Rhode Island, Town Deaths Index - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection includes records from 1639 to 1932. It consists of an index to various town and vital deaths from all the counties: Bristol, Kent, Newport, Providence, and Washington. The collection includes some church records.

What Can this Collection Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records: • 3

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The approximate date of death
 * The place of death
 * The names of family members and their relationships

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 Who I was Looking for, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * The undertaker may have burial or funeral records which often list the names of family members.
 * Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname. This is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.

I Can't Find Who I'm Looking for, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Look for an index. There are often indexes at the beginning of each volume. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby counties.

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

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

FamilySearch Catalog

 * Rhode Island mortality schedules, 1850-1880
 * Frank T Calef, Genealogical index Rhode Island records

FamilySearch Historical Records

 * Rhode Island Deaths and Burials, 1802-1950
 * Rhode Island, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1630-1945
 * Rhode Island, Vital records, 1846-1898, 1901-1953

FamilySearch Digital Library

 * James N. Arnold, Vital record of Rhode Island, 1636-1850 : first series: births, marriages, and deaths; a family register for the people 21 volumes. Providence, Rhode Island : Narragansett Historical, 1891-1912

Citing this Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information.