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Looking for death certificate and cause of death of Harmon John Smith.

Carol McC

Born in Walcottsville, NY 1-29-1866.  Died in Niagara County, NY.  Was a twin.  Family says he died while working for NY Central RR.  Would like to confirm.  Cannot find death certificat

Have checked Niagara County NY records without success.

any way to find info through NY Central RR records?  Do any exist?

he is buried in Wolcottville.

Parents
  • 0

    Most states did not require deaths to be reported until about 1900-1920. However, it was common for county governments to keep death records prior to 1900. You should contact the probate court office in the county of his death to inquire about an older death record. If he died after 1900, contact your state dept of health, bureau of vital records for a copy. 
    failing this, I would do an online newspaper search (get help at your llocal library) for his obituary. Also, try finding him via Findagrave.com.

    good luck!

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  • 0

    Most states did not require deaths to be reported until about 1900-1920. However, it was common for county governments to keep death records prior to 1900. You should contact the probate court office in the county of his death to inquire about an older death record. If he died after 1900, contact your state dept of health, bureau of vital records for a copy. 
    failing this, I would do an online newspaper search (get help at your llocal library) for his obituary. Also, try finding him via Findagrave.com.

    good luck!

Children
  • 0 in reply to DavidAbercrombie

    Hi David,

    Unfortunately I don’t know where he died.  It was a railroad accident according to family members.  I’ve checked records from local counties with no luck.  Also checked for obits and death notices via microfiche. Couldn’t  find any railroad records or newspaper references to his death.  I was lucky enough to find his grave, but the church has no records for the year he died.  I’ve pretty much accepted that this is prob a dead end.  But thank you so much for your tips and advice. I appreciate your help!