Delving into the past to discover your family history can be a rewarding journey, and obituaries serve as invaluable resources for genealogical research. For those tracing roots back to Madras, Oregon, and the surrounding Jefferson County, Madras Pioneer Obituaries offer a rich source of information. This guide will navigate you through the available collections of Madras Pioneer obituaries, helping you uncover details about your ancestors and their lives.
Accessing Madras Pioneer Obituary Collections
Several collections index obituaries from the Madras Pioneer newspaper, making your search more efficient. These resources are primarily available in library and archive settings, often in microfiche or book formats. Key resources include:
- Obituaries From Bend Bulletin & Madras Pioneer: This comprehensive collection spans multiple volumes (Books 1-5 and 8), with Books 2-5 specifically focusing on “Obituaries From Madras Pioneer.” These books are cataloged under the call number GEN 979.585 OBITUAR.
- Master Index for Obituary Books 1 thru 8: To streamline your search across various obituary collections, including “Obituaries From Bend Bulletin & Madras Pioneer,” this master index ( GEN 979.585 OBITUAR) is an essential tool. It also indexes “Obituaries From Newspaper Clippings by Erma (Sumner) Rufener” and “Mount Jefferson Memorial Park, Madras” obituaries.
- Mount Jefferson Memorial Park, Madras: While primarily focused on cemetery records, this book (GEN 979.585 OBITUAR) is part of the larger obituary book set and is indexed in the Master Index, potentially offering supplementary obituary information.
- Obituaries From Newspaper Clippings by Erma (Sumner) Rufener: This collection (GEN 979.585 OBITUAR) represents another facet of obituary records for the Madras area and is also indexed in the Master Index, expanding your search scope.
These resources are typically found in libraries with strong genealogy or local history sections. The provided call numbers (e.g., GEN 979.585 OBITUAR) are crucial for locating these materials within library catalogs.
The Value of Madras Pioneer Obituaries for Genealogical Research
Madras Pioneer obituaries are more than just death announcements; they are historical snapshots of individuals and the community they lived in. They often contain a wealth of genealogical information, such as:
- Full Names and Aliases: Obituaries typically provide the full name of the deceased, including maiden names for women, which is vital for tracing female ancestors.
- Birth and Death Dates and Locations: These core pieces of information are essential for building a family timeline and connecting individuals across generations.
- Family Relationships: Obituaries frequently list surviving family members – spouses, children, siblings, and sometimes even grandchildren and parents. This helps establish family structures and identify potential relatives.
- Life Events and Accomplishments: Details about the deceased’s life, such as their occupation, community involvement, church affiliations, and significant life events, offer valuable insights into their life story and place in society.
- Migration Patterns: Obituaries might mention places of birth or previous residences, hinting at migration patterns of your ancestors.
By meticulously examining Madras Pioneer obituaries, you can piece together a more complete and personal history of your family in the Madras and Jefferson County region. These records serve as a bridge to the past, connecting you to the lives and legacies of those who came before. For anyone undertaking genealogical research in this area, exploring these obituary collections is a highly recommended step.
