record pub obits

3 min read 25-12-2024

Meta Description: Delve into the world of recording and researching published obituaries! Learn effective strategies, tools, and resources to trace your family history using obituary records from newspapers and online archives. Discover how to navigate diverse formats, overcome challenges, and unlock invaluable genealogical insights.

Why Record Pub Obits? Unlocking Your Family History

Published obituaries – or "pub obits" as they're often called – are an invaluable resource for genealogists and anyone interested in tracing their family history. These notices, appearing in newspapers and increasingly online, often contain a wealth of information beyond just the date of death. They frequently include details about the deceased's life, including:

Birthdate and place: Crucial for establishing timelines and origins.
Parents' names: A direct link to the previous generation.
Spouse's name: Connecting family branches.
Children's names: Extending the family tree.
Occupation and residence: Painting a picture of their life and social context.
Military service: Uncovering potential records and connections.
Cause of death (sometimes): Providing additional historical context.

Recording pub obits systematically is key to making this information readily accessible and usable. It's more than just copying text; it's about organizing and interpreting the data to build a comprehensive family history.

Where to Find Published Obituaries

Finding pub obits requires a multi-pronged approach, utilizing both online and offline resources:

Online Resources:

Newspaper Archives: Websites like GenealogyBank, Newspapers.com, and Ancestry.com offer extensive digitized newspaper archives. Search by name, date, and location. These often require subscriptions.
FamilySearch: This free resource, provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contains a vast collection of digitized records, including many obituaries.
Specific Newspaper Websites: Many local newspapers maintain online archives, some freely accessible, others behind a paywall. Check the website of the newspaper serving the area where your ancestor lived.
Find a Grave: While not exclusively obituaries, Find a Grave often includes memorial pages with transcribed obituary text or links to online sources.

Offline Resources:

Local Libraries and Archives: Local libraries and historical societies often hold microfilms or physical copies of older newspapers. These can be invaluable for accessing obituaries not yet digitized.
State Archives: State archives may hold collections of newspapers and other genealogical records.
Historical Societies: Local and regional historical societies are repositories of local history and often have access to unique obituary collections.

Effective Strategies for Recording Pub Obits

Effective record-keeping is essential for maximizing the value of your findings. Here's a systematic approach:

1. Consistent Data Entry:

Use a spreadsheet or dedicated genealogy software. Create consistent columns for all relevant information (name, date of birth, date of death, location, spouse, parents, children, occupation, etc.). Maintain a consistent citation method to track the source of each obituary.

2. Accurate Transcription:

Transcribe obituaries meticulously. Double-check dates, names, and locations. Note any uncertainties or ambiguous information. Consider using a standardized citation format (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style).

3. Keywording and Tagging:

Add keywords and tags to your records. This will make it easier to search and retrieve specific information later. Keywords could include names of relatives, locations, occupations, and significant events mentioned in the obituary.

4. Image Capture:

If possible, capture images of the original obituary. This provides a visual record and backup for your transcriptions.

Overcoming Challenges: Dealing with Incomplete or Ambiguous Information

Published obituaries are not always complete or accurate. Here's how to handle common challenges:

Incomplete Information: If information is missing, note it in your record. Use other genealogical resources to supplement the information.
Ambiguous Information: If information is unclear (e.g., a misspelled name or unclear location), note your interpretation and any alternative possibilities.
Conflicting Information: If you find conflicting information across different sources, try to reconcile them. Note discrepancies and your reasoning.

Tools and Technology for Pub Obit Research

Several tools can enhance your pub obit research:

Genealogy Software: Programs like Ancestry.com, Family Tree Maker, and RootsMagic help manage your data and create family trees.
Spreadsheet Software: Excel or Google Sheets are great for organized data entry and analysis.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR): OCR software can digitize scanned images of obituaries, making them searchable.

Conclusion: The Continuing Value of Recording Pub Obits

Recording pub obits is a crucial step in building a comprehensive family history. By utilizing available resources and employing effective recording strategies, you can unlock invaluable insights into your ancestors' lives and connect generations. Remember that even seemingly small details within obituaries can reveal significant connections and illuminate your family's story. The effort invested in this research pays dividends in a richer understanding of your heritage.