Uncovering Family History:
Your Guide to Locating Obituaries
Search Obituaries in Newspapers
Introduction
In today's digital age, we have access to an immense wealth of historical information, including newspapers that date back decades and even centuries. These online archives have made it easier than ever to delve into the past and uncover intriguing stories, genealogical records, and valuable information about our ancestors. One particular aspect of historical newspapers that many people are interested in is death-related announcements like obituaries. These articles can provide insights into the lives and legacies of our forebears, making them a valuable resource for genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in uncovering the past.
In this guide, I will explore how to find obituaries and other death-related announcements in online newspapers, with a focus on the NewspaperArchive platform. I'll take you through the process step by step, offering tips and techniques to enhance your search and discover valuable information about the dearly departed.
Tips for Finding Obituaries in Online Newspapers
Obituaries contain a wealth of valuable information for genealogists and family historians, providing details about a relative's life, family connections, and death. But how can you effectively search digital newspaper archives to uncover obituaries for long-lost family members? The process may seem daunting, but just a few simple techniques can aid your research. In the tips below, I’ll outline key strategies for successfully locating obituaries and different types of death-related articles in online newspaper databases. From targeting date ranges to using creative keywords, these pointers will help streamline your obituary search.
1. Choose a Reputable Online Newspaper Archive:
Start by selecting a reliable online newspaper archive or collection. NewspaperArchive is well-established, with a vast collection of newspapers from around the world. What I like about NewspaperArchive is the uniqueness of the newspapers in its collection. More than 85% of the content is unique to NewspaperArchive - you won’t find it on another site. I also love the large number of small-town newspapers in the collection. I have found the best stories about my ancestors in small-town newspapers that I otherwise would know nothing about. My great-grandmother was named after her aunt and uncle - Sallie Disney Bird. Her uncle, David Disney, was killed in a tragic train accident in 1888. Little did I know, tucked away in a newspaper article, were the unfortunate and graphic details of the accident. Information that would have been lost to time had it not been for the article. Click HERE to read “Mr. David Disney’s Death".
2. Use Advanced Search Options:
NewspaperArchive’s advanced search options are powerful. I can narrow down my search using a variety of filters and criteria. I can enter first, middle, and last names, keywords, locations, and dates. The NewspaperArchive YouTube channel has a great video tutorial on using the Advanced Search features. Click HERE to check out the Advance Search video. Be sure to check out the other videos on their channel that make using NewspaperArchive’s site easy.
3. Utilize Keywords:
When searching for deaths, consider using keywords like "mourn," "burial," and "last rites." Be creative with your keyword choices to cast a wider net. I created a keyword list to give you ideas on things to search for obituaries and all things related. You can download it HERE. The list is not exhaustive, but it will get you started.
4. Filter by Location:
I cannot stress how important this tip is for your research! If you know the area where the death occurred, filter your search by location. This can help you find obituaries in local newspapers, where deaths were more likely to be reported. Another location tip is to search where the person was from originally. The death might have been published in a local newspaper there, too. That holds true for any place the person lived throughout their life.
5. Explore Different Dates:
Be broad when you are searching for dates of deaths in newspapers. Depending on the time period you are researching, deaths may not have been published right away. I like to push my date searches by a week, two weeks, sometimes even a month after the death! I have even found deaths in the “chronology of the year” that can be found in some newspapers at the end of December or the beginning of January. These chronologies give detailed accounts of what happened in a location each month of the year. They are a wealth of information. They oftentimes include births and marriages, too. Click HERE to see an example.
6. Review Various Newspapers:
Did you search by the location of the death? Don't limit yourself to just one newspaper. Some towns, even small ones, had multiple newspapers. Obituaries could appear in city, county, state, and even national publications, so explore a variety of newspapers.
7. Patience and Perseverance:
Finding obituaries can sometimes be a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. Be patient and persistent, as it might take some time to locate the specific announcement you're seeking. I find that coming back to a search more than once gives me a fresh perspective. I also like to use a research log. It helps me keep track of things I’ve already searched. I created a research log specifically for searching obituaries and death-related announcements in newspapers. You can download it HERE.
8. Explore the Surrounding Articles:
Sometimes, historical newspapers included related articles, such as news reports on the cause of death or funeral details. Explore the newspaper edition's surrounding pages to gather additional context.
