Don't Throw Those Obituaries Away: Use Them to Build Your Family Tree

Funeral Home books can hold the key to lost family information.

When most people think about researching their family history, they imagine digging through census records, birth certificates, and old photographs. But there’s another valuable resource that is often overlooked — funeral programs and obituaries. These documents hold a wealth of information that can help piece together family trees, connect long-lost relatives, and preserve the legacy of African American families.

My Family History Journey: Building a Family Tree with Funeral Programs

So, remember when I wrote my blog, African American Genealogy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Tracing Your African American Roots, to start with what you know? Family members who pass away are usually honored with a brief life biography.

Obituaries and funeral programs are more than just announcements of a loved one’s passing. They often include details that are difficult to find in other records, such as:

• Birthplaces and birthdates – Sometimes, official birth records are lost or never created, especially for African Americans born in the early 1900s.

• Nicknames and family stories – You may recognize a name from your research, but a nickname listed in an obituary can confirm a match.

• Occupations – The family may highlight the occupation and place of employment of their loved one.

• Colleges/Universities/Civic Associations - This section highlights the deceased’s educational background, professional affiliations, and community involvement, showcasing their lifelong contributions and connections.

• Extended family connections – Many funeral programs list surviving relatives, including siblings, cousins, and in-laws, making it easier to track family lines.

• Photographs – A funeral program may contain the only known picture of an ancestor.

When I began my journey into genealogy in 1997, I wrote down every family member that I could think of. I knew three of my four great-grandparents and a few of their siblings, so I had a lot of knowledge about my history when I started. Then, I discovered twenty-two funeral programs at my grandmother’s house. At first, they seemed like simple keepsakes, but as I read through them, I realized they held the key to my family’s past. With those twenty-two programs, I built the foundation of my family tree. Two years later, I found a box containing another sixty obituaries, further expanding my research. Today, I have a collection of funeral programs—now totaling over 600—each one helping to piece together my family's rich history.

Before the obituaries, my tree had 197 names; after I found them, I had 158 more. These obituaries and my detailed research have helped me create a family tree of 8,900 individuals, and I can accurately account for each as a family member and show we are all connected. Funeral programs are a treasure trove of information. I promise there are at least two people in your family collecting these valuable keepsakes. They can be the beginning of an amazing journey to discovering your lineage.

Recourses: Where to Find Funeral Programs

If you’re interested in using funeral programs for your own research, start by checking these sources:

1. Family Homes – Ask older relatives if they have saved funeral programs or obituary clippings.

2. Church Archives – Many African American churches keep records of past members, including funeral bulletins.

3. Genealogical Societies – Some societies collect local funeral programs and maintain obituary books for public use.

4. Libraries and Historical Societies – Local history sections often contain obituary collections and funeral records.

5. Funeral Homes – Some funeral homes maintain old records that can provide valuable details, and in recent years, they have posted obituaries on their web pages.

Preserving the Legacy

If you have funeral programs or obituaries in your possession, consider preserving them for future generations. Here are a few ways to do so:

• Digitize them – Scan and save them to a secure drive or genealogical website.

• Organize them by family line – Keep a binder or digital folder to track connections.

• Share them with relatives – These documents can help family members learn about their roots.

• Donate copies – Consider giving copies to local genealogy groups, libraries, or historical societies.

A Living History

Funeral programs and obituaries are not just records of the past; they are living documents that tell the story of a family’s journey. By collecting, preserving, and sharing them, you ensure that the history of African American families is honored and remembered. So, the next time you come across an obituary, don’t throw it away; it might just hold the missing piece of your family puzzle.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources to consider when looking for deceased relatives and ancestors. Most of them are paid web pages.

Genealogy Research:

1.    Ancestry.com – Extensive genealogical records and resources.

2.    FamilySearch.org – Free family history and ancestry research tools.

3.    FindAGrave.com – Cemetery records and memorials.

African American Genealogy:

1. AfriGeneas - Specializes in African American genealogy and records.

2. National Museum of African American History & Culture – Resources on African American heritage.

3. BlackPast.org – A rich collection of African American history and genealogy sources.

Obituary & Funeral Program Archives:

1. Obituary Central – Obituary archives from newspapers and funeral homes.

2. ObitsArchive.com - Search millions of obituaries and death notices containing names of the deceased, family members, invaluable stories, and more.

