As a general observation, I wanted to note that 19th century death records in New England seem to follow this pattern. Up to 1870 (or so) parents are seldom given, with the exception of Massachusetts starting in 1850. However, even there up to the year 1890, mothers are seldom given maiden names. Most records in the other states starting in 1870 will give parents as: John and Jane Smith. This is better than nothing, but not helpful if you are looking for Jane's maiden name. Starting in 1890, but by no means universally so, maiden names start creeping into death records.
Now, these are just observations and generalizations. In genealogy for every rule there are a dozen exceptions. And, of course, death records are the least reliable of the three types of vital records. It is not uncommon for mid-20th century death records to have parents as blanks, because no one could remember who they were by the time of a child's death in old age.
Likewise, marriage records in New England up to about 1870 in all the states but Massachusetts are generally Groom marries Bride, without parents noted. Even then from 1850 in Massachusetts and starting in 1870 to 1890, the parents are almost always given as John and Jane Smith. It is only after 1890 that you start to see mothers' maiden names start creeping into records.
So, if you are researching, these records are important to gather, but may not be the best or even the most reasonable route to a woman's maiden name.
Posted by: |