How to Find Grave and Burial Records Using FamilySearch

This guide will walk you through the process of locating grave and burial records for your ancestors using the extensive resources available on FamilySearch.org.

How to Find Grave and Burial Records Using FamilySearch

Step 1: Access FamilySearch.org and Log In

• Go to FamilySearch.org in your web browser.
• Click "Sign In" in the top right corner and enter your username and password. If you don't have an account, create one.

Step 2: Navigate to the Search Records Page

• Once logged in, hover over "Search" in the top navigation bar.
• Click on "Records" from the dropdown menu. This will take you to the historical records search page.

Step 3: Enter Your Ancestor's Information

• On the search page, enter known details about your ancestor:
  • First Names and Last Names.
  • Birth Year (or a range, e.g., 1850-1860).
  • Death Year (or a range). This is crucial for burial records.
  • Place of Residence (Country, State/Province, County, City). Start broad and narrow down.
• Click the blue "Search" button.

Step 4: Filter Your Search Results for Burial/Death Records

• After the initial search, you'll see a list of results. On the left-hand sidebar, use the "Collection" or "Type" filters.
• Look for categories such as "Burials," "Cemetery Records," "Death Records," or "Probate Records" (which may include death details).
• Click on relevant filters to refine your results. Also, scan record collection titles for keywords like 'cemetery' or 'burial'.

Step 5: Review and Extract Information

• Click on promising record titles. This will often show you a transcription of the record or an image of the original document.
• Carefully review the transcription or original image for your ancestor's name, birth date, death date, burial date, cemetery name, plot number, and names of other family members.
• Always view the original image when available, as it may hold additional clues and prevent transcription errors.
• Save the record to your ancestor in Family Tree or download it for your personal records.

Step 6: Utilize the FamilySearch Catalog for Specific Locations

• If a broad search doesn't yield results, or if you're looking for records from a specific cemetery, go back to the "Search" menu and select "Catalog."
• In the Catalog, enter a "Place" (e.g., "Ohio, Franklin, Columbus") and click "Search."
• Browse the list of record types. Look for categories like "Cemeteries," "Church records," "Death records," or "Funeral homes." Many microfilmed or digitized records here aren't fully indexed in the general search.
• Click on a relevant title and then on the camera icon to view digitized images if available.

Step 7: Consult the FamilySearch Wiki for Research Guidance

• For more specific research strategies, return to the "Search" menu and select "Wiki."
• Enter the name of a specific place (e.g., "Ohio Genealogy" or "Franklin County, Ohio Genealogy").
• The Wiki offers detailed guidance on existing records, where to find them, and access methods, including specific strategies for death and burial records for that locality.