You may be interested looking through the digital records for Delaware County online. These records include some court, deeds, obituaries, and funeral home records found in the Delaware County Records Search. The data base is far from complete but can offer additional insights into local history. Additional funeral home information is being added and other information may be on-going, so check back.
Part of the database, the funeral home information was new information for me. Learning who paid for an ancestor’s funeral/ burial and how the ancestor was related offered insight into relationships and the economic struggles of the family. Many paid for funerals on small installments. The funeral records usually state where a person was buried and even sometimes the type of casket and service. I’m always in search for ways to add details to the lives of my ancestors. Even their death can offer clues to their lives.
The database is a free online digital resource at: http://digitalresource.munpl.org/default.asp
Attached is an example of the funeral record of Marcus C. Smith, Jr. He was the grandson of Oliver H. Smith, founder of Yorktown, and the son of Marcus C. Smith Sr., the third mayor of Muncie. I chose Marcus Jr. as an example, in part, because he had no descendants. It also is an example of “don’t believe everything you read”–his railroad building grandfather was NOT “Caleb”. You can see from this funeral home record the obituary, his address, surviving relative, expenses for the funeral, including music. On the receipt, beside “Music” says “N. Walk $3.00”. Not sure if that is a choice of song or a service. Any ideas?
As always, happy hunting! Let me know if you find interesting facts to further your search into family and history.