3. Legacy.com – Online obituary and memorial platform.

4. USGenWeb Archives – Free genealogical resources, including obituaries.

Old funeral programs hold the key to our family's rich history.

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By preserving funeral programs and obituaries, you’re not just saving paper; you’re keeping stories alive, honoring loved ones, and strengthening family connections for future generations. Embrace the journey of discovery and celebrate the rich legacy of those who came before you! 🌿✨

"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home." — Frederick Douglass

Unsung Heroes: Highlighting Lesser-Known African American Women Trailblazers

Throughout history, countless African American women have shaped society with their strength, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements. While names like Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Maya Angelou are widely recognized, many other remarkable women remain largely unsung. This article highlights three African American women whose contributions have impacted science, education, and civil rights.

1. Alice Augusta Ball (1892–1916) – The Scientist Who Revolutionized Leprosy Treatment

Alice Augusta Ball (1892 - 1916) Chemist, Researcher, Professor

Alice Augusta Ball was a pioneering chemist who changed the medical world with her innovative work on leprosy treatment. Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1892, Ball became the first woman and the first African American to earn a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Hawaii. At just 23 years old, she developed the “Ball Method,” an injectable form of chaulmoogra oil, which became the first effective treatment for leprosy. Before her discovery, patients with leprosy were often isolated and left with little hope for recovery.

Tragically, Ball passed away at a young age, and for many years, her contributions were overlooked. Her male colleague took credit for her work, and it wasn’t until decades later that she received the recognition she deserved. Her impact is celebrated today, and her research has saved countless lives worldwide. Ball’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging the contributions of women in science.

Sources:

• University of Hawaii: https://www.hawaii.edu

• National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov

Septima Poinsette Clark (1898 - 1987) Educator, Civil Rights Activist

2. Septima Poinsette Clark (1898–1987) – The “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement”

Septima Poinsette Clark was an educator and civil rights activist whose work laid the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1898, Clark dedicated her life to fighting for equal education and voting rights for African Americans. She believed that literacy was a powerful tool for empowerment and worked tirelessly to teach African Americans how to read and write so they could pass discriminatory voting tests.

Clark’s leadership in the Highlander Folk School, a training center for activists, helped shape key figures in the Civil Rights Movement, including Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. Despite facing discrimination and even losing her job as a teacher due to her activism, she remained steadfast in her mission. Her work led to the creation of Citizenship Schools, which educated thousands of African Americans and played a vital role in securing voting rights. Often overshadowed by other leaders, Clark’s influence was profound, earning her the title “The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.”

Sources:

• The King Center: https://thekingcenter.org

• South Carolina Encyclopedia: https://www.scencyclopedia.org

3. Bessie Coleman (1892–1926) – The First African American Woman Pilot

Bessie Coleman was a fearless aviator who broke racial and gender barriers in the early 20th century. Born in Texas in 1892, she dreamed of becoming a pilot but faced discrimination in the United States, where no flight schools accepted Black women. Determined to succeed, she learned French and traveled to France, where she earned her pilot’s license in 1921—making her the first African American and Native American woman to do so.

Bessie Coleman (1892 - 1926) Aviator, Stunt Pilot

Coleman became a stunt pilot, wowing audiences with daring aerial performances. She

refused to perform in segregated venues, using her influence to fight racial injustice. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of aviators and adventurers. Although her life was cut short by a tragic plane accident in 1926, her pioneering spirit remains a testament to perseverance and courage.

Sources:

• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: https://airandspace.si.edu

• Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars: https://www.bessiecoleman.org

Honoring Their Legacy

The stories of Alice Augusta Ball, Septima Poinsette Clark, and Bessie Coleman serve as powerful examples of determination, brilliance, and resilience. Though not always given the recognition they deserve, these women paved the way for future generations. By learning about and sharing their achievements, we honor their legacy and ensure their contributions are never forgotten. Their journeys remind us that true trailblazers are not always in the spotlight, but their impact is felt for generations to come.

As we approach Women’s History Month next month, we will continue this series by highlighting more extraordinary African American women whose legacies deserve to be celebrated. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of courage, innovation, and perseverance.

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"I am a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me." — Maya Angelou

The Great Migration: Tracing an Ancestor Who Left South Carolina

Happy Black History Month, family, friends, and fans!

