Wyoming Vital Records: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States]] > [[Wyoming|Wyoming]] > Wyoming Vital Records''
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
<br>'''Introduction to Vital Records'''
| link2=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. Vital Records]]
 
| link3=[[Wyoming, United States Genealogy|Wyoming]]
[[United States Vital Records|Vital Records]] consist of [[United States Birth Records|births]], adoptions, [[United States Marriage Records|marriages]], divorces, and [[United States Death Records|deaths]] recorded on registers, certificates, and documents. [[Locating United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]&nbsp;has&nbsp;additional research guidance&nbsp;on researching and using vital records. A copy or an extract of most original records can be&nbsp;purchased from&nbsp;the [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/Wyoming.htm Wyoming Vital Records State Department of Health] or the&nbsp;County Clerk's office of the county where the event occurred.
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| link5=[[Wyoming Vital Records|Vital Records]]
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<div style="width:23%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__
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== Wyoming Vital Records Dates ==
{| class="wikitable" width="40%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
|-
| width="10%" align="center" | '''Government Registration'''
| width="44%" | __TOC__
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" |'''[[Wyoming Vital Records#Birth_Records|Births]]'''
| valign="middle" | <center>'''&nbsp; [[Image:Vital Records.jpg|center|250px]]&nbsp;&nbsp; '''<br></center>
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" |'''[[Wyoming Vital Records#Marriage_Records|Marriages]]'''
{| style="width: 396px; height: 75px" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="396" align="center" border="1"
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" |'''[[Wyoming Vital Records#Death-Records|Deaths]]'''
|-
|-
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''County/Town'''  
| valign="middle" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" | '''Birth Records'''  
| width="10%" align="center" | 1901
| valign="middle" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" | '''Marriage Records'''&nbsp;
| width="10%" align="center" | County Formation
| valign="middle" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" | '''Death/Will'''&nbsp;'''Records'''
| width="10%" align="center" | County Formation
|-
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''State'''
| width="10%" align="center" | 1909
| width="10%" align="center" | 1941
| width="10%" align="center" | 1909
|-
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''General Compliance'''  
| width="10%" align="center" | 1927
| width="10%" align="center" | 1838
| width="10%" align="center" | 1927
|-
|-
| valign="middle" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" |
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| valign="middle" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" |
|}
<br>
|}
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<div style="clear:left"></div>


== Online Resources ==
== Wyoming&nbsp;Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online ==
=== Birth ===
 
*See [[Wyoming_Substitute Records|Wyoming Substitute Records]] for more resources.
The following is a list of online resources useful for locating Wyoming Vital Records which consist of [[United States Birth Records|births]], adoptions, [[United States Marriage Records|marriages]], divorces, and [[United States Death Records|deaths]]. Most online resources for Wyoming Vital Records are indexes. After locating a person in an index always consult the original record to [[Contradictions and discrepancies|confirm the information]] in the index. '''<br>'''
 
*[http://fhlfavorites.info/Links/USA_States/States_Frames/Wyoming/wyoming.htm Wyoming Links] from [http://fhlfavorites.info/ fhlfavorites.info] -&nbsp;Free
*[http://userdb.rootsweb.ancestry.com/regional.html# Wyoming Databases] listed on [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ Rootsweb.com]&nbsp;- Free
*USGenWeb.org [http://wygenweb.org/ Wyoming Site] - Free
*Search for Wyoming Collections on [http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#start FamilySearch Record Search] under [http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#r=0;p=allCollections Canada, USA, and Mexico] - Free
*The Vital Records Search and Information Directory for [http://www.daddezio.com/records/room/RR-WY-NDX.html Wyoming] - Free/$
*Wee Monster Links for Wyoming [http://www.germanroots.com/vitalrecords.html#Wyoming Birth &amp; Marriage]&nbsp;and [http://www.germanroots.com/deathrecords.html Death] Records -&nbsp;Free/$
*Linkpendium Links for [http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/WY/ Wyoming Genealogy and History], including individual Counties&nbsp;-&nbsp;Free/$&nbsp;
*Progenealogists Links for the [http://progenealogists.com/genealogysleuthb.htm United States]. Press '''Ctrl + F''' on the keyboard to search for '''Wyoming''' or '''VT''' -&nbsp;Free/$
*Search the [http://www.ancestryinstitution.com/search/locality/dbpage.aspx?tp=2&p=53&categoryFilterID=34&showPaging=true Wyoming Birth, Marriage &amp; Death] Records at Ancestry.com - $&nbsp;
*Order [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/wyoming.htm Wyoming Certificates] online -&nbsp;<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247073573052_30" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247073573052_178" />$
 
