, Readable, Saveable};
-use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
+use crate::{Crud, DeleteableOrRemoveable, Likeable, Readable, Saveable};
 use diesel::{dsl::*, result::Error, *};
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   naive_now,
@@ -193,17 +192,6 @@ impl Post_ for Post {
   }
 }
 
-impl ApubObject for Post {
-  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
-    None
-  }
-
-  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: &DbUrl) -> Result<Self, Error> {
-    use lemmy_db_schema::schema::post::dsl::*;
-    post.filter(ap_id.eq(object_id)).first::<Self>(conn)
-  }
-}
-
 impl Likeable for PostLike {
   type Form = PostLikeForm;
   type IdType = PostId;
diff --git a/crates/db_queries/src/source/private_message.rs b/crates/db_queries/src/source/private_message.rs
index 71dca04c7..3aa279b2c 100644
--- a/crates/db_queries/src/source/private_message.rs
+++ b/crates/db_queries/src/source/private_message.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-use crate::{ApubObject, Crud, DeleteableOrRemoveable};
-use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
+use crate::{Crud, DeleteableOrRemoveable};
 use diesel::{dsl::*, result::Error, *};
 use lemmy_db_schema::{naive_now, source::private_message::*, DbUrl, PersonId, PrivateMessageId};
 
@@ -30,22 +29,6 @@ impl Crud for PrivateMessage {
   }
 }
 
-impl ApubObject for PrivateMessage {
-  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
-    None
-  }
-
-  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: &DbUrl) -> Result<Self, Error>
-  where
-    Self: Sized,
-  {
-    use lemmy_db_schema::schema::private_message::dsl::*;
-    private_message
-      .filter(ap_id.eq(object_id))
-      .first::<Self>(conn)
-  }
-}
-
 pub trait PrivateMessage_ {
   fn update_ap_id(
     conn: &PgConnection,
diff --git a/crates/db_schema/Cargo.toml b/crates/db_schema/Cargo.toml
index 869fd99c2..d6ac3d72b 100644
--- a/crates/db_schema/Cargo.toml
+++ b/crates/db_schema/Cargo.toml
@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@ license = "AGPL-3.0"
 doctest = false
 
 [dependencies]
+lemmy_utils = { version = "=0.13.0", path = "../utils" }
+lemmy_apub_lib = { version = "=0.13.0", path = "../apub_lib" }
 diesel = { version = "1.4.8", features = ["postgres","chrono","r2d2","serde_json"] }
 chrono = { version = "0.4.19", features = ["serde"] }
 serde = { version = "1.0.130", features = ["derive"] }
diff --git a/crates/db_schema/src/source/comment.rs b/crates/db_schema/src/source/comment.rs
index bd36a48e8..2116a93c2 100644
--- a/crates/db_schema/src/source/comment.rs
+++ b/crates/db_schema/src/source/comment.rs
@@ -6,7 +6,12 @@ use crate::{
   PersonId,
   PostId,
 };
+use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
+use diesel::{ExpressionMethods, PgConnection, QueryDsl, RunQueryDsl};
+use lemmy_apub_lib::ApubObject;
+use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use serde::Serialize;
+use url::Url;
 
 // WITH RECURSIVE MyTree AS (
 //     SELECT * FROM comment WHERE parent_id IS NULL
@@ -104,3 +109,17 @@ pub struct CommentSavedForm {
   pub comment_id: CommentId,
   pub person_id: PersonId,
 }
+
+impl ApubObject for Comment {
+  type DataType = PgConnection;
+
+  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
+    None
+  }
+
+  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: Url) -> Result<Option<Self>, LemmyError> {
+    use crate::schema::comment::dsl::*;
+    let object_id: DbUrl = object_id.into();
+    Ok(comment.filter(ap_id.eq(object_id)).first::<Self>(conn).ok())
+  }
+}
diff --git a/crates/db_schema/src/source/community.rs b/crates/db_schema/src/source/community.rs
index 1581933f0..16ed7cd3c 100644
--- a/crates/db_schema/src/source/community.rs
+++ b/crates/db_schema/src/source/community.rs
@@ -4,7 +4,12 @@ use crate::{
   DbUrl,
   PersonId,
 };
+use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
+use diesel::{ExpressionMethods, PgConnection, QueryDsl, RunQueryDsl};
+use lemmy_apub_lib::ApubObject;
+use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use serde::Serialize;
+use url::Url;
 