A Comprehensive Guide to Death, Obituaries, and Their Related Announcements in Newspapers
01
Obituaries
Example:
“Obituary. . . . [T]hese remarks have been elicited on account of the death of Mrs. Sarah Woodward, consort of Henry W. Woodward, of Brotherton, Anne-Arundel county, who departed this life December 18th 1833, in the 31st year of her age - leaving an afflicted husband and one child, to mourn her change.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-dec-28-1833-3623307/
Key Insights
- Name of deceased
- Husband of deceased
- Where the deceased lived
- Date of death
- Age of deceased
- Child listed
02
Death Notices
Example:
“Died [1921]. Alcoke, Richard S.; Barnes, Eugene F.; Belsinger, Phillip; Blamey, Susannah; Buckley, James. https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-feb-01-1921-4146306/
Key Insights
- Lists people by name who died
- List of names for ‘In Memoriam’ included
- Full obituaries for some of the deceased listed as “Died”
03
In Memoriam Articles
Example:
“In Memoriam. In remembrance of our dear father, Rudolph Lay, died March 16th, 1901, aged 67 years and 5 months. . . . [B]y His Children.
In Memoriam. In remembrance of our dear sister, Octavia E. Gallion, who departed this life two ago today, March 28, 1901.”
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-mar-29-1901-3486067/
Key Insights
- Name of deceased
- Date of death
- Age at time of death
- Poem
- Who submitted the “In Memoriam” to the newspaper
- The second one is two months after death. This is why it’s important to look days, weeks, and months after a death.
04
News Reports on Fatal Incidents
Example:
“Trolley Hits Auto: Two Hoosiers Killed. Richmond Men Die in Crash on Way to Cemetery. By United Press. Richmond, Ind., Dec. 26. - Two men were killed and another was injured seriously here yesterday when a traction car struck the automobile in which they were en route to place a Christmas wreath on a grave in Earlham Cemetery.
John B. Chenoweth, 62, drive of the car, was killed instantly. William Essinger, 62, died in the hospital here and Winfield Urban, 34, son-in-law of Chenoweth, was injured. The accident occurred at the cemetery entrance.”
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-dec-26-1934-4147312/
Key Insights
- Details of the accident
- Names of those killed and injured in the accident
- Ages of those involved
05
Unsolved Deaths and Cold Cases
Example:
“Hazel Drew Murdered in a City Room. Girl’s Body Thrown in Lake—New Clues Lead to Search in Boston for Writer of Letters. Troy, N.Y., July 15 [1908]. The most important point yet developed by the police in the Teal Pond murder mystery came to light this afternoon.
County Detective Kay has found the missing suit case of Hazel Drew, whose body, with the skull crushed, was found in Teal Pond last Friday.
It is known that the girl carried this suit case the day before she was murdered. From articles found in it today the police say that Hazel Drew did not intend to go to Averill Park when she left Troy.
Another clue leads to direct to Boston. Letters found in the murdered girl’s trunk, now in the district attorney’s possession, were written by persons in Boston and Providence, R.I., and may aid in solving the mystery.”
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-16-1908-4147367/
Key Insights
- Details of the murder
- When it’s a widely published case, look for articles in other newspapers and multiple articles published in the same publication on different days
06
Mass Casualty Events
Example:
“The following field officers have been either killed or wounded [1863]:
Col Thomas, 8th Ga, wounded.
Col Mounger, 9th Ga, killed.
Col Brown, 59th Ga, wounded.
Major Gee, - Ga, wounded.
Col Carrington, 18th VA, wounded, reported since dead.”
