How to Find an Obituary
Obituaries are a form of death notice that is often published in newspapers. They are an important way to inform people of the passing of a loved one.
Writing an obituary can be emotional, but it is an excellent way to remember and honor your loved one. The obituary can also be a tribute to your loved one’s life and achievements.
Newspapers
Obituaries can be a good place to start when researching your ancestor’s life. They can help you understand their family history, their career, and how they lived their lives.
Newspapers provide news and information through articles, advertisements, and editorials. They are primarily a local news source but may also cover national or international events.
Reporters write short news stories, while feature writers and columnists write longer, more personal articles. Photographers and graphic artists often provide illustrations to support the reports.
Some newspapers are organized around narrow topic areas, such as business or industry news or religious or ethnic issues. Others are explicitly edited for special-interest groups, such as sports fans or those interested in the arts.
In the United States, large chain companies own and operate several newspapers. Some, especially those owned by the major newspapers, have become increasingly consolidated and merged in recent years.
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Cemetery Records
Cemetery records often contain much more than just inscriptions on headstones and monuments. They can help you find missing family members, determine ancestral hometowns, and distinguish between similarly-named individuals.
Some cemetery records include obituaries, civil and church records, probates, Social Security, and, where applicable, body transit records. These are all essential parts of your family tree.
When researching a particular person, getting as much information as possible is best. That includes first and last names, married names, maiden names, and alternate spellings.
Once you know these details, you can search for obituaries by location or name. Newspapers in areas where your ancestor formerly lived or where other family members live may run an obituary for them.
Church, government, and private cemeteries have different cemetery records. These include sextons’ records, cemetery deeds, and plot sales. These records may also list the names and dates of burials. Some may even contain photos of tombstones.
Online Memorial Websites
Online memorial websites allow you to create a profile dedicated to your loved one. They usually include photos, tributes, event invitations, and other content you can share with friends and family.
Another essential part of an online memorial is the guest book, which allows you to connect with others and share your feelings during this difficult time. It’s also a great way to let people know what you are doing and how they can get involved.
There are several options for memorial sites, and many are free to use. Some are also easy to set up and stay online as long as you like.
We Remember, created by Ancestry, is a great way to create an online memorial for your loved one. It’s free and offers a place to upload unlimited photos and comments. You can set the site to a public or private option and block unwanted guests. It’s easy to navigate, and everyone you invite can add their memories of your loved one.
Family Members
Obituaries are one of the most valuable resources for genealogists, providing a wealth of important information. They can fill in gaps in your family tree and give an incredible legacy for your loved ones.
Many obituaries are published online and in newspapers. You can find them through obituary archives, newspaper websites, and funeral home websites.
You can also search social media for obituaries. If the person you are researching has a Twitter or Facebook account, their next of kin might post an obituary to their page.
Obituaries are an excellent source of information, but you need to be careful when using them. Sometimes they are written by people without first-hand knowledge of the deceased person or life events. They may be far removed (sometimes several degrees) from the events they are writing about. This is why they are not often the sole, definitive proof of a particular event in your family history.
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