Pennsylvania, Obituary and Marriage Collection - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection includes records from 1947 to 2010. This collection of newspaper clippings was collected by the Old Buncombe County, North Carolina Genealogical Society. The publication data is given for each article. The records are announcements of:
 * Births
 * Baptisms
 * Engagements
 * Marriages
 * Anniversaries
 * Obituaries
 * Retirements

The obituaries are from Berks, Lebanon and Lehigh County newspapers.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Obituaries
 * Name of the deceased
 * Age
 * Birth date and place
 * Death date and place
 * Names of parents, spouse or other relatives
 * Name of newspaper, date and place of publication

Wedding and anniversary announcements
 * Names of the bride and groom
 * Residences
 * Marriage date and place
 * Names of parents and other relatives
 * Name of newspaper, date and place of publication

Birth and baptism announcements
 * Name
 * Gender
 * Names of parents
 * Birthplace
 * Residence
 * Mother's maiden name
 * Baptism sponsors

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The approximate date of marriage or death

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Use the information to find other vital records such as birth and death
 * Use the information to find additional family members in census records
 * The name of the undertaker, mortuary or officiator could lead you to church, funeral and cemetery records, which often include the names and residences of other family members
 * Search for additional information in church records
 * Search for land and probate records

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you identify possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby locality
 * Standard spelling of names typically did not exist. Try variations of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names, or even initials

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Pennsylvania.
 * Pennsylvania Guided Research
 * Pennsylvania Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Pennsylvania Research, 1880-Present

Other FamilySearch Collections
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Catalog

 * Pennsylvania marriages and anniversaries, 1977-2010
 * Pennsylvania obituaries, 1947-2010

FamilySearch Historical Records

 * Pennsylvania Obituaries, 1977-2010

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.