Some random thoughts on the History of Obituaries and Death Notices....... Obituaries and death notices are important sources of information for family historians. These two terms are often used interchangeably, although there is a slight difference in their meaning. Death Notice: Brief announcement usually submitted to the local or regional newspaper by the undertaker or funeral home handling the arrangements. The notice provides basic information about the deceased, including date of death. The purpose of a death notice is to inform people of the location and time of the funeral services. Obituary: Lengthier newspaper announcement written by a family member, friend or newspaper staff. An obituary may include information such as place of birth, parents, spouse, and employment or community affiliations. Please note that unlike civil birth, marriage and death registration, the law does not require death notices and obituaries to be published so there may not be one available for every death. Researchers should also keep in mind that obituaries were not always published in the locality in which the death occurred. For example, if an individual grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan but later moved and died in Edmonton, Alberta, an obituary may have been published in one of the Saskatchewan newspapers so as to inform family and friends still residing in Saskatchewan. Also, if the person was the last of his/her immediate family, perhaps there is no one person who had any information in order to submit an obituary to the local newspaper. Sometimes, the death registrar or funeral home simply placed a brief notice in the paper, in cases like these. Keep in mind, that pre-1930/40's, most folks had "wakes" in their own parlors and never had a "big shin-dig" at a local funeral parlor for family members. Full obituarues prior to this date, unless you were pretty famous, are difficult to find in a lot of cases, if not just impossible because they dont't exist. If you think about the economy pre-1930/40's, lots of folks were farmers living in very rural areas -- some towns didn't ever had a red light, just a crossroads. So the idea of multiple funeral homes and huge cemeteries usually don't exist. I hope this info helps a little when it comes to posting your requests on the OBITS boards. It helps to put as much information as possible in your request, especially dates and former names.

I do hope there will be an Obit for the above. In 1890 (census) Robert Joseph TALBOT was in Philadelphia training to be a lawyer. His parents were Joseph and Eliza TALBOT who lived in Brooklyn. His father actually died 9th Feb 1890 at 297 Park Place, Brooklyn, NY and his mother was already dead. His father had married his mother's cousin. An Obit for Joseph would be much appreciated. I imagine both Obits would be in Brooklyn newspapers. Thank you. Liz www.btinternet.com/~e.newbery OPC for Street, Somerset