Michigan, Banner Obituary Card File - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
These records include an index and images of an obituary card file in possession of the Hekman Library, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan for the years 1867 to 1997. The Banner is a journal originally known as the Banner of Truth and published in Hackensack, New Jersey. Later, by decision of the Synod of 1914, publication of this journal was transferred to Grand Rapids, Michigan and became the foundation of the present Banner. The first issue of the Banner of Truth was issued in 1866. The first issue of the Banner was published January 7, 1915. It is the official magazine of the Christian Reformed Church. Addresses listed in the obituaries are primarily in the United States (with a few in Canada) and cover many different states.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The records usually contain:
 * 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

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the person
 * The name of a parent or date of the event

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.

What Do I Do Next?
When you have located your ancestor’s obituary, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These records are often brief so it can be easy to confuse individuals. Compare what information is given with what you already know about your ancestor to make sure it is the correct person.

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

 * Use the information found in the record to locate the death record
 * Use the age or estimated birth date to determine an approximate birth date to find other church and vital records such as birth, baptism, and marriage records
 * Use the information found in the record to find land, probate and immigration records
 * Use the information found in the record to find additional family members in censuses
 * Repeat this process with additional family members found, to find more generations of the family
 * Michigan Church Records were kept years before counties began keeping records. They are a good source for finding ancestors before 1900

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

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names. Try searching for these names as well

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

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.