*[http://wyoarchives.state.wy.us/ Wyoming State Archives]
 
*[http://www.publicrecordsindex.com/public_records/wyoming_public_records.htm State of Wyoming Public Records Search]
 
*[http://www.daddezio.com/records/room/RR-WY-NDX.html Vital Records Search and Information Directory for Wyoming]
 
*[http://www.death-certificates.us/wyoming.htm Wyoming Death Certificates]
 
If you are aware of other online databases, please feel free to add them.
 
== Birth and Death Records&nbsp;  ==
 
Statewide registration of births and deaths in [[Wyoming|Wyoming]] began in July 1909, and was generally complied with by 1922. Individuals who were born prior to 1909, or who for some reason did not have a birth certificate, could apply for a delayed birth certificate. The Wyoming Vital Records Services began keeping delayed birth certificates in the 1920s.
 
For copies of state birth and death records write to:
 
'''Vital Records Services'''<br>Hathaway Building <br>Cheyenne, WY 82002 <br>Telephone: 307-777-7591 <br>Fax: 307-635-4103 <br>Internet: [http://wdh.state.wy.us/rfhd/vital_records/index.html Wyoming Vital Statistics Services Program]  
 
The current fees for obtaining copies of the state's records are listed in ''Where to Write for Vital Records: Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces''. <ref>Hyattsville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 1993; Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=387878&amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Where+to+write+for+vital+records%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 973 V24wv]. </ref>Copies of this booklet are at the Family History Library and at many Family History Centers. You can also write to the Vital Records Services for current information.  


===Marriage===
Copies of the birth records can only be released to those named on the certificate unless you can provide proof of the person's death. You will also need to state your relationship to the individual and your purpose for obtaining the record.  
*'''1600s-1900s''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=wyoming US Marriages – Wyoming, 1600's to 1900's] at Findmypast — index & images ($)
*'''1869-1923''' {{RecordSearch|2334596|Wyoming Marriages, 1869-1923}} at FamilySearch — [[Wyoming, Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1877-1920''' {{RecordSearch|1708702|Wyoming Marriages, 1877-1920}} at FamilySearch — [[Wyoming Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30208/wyoming-marriages-1877-1920?s=218489221 MyHeritage]($)''
*'''1908-1966''' {{RecordSearch|2837991|Wyoming, Reclaim the Records, State Archives Vital Records, 1908-1966}} at FamilySearch — [[Wyoming, Reclaim the Records, State Archives Vital Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1941-1969''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61829/ Wyoming Marriage Records, 1941-1969] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*{{RecordSearch|1854302|United States Western States Marriage Index}} at FamilySearch — [[United States Western States Marriage Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


===Death===
The Family History Library has not acquired copies of the state birth and death records.  
*'''1908-1966''' {{RecordSearch|2837991|Wyoming, Reclaim the Records, State Archives Vital Records, 1908-1966}} at FamilySearch — [[Wyoming, Reclaim the Records, State Archives Vital Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1909-1969''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61831/ Wyoming Death Records, 1909-1969] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1910-1952''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20880/wyoming-deaths-1910-1952?s=275764761 Wyoming Deaths, 1910-1952] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)


===Divorce===
=== County Records of Births and Deaths  ===
*See [[Wyoming Divorce Records|Wyoming Divorce Records]] for more resources.


