The Great Obituary Hunt: Unearthing Your Ancestor's Demise (Without Becoming One Yourself)
So, you've got a hankering to learn about your great-great Uncle Fred who supposedly wrestled a moose in Algonquin Park (unverified, but rumours are swirling). But here's the snag: Fred shuffled off this mortal coil years ago in Ontario, and you need an obituary to chase down some juicy details. Fear not, intrepid genealogist! We're here to crack this case and unearth the dirt... well, not literally, but you get the idea.
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| How Do I Find An Obituary From Years Ago Ontario |
Hunting Grounds: Where to Find Those Elusive Obituaries
The Digital Dig:
- Ancestry's Canada, Obituary Collection (with a fee): This bad boy boasts a massive database of obituaries from the 1800s to the present day. Think of it as the Facebook of yesteryear, filled with death announcements (minus the overly dramatic vacation photos).
- FamilySearch: They've got a free Canadian obituaries section with goodies like newspaper indexes and resources for specific regions in Ontario.
- Local Library Websites: Many libraries have digitized local newspapers, which were prime real estate for obituaries in the bygone days.
The Analog Adventure:
- Archives of Ontario: If you're feeling fancy (or your internet connection is dial-up slow), venture out to the Archives of Ontario. They have microfilm and paper copies of death registrations and historical newspapers.
- Local Historical Societies: These treasure troves often house newspaper clippings and local history resources that might mention your dearly departed relative.
Bonus Round: Funeral Home Websites & Facebook Pages:
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
Some funeral homes keep obituaries archived on their websites, and some even have Facebook pages where they might have posted past obituaries.
Remember: The further back you go, the less likely you are to find an obituary online. Be prepared to hit the dusty trails of microfilm and historical society archives.
Keep Calm and Obituary On: Essential Tips
- Narrow Your Search: Knowing the deceased's approximate death year and location (city or town) is a lifesaver.
- Think Like a Bloodhound: Search for variations of the deceased's name, nicknames, and middle names.
- Don't Be Afraid to Get Social: Reach out to distant relatives or local historical societies for help.
##Cracking the Code: Understanding Obituary Lingo
Obituaries might be filled with flowery language, but they often hold hidden gems. Here's a quick translation guide:
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
- "Survived by" = This is your family tree goldmine! Lists children, spouses, and sometimes even siblings.
- "Longtime resident of..." = Tells you where your ancestor lived and maybe even hints at their profession.
- "Member of..." = Clubs, churches, or societies they belonged to, giving you a glimpse into their life.
Remember: Obituaries are just the first step. They can lead you to other records like death certificates, which reveal even more details.
FAQ: Your Handy Obituary Hunting Guide
How to search for obituaries on Ancestry?
Ancestry's Canada, Obituary Collection is a paid resource. You can search by name, location, and date range.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
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How to find historical newspapers in Ontario?
Many libraries have digitized local newspapers. Check your local library's website or the Ontario Online Historical Newspapers Summary (https://www.familysearch.org/search/location/canada/ontario).
How to contact local historical societies in Ontario?
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
The Ontario Historical Society (https://ontariohistoricalsociety.ca/contact-us/) has a directory of local societies.
How to search for obituaries on funeral home websites?
Search for the funeral home's website and look for an "obituaries" section or archives.
How to find my ancestor's cause of death?
Obituaries rarely mention the cause of death. You might need to consult death certificates, which can be obtained from the provincial vital statistics office.
Now, go forth and conquer that obituary hunt! Remember, a little patience and perseverance can unearth a treasure trove of information about your fascinating (or maybe just mildly eccentric) ancestors.
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