 #[derive(Clone, Queryable, Identifiable, PartialEq, Debug, Serialize)]
 #[table_name = "community"]
@@ -124,3 +129,22 @@ pub struct CommunityFollowerForm {
   pub person_id: PersonId,
   pub pending: bool,
 }
+
+impl ApubObject for Community {
+  type DataType = PgConnection;
+
+  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
+    Some(self.last_refreshed_at)
+  }
+
+  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: Url) -> Result<Option<Self>, LemmyError> {
+    use crate::schema::community::dsl::*;
+    let object_id: DbUrl = object_id.into();
+    Ok(
+      community
+        .filter(actor_id.eq(object_id))
+        .first::<Self>(conn)
+        .ok(),
+    )
+  }
+}
diff --git a/crates/db_schema/src/source/person.rs b/crates/db_schema/src/source/person.rs
index 965378616..cdf60c959 100644
--- a/crates/db_schema/src/source/person.rs
+++ b/crates/db_schema/src/source/person.rs
@@ -3,7 +3,12 @@ use crate::{
   DbUrl,
   PersonId,
 };
+use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
+use diesel::{ExpressionMethods, PgConnection, QueryDsl, RunQueryDsl};
+use lemmy_apub_lib::ApubObject;
+use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use serde::Serialize;
+use url::Url;
 
 #[derive(Clone, Queryable, Identifiable, PartialEq, Debug, Serialize)]
 #[table_name = "person"]
@@ -170,3 +175,23 @@ pub struct PersonForm {
   pub admin: Option<bool>,
   pub bot_account: Option<bool>,
 }
+
+impl ApubObject for Person {
+  type DataType = PgConnection;
+
+  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
+    Some(self.last_refreshed_at)
+  }
+
+  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: Url) -> Result<Option<Self>, LemmyError> {
+    use crate::schema::person::dsl::*;
+    let object_id: DbUrl = object_id.into();
+    Ok(
+      person
+        .filter(deleted.eq(false))
+        .filter(actor_id.eq(object_id))
+        .first::<Self>(conn)
+        .ok(),
+    )
+  }
+}
diff --git a/crates/db_schema/src/source/post.rs b/crates/db_schema/src/source/post.rs
index 536dd9606..a6c8369c3 100644
--- a/crates/db_schema/src/source/post.rs
+++ b/crates/db_schema/src/source/post.rs
@@ -5,7 +5,12 @@ use crate::{
   PersonId,
   PostId,
 };
+use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
+use diesel::{ExpressionMethods, PgConnection, QueryDsl, RunQueryDsl};
+use lemmy_apub_lib::ApubObject;
+use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use serde::Serialize;
+use url::Url;
 
 #[derive(Clone, Queryable, Identifiable, PartialEq, Debug, Serialize)]
 #[table_name = "post"]
@@ -106,3 +111,17 @@ pub struct PostReadForm {
   pub post_id: PostId,
   pub person_id: PersonId,
 }
+
+impl ApubObject for Post {
+  type DataType = PgConnection;
+
+  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
+    None
+  }
+
+  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: Url) -> Result<Option<Self>, LemmyError> {
+    use crate::schema::post::dsl::*;
+    let object_id: DbUrl = object_id.into();
+    Ok(post.filter(ap_id.eq(object_id)).first::<Self>(conn).ok())
+  }
+}
diff --git a/crates/db_schema/src/source/private_message.rs b/crates/db_schema/src/source/private_message.rs
index 6710c2dcf..b4780affd 100644
--- a/crates/db_schema/src/source/private_message.rs
+++ b/crates/db_schema/src/source/private_message.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,10 @@
 use crate::{schema::private_message, DbUrl, PersonId, PrivateMessageId};
+use chrono::NaiveDateTime;
+use diesel::{ExpressionMethods, PgConnection, QueryDsl, RunQueryDsl};
+use lemmy_apub_lib::ApubObject;
+use lemmy_utils::LemmyError;
 use serde::Serialize;
+use url::Url;
 
 #[derive(Clone, Queryable, Associations, Identifiable, PartialEq, Debug, Serialize)]
 #[table_name = "private_message"]
@@ -29,3 +34,22 @@ pub struct PrivateMessageForm {
   pub ap_id: Option<DbUrl>,
   pub local: Option<bool>,
 }
+
+impl ApubObject for PrivateMessage {
+  type DataType = PgConnection;
+
+  fn last_refreshed_at(&self) -> Option<NaiveDateTime> {
+    None
+  }
+
+  fn read_from_apub_id(conn: &PgConnection, object_id: Url) -> Result<Option<Self>, LemmyError> {
+    use crate::schema::private_message::dsl::*;
+    let object_id: DbUrl = object_id.into();
+    Ok(
+      private_message
+        .filter(ap_id.eq(object_id))
+        .first::<Self>(conn)
+        .ok(),
+    )
+  }
+}