== Get Copies ==
A few Wyoming counties kept records of births and deaths a few years prior to state registration. For information about pre-1909 birth and death records, write to the local county clerk. The records in the county courthouses are open to the public, but the Family History Library has not acquired copies of these records. The library has a few records, such as birth registers and coroner's reports, that have been transcribed and published. The county clerk does not usually keep copies of birth and death records filed after July 1909.  
''Wyoming Restrictions''<br>
 
* Birth records (including delayed births) are restricted for 100 years.
=== Adoption Records  ===
* Death and marriage records are restricted for 50 years.<ref>"Wyoming Vital Records: Home," The Wyoming State Library, https://gowyld.libguides.com/WyomingVitalRecords, accessed 15 November 2024.</ref>
 
:*Get unrestricted records from Wyoming State Archives
open / closed / state statues
:*Get restricted records from Wyoming State Department of Health
 
<br>
== Marriage Records  ==
'''Wyoming State Archives'''<br>
 
2301 Central Ave.<br>
Statewide registration of marriages began in May 1941. For information about marriage records kept after that date, write to the Vital Records Services. Copies of the records can be released only to the individuals named on the certificate, unless you provide proof of death. The Family History Library does not have copies of these records (see county recording of marriages).
Barrett Building<br>
 
Cheyenne, WY 82002<br>
=== County Records of Marriages  ===
Phone: (307) 777-7826<br>
[https://gowyld.libguides.com/WyomingVitalRecords Website]<br>


*Birth records (including delayed births) after 100 years and death and marriage records after 50 years are available.<ref>"Request a Document Wyoming Archives," Wyoming State Archives, https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/get-a-copy/request-a-document, accessed 15 November 2024; "Wyoming Vital Records," Wyoming State Archives, https://gowyld.libguides.com/c.php?g=737612&p=5272942, accessed 15 November 2024; "Ask an Archivist," Wyoming State Archives, [https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/ask-archivist accessed 15 November 2024.</ref>
Many counties began recording marriages soon after the county was organized. Some county records begin as early as the 1860s, such as the Albany County marriage records that begin in 1869. The office of the county clerk for each county maintains the county marriage records from the earliest dates to the present. Most counties have indexed their marriage records, and the files are open to the public. Beginning in 1941, county clerks have sent duplicate copies of marriage records to the Vital Records Services.  
:*[https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/get-a-copy/request-a-document Request a Document Wyoming Archives]<br>
<br>
'''Wyoming Department of Health'''<br>
Vital Statistics Services<br>
2300 Capitol Avenue<br>
Hathaway Building<br>
Cheyenne, WY 82002<br>
Phone: (307) 777-7591<br>
[https://health.wyo.gov/admin/vitalstatistics/vital-record/officialmarriagedivorce/ Website]<br>
:*How to get restricted [https://health.wyo.gov/admin/vitalstatistics/vital-record/officialbirthcertificate/ Birth], [https://health.wyo.gov/admin/vitalstatistics/vital-record/officialmarriagedivorce/ Marriage], or [https://health.wyo.gov/admin/vitalstatistics/vital-record/officialdeathcertificate/ Death] certificates
:*[https://health.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WDH_VSS-Application-for-Certified-Copy-2024-Form-1a-Marriage-Divorce.pdf Vital Record Request Form]<br>


''County Courthouses''<br>
The Family History Library has acquired copies of the marriage records for&nbsp;most of the Wyoming counties from the Wyoming State Archives. These copies generally date from the earliest entries to about 1930. For example, the library has Sheridan County marriage records (1888 to 1925) and marriage licenses (1888 to 1916).
Contact the county clerk directly where the couple married for unrestricted records. They do not have birth or death records.<br>
*[https://sos.wyo.gov/elections/docs/wycountyclerks.pdf Wyoming County Clerks]<ref>Contacted Wyoming Department of Health to verify on Oct 31, 2024</ref><br>


More than 23,800 early marriages are&nbsp;indexed&nbsp;on the Western States Marriage Index (website).


Eloping couples from Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Colorado went to Evanston, (Uinta County) Wyoming to be married. There was little or no paper or waiting period between the time of issuing a license and the performance of the marriage.


