Q:
I'm having trouble finding information on several of my family members. I've found obituaries or pieces of information that mention something about "services from the home" or "body was taken to son's home, with final internment at..." My problem is, where does one get information on these people? Where are the death certificates? I have written to the states that the people died in and they can't find anything. I have written to my state, where the bodies were "returned" and they have nothing. The cemeteries have nothing, other than the name of the person buried there. I want maiden names etc.... and I just can't seem to figure this out. Can someone please shed some light on what to do? -- Debi

A:
Many of the records you are trying to locate are considered contemporary records. By that, they are records that have come into existence more recently (generally, in the 1900s). While there are some exceptions, you may not be able to find these records in your research.

This does not mean, however, that there aren't alternative records that could supply you with the information you need. Many of our research problems are solved by so-called vital records substitutes. Before looking at potential alternatives, lets first look at funeral records, their history and your options.

Funeral Home Records

Funeral homes as we know them now are... Read More of This Article.