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-22-1863-4146571/
Key Insights
- Names of the deceased
- Rank of the deceased
- Regiment or unit of the deceased
- Names battle where they were killed
07
Eulogies and Tributes
Example:
“Aged Resident Paid Tribute. Final tribute to the memory of Mrs. Annie Rhead Salmon, 80, 814 Kensington avenue, lifelong resident of Salt Lake City and a daughter of early pioneers, was paid at funeral services Friday afternoon [1943]. Mrs. Salmon, who died Tuesday morning after a lingering illness, was the widow of Alexander Calderwood Salmon. Frank Evans, friend of the Rhead family said: ‘Those who believe in the continuity of life after the dissolution which we call death have a very real interest in the family relation, both here and hereafter. I cannot think of a better way by which to portray the character of our beloved departed friend than to describe the family of which she is a member. My recollections of the Rhead family go back to my own childhood. Not one of them was poor; not one was rich in worldy things.’ G.V. Billings and Vern B. Millard were the other speakers. Mr. Millard, bishop of the Hawthorne LDS ward, officiated. Burial was in the Salt Lake City cemetery.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-apr-09-1943-4147402/
Key Insights
- Full name of deceased
- Age of deceased
- Address of deceased
- Lifelong resident of the city and indicates her parents were early pioneers
- Date of the funeral services
- Husband of deceased
- Included the name of a friend of the deceased and his tribute/eulogy to her
- Listed the names of other speakers
- Name of the officiant
- Name of the cemetery where the deceased was buried
08
Memorial and Graveside Services
Example:
“Services. Waltraut Beshear. Memorial services, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday [2003], Shrine of Remembrance, “America the Beautiful” Chapel of Roses. . . . [A]nnalee M. Coburn. Graveside services, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Evergreen Cemetery, Swan Law Funeral Directors. Dave Coley. Memorial services, 10 a.m. today, Dove-Witt Family Mortuary.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-oct-06-2003-4147416/
Key Insights
- Names of the deceased
- List of services and whether they were memorial or graveside
- Date and time of services
- Where the service was performed
- Funeral directors for the deceased
- Name of cemetery
09
Funeral Notices
Example:
“Death and Funeral Notices. Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors:
Dorland. R.R. Dorland, 83, 1504 Lipscomb, died Saturday [1949]. Survived by son, E.H., daughter, Mrs. G.E. Hatton, brother, Arthur, sister, Mrs. W.S. WIlson. Body sent to Ogden, Utah, for services and burial.
Young. Etta Young, 69, 711 Hayden. Mother of Mrs. Ina Burk; stepmother of Loyd Jones. Sister of Anne Carter, Effie Boucher. Services pending.
Bowell Brothers:
Morton. L.D. Morton, 67, died Friday. Survived by wife Winnie. Services 3 PM today, Baptist Church, Dumas, Burial Amarillo Cemetery later.
https://newspaperarchive.com/obituary-clipping-mar-29-1948-3953185/
Key Insights
- Logo of the funeral home
- Name of the deceased
- Age of the deceased
- Address of the deceased
- Date of death
- Names of surviving family members
- Burial location
- Date and time of services
10
Cemetery Records
Example:
“The Beechwoods Cemetery. A Record of all Persons, Children Excepted, Buried Therein Together with the Date of Their Death, up to March 1, 1905. Covering a Period of Seventy-Five Years. Compiled by Ninian Cooper, Esq., of Reynoldville, PA.
Allen, Dillis, died Mar. 15, 1878.
Allen, Jane, died Sept. 27, 1882.
Allen, Sherman, died Oct. 28, 1876.
Allen, Rebecca, died July 24, 1875.
Allen, Thomas, died Sept. 21, 1856.
Atwell, John, Sr., died Sept. 21, 1856.
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-may-24-1905-4146362/
Key Insights
- Name of the cemetery
- Names of those buried in the cemetery (in alphabetical order)
- Date of death
11
Deaths in Society Columns
Example:
“Society News [1948]. . . . [M]rs. J.F. Mentzer and her daughter, Mrs. L.D. Whitsett, of Charlotte N.C., were here for funeral services for their son and brother, respectively, Ralph C. Mentzer, yesterday afternoon. Mrs. Whitsett’s name was incorrectly stated in the obituary announcement as Mrs. Kenneth Whitsett.” https://newspaperarchive.com/obituary-clipping-nov-20-1948-4147430/
Key Insights
- Name of deceased
- Family members in town for the funeral
- Where the family members were from
- Mentions there was an obituary (further research opportunity)
12
Probate and Estate Notices
Example:
“Notice of Appointment. Estate of Wm. Sutherland, deceased. The undersigned has this day been appointed and qualified as Executrix of the estate of William Sutherland, late of Henry county, Ohio, deceased.
Dated this 23rd day of November 1896.
Lottie Sutherland.”