=== Divorce Records  ===


[[Category:Sandbox]]
== Substitute Records  ==


== Coverage and Compliance ==
[[Wyoming Church Records|Wyoming Church Records]]
'''Birth and Death Records'''<br>
*Birth records are on file since July 1909. Compliance by the public mostly by 1922.
*Death records are on file since July 1909. Some deaths were unreported, especially when the family did not use a Funeral Home.
<br>
'''Marriage Records'''<br>
*Marriage records generally had high compliance by the public from when the county was organized.<ref>"Vital Statistic Services," Wyoming State Health Department, https://health.wyo.gov/admin/vitalstatistics/, accessed 15 November 2024.</ref>


== Information in the Records ==
[[Wyoming Cemeteries|Wyoming Cemetery Records]]  
=== Birth Records ===
{| class="wikitable" width="30%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="right"
|-
| colspan="2" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="center" | '''Wyoming Birth Records May Include*'''
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Name of Child'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Birth Date/Place'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Sex/Race'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Parents' Names'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Parents' Birthplace'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''# of Children Born/Living'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Residence/Occupation'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Midwife/Doctor'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| colspan = "2" |* Early records may have less<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;information
|}
Birth records began in 1909 by the State of Wyoming. Counties sent all birth records to the state.<br>
<br>
'''Delayed Birth Records'''<br>
*Wyoming began keeping delayed birth certificates in the 1920s.<br>
*Delayed birth records were used in the 1940s for adults without birth certificates [[United_States_Delayed_Birth_Records|delayed birth certificates]] in order to be eligible for [[United_States_Social_Security_Administration_Records|Social Security]] benefits.<br>
<br>
''See also:''
*[[GuidedResearch:Wyoming|Wyoming Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Wyoming Birth Records|How to Find Wyoming Birth Records]]
*[[United States Birth Records|United States Birth Records]]
*[[United_States_Delayed_Birth_Records|United States Delayed Birth Records]]
*[[How to Find Birth Information in the United States|How to Find Birth Information in the United States]]
*[[United States, How to Use Birth Records|United States How to Use Birth Records]]
<div style="clear:both"></div>


=== Marriage Records ===
[[Wyoming Census|Wyoming Census]]  
{| class="wikitable" width="30%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="right"
|-
| colspan="2" valign="middle" height="50" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="center" | '''Wyoming Marriage Records May Include:*'''
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Names of Bride/Groom**'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Date/Place of Marriage'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Presiding Official'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''# of Times Married'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Dates/Places of Birth'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Residences/Race'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" | x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Parents' Names'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| colspan = "2" |* Early records may have less information<br>** May be previous married name of bride
|-
|}
*There was little or no waiting period between the time of issuing a license and the performance of the marriage.<br>
*The couple provided information at the time of the marriage.<ref>''Is This A Primary Source?" The Wyoming State Archives, https://gowyld.libguides.com/c.php?g=737612&p=5272945, accessed 15 November 2024.</ref>
<br>
'''[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Gretna Greens]].''' When an eloping, couples would get married in alternate places instead of the county they lived in.<br> For those from Wyoming, these locations include:<ref>Arlene H. Eakle, "Have you searched and searched for a marriage without finding it?" in ''Genealogy Blog'' at http://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/2007/02/19/have-you-searched-and-searched-for-the-marriage-without-finding-it/ (accessed 8 January 2011).</ref>
*[[Uinta County, Wyoming Genealogy|Evanstibm Uinta County, Wyoming]]
*[[Bear Lake County, Idaho Genealogy|Paris, Bear Lake County, Idaho]]
<br>
''See also:''
*[[GuidedResearch:Wyoming|Wyoming Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Wyoming Marriage Records|How to Find Wyoming Marriage Records]]
*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]
*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States How to Use Marriage Records]]
*[[Wyoming_Divorce_Records|Wyoming Divorce Records]]<br>
<div style="clear:both"></div>


=== Death Records ===
[[Wyoming Newspapers|Wyoming Newspapers]]  
{| class="wikitable" width="30%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="right"
|-
| colspan="2" valign="middle" height="50" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="center" | '''Wyoming Death Records May Include:*'''
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Name of Decedent'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Date/Place of Death'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Sex/Race'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Occupation'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Age/Date of Birth'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''State/Country of Birth'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Length of Residence'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Name of Spouse'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Parents' Names'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Birth Places of Parents'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Physician'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Cause of Death'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Informant'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Cemetery'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| colspan = "2" | * Early records may have less information
|}
A few Wyoming counties kept records of deaths a couple years prior to state registration in 1909. All death records were then sent to the state. <br>
<br>
''See also:''
*[[GuidedResearch:Wyoming|Wyoming Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Wyoming Death Records|How to Find Wyoming Death Records]]
*[[United States Death Records|United States Death Records]]
*[[United States, How to Find Death Records|United States How to Find Death Records]]
*[[United States, How to Use Death Records|United States How to Use Death Records]]
<br>
'''Cause of Death'''<br>
*[[Historical Causes of Death|Causes of Death]] - use this resource when trying to interpret a disease or medical condition listed on a death, record or certificate.
<div style="clear:both"></div>


