Obituaries are more than just announcements of someone’s passing. They’re historical documents that capture a life lived and the impact that person had on their community. These records are invaluable for anyone researching family history, providing names, dates, relationships, and often, rich details about a person’s life and accomplishments.
If you’re looking for obituaries in Bedford, PA, you’ll find a wealth of information available. The Bedford Gazette, for example, offers a historical record stretching back nearly 150 years. Other resources cover obituaries for Schellsburg, Bedford County, and the surrounding areas.
Understanding obituaries and death notices
When someone dies, the news is often shared in two types of announcements: obituaries and death notices.
What are obituaries?
An obituary is a published announcement of someone’s death. It often includes a short biography of the person’s life, along with details about any memorial or funeral services that are planned.
The purpose of an obituary is to let the community know about the death and to honor the person’s life.
What are death notices?
Death notices are similar to obituaries, but they tend to be shorter. Often, death notices are paid announcements that give basic information about the deceased person, such as where they lived, where they worked, and when the funeral will be held.
Why are they important for genealogy?
Both obituaries and death notices can be a treasure trove for anyone researching their family history. They often contain valuable clues about family lineages and how different family members are connected.
Accessing Bedford Gazette obituaries
If you’re looking for an obituary that ran in the Bedford Gazette, you have a couple of options for finding it online.
The Bedford Gazette itself may offer online access to obituaries and death notices, but a genealogy site like GenealogyBank is another potential resource.
GenealogyBank has a large collection of Bedford Gazette obituaries, covering almost 150 years of local history, so it’s a great place to start your search.
Searching the obituary database
To conduct a basic search at GenealogyBank, all you have to do is enter the last name of the person you’re looking for. But if you want to narrow the results, you can use advanced search options, such as first name, middle name, keywords, exclusion terms, and a range of years.
Search results and sorting
The search results will be displayed in a list, and you can sort them by best match, newest, or oldest.
Effective Search Strategies for Bedford County Obituaries
Finding an obituary can sometimes be difficult. Here are some strategies to increase your chances of success.
Try multiple search techniques
Don’t rely on a single search. The more approaches you try, the better your odds of finding the record you’re looking for. If you’re not sure of a person’s full name, try searching by their initials.
Consider the spouse’s name
If you’re researching a female relative, try searching using her husband’s name.
Account for misspellings
Historical records aren’t always accurate. Try searching using common misspellings of the name you’re looking for.
Leverage Boolean operators
Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) can help you narrow or broaden your search to get more precise results.
Fact-check and verify
Make sure to verify the information you find by checking multiple sources. If the death notice mentions other family members, try connecting those people to confirm sections of your family tree.
More resources for Bedford County genealogy
If you’re on the hunt for more information about your Bedford County ancestors, here are a few other places to look:
- Social Security Death Index (SSDI). The SSDI can help you verify information that you’ve already found in obituaries and death notices.
- Local libraries and historical societies. These local resources often have clippings of obituaries, as well as collections of local historical information.
- Online genealogy platforms. Subscriptions to platforms like Ancestry.com and Find a Grave can give you access to even more records. FamilySearch is a free resource that can also help.
The Bottom Line
Obituaries are an invaluable resource if you’re tracing your family tree or learning about the history of Bedford County, Pennsylvania. They offer a glimpse into the past and can reveal key details about individuals and families who lived in the area.
Using the resources and search strategies we’ve discussed, you can uncover a wealth of information about your Bedford County ancestors. Combine online databases with local records and effective research techniques to find the obituaries you seek and discover more about your family’s story.