Last Saturday’s ‘Saturday Night Genealogy Fun’ question asked how many ancestors appeared in the SSDI (Social Security Death Index). In order to figure out the answer to that question, I have to know more about the index.
Thus, I located the SSDI on Ancestry (Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014) and scrolled to the bottom of the page to read the source description. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a link to a FAQ about the SSDI. From the database description and the FAQ, I learned that individuals had to
- be dead
- have a social security number
- have their death reported to the Social Security Administration
In addition, I learned that most of the entries are for deaths reported beginning in 1962. However, there are some records dating back to 1937.
Based on this information, I can look at my ancestors to determine who might have a record in the SSDI. I have five likely candidates who died after 1962:
- Eugene Crawford
- Leon Crawford
- Winnie Currey Crawford
- Pauline Mentzer Briles
In addition, I have several likely candidates who died between 1935 and 1962.
- Edward O Briles
- Judson Crawford
- Josie Crawford
- Hiram Currey
- Edward G Briles
- Frances Ricketts Briles
- Charles Mentzer
- Nettie Wells Mentzer
I was not surprised that I did not find any SSDI records for my ancestors who died between 1935 and 1962.
However, I was somewhat surprised with my finding for my grandfather, Leon Crawford. Since Leon worked for the Santa Fe Railroad in Dodge City, I didn’t expect him to show up on the SSDI. However, his record indicates that he received his social security number through the Railroad Retirement Board.
So, my answer to the original question is FOUR ancestors have records in the SSDI.