== Additional Information ==
[[Wyoming Periodicals|Wyoming Periodicals]]  
''See also:''<br>
*[[Wyoming Guided Research|Wyoming Guided Research]]
*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
*[https://genealogytrails.com/wyo/ GenealogyTrails Wyoming]
*[http://wygenweb.com/ US GenWeb Wyoming]
*[https://www.blacksheepancestors.com/ Black Sheep Ancestors]
*''Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in Wyoming,'' by Historical Records Survey, Division of Community Service Programs, Work Projects Administration. Cheyenne, WY: s.n., 1941. {{FSC|567834|item|disp=FS Catalog book 978.7 V23g; microfilm 6075744}} {{WorldCat|865965132|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' {{FSC|TITLENUMBER|567834|disp=FamilySearch Catalog}}(*).


== Strategy ==
[[Wyoming Military Records|Wyoming Military Records]]  
'''Tips for Using Vital Records'''<br>
*Certificate or record is not found:
#Couples often married in the county where bride lived or they may have eloped
#Search the towns and cities where the event took place. Also search surrounding counties to locate the document.
#The record may not exist because of record loss at the the county courthouse. See [[Wyoming Vital Records#Burned, Lost, or Missing Records|Burned, Lost, or Missing Records]].
#The event may not have been recorded by the government at that time. [[Wyoming Vital Records#Substitute Records|Substitute Records]].
*Examine the record to determine accuracy:
#Person providing information may not remember events accurately
#Informant may not have been present at the time of the event
#Informant may give false information to hide age, race, religion, or illegitimacy
#Grieving relatives may not have remembered correctly
*Review the informant on the document:
#Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record
#See if records about the informant may have clues about the family
#Verify vital information with other sources <br>
:''See also:''<br>
:* [[Wyoming Research Tips and Strategies]]
:* [[United States Basic Search Strategies]]
:* [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]


== Tips  ==


===Burned, Lost, or Missing Records===
*Information listed on vital records is given by and informant.&nbsp; Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record.&nbsp; The closer the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) and whether or not the informant was present at the time of the event can help determine the accuracy of the information.
There is no known record loss in the counties of Wyoming.
*If you are unable&nbsp;to locate vital records&nbsp;recorded by governments, search for church records of christening, marriage, death or burial.&nbsp; A family Bible may have been used to record births, marriages and deaths.
*Privacy laws may restrict your access to some vital records.&nbsp; Copies of some vital records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except a direct relative.
*Search for Vital Records in the Family History Libray catalog by using a '''Place Search''' and then choosing '''Vital Records'''.&nbsp; Search for '''Wyoming''' to locate records filed by the State and then search the '''name of the county''' to locate records kept by the county.


== Archives, Libraries and Societies  ==


===Substitute Records===
[[Wyoming Archives and Libraries|Wyoming Archives and Libraries]]  
For other records that may give birth, marriage, or death information, see:
*[[Wyoming_Substitute Records|Wyoming Substitute Records]]
*[[Substitute_Records_For_United_States_Birth_Information|Substitute Records for United States Birth Information]]
*[[Substitute_Records_for_United_States_Marriage_Information|Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information]]
*[[Substitute_Records_For_United_States_Death_Information|Substitute Records for United States Death Information]]


== References ==
[[Wyoming Societies|Wyoming Societies]]


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== References  ==


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[[Category:Wyoming Vital Records]] [[Category:Wyoming, United States]]
[[Category:Wyoming|Vital]] [[Category:Record_Types_of_the_United_States]] [[Category:United_States_Vital_Records]]

Revision as of 08:14, 13 May 2010

United States > Wyoming > Wyoming Vital Records
Introduction to Vital Records

Vital Records consist of births, adoptions, marriages, divorces, and deaths recorded on registers, certificates, and documents. United States Vital Records has additional research guidance on researching and using vital records. A copy or an extract of most original records can be purchased from the Wyoming Vital Records State Department of Health or the County Clerk's office of the county where the event occurred.

