GuidedResearch:Why Can't I Find the Record - Newfoundland and Labrador Deaths

This page will give you additional guidance and resources to find death information for your ancestor. Use this page after first completing the death section of the Newfoundland and Labrador Guided Research page.

Civil registration for deaths began in 1891. Before 1891, deaths and burials can be found in church records.

Additional Databases and Online Resources

 * 1757-1901: Newfoundland, Canada, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1757-1901 at Ancestry ($)
 * 1793-1899: Newfoundland, Church Records, 1793-1899 at Ancestry ($)
 * 1830s-1940s: Vital Statistics for Newfoundland Listed by District at Newfoundland's Grand Banks
 * 1810s-1950s: Parish Records for Newfoundland and Labrador Listed by District at Newfoundland's Grand Banks

Additional Records with Death Information
Substitute records can contain information about more than one event, and are used when records for an event are not available. Because the substitute records may not be created at the time of the event, it may contain incorrect information. Search for as many substitute records as possible to corroborate information found in substitute records to help improve accuracy.

Tips for finding deaths
Successfully finding death records in online databases depends on a few key points. Try the following search suggestions:
 * Spelling variations. Your ancestor's name may be misspelled. Search with spelling variations for the first and last name of your ancestor.
 * Search given name. Search by given name (leave out the last name) with the approximate date of birth or death.
 * Add information. For common names, add more information to narrow the search such as approximate birth date or parent's names if known.
 * Date range. Expand the date range of the search by 5 years.
 * Search district. Search by the district instead of just by province.

Known Record Gaps
Records Start
 * 1891 Civil registration of deaths began in 1891.
 * 1920s Universal compliance was achieved.

Records Destroyed
 * Some vital and parish records have been lost as a result of fires.