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New York Deaths, the 1700s-1900s

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This New York death records index covers local entries from the 1700s through the early 1900s. It draws from a wide range of sources—including town registries, church books, cemeteries, and newspapers.

What makes this database valuable is its local focus. These are records that may never have been reported to state officials. Many are handwritten, preserved in small collections, or kept in local archives. Bringing them together in one place makes it easier to find names that might otherwise be missed.

When you locate a death record, it opens the door to more discovery. Original death records might list parents’ names, the name of a spouse, or even where a person was buried. This information can help guide your next steps in the search.

In many cases, knowing when and where someone died can also lead you to historical death notices in newspapers. These often contain rich details—like funeral dates, causes of death, and names of surviving family members.

This index is especially helpful for identifying 18th and 19th century deaths. Before statewide recording was required, these local entries may be the only documentation available.

Use this collection to:

  • Locate individuals in New York genealogy resources from the colonial period forward
  • Search for New York ancestors between the 1700s and 1900s
  • Explore New York cemetery records and gravestone data
  • Find dates and locations to guide your search for original certificates
  • Cross-reference surnames to trace extended families