The Purpose of Obituaries
Obituaries are essentially mini biographies that commemorate a person’s life from birth to death, highlighting significant life events. They often include details about marital status, children, parents, professions, community involvement, and other aspects that give us a glimpse into the person’s life. In essence, obituaries connect us across space and time, preserving important historical details for future generations.
The Evolution of Obituaries
Obituaries have evolved significantly over centuries. Before the invention of the printing press and the linotype machine, obituaries were typically brief and reserved for prominent individuals. As newspapers became more widespread, obituaries began to include more detailed life sketches and tributes that we often see today.
Key Information Needed for an Obituary Search
For a successful obituary search, it’s helpful to have certain key information at hand to help make the search easier and more successful in finding the person for whom you are searching:
Death Date or Range
An exact death date from a death certificate or family record is ideal, but even an estimated death date range derived from other records can be useful.
Place of Death
While an exact location is beneficial, an estimated location based on the person’s last known residence or where their family was living after their death can also aid your search.
Surname at Time of Death
Especially for women who may have changed their surnames upon marriage, knowing their surname at the time of death can be crucial.
Family Members
Information about family members can help confirm the accuracy of the obituary, particularly if you’re researching a common name.
Starting the Search: Online Resources
The advent of the internet has made it easier than ever to locate obituaries. Typically, starting with a search engine is where most start. If search engines don’t work, here are more resources to try:
Newspaper Websites and Archives
If you know the newspaper or at least the town where the person lived and died, newspaper websites can be a good place to start. Many newspapers have digitized their archives, making it easier to locate older and recent obituaries.
Genealogy Websites
Websites like Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com offer extensive genealogical records, including obituaries. These sites usually require a subscription, but they can be a valuable source of information.
Public Libraries
Many public libraries offer free access to research sites and databases such as Ancestry, HeritageQuest, or Newspapers.com. Librarians can also be great resources to help you refine your search.
Specialized Websites
Websites like Legacy.com host a vast database of obituaries from various countries. You can search by country, state, province, city, town, newspaper, keyword, and date range.
Leveraging Offline Tools
While online resources are invaluable, don’t underestimate the power of traditional offline tools, particularly for older obituaries.
Local Libraries
Local libraries often have newspaper archives dating back many decades. They can be an excellent resource for finding older obituaries.
Historical Societies or Genealogical Societies
These societies often maintain extensive local records, which can include obituaries.
Cemetery Records
Cemeteries often keep records of burials, which might include obituaries or death notices.
Making the Most Out of Your Search
Here are some tips to enhance your obituary search:
Broaden Your Search
Expand your search to include multiple locations and newspapers. This is especially useful if your ancestor moved around or had family in different places.
Consider Unusual Sources
Publications such as alumni magazines, church newsletters, and professional employment publications can sometimes contain obituaries.
Be Patient and Persistent
Not all information is readily available online. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the obituary right away. Keep trying different resources and strategies.
The Value of Obituary Searches
Locating an obituary can reward you with a wealth of information that goes beyond mere dates and locations. It can provide a glimpse into one’s life, their community, and even their personality. It can also lead you to other records and resources. An obituary search can be a fascinating journey into the past that illuminates the lives of those who came before us.
Finding an obituary for a specific person may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, knowledge, and a bit of patience, it can be an enriching and rewarding experience. By leveraging both online and traditional resources, you can unearth valuable insights into your family history and perhaps even discover some unexpected surprises along the way.
Remember: Every obituary tells a story. It’s our job as researchers and descendants to find these stories and keep them alive for future generations. Happy searching!
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