Obituaries are more than just announcements of someone’s passing. They’re little windows into the lives of individuals and how they connected with their communities. They can be invaluable resources when you’re tracing your ancestry and piecing together your family’s story.
Kewanee, Illinois, boasts a rich history, and its obituaries reflect the lives of the people who called it home. GenealogyBank has digitized over 330 years of Kewanee obits, offering a treasure trove of information for genealogists and family historians. They are a great resource for finding information about family members.
This article will guide you on how to effectively search and use Kewanee IL obits for your genealogical research, helping you unlock the stories of your ancestors.
The value of Kewanee obituaries for genealogical research
If you’re trying to trace your family history, obituaries from Kewanee can be a gold mine of information.
Tracing family history and identifying ancestors
Obituaries usually include names, dates, and places that can help you build your family tree and connect family members to specific times and places. The information in an obituary can point you to other records, such as census data, birth certificates, and marriage licenses.
Obituaries also typically mention relationships to other family members, such as parents, spouses, children, and siblings. This allows you to flesh out your family tree and identify multiple generations.
Uncovering family stories and historical context
You can also learn about a family’s history through obituaries. Many obituaries contain biographical information, such as jobs held, achievements, and community service. This can give you insights into a person’s life and what they contributed to society.
The obituaries might also reveal details about historical events or social trends that affected the family. For example, an obituary might mention a family’s experience immigrating to the United States or their involvement in a local industry.
What’s the difference between an obituary and a death notice?
Obituaries and death notices both announce a person’s passing, but they’re not quite the same thing. An obituary is generally written by family, so it can include personal stories and tributes. A death notice, on the other hand, is more like a news announcement of someone’s death, and a funeral home usually writes it.
Because family members write obituaries, they sometimes contain errors. Family members may not have all the facts, they may be biased, or they may simply remember something incorrectly. It’s always a good idea to verify information in both obituaries and death notices with other sources.
How to search for Kewanee obituaries that get results
Finding the obituary you’re looking for can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some strategies that may help.
Start with the basics
The easiest way to search is usually best: Start by entering the last name of the person you’re looking for. If that turns up too many results, add the first and middle names. If you know which town, neighborhood, or organization the person was connected with, those keywords can help narrow the results, too.
Try advanced search techniques
Many search engines have advanced search features that allow you to specify a date range, exclude certain keywords, or use Boolean operators to combine search terms (“John Smith AND Kewanee NOT Chicago,” for example).
Be aware of potential errors and inaccuracies
Keep in mind that names may be misspelled, or the person may have gone by a nickname or initials. Wives’ obituaries may be listed under their husband’s name. If you know the names of other relatives, you can search for them and work backward to find the person you’re seeking.
Double-checking the details
Obituaries are great, but it’s always a good idea to see if you can confirm the details with other documents. Census records, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates can offer more information and either confirm or correct the obituary.
Try using multiple online databases to find the same information. Also, don’t forget about local resources! Historical societies and libraries are often full of records you can’t find anywhere else.
Using GenealogyBank for Kewanee obituaries
If you’re having trouble finding obituaries for Kewanee residents, GenealogyBank could be a valuable tool. GenealogyBank has digitized a massive collection of obituaries that you might not find anywhere else.
GenealogyBank also offers:
- Advanced search functions
- Image viewing
- Record transcription
GenealogyBank also provides resources and guides for genealogical research, including a handy guide with tips for searching newspapers.
The Bottom Line
Kewanee obituaries are invaluable resources for anyone researching their family history. They offer a unique glimpse into the lives and legacies of people who lived in Kewanee, Illinois, and the surrounding area.
By using the search strategies outlined above—consulting online databases, contacting local libraries and historical societies, and exploring physical archives—you can piece together the stories of your ancestors.
So, start your genealogical journey today! You might be surprised at what you discover about the lives of the people who came before you in Kewanee.