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== ''[[United States|United States]] &gt; [[Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania]] &gt&; Pennsylvania Vital Records'' {{Adoption PARoots}} <br><br>Introduction to Vital Records  ==
{{PA-sidebar}}
 
{{breadcrumb
[[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.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/genealogy_requests/14125 Pennsylvania Vital Records State Department of Health] or the&nbsp;County Clerk's office of the county where the event occurred. The Department of Health has birth and death certificates registered in Pennsylvania from 1906 to the present. For records prior to that date, contact the appropriate county. Marriage and divirce records are usually obtained from the courthouse in the county where the marriage license was issued or divorce decree was granted.
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| link2=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. Vital Records]]
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| link3=[[Pennsylvania, United States Genealogy|Pennsylvania]]
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| link5=[[Pennsylvania Vital Records|Vital Records]]
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<div style="width:23%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__
</div>
== Pennsylvania Vital Records Dates ==
{| class="wikitable" width="40%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
| width="8%" align="center" | '''Government Registration'''
| width="11%" bgcolor="#e7f8fe" align="center" | '''[[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Birth_Records|Births]]'''
| width="10%" bgcolor="#e7f8fe" align="center" | '''[[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Marriage_Records|Marriages]]'''
| width="11%" bgcolor="#e7f8fe" align="center" | '''[[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Death_Records|Deaths]]'''
|-
|-
| width="44%" | __TOC__
| width="8%" bgcolor="#e7f8fe" align="left" | '''County/Town'''  
| valign="middle" | <center>'''&nbsp; [[Image:Vital Records.jpg|center|250px]]&nbsp;&nbsp; '''<br></center>
| width="11%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1893
{| style="width: 396px; height: 75px" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="396" align="center"
| width="10%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1885
| width="11%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1893
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" valign="middle" align="center" | '''Birth Records'''  
| width="8%" bgcolor="#e7f8fe" align="left" | '''Statewide Registration'''  
| bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" valign="middle" align="center" | '''Marriage Records'''&nbsp;
| width="11%" align="center" | January 1906
| bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" valign="middle" align="center" | '''Death/Will'''&nbsp;'''Records'''
| width="10%" align="center" | None
| width="11%" align="center" | January 1906
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" valign="middle" align="center" | State began 1906
| colspan="4"*<br>|See [[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Coverage and Compliance|Coverage and Compliance]] for details
| bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" valign="middle" align="center" | See county records
| bgcolor="#ffffcc" height="35" valign="middle" align="center" | State began 1906
|}
|}
<div style="clear:left"></div>


<br>
== Online Resources ==


|}
===Births===
*'''1520-1999''' {{RecordSearch|4138679|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Births and Baptisms, 1520-1999}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Births and Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1675-1875''' {{FSC|555301|item|disp=Complete Name Index to ''Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875''}} at FamilySearch Catalog(*) microfilm 1597740 Item 6; {{WorldCat|866538853|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}};<ref>The original collections may be viewed at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, per [https://genpa.org/public-collections/surname-index-to-gsp-manuscripts-collections/ Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. Viewed 4/7/2025</ref>
*'''1709-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1681005|Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1791-1815''' {{FSC|271764|item|disp=Old German Midwife's Records, 1791-1815}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images<ref>The originals are at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.</ref>
*'''1852-1854''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2349 Pennsylvania Births, 1852-1854] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1852-1854''' {{FSC|283624|item|disp=Pennsylvania, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1852-1854}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — index and images<ref>Full collection at the Pennsylvania State Archives. This FamilySearch Library collection does not include the counties of Blair, Clarion, Erie, Forest, Lehigh, Monroe, Montour, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, and Union. Cameron, Lackawanna, and Snyder counties were formed after 1854.</ref>
*'''1905-1915''' [http://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Birth-Indices.aspx Birth Indices] at Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission — images
*'''1906-1914''' [http://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Birth-Indices.aspx Pennsylvania State Archives Birth Index 1906-1914].
*'''1906-1915''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60484 Pennsylvania Birth Certificates, 1906-most currently released] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1941-1976''' {{RecordSearch|3743274|Pennsylvania Delayed Birth Records, 1941-1976}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania Delayed Birth Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images