“Probate Notice. Notice is hereby given that Vinson Metham, as Administrator of the estate of John W. Metham, has filed a final account of his administration, which will be for hearing and settlement December 14th, 1896. J.V. Cuff. Probate Judge.”
https://newspaperarchive.com/obituary-clipping-nov-26-1896-4147275/
Key Insights
- Name of the deceased
- Names executrix of the estate
- Where the deceased was from
- Date of the notice
- The clipping also includes probate notices
- Name of estate administrator
- Name of deceased
- Date the probate will be settled
13
War and Overseas Casualty Reports
Example:
“Overseas Casualties (By The Associated Press) Washington, Sept. 7 [1918]. - Casualties reported by General Pershing today were divided as follows: Killed in Action. . . 36. Missing in Action. . . 24. Wounded severely. . . 165. Died of wounds. . . 8. Wounded, degree undetermined. . . 156. Wounded slightly. . . 1. Died of disease. . . 1. Total. . . 391. Illinoians included in General Pershing’s list were the following: Killed in Action - Sam Minuchuk, Chicago. Wounded Severely - Gordon T. Buell, Chicago. Walter Hall, Dennison. Frank Herda, Chicago. Joe Kesse, Chicago. Emil Priscal, Chicago. https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-sep-08-1918-3953245/
Key Insights
- Lists statistics of those killed and wounded
- Lists those killed in action
- Includes where the men were from
14
Notices of Memorial Funds and Charitable Donations
Example:
“The Jewish Hospital acknowledges with gratitude the following contributions [1960]: In Memory Of - Mother of Herman Weiss from Moskowitz Bros. and their families to the Marie Louise J. Kaufman Nursing Scholarship Fund; Mrs. Arthur Levine to the Arthur Levine Memorial Fund; Mary and Edna Frank to the Edward D. and Bert Frank Memorial Fund; Edward Weisbaum from Gene and Bob Elkus to the May Institute; Mrs. and Mrs. Jos. L. Schoenberger to the General Fund. https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-09-1960-4147450/
Key Insights
- Name of the hospital where donations were made
- Names the donors
- Name of whom the donation was made for
- Includes the specific fund for each donation
15
Shipwreck and Maritime Disasters
Example:
“23 Ohioans On Board; 13 Lost. Cleveland, O., April 17 [1912] - Ohioans aboard the Titanic and their fate are shown in the following list:
Bonnell, Miss Caroline, Youngstown, O., saved.
Bonnell, Miss Elizabeth, sister of W.F. Bonnell, Cleveland, lost.
Chafee, Herbert F., father of B.L. Chaffee, Oberlin, lost.”
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-apr-18-1912-3142499/
Key Insights
- Shipwreck and maritime disasters were generally national news, but this particular article focuses on those from Ohio
- Names of all Ohioans on board the Titanic
- Lists where each person was from
- Lists whether they were saved or list
- Includes any notable relationships they had
16
Mining and Industrial Accidents
Example:
“Entombed in a Mine [1891]. Serious Mining Accident at Glen Carbon, Pa. Twelve Unfortunate Men. . . . [T]hese were the only bodies found before reaching the inclosed gangway, inside of which six other men were entombed, with no hope of their recovery alive. Their names are John Purcell, fire boss, married, wife and three children; John Salmon, single; John Lawler, wife and three children; James Simons, single; Michael Welsh, married, two children; John Culick, Polander, single, and Thomas Clancy, widower with several children.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-oct-05-1891-4146486/
Key Insights
- Includes details of the accident
- Lists the names of the victims
- Includes if they were married and had children
17
Medical Reports on Epidemics and Pandemics
Example:
“The Cholera. New York and Vicinity. New York, Aug. 27 [1866]. Cholera statistics show only 11 cases and 2 deaths in this city on Saturday and Sunday. Very few cases reported in Brooklyn. The disease is rapidly disappearing.
There were only 5 new cases of cholera reported in this city today.
New York, Aug. 28. There were 5 new cases of cholera and 5 deaths from the same disease reported yesterday. The mortality report of the week showed a decrease since the report of the previous one.”
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-sep-04-1866-4146418/
Key Insights
- With epidemics and pandemics causing widespread death, the newspaper may only include total number dead
- Weekly reports were common during the height of the sickness
18
Memorial Plaques and Monument Unveilings
Example:
“Unveil Memorial Plaque for Walter J. Thimm, Jr. Block Captain John E. Killackey, 7612 Green, will unveil a memorial plaque in honor of Watler J. Thimm, Jr., formerly of 950 W. 76th, at dedication ceremonies Sunday at 2:30 p.m [1944]. Taking part in the program, which will be held on the corner of 76th and Green, will be Rev. Iver M. Johnson of Calvary Methodist church, Community Commander L.L. Fox, Egbert Hunter, assistant principal of Calumet high school; members of the Englefield Post No. 1242, V.F.W., and ROTC boys from Calumet high school.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-14-1944-4147453/
Key Insights
- Name of deceased to be honored with memorial plaque
- Rank of deceased
- Address of deceased
- Ceremony location, date, and time
- Participants in the ceremony
19
Asylums and Poor Farms
Example:
“At the Poor Farm. Two Deaths Occur There - An Attack of Summer Complaint [1896]. There is a good deal of dystenery among the inmates of the poor house just at present, and the attention and care that hey need taxes the strength and time of the matron, Mrs. Alexander, and her assistants, to the utmost, but all receive proper care and kindly assistance. The inmates at the poor farm have always received the best of care and the kindest consideration from former matrons, but Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are deserving of the highest praise for the untiring manner in which they care for their charges and nurse them in sickness.
