October 18, 2024
As I discussed last week, governmental vital records such as birth, marriage and death are important to building a family tree. Unfortunately, they’re often unavailable. In the United States these records have only been kept for the last century or so. Fortunately, for earlier ancestors, there are other records that can substitute for civil registration vital records.
Church records are an important source of birth, marriage and death information. They were often kept hundreds of years before civil registration began. Many countries had a state church which everyone was required to join. Most state churches kept records of the church rites performed surrounding birth, marriage and death. Be aware that the records sometimes include baptism and burial dates but not the actual date of birth or death.
For many countries, including most of Europe, church records are the primary source of genealogical information. The United States has never had a state church, and religious tolerance has been a feature of our culture. Because of this, finding an ancestor’s church records can be hit or miss. Some churches kept good vital records for members; others did not. Quakers, for example, kept comprehensive records. Most of their records are available online now.
Even if churches kept vital records, their records are not always easily accessible. Unlike European church records, there is no centralized source for their American counterparts. It is often necessary to contact an individual church or a church’s archives to obtain records. Some religions prohibit access to their records.
Newspapers are another source of vital records. In earlier eras, birth announcements, wedding announcements and obituaries were common. Small town newspapers printed these kinds of articles for almost everyone. Larger cities may have confined their coverage to more prominent people.
Many newspapers are now digitized. Subscription websites such as Newspapers.com, Newspaper Archives and Genealogy Bank have widespread newspaper coverage throughout the United States as well as some from other countries. Free sites such as the Library of Congress’ Chronicling America and states’ digital newspaper projects also contain a wealth of newspaper titles.
Finally, cemetery records can be another substitute for civil registration records. Headstones often contain both birth and death dates. Further information can sometimes be found in cemetery files.
In addition, online cemetery databases such as Billion Graves and Find a Grave are a good source of vital information. Their ability to link generations together can help flesh out a family tree.
Birth, death and marriage certificates are important genealogical records. They should be sought for any ancestor wherever available. When they are not available, other records can help fill in the blanks.
Carol Stetser
Researcher
Larimer County Genealogical Society