== Pennsylvania&nbsp;Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online  ==
===Marriages===
*'''Pre-1699''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2081 American Marriages Before 1699] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''Pre-1810''' ''Record of Pennsylvania Marriages, Prior to 1810,'' by Pennsylvania Archives. Baltimore: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1968. 2 v. {{FSC|284981|item|disp=FS Catalog fiche 6049248-9}}; {{WorldCat|866597903|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' [https://books.google.com/books?id=j4UpsDxHI8YC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false Google Books] (vol. 1 only)<ref>This was reprinted from Pennsylvania Archives, series 2, volumes 8 and 9, and is mostly from church records.</ref>
*'''1512-1989''' {{RecordSearch|4138689|Pennsylvania Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1512-1989}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; ''Also at: [https://search.findmypast.com/results/world-records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-marriages Findmypast] ($)''
*'''1600s-1900s''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania US Marriages – Pennsylvania] at Findmypast — index & images ($)
*'''1626-2016''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania United States Marriages – Pennsylvania, 1626-2016] at Findmypast - index and some images ($)
*'''1677-1950''' {{RecordSearch|2466357|Pennsylvania Civil Marriages, 1677-1950}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania, Civil Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1684-1689''' {{FSC|189466|item|disp=Marriage register of Pennsylvania, 1684 to 1689}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images<ref>From records from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.</ref>
*'''1700-1821''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2383 Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1700-1821] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1709-1940''' {{RecordSearch|1681011|Pennsylvania Marriages, 1709-1940}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1775-1991''' {{RecordSearch|1589502|Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1775-1991}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1823-Onward''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20625/pennsylvania-marriages?s=275764761 Pennsylvania Marriages] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1845-1963''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61324 Pennsylvania County Marriages, 1845-1963] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1852-1854''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2486 Pennsylvania Marriages, 1852-1854] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1852-1854''' {{FSC|283624|item|disp=Pennsylvania, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1852-1854}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — index and images<ref>Full collection at the Pennsylvania State Archives. This FamilySearch Library collection does not include the counties of Blair, Clarion, Erie, Forest, Lehigh, Monroe, Montour, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, and Union. Cameron, Lackawanna, and Snyder counties were formed after 1854. </ref>
*'''1885-1889''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2489 Pennsylvania Marriage Records, 1885-1889] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1885-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1589502|Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images<br>


The following is a list of online resources useful for locating Pennsylvania Vital Records which consist of [[United States Birth Records|births]], adoptions, [[United States Marriage Records|marriages]], divorces, and [[United States Death Records|deaths]]. Check [[Pennsylvania_Vital_Records|Pennsylvania Vital Records&nbsp;Online]] for more information about the resources listed below. Most online resources for Pennsylvania 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>'''
===Deaths===
*'''1720-1999''' {{RecordSearch|3535178|Pennsylvania Deaths and Burials, 1720-1999}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1794-1873''' {{FSC|304019|item|disp=Death Warrants, 1794-1873}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images<ref>Pennsylvania. Governor. ''Death Warrants, 1794-1873''. These records are warrants for the executions of convicted criminals.</ref>
*'''1850-1880''' {{RecordSearch|3512181|Pennsylvania Mortality Schedules, 1850-1880}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania Mortality Schedules- FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1852-1854''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2487 Pennsylvania Deaths, 1852-1854] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1852-1854''' {{FSC|283624|item|disp=Pennsylvania, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1852-1854}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog; — index and images<ref>Full collection at the Pennsylvania State Archives. This FamilySearch Library collection does not include the counties of Blair, Clarion, Erie, Forest, Lehigh, Monroe, Montour, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, and Union. Cameron, Lackawanna, and Snyder counties were formed after 1854.</ref>
*'''1856-1971''' {{RecordSearch|4138690|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Deaths and Burials, 1856-1971}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Deaths and Burials - Familysearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1906-1964''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10724/pennsylvania-death-index-1906-1964?utm_source=organic_blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=supersearch&tr_funnel=supersearch&tr_country=US&tr_creative=aug19historicalrecords&utm_content=aug19historicalrecords Pennsylvania Death Index, 1906-1964] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1906-1969''' [http://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Death-Indices.aspx Pennsylvania Death Index] at Pennsylvania State Archives - index
*'''1906-1971''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5164 Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-most currently released] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-deaths-and-burials Historical Society Of Pennsylvania, Deaths & Burials] at Findmypast — index & images ($)


