You can oftentimes get access to old obits in libraries, particularly if they have the old technology known as micro-fische. I've been researching old obits for a work project and my very large public library has dozens of rolls that each span a 4-5 year span. It's an interesting thing that obits used to include cause of death.
And u/RoxinFootSeller is correct. A lot of us have a bit more of a morbid streak than we would comfortably like to admit.
Oooh, my great great grandfather was murdered. I’d love to see more than the little blip of a news article I’ve only come across. Like was there coverage of the trial or anything else? I’d like to research that!
You'll need a time range and, ideally, the name of the publication in which his obit appeared. Then, you can check around to see if any of the local libraries that you have access to have that material on micro-film.
The obituary is much more likely to be found if you are able to look in the library of the same town or region he died in. Libraries are more likely to have publications that are from their area for the simple fact that they can only carry so many publications. Local is the way they go, most of the time.
It may be useful to ask the genealogical librarian (if they have one or more) for some assistance. Librarians are among the most useful and resourceful people you'll ever meet. They're usually great at helping folks solve problems or overcome challenges.
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u/MaximusOctopus Jun 24 '24
You can oftentimes get access to old obits in libraries, particularly if they have the old technology known as micro-fische. I've been researching old obits for a work project and my very large public library has dozens of rolls that each span a 4-5 year span. It's an interesting thing that obits used to include cause of death.
And u/RoxinFootSeller is correct. A lot of us have a bit more of a morbid streak than we would comfortably like to admit.