I hope the articles I’ve posted thus far have piqued your interest and made you more aware of the rich history of Black Americans and your history, regardless of race and ethnicity.

Do you know “where” your family’s origins began? For most African Americans, it began in the South. Mine began in Barnwell County, South Carolina. Both sets of my grandparents moved to northern city to find better opportunities for themselves and their children. Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York were their destinations, and their legacies continue in these cities today! They were part of the Great Migration.

The Great Migration was one of the most transformative periods in American history, reshaping the cultural, economic, and social landscapes of the United States. Between 1910 and 1970, millions of Black Americans left the South in search of better opportunities, escaping systemic racism, economic hardship, and oppressive segregation laws. South Carolina, with its deeply entrenched racial hierarchy and agricultural economy, was one of the states from which many Black families migrated.

Following the Journey: Why Did They Leave?

For Black Americans in South Carolina, life in the early 20th century was marked by disenfranchisement, racial violence, and limited economic opportunities. The sharecropping system, which replaced slavery, kept many Black families in perpetual poverty, and Jim Crow laws reinforced segregation and inequality.

When World War I and World War II created labor shortages in northern and midwestern cities, Black Americans seized the opportunity to escape the South and establish new lives. Cities like New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit became major destinations due to their booming industries and the promise of fairer wages and improved social conditions.

Migrating South? The Florida Factor

Although much of the Great Migration focused on movement to northern and midwestern cities, some Black Americans migrated south, mainly to Florida. The state offered construction, railroad work, and tourism job opportunities, particularly in growing cities like Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa. Black communities in Florida found work in agriculture, fishing, and domestic service, and they built thriving neighborhoods such as Overtown in Miami, which became known as the "Harlem of the South."

Where Did Most Black Migrants Settle?

Many South Carolinians moved to Harlem in New York City, which became a cultural hub for Black Americans during the Harlem Renaissance. Others settled in Philadelphia, where manufacturing jobs were abundant, and Chicago, where the stockyards and steel mills provided employment. Detroit, known for its automotive industry, also became a significant draw.

In contrast, those who moved to Florida often gravitated to urban centers where Black-owned businesses flourished. Jacksonville, home to one of the oldest African American communities in the state, was a center of Black culture and commerce. Miami's Overtown neighborhood and Tampa's Central Avenue became thriving Black districts, housing musicians, educators, and entrepreneurs who contributed to the growth of Black economic power. I have family members in all of these cities.

Tracing My Ancestor’s Migration Story

Historical records could provide valuable insights into their journey if your ancestors left South Carolina. Census records, passenger lists, draft registrations, and employment records can help you track their movements. Oral stories from my family members have also offered invaluable details about why they left and where they went.

My maternal grandparents in Brooklyn, New York, in the 1950s

On my maternal grandmother’s line, I was fascinated by the relatives and friends who left Blackville, South Carolina's rural community, and ended up together on census records in New York and Philadelphia. Those finds helped me connect relatives and families on both sides of my mother’s lines who married each other.

On my paternal line, the family went to the typical big cities with their families in toe: Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and Chicago; however, one ancestor went to Jacksonville, and a few others decided to stay in Barnwell and Bamberg Counties. They left for opportunities for themselves and better educational opportunities for their children. My paternal grandfather Ernest Hicks and a few of his siblings ended up in Washington, DC.

My paternal grandfather and 3 of his brothers. Location unknown.

The Great Migration was a pivotal chapter in Black history, reshaping the cultural and economic landscape of the United States as millions of African Americans sought new opportunities beyond the South. This movement was not just about geography; it was about resilience, determination, and the pursuit of a better future. My own family's migration journey reflects this larger historical narrative, as they left South Carolina for cities like Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago. At the same time, some remained in Barnwell and Bamberg Counties or ventured south to Jacksonville. Their stories of struggle and triumph are woven into the broader tapestry of Black history, of my history, demonstrating the enduring strength of those who sought to create a better life for themselves and future generations. By tracing these journeys, I honor their sacrifices and ensure their legacy continues to inspire.

South Carolina State Flag

Where did your ancestors really come from? Explore their contributions to this country, their communities, and their family's history by telling their story. For my ancestors, no matter where they ended up, South Carolina will always be… home!

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“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” ~ Maya Angelou