The following deaths occurred there: Melinda Hamner died on Saturday afternoon of inflammation of the bowels. She was 46 years old; born in Pennsylvania, and an inmate of the poor house since1887. She has a brother living on Ashmun street, who has also been sick for some time.”
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-27-1896-4147345/
Key Insights
- Names the matron of the poor farm
- Names the deceased
- Date of death
- Age of deceased
- Where the deceased was born
- How long they lived at the poor farm
- Names relative of the deceased and address
20
Estate Auction and Sale Notices
Example:
“Administrator’s Sale. I will offer at administrator’s sale, in pursuance of an order of the Court of Ordinary of Forsyth county, Ga., before the court house door in the town of Cumming, on the first Tuesday in November next, between the legal hours of sale, one lot of land, No. 490, in the 14th district and 1st section of said county. Said lot of land well improved: good buildings, good orchard, good well, &c. Sold as the property of William Killy, deceased. Terms made known on the day of sale. September 3, 1866. James M. Smith, Administrator. Printer’s fee $5. https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-oct-10-1866-4147281/
Key Insights
- Location of the sale
- Date of the sale
- Description of the property and what is included in the sale
- Name of deceased
- Name of the administrator of the estate
21
Natural Disasters and Fatalities
Example:
“Pathetic and Awful Scenes. One Hundred and Nine Corpses Ranged in a Charnel House Just Above Florence. New Florence, Penn., June 1 [1889]. It is now estimated here that the loss of life will reach 4000. The damage to property in the flooded district cannot well be less than $11,000,000. . . .[A]mong the identified dead are: James McMillan, superintendent Cambria Iron Company, wife, four children and daughter-in-law; John P. Linton, a leading lawyer, wife and five children; Mrs. Thomas Kirlen and two children; — Nolan and seven of family; Mrs. Wissinger; Mrs. Sarah Palmer; Dr. George Wagner, wife and three children; Frank P. Bowman, wife and two children; Mrs. Richard Worthington and seven children; William Howells, Mrs. Ann Howells, Mrs. John Reese, Cora, Lizzie and Alva Reese, Rachel Reese, mother of John Reese, Pearson Fisher, wife and six children, Mrs. Eckstein.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-02-1889-4146782/
Key Insights
- Description of the disaster
- Names of the deceased by family, does not list names of children
- Relationships to other people
- Occupations of deceased
- Look for articles in other publications and even other dates in the same publication
22
Veteran Burial and Honor Ceremonies
Example:
“To Soldiers and Sailors. Their Last Resting Places in Quincy Strewn With Floral Emblems. . . . [I]n the latter burial ground the grave of John A. Boyd was decorated by the Spanish-American war veterans and a salute was fired by a squad from Co K, 5th Massachusetts infantry.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-may-30-1900-4147324/
Key Insights
- Very specific details of the event
- Name of the veteran honored
- Conflict in which the veteran took part
23
Notices of Pioneers and Settler's Deaths
Example:
“Charles L. Corey - A Well Known Veteran of the Civil War and Pioneer Citizen of York Passes Away, March 18, 1908. Charles L. Corey, a well known veteran of the Civil war and pioneer citizen of York, passed to his eternal reward March 18 [1908], at 7 o’clock p.m. from Brights disease.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-mar-26-1908-3491515/
Key Insights
- Name of the deceased
- Location where the deceased was considered a pioneer
- Date of death
- Military experience of deceased
- Time of death
- Cause of death
- Birth date and location of deceased
- Wife of deceased
- Religious affiliation of deceased
- Organization affiliations of deceased
- Number of children of deceased
- Nickname of deceased
24
Police and Coroner's Reports
Example:
“The Coroners report in the matter of an Inquisition upon the dead body of Albert Peterson was on motion approved and fees ordered paid as follows:
H. Bacharach, coroners fees and expenses…32 35
Dr. J.A. Hedding, examining physician…10 20
J.A. Pepper, juror…4 40
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-nov-21-1907-4147288/
Key Insights
- Name of deceased
- List of people associated with the Inquisition and their fees paid
- Look for other newspaper articles about the deceased because there was an Inquisition - it might have made headlines in local and surrounding newspapers
25
Card of Thanks
Example:
“Card of Thanks. We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to our friends and neighbors for the many acts of kindness shown us during the years of suffering and death of our beloved son and brother, Joseph [1939]. Also for the beautiful flowers, the music and the Revs. Jas. A. Rogers and Leah Garchow for their comforting words. To all we are deeply grateful.
Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Grimason
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Slater and family
Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Grimason and family
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-oct-13-1939-3604937/
Key Insights
- Relationship to the deceased
- Name of the deceased
- Names people that were of particular help (officiant maybe?)
- Names of the people who took out the “card of thanks”
26
Necrology Reports
Example:
“Necrology report of the [Ohio University] Alumni Association for the past year [1932] included 35 persons who have died since the last business meeting of the Association. Former residents of Athens listed were: Dr. Thomas J. Dillinger, who died April 4, 1931; George C. Dailey, who died November 27, 1931; Lucille A. Friederich, who died March 3, 1932; Joseph W. Higgins, who died May 7, 1932, and Perley B. Lawrence who died Dec. 15, 1932. https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-04-1932-3953125/
Key Insights
- Name of the association affiliation
- List of alumni who passed since the last business meeting
- Full names and dates they passed
27
Mortality Reports
Example:
“Memphis Weekly Mortuary Report [1883]. Mortality report for the week ending Saturday, December 15, 1883, at 6 o’clock p.m.:
Name. Age. Sex. Color. Cause Death.
C Minor. 4. male. white. croup.
J Horan. 69. male. white. dysentr’y ch.
Inf. of J Morris. –. male. white. prem. birth.
https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-dec-16-1883-4145282/
Key Insights
- List of deceased in the past week
- Names of deceased
- Ages of deceased
- Sex of deceased
- Color of deceased
- Cause of death
Other Search Ideas
01
Vital Record Dates
Obituaries and death-related articles offer a wealth of information, such as birth and death dates, familial relationships, life achievements, burial details, and more. They can be an excellent resource for building your family tree. I find these most useful when trying to “prove” a death when death certificates were not being utilized or required by states. Because each state was different, it can be very difficult to keep track of those important dates. My favorite site to use for an easy “cheat sheet” is the FamilySearch Wiki. Click on the state you are interested in learning more about, and then choose “How to Find . . . [D]eath Records.” You will find very detailed information about different time periods and when records were required. Click HERE to access the FamilySearch WIKI.
02
Gravesite Collections
Gravesite collections online provide invaluable resources for family history researchers by offering a centralized platform to access and contribute information about burial sites, gravestones, and biographical details. These platforms enhance genealogical research, enabling users to locate ancestors' final resting places, gather important dates, and more. The three main sites I use for my research are FindaGrave, BillionGraves, and Interment.Net.
03
Funeral Home Advertisements and Articles
I find advertisements and articles for funeral homes interesting and another way to add details to my family history research. You might find a logo or image of the funeral home, the address, and contact information.
This is an entire article is about the opening of a new funeral home with pictures, including photos of the embalmers!
This is another article about a new funeral home opening in Indianapolis.
04
Historical Death Traditions and Rituals
What are other death and funeral-related words that could make good searches? When you include additional information that reflects the time and place, you are adding a whole new dimension to your family history research. Check out these examples and try searching with the keywords and phrases.
Funeral Parlor
Funeral Costs
Caskets and Coffins
Undertaker
Headstones
Monument Companies
Cemetery
Conclusion
In today's digital age, uncovering obituaries and death-related articles in historical newspapers has become more accessible than ever, thanks to platforms like NewspaperArchive.
The process of finding these important time capsules is not only about unearthing historical facts but also about preserving the memories and stories of our ancestors. As you explore these records, you contribute to the ongoing effort to document and understand the past, ensuring that the legacies of those who have passed away continue to be told. So, roll up your sleeves, start your research, embark on a journey through time, and uncover the myriad stories hidden within the pages of historical newspapers.