My Ancestor should have a Connecticut death record, but I can’t find it. Why?

If your ancestor died after 1900, they should have a death record. Connecticut began statewide recording on 1 July 1897, so compliance improved dramatically at that point. Yet, sometimes you still can’t find a record. Very rarely, there is actually not a record. It’s more common to just miss it. Why?

There are two common reasons:

1. The spelling of your ancestor’s name on the record isn’t the one that you’re using. This is a common problem in the early 20th century with families who immigrated to the United States. Clerks may not have spoken the same language as your ancestor and may have recorded who they thought a name was spelled instead of the correct spelling. Be sure to check “sound alike” spellings.
2. They didn’t die in Connecticut. The fact that your ancestor was buried in Connecticut doesn’t mean they actually died here. If you can find a burial location but not a death record, consider asking the town for the burial transit permit. They’re required to be filed if the body is moved into the town for burial and should list the date and place of death.

Still stuck? Contact us with questions.