Many people looking for information
on their ancestors skip right past the death record, heading in a beeline for
information on the individual's marriage and birth. Sometimes we already know
where and when our ancestor died, and figure it's not worth the time and money
to track down the death certificate. Another scenario has our ancestor
disappearing between one census and the next, but after a half-hearted search
we decide it's not worth the effort since we already know most of his other
vital facts. Those death records, however, can tell us much more about our
ancestor than where and when he died!
Death
records, including death certificates, obituaries and funeral home records, can
include a wealth of information on the deceased, including the names of their
parents, siblings, children and spouse; when and where they were born and/or
married; the occupation of the deceased; possible military service; and cause
of death. All of these clues can be helpful in telling us more about our
ancestor, as well as leading us to new sources of information on his life.
1.
Date & Place of
Birth or Marriage
Does the death certificate, obituary or other death record give a date and place of birth? A clue to the spouse's maiden name? Information found in death records can often provide the clue you need to locate a birth or marriage record.
Does the death certificate, obituary or other death record give a date and place of birth? A clue to the spouse's maiden name? Information found in death records can often provide the clue you need to locate a birth or marriage record.
2.
Names of Family
Members
Death records are often a good source for names of parents, spouse, children and next of kin. The death certificate will usually list at least the next of kin or the informant (often a family member) who provided the information on the death certificate, while an obituary notice may list numerous family members - both living and deceased.
Death records are often a good source for names of parents, spouse, children and next of kin. The death certificate will usually list at least the next of kin or the informant (often a family member) who provided the information on the death certificate, while an obituary notice may list numerous family members - both living and deceased.
3.
Occupation of the
Deceased
What did your ancestor do for a living? Whether they were a farmer, an accountant or a coal miner, their choice of occupation probably defined at least a part of who they were as a person. You may choose to just record this in your "interesting tidbits" folder or, possibly, follow up for further research. Certain occupations, such as railroad workers, may have employment, pension or other occupational records available.
What did your ancestor do for a living? Whether they were a farmer, an accountant or a coal miner, their choice of occupation probably defined at least a part of who they were as a person. You may choose to just record this in your "interesting tidbits" folder or, possibly, follow up for further research. Certain occupations, such as railroad workers, may have employment, pension or other occupational records available.
4.
Possible Military
Service
Obituaries, tombstones and, occasionally, death certificates are a good place to look if you suspect that your ancestor may have served in the military. They will often list the military branch and unit, and possibly information on rank and the years in which your ancestor served. With these details you can then look for further information about your ancestor in military records.
Obituaries, tombstones and, occasionally, death certificates are a good place to look if you suspect that your ancestor may have served in the military. They will often list the military branch and unit, and possibly information on rank and the years in which your ancestor served. With these details you can then look for further information about your ancestor in military records.
5.
Cause of Death
An important clue for anyone compiling a medical family history, the cause of death can often be found listed on a death certificate. If you can't find it there, then the funeral home (if still in existence) may be able to provide you with further information. As you go back in time, however, you'll begin to find interesting causes of death, such as "bad blood" (which often meant syphilis) and "dropsy," meaning edema or swelling. You may also find clues to newsworthy deaths such as occupational accidents, fires or surgical mishaps, that could lead to additional records.
An important clue for anyone compiling a medical family history, the cause of death can often be found listed on a death certificate. If you can't find it there, then the funeral home (if still in existence) may be able to provide you with further information. As you go back in time, however, you'll begin to find interesting causes of death, such as "bad blood" (which often meant syphilis) and "dropsy," meaning edema or swelling. You may also find clues to newsworthy deaths such as occupational accidents, fires or surgical mishaps, that could lead to additional records.
