An obituary - also known as an obit- refers to an article written about a recently deceased person. While sometimes these are perceived as positive, this is not always the case. While sometimes these are perceived as positive, this is not always the case. Instead, obituaries are supposed to be written in as much of an emotionally neutral or deadpan style.
The earliest death records filed in New Jersey were in the late 1600's. However, the law requiring death records was not until 1848 and compliance of the law really began in 1921[1].
_in_The_Central_New_Jersey_Home_News_of_New_Brunswick,_New_Jersey_on_10_July_1961.jpg)
The New Jersey Department of Health can issue a copy of a death certificate as long as it's over 40 years old[2].
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
Where to find New Jersey obituaries
One of the best sources for New Jersey obituaries are the State Archives. They have several different collections which are useful including: a digital collection of death records from 1878-1890, burial/ reburial records and vital records from 1848 to 1940. In addition to state archives libraries are a great source of information. Examples include:
- The Monroe Township Library and Bernards Township Library both of whom have partnered with MyHeritage[3].
- The Jersey City Free Public Library. They have many obituaries on file. They have also partnered with several different organizations in creating death related indexes; one example of this is with Hudson county Genealogical and Historical Society[4].
.png)
Similar to New York, New Jersey vital records cannot be researched online and are prohibited from release due to confidentiality reasons[5]. For those looking to request death certificates it typically takes four to eight weeks by mail and eight to twelve weeks online. New Jersey law requires that an attending or covering physician be the one to sign off on the death certificate, this is not the case for New York[6].
Finally, New Jersey has the largest amount of obituary resources online which makes things easier to find. As far as obtaining documentation in the state of New Jersey,
Information Contained in an Obituary
_obituary_in_the_Courier-Post_of_Camden,_New_Jersey_on_26_August_1953.jpg)
Obituaries can provide important information such as the different associations of the deceased person including social organizations they were involved in. Additionally, information such as the cause of death and/or place of death are important In obtaining an obituary. For this reason, it's important that one finds out where the person died. This can be obtained by researching the local or city register's office. It's also important to understand where that person died to see if local newspapers were available in that area at that time. Some libraries and newspaper publishers may also hold obituaries themselves[7].
How to find an Obituary
Generally, the date of death is the first key piece of information that could enable one to more easily find a deceased person in a newspaper. Using both State and local resources are essential. The State index and the cemetery in the local area can help determine when and where the person is believed to have died . Often times funeral homes publish obituaries on their own website; this is another useful resource. The next step in finding an obituary is the date of death. Once this is determined it can help discover newspaper articles in places such as the State archive or public libraries.
Explore More about New Jersey Obituaries
- Directory of New Jersey Newspapers in Trenton Free Public Library
- United States, New Jersey, Death Index1901-1903 at MyHeritage
- United States, New Jersey, Death Index 1920-1929; 1949-2017 at MyHeritage
- New Jersey Obituary records in Genealogy Bank
- New Jersey Department of State Death Records 1878-1900
- New Jersey Digitized Historic Newspapers in New Jersey State Library.
- Obtaining New Jersey vital record copies at State of New Jersey Department of Health.
- Obituary Indexes in the New Jersey State Library Collection.
- Chronicling America - New Jersey State Newspapers in Library of Congress
- Newspapers on Microfilm at New Jersey State Library.
- New Jersey Vital Records at Library of Congress.
County resources
- Bayonne Times Death notice Index 1915-1945 at The Bayonne Times.
- Hudson County, New Jersey Obituaries 2019- current at Genealogy Bank.
- Passaic County, New Jersey Online WorldWide Burial Registry at JewishGen.
- Passaic County, New Jersey Obituaries 2015- Current at Genealogy WebBank.
References
- ↑ https://www.nj.gov/state/archives/catmunicip7.html#:~:text=Municipalities%20were%20required%20to%20keep,and%20deaths%20began%20in%201848.
- ↑ https://publiclibraries.com/obituaries/new-jersey/
- ↑ https://www.bernardslibrary.org/databases
- ↑ https://www.hudsoncountynjgenealogy.org/databases/db-jj/jj-1925-06.html
- ↑ https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/#:~:text=Please%20note%2C%20New%20Jersey%20law,and%20cannot%20be%20searched%20online.
- ↑ https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/bme/Documents/Pronouncement-of-Death.pdf
- ↑ https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/blog/find-your-ancestors-obituary-new-york-times-and-other-sources