*USGenWeb.org [http://www.pagenweb.org/ Pennsylvania Site] - Free
===Divorce===
*Search for Pennsylvania 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
*See [[Pennsylvania Divorce Records|Pennsylvania Divorce Records]] for more resources.
*The Vital Records Search and Information Directory [http://www.daddezio.com/records/room/RR-PA-NDX.html for Pennsylvania ]- Free/$
*Wee Monster Links for Pennsylvania [http://www.germanroots.com/vitalrecords.html#Pennsylvania Birth &amp; Marriage]&nbsp;and [http://www.germanroots.com/deathrecords.html Death] Records -&nbsp;Free/$
*Linkpendium Links for [http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/PA/ Pennsylvania Genealogy and History], including individual Counties&nbsp;-&nbsp;Free/$&nbsp;
*Progenealogists Links for the [http://progenealogists.com/genealogysleuthb.htm United States]. Press '''Ctrl + F''' on the keyboard to search for '''Pennsylvania''' or&nbsp;'''PA''' -&nbsp;Free/$
*Search the [http://www.ancestryinstitution.com/search/locality/dbpage.aspx?tp=2&p=41&categoryFilterID=34&showPaging=true Pennsylvania Birth, Marriage &amp; Death] Records at Ancestry.com - $&nbsp;
*Order [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/genealogy_requests/14125 Pennsylvania Certificates] online -&nbsp;<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247073573052_30" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247073573052_178" />$&nbsp;


If you are aware of other online databases, please feel free to add them.  
==Print Publications==
*''Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875,'' by Charles Adam Fisher. Reprint of 1947 edition; Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1979. {{FSC|282865|item|disp=FS Catalog Book 974.8 V2fi; film 1597740 item 6}}<ref>This book contains church and cemetery records as well as birth dates, many from sources never before published, in the counties of Berks, Juniata, Lebanon, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union.</ref>
*''Genealogical abstracts of the Laws of Pennsylvania & the Statutes at large'', by Candy Crocker Livengood. Westminster, Maryland: Family Line Publications, c1990. {{FSC|408852|item|disp=FS Catalog book 974.8 P38L}}; {{WorldCat|22896734|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}<ref> "The Statutes at Large... [include] name changes, children being legitimized for inheritances, divorces and annulments,...." [and much much more.] "This book is a comprehensive abstraction of every name from every book beginning in 1683...." p. iii.</ref>
*''Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1790: Names of Persons for whom Marriage Licenses were Issued in the Province of Pennsylvania Previous to 1790,'' compiled by John B. Linn and William H. Egle. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1984. {{FSC|455657|item|disp=FS Catalog book 974.8 V2n 2001}}; {{WorldCat|20287360|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}};<ref>Originally published as Volume II, second series, Pennsylvania Archives, Harrisburg, 1890.</ref>
*''Pennsylvania Vital Records From the Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine and the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography.'' 3 vols. Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1983. {{FSC|8392|item|disp=FS Library Book 974.8 V2p}}<ref>Includes most records of births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths published in those magazines.</ref>
*''Record of Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1810,'' by John B. Linn and William H. Egle. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1968. {{FSC|545541|item|disp=FS Catalog book 974.8 V2r 1987 v.2}}


