Death records are both a primary source record and a secondary source record.
Because death records are usually reported at, or close to, the time of the death by someone who was present at the death and record the name, date and place of death this makes them a primary source document. However, the accuracy of the information on death certificates can be a bit problematic since information on the deceased person is supplied by a third party generally known to the deceased. As a result, a death certificate is regarded as a secondary source for information such as the deceased’s birthplace, birth date, and parents’ names.
Death records usually record:
- name
- date of death
- date of birth
They may also contain:
- age at death
- cause of death
- exact time of death
- date and place of birth (if known)
- residence at time of death
- occupation
- parents' names
- spouse’s name, including maiden name for wife
- whether single, widowed or divorced
- place of burial
- name of the funeral home
- name of physician or medical examiner
- name of informant & their relationship to the deceased
- officials or witnesses present at death
The most essential thing to know while researching death records is that birth and other familial facts may be inaccurate because the informant did not have accurate information.