Our local newspaper now charges for obituaries. Some obituaries are short and to the point, while others take up several columns. It got me thinking about what I would want in my obituary. What about you? Obituaries and tombstones are so important to genealogists. We LOVE to find connections and important facts through these important research tools.<\/p>\n
So what would we put into our own obituary to acknowledge the needs our fellow genealogist?<\/p>\n
Would I want a whole article<\/em> written about me like a local pioneer Seibold Reents who died in 1929? He was a prominent member of the rural community and \u201cfewer enjoyed a wider acquaintance or was more highly esteemed than he\u201d.<\/p>\n Will I want my voting preferences<\/em> noted? Seibold \u201cas testifying to his popularity it need only be said that as strong democrat, he represented Rosefield, a republican township, during these many years.\u201d And that Seibold \u201cwas a life long democrat and always took a great interest in affairs.\u201d (d. 1929)<\/p>\n Will I want my obituary to read like a resume<\/em>? This was written about Seibold who died in 1959: \u201cHe was a carpenter by trade and settled in this city (Peoria, IL) about 1870. In 1870 he removed to Kramm\u2019s\u2026purchased a farm, to which he added during his life and at the time of his death was possessed of 515 acres. He was also engaged in mining and operated a general store. \u2026 In addition to his terms as supervisor, he was for many years road commissioner of Rosefield township.\u201d<\/p>\n Will I be able to note in my obituary something that tells of how important I was<\/em> like Seibold who had \u201cthe outgoing morning passenger and the incoming evening passenger trains will stop at Kramm\u2019s so that those desirous of attending the funeral from this city may do so.\u201d<\/p>\n If I wanted to include as much as would be helpful to a genealogist, what would I include?
\nas many family members<\/em> as will fit, with residences (of course!)?<\/p>\n