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The following is an example of how to find sources regarding a peron's death. The person is actually one of my collateral ancestors, my great grandmother's sister. While many genealogists choose not to follow their collateral lines, her information may reveal important information about her parents, my gggrandparents, and her siblings. As always, facts allow some assumptions to be made and then more facts can be discovered.Starting InformationMy grandfather remembered an Aunt Annie. Her last name was Taylor, but he was unsure of the spelling or of her husband's name. Old birthday cards from his Aunt Annie showed the spelling was TAYLOR, her husband's name was Thomas and that they lived in Milwaukee for a number of years.The Minneapolis City Directory (which I researched off line) showed that Annie had been working outside the home as a bottler in a brewery in 1895. The 1900 Federal Census did not have an Annie listed with her parents. So, she was probably born before 1885 and probably married before 1900. Obituaries of her parents and siblings showed that she was living in Minnesota in 1951 and probably dead before 1973. Social Security Death Index (SSDI)Although few deaths occuring before 1962 are listed in the index, the SSDI is always a good place to start. Using the Ancestry site's advanced form, the above facts cause me to enter the following assumptions. She was born before 1885, applied for her social security number in Wisconsin and died in Minnesota before 1973.[Other SSDI search sites exist. They are listed in the vital records article]
No possibilities were returned. So, the search was modified a bit. Dropping the Wisconsin requirement, and using "Ann" as her first name, the possibilities for ANN TAYLOR are: Odds are that is the first listing. The birth date is a little early for her to be working in 1895, but it is the best bet. Additional information will be needed to confirm that this listing is for my ancestor. SS-5 Application for Social Security NumberOne primary source that can be obtained with the above information is her SS-5, Application for Social Security Number. Filled out by the applicant, this form contains information she believed to be true. Typically, the form shows name, address, current employer, date and place of bith, and parents' names.The Ancestry site will automatically generate a letter to send to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to request a copy of the SS-5 under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Alternatively, simply write a letter including name, date of death, date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN). Specifically mention that you are requesting the form under the FOIA. The Act requires that federal agencies take action on your request. Failure to mention FOIA will probably not slow down your request, but the SSA will not be required to respond. This request can not be made electronically. Include the proper fee ($7.00 if you have the SSN, $16.50 if you do not). Many genealogists avail themselves of this service, so the backlog is considerable. Expect to wait 4-6 months for a response, although some have received responses in 4-6 weeks.
In any case, send your request to: Death CertificateAnother primary source is the Certificate of Death. For genealogists interested in the family medical history, the cause of death is of particular interest. Of course, the other informtion on the certificate is only as good as the informant. (My grandmother died six years ago and her place of burial is wrong on her certificate. We've submitted a form to correct it.)Since she died in Minnesota, the Center for Disease Control site is relevant. Following the Minnesota link, the address for the Vital Records office and the required fee are obtained. The state office holds the death records for the date of Annie's death. The certificate can not be requested electronically. ObituaryWhile not a primary source, her obituary is another good record to obtain. The newspaper site shows that the Minneapolis Star and Tribune is the most likely place to find it. The newpaper's site does not archive back far enough to include Annie. An e-mail to their staff is quite helpful. They recommend the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS). The MHS site does offer obituary lookups. A small donation is requested and the address is provided. A form allows this request to made electronically.If the MHS was not as helpful as they are, Helplists and Lookup requests might boast a volunteer willing to do an obituary lookup. Since most of these are grouped by county, the US Geological Service site will take the name of the city and state and give a county name. In this case, Minneapolis is in Hennepin County. The Genealogy Helplist for Minnesota can be found from the Genealogy Helplist main index. Unfortunately, no volunteers are listed for Hennepin County obituary lookups. Starting at USGenWeb, going through the Minnesota link, show the Hennepin County site. Lookups here are pretty sparse and no obituary lookups are offered. Books We Own is unlikely to have obituaries, but something else may be available. Again, starting at the main site and then moving through Minnesota and down to Hennepin County. No local books are offered that might help. ConclusionWhile little direct information is online, with a few stamps and a mailbox, a lot of research can be conducted long distance. Note that I started with information from my grandfather. The Internet is a very good reference. However, basic genealogical research precepts can not be ignored.Start with what you know, talk to your family and obtain primary sources. |
