Full Name
Before searching for an ancestor's death date or location you will need to know
their full name (including married name for your female ancestors). Without this
information you will find it very difficult to locate records and, even if you
locate them, you will find it almost impossible to verify that it is indeed your
ancestor.
Approximate Year of
Death
If you do not already know, you will need to find the approximate year in which
your ancestor died. You can often estimate a death date using records such as
wills, deeds and estate settlements. A death date may also be narrowed down by
the omission of the individual from census or tax records.
Approximate Place of
Death
If you do not already know, you will need to find the approximate location in
which your ancestor died. The best place to start is their last known
location. If that is unsuccessful, then check localities where other family
members were living at the time.
Death
Records
Death certificates are the most obvious source of information for a death
date, but can be hard to locate when the approximate time and location of the
death are unknown.
Church
Records
Church registers will usually contain death dates and are also possible
sources of information on funeral records, burial location, etc. They can be
hard to locate, however, if you do not know which church your ancestor
attended.
Newspaper
Notices
Obituaries are an obvious source for a death date and are usually fairly
reliable since they are created so soon after the event.
Cemetery
Records
Tombstones, funeral home records and/or sexton's records are also good sources
for the date of death.
Family
Sources
Bible records, interviews, letters, diaries, insurance papers, funeral
cards...
Census
Records
The omission of the individual from a census or tax record may indicate that
he/she has died. Census records in a few locations and time periods may
include mortality schedules which are excellent sources of death information.
Military
Records
Service records, pension files, draft registrations, awards, discharge papers...
Probate
Records
Wills and estate settlements can be a big help in helping to narrow down a
date of death. Probate records will often indicate the date of death. Even
when they do not, just the fact that the estate has gone into probate or
settlement indicates that your ancestor died prior to that date. A will, on
the other hand, can indicate that your ancestor was still alive on the date
when it was written.
Land
Records
The transfer of property which belonged to your ancestor may be an indication
of date of death. They are not proof in themselves, but can help to support
other records which also suggest a date of death.
International
Genealogical Index
The International Genealogical Index is a partial index to vital records from
around the world created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
(Mormons). While it is a good source for death information, it should always
be verified by going back to the original record.
U.S.
Social Security Death Index
For ancestors who died in the United States since 1937, the SSDI is a good
place to search for a date and location of death.
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