== Birth Records  ==
== Get Copies ==
''Restrictions:''<br>
*Birth records 105 years and older are public records
*Death records 50 years and older are public records<ref>[https://www.google.com/search?q=years+of+laws+for+pennsylvania+vital+records+&sca_esv=dae00c36fa947bf4&sxsrf=AHTn8zq5xKgIGH2oEhlLokFlLyE_nOAljw%3A1742946092903&ei=LD_jZ-n1Nv65kPIP1NnjuA0&ved=0ahUKEwjpu-uVtKaMAxX-HEQIHdTsGNcQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=years+of+laws+for+pennsylvania+vital+records+&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiLXllYXJzIG9mIGxhd3MgZm9yIHBlbm5zeWx2YW5pYSB2aXRhbCByZWNvcmRzIDIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRirAjIFECEYqwIyBRAhGJ8FMgUQIRifBTIFECEYnwVI1YIBULYWWM11cAJ4AJABAJgBgQGgAdINqgEEMy4xM7gBA8gBAPgBAZgCEaACtA3CAgoQABiwAxjWBBhHwgIHECMYsAIYJ8ICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIIEAAYogQYiQXCAgoQIRigARjDBBgKwgIIECEYoAEYwwTCAgUQABjvBZgDAIgGAZAGBpIHBDQuMTOgB_ZVsgcEMi4xM7gHqg0&sclient=gws-wiz-serp ''VITAL STATISTICS LAW OF 1953''] PA General Assembly. access March 25, 2025</ref>
*Marriage records in Pennsylvania are public, though specific details like Social Security numbers are restricted from view<ref>[https://www.google.com/search?q=restrictions+for+ordering+marriage+records+in+pennsylvania&sca_esv=dae00c36fa947bf4&sxsrf=AHTn8zr7V6AgUnPVn_thaISpq0G5Xza_Aw%3A1742946448313&ei=kEDjZ-PsEtjKkPIP4_a52Qw&ved=0ahUKEwjj9Ke_taaMAxVYJUQIHWN7LssQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=restrictions+for+ordering+marriage+records+in+pennsylvania&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiOnJlc3RyaWN0aW9ucyBmb3Igb3JkZXJpbmcgbWFycmlhZ2UgcmVjb3JkcyBpbiBwZW5uc3lsdmFuaWEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYqwIyBRAhGJ8FMgUQIRifBTIFECEYnwUyBRAhGJ8FSKyFAlAAWMXxAXADeACQAQCYAesBoAGCLKoBBzEwLjQwLjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAiqgAtsjwgIHECMYsAIYJ8ICBxAAGIAEGA3CAgoQIRigARjDBBgKwgIIECEYoAEYwwTCAggQABiABBiiBMICBRAAGO8FwgIIEAAYogQYiQXCAgQQIRgKmAMAkgcGMy4zOC4xoAfs9QGyBwYwLjM4LjG4B9Aj&sclient=gws-wiz-serp Google AI Overview] in response to query "restrictions for ordering marriage records in pennsylvania", accessed 25 March 2025</ref>


=== Statewide Records of Births and Deaths  ===


Statewide registration of births and deaths began in January, 1906, and was generally complied with by 1915. You can obtain copies by writing to:  
'''Pennsylvania Department of Health'''<br>
Division of Vital Records<br>
Health and Human Services Building, 8th Floor West<br>
625 Forster Street<br>
Harrisburg, PA 171202<br>
''Order copies:'' PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103<br>
Phone: 724-656-3100 or toll free 844-228-3516 <br>
[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records.html.html Website]<br>


'''Division of Vital Statistics<br>State Department of Health'''<br>Health and Welfare Building<br>8th Floor West<br>625 Forster Street<br>Harrisburg, PA 17120<br>Telephone (877) 724-3258 (1-877-PA-HEALTH)<br>Internet: [http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?A=168&Q=229939 Division of Vital Statistics]<br>
* [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/birth-certificates.html#accordion-8440e572be-item-b9ee96eaf3 ''Ordering A Birth Certificate''] 1906-present; slide to "Who Can Apply for a Birth Certificate"
* Genealogy requests: Requirements relaxed, must provide the person's proof of death
* [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/death-certificates.html#accordion-9ca4d1fb9c-item-a2c0a81509 ''Ordering a Death Certificate''] 1906-present; slide to "Who Can Apply for a Death Certificate"
* Links to order forms: [https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/certificates-and-records/Application_for_a_Birth_Certificate.pdf Birth], [https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/certificates-and-records/Application%20for%20a%20Death%20Certificate.pdf Death]
*[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/multi-year-searches.html Multi-Year Search Information]


State your relationship to the individual you want information about and your reason. The current fees for obtaining copies of the state's records are available at [http://www.vitalrec.com/ Vitalrec.com]. You can also write to the [http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?A=168&Q=229939 Division of Vital Statistics] for current information.
''Other walk-in locations include:''<br>
*[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/Erie.aspx#.Vo2Skb_0_y0 Erie]
*[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/Harrisburg.aspx#.Vo2Stb_0_y0 Harrisbug]
*[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/New%20Castle.aspx#.Vo2S0L_0_y0 New Castle]
*[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/Pittsburgh.aspx#.Vo2S6r_0_y0 Pittsburgh]
*[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/Scranton.aspx#.Vo2THb_0_y0 Scranton]
*[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/Philadelphia.aspx#.Vo2TRL_0_y0 Philadelphia]


=== Local Records of Births and Deaths  ===


The Register of [[Pennsylvania Probate Records|Wills]] in most counties kept records of births and deaths for the years 1852-1854.  
'''Pennsylvania State Archives'''<br>
1681 N. Sixth St.<br>
Harrisburg, PA 17102-1106<br>
Phone: (717) 783-3281<br>
Email: [mailto:ra-statearchives@pa.gov ra-statearchives@pa.gov]<br>
[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/research-online/vital-statistics-records.html Website]<br>


Counties began registering births and deaths by 1893. Some counties (Chester, Cumberland, Fulton) and the City of Philadelphia began about 1873 or before. Birth and death registration continued until the state took over the responsibility in 1906.  
*They have original birth certificates for 1906-1919 and death certificates for 1906-1974 <ref>[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/research-online/vital-statistics-records.html ''Vital Records''] at Pennsylvania State Archives, accessed 22 March 2025</ref>
*They do not issue certified copies
* Mail in request forms: [https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/phmc/documents/archives/documents/Pennsylvania-State-Archives-Vital-Records-Request-Form.pdf PDF form];  [https://paggdc.powerappsportals.us/NonCertifiedCopyOfBirthorDeathCertificatOrderForm/ Fill in online]


Vital records were also kept by some of the larger cities. The library has birth and death records on microfilm for the cities of Altoona, Harrisburg, Johnstown, McKeesport, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, Scranton, Wilkinsburg, Williamsport, and York.  
'''County Courthouses'''<br>
*Prior to 1906, Pennsylvania births and deaths were recorded only sporadically by the counties and some cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.<ref>[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/research-online/vital-statistics-records.html ''Vital Statistics Records''] ibid.</ref>
*Births, marriages, and deaths were recorded by the Clerk of Orphans Court at each county courthouse.<ref>[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/research-online/vital-statistics-records.html Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, accessed 3/25/2025</ref><ref>[https://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/5828/Marriage-Records ''Guide to Marriage Records''] by Chester County Archives, accessed 25 March, 2025</ref>
*List of [https://www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/orphans-court-clerks County Orphans Court Clerks]


=== Other records include:  ===
== Coverage and Compliance ==


*''Old German Midwife's Records, 1791-1815''. <ref>''Old German Midwife's Records, 1791-1815''. (Family History Library film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;filmno=383294