Find Union County Obituaries
Union County obituary records help families connect to their Upstate South Carolina roots. The county was created in 1785 from Ninety-Six District. The county seat is Union. The county has some unique early death records. Union has death records from 1900 and 1913 to 1914. These predate statewide registration by several years. The Union County Carnegie Library maintains local history resources.
Union County Quick Facts
Union County Carnegie Library Obituary Resources
The Union County Carnegie Library maintains local history and genealogy resources. The library holds newspapers and family histories. You can visit to access these materials. Staff can assist with basic research questions.
The library provides access to online genealogy databases. Ancestry Library Edition is available for public use. This database helps you search for obituaries and death records. You can use it at the library.
Local newspapers contain obituary records. The Union Daily Times serves the county. It publishes obituaries for local residents. The library may have historical issues available.
Note: Contact the library before visiting. Ask about their local history collection.
How to Search Union County Obituary Records
Searching for obituary records in Union County offers unique opportunities. The county has early death records from 1900. These predate statewide registration. This is rare for South Carolina counties.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health maintains death certificates from 1915 onward. You can search the SC DPH death index online. This covers all counties including Union.
For comprehensive research, try these sources:
- Union County early death records from 1900 and 1913-1914
- Union County Carnegie Library local history collection
- FamilySearch South Carolina collections
- Union County Probate Court estate records
The FamilySearch Union County page provides research guidance. This free resource lists available records. It notes the early death records unique to this county.
Union County Probate Court Records
The Union County Probate Court maintains wills and estate records. These date from 1785 to the present. Estate files often contain death information. They may include obituary clippings or funeral notices.
Probate records show how property passed to heirs. They name family members and their relationships. This helps you build your family tree. Estate inventories list assets at death.
The Probate Court also issues marriage licenses. Records are available from 1911 onward. Visit the Union County Probate Court website for contact information. Staff can help you locate specific records.
Note: Call ahead to confirm hours and copy fees at the Probate Court.
Union County Newspaper Obituaries
The Union Daily Times is the local newspaper for Union County. It publishes obituaries for local residents. You can check their website for recent notices. The newspaper serves the Upstate community.
Historical newspapers provide older obituaries. The Union County Carnegie Library may have archives. These can extend back many decades. Contact the library to learn about their holdings.
When searching for obituaries, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the Union Daily Times for recent obituaries
- Search multiple days after the death date
- Look for funeral announcements before services
- Check neighboring county newspapers
Some families published memorial notices weeks later. These may contain additional family details. They often thank the community for support.
South Carolina State Records for Union County
The South Carolina Department of Public Health holds death certificates. Statewide registration began in 1915. Union County deaths are included in this collection. You can order copies through the DPH office.
Death certificate access follows state law. South Carolina Code Ann. § 44-63-84 sets the rules. Records under 50 years old are restricted. Immediate family can obtain copies. After 50 years, anyone can access them.
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History holds older records. Death certificates from 1915 to 1973 are available there. The research room is open to the public. You can view uncertified copies at no cost.
Ancestry.com has Union City death records from 1900 and 1913 to 1914. These early records are valuable for genealogy research. They fill the gap before statewide registration.
Online Obituary Databases for Union County
Several websites contain Union County obituary information. FamilySearch provides free genealogy resources. Their South Carolina collections include death records. You can search from home at no cost.
Ancestry.com offers extensive record collections. The South Carolina Death Records database covers 1821 to 1972. It includes Union City death records from 1900 and 1913 to 1914. Original certificate images are included.
Find a Grave is a free cemetery record resource. Many Union County cemeteries are documented. Volunteers have photographed tombstones. These records may include obituary transcriptions.
Note: Verify online information with original sources. Transcription errors can occur in databases.
Nearby Counties
Union County is in the Upstate region. It borders several other South Carolina counties. If you cannot find records in Union, expand your search. Your ancestor may have ties to nearby areas.