Are you searching for Oregon obituaries from 2021 or 1921? The answer to this question will determine how you proceed with your search. Here’s how to find the obituary for someone who died in Portland, Eugene, or another city in Oregon.
How to Find Current Oregon Obituaries
Finding current obituaries should be as easy as a simple internet search. Begin by entering the name of the person, the word obituary, and “Oregon” into your favorite search engine. Of course, if the deceased had a common name, you might need to add additional search terms, such as the name of a family member, the city where they died, or the date of death.
You often find the obituary on the funeral home or cremation provider’s website. Some of these businesses will publish the obituary for free on their website as a service to the family. However, it’s worth noting that obituaries aren’t legally required, and some families don’t take the time to write them. Instead, you may find a confirmation of a person’s death on a funeral home website without the accompanying obit.
Some families pay to have their loved one’s obituary published in the local paper. You may find the article online. However, some online newspapers only give full access to subscribers.
Finally, you may also be able to find a current Oregon obituary by looking at the social media accounts of the deceased or their family members. People often share the obituaries of lost loved ones on their Facebook page, tagging the deceased so the deceased’s friends can be informed of the death. Of course, you need to be connected on social media to access the published info.
How to Find Old Oregon Obituaries
While there was no Facebook in 1921, there were newspapers. Since obituaries were often printed in the newspaper, accessing historic newspapers published in Oregon is one way to find such articles. You can also find an older obituary by searching genealogy websites or hiring a researcher.
Newspapers
The Library of Congress’s Chronicling America project participants have digitally archived 20 million newspaper pages. You may be able to find an obituary through this free resource. Again, you’ll increase your likelihood of success by adding several specific search terms – especially if the deceased was named John Smith. However, finding the obituary may be possible if you add details to your search.
You may also search for historic newspapers through Newspapers, which requires a paid subscription.
Although the digital archive of historic newspapers is increasing yearly, you may need to access a physical copy of a newspaper from a state or local historical society or library to find the Oregon obituary. If you aren’t local to Oregon, consider hiring a local researcher to aid your search.
Finally, consider looking through a family member’s scrapbook or archives. Look for newspaper clippings or funeral programs. Take time to talk with the matriarchs and patriarchs of the family. You might learn some interesting information.
Genealogy Sites
Finding an obituary may be as easy as becoming a member of a genealogy site, such as Ancestry or GenealogyBank. Other people interested in genealogy often provide photographs of significant documents, such as obituaries, to a person’s profile. You can also send messages to fellow researchers through the site, who can help you find the obituary.
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Key Takeaways About Finding Oregon Obituaries
- You can typically find current Oregon obituaries online through a simple search. You’ll likely find them on a funeral home website, online newspaper, or social media account.
- Older obituaries are becoming increasingly easier to find. Search old newspapers online or in person. Genealogy sites can also be helpful.
- If you are unsuccessful with your search, consider hiring a genealogy expert to help.