 
Vital Records.jpg
  

Birth Records Marriage Records  Death/Will Records


Wyoming Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online[edit | edit source]

The following is a list of online resources useful for locating Wyoming Vital Records which consist of births, adoptions, marriages, divorces, and deaths. Most online resources for Wyoming Vital Records are indexes. After locating a person in an index always consult the original record to confirm the information in the index.

If you are aware of other online databases, please feel free to add them.

Birth and Death Records [edit | edit source]

Statewide registration of births and deaths in Wyoming began in July 1909, and was generally complied with by 1922. Individuals who were born prior to 1909, or who for some reason did not have a birth certificate, could apply for a delayed birth certificate. The Wyoming Vital Records Services began keeping delayed birth certificates in the 1920s.

For copies of state birth and death records write to:

Vital Records Services
Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Telephone: 307-777-7591
Fax: 307-635-4103
Internet: Wyoming Vital Statistics Services Program

The current fees for obtaining copies of the state's records are listed in Where to Write for Vital Records: Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces. [1]Copies of this booklet are at the Family History Library and at many Family History Centers. You can also write to the Vital Records Services for current information.

Copies of the birth records can only be released to those named on the certificate unless you can provide proof of the person's death. You will also need to state your relationship to the individual and your purpose for obtaining the record.

The Family History Library has not acquired copies of the state birth and death records.

County Records of Births and Deaths[edit | edit source]

A few Wyoming counties kept records of births and deaths a few years prior to state registration. For information about pre-1909 birth and death records, write to the local county clerk. The records in the county courthouses are open to the public, but the Family History Library has not acquired copies of these records. The library has a few records, such as birth registers and coroner's reports, that have been transcribed and published. The county clerk does not usually keep copies of birth and death records filed after July 1909.

Adoption Records[edit | edit source]

open / closed / state statues

Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

Statewide registration of marriages began in May 1941. For information about marriage records kept after that date, write to the Vital Records Services. Copies of the records can be released only to the individuals named on the certificate, unless you provide proof of death. The Family History Library does not have copies of these records (see county recording of marriages).

County Records of Marriages[edit | edit source]

Many counties began recording marriages soon after the county was organized. Some county records begin as early as the 1860s, such as the Albany County marriage records that begin in 1869. The office of the county clerk for each county maintains the county marriage records from the earliest dates to the present. Most counties have indexed their marriage records, and the files are open to the public. Beginning in 1941, county clerks have sent duplicate copies of marriage records to the Vital Records Services.

The Family History Library has acquired copies of the marriage records for most of the Wyoming counties from the Wyoming State Archives. These copies generally date from the earliest entries to about 1930. For example, the library has Sheridan County marriage records (1888 to 1925) and marriage licenses (1888 to 1916).

More than 23,800 early marriages are indexed on the Western States Marriage Index (website).

Eloping couples from Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Colorado went to Evanston, (Uinta County) Wyoming to be married. There was little or no paper or waiting period between the time of issuing a license and the performance of the marriage.

Divorce Records[edit | edit source]

Substitute Records[edit | edit source]

Wyoming Church Records

Wyoming Cemetery Records

Wyoming Census

Wyoming Newspapers

Wyoming Periodicals

Wyoming Military Records

Tips[edit | edit source]

  • Information listed on vital records is given by and informant.  Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record.  The closer the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) and whether or not the informant was present at the time of the event can help determine the accuracy of the information.
  • If you are unable to locate vital records recorded by governments, search for church records of christening, marriage, death or burial.  A family Bible may have been used to record births, marriages and deaths.
  • Privacy laws may restrict your access to some vital records.  Copies of some vital records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except a direct relative.
  • Search for Vital Records in the Family History Libray catalog by using a Place Search and then choosing Vital Records.  Search for Wyoming to locate records filed by the State and then search the name of the county to locate records kept by the county.

Archives, Libraries and Societies[edit | edit source]

Wyoming Archives and Libraries

Wyoming Societies

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Hyattsville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 1993; Family History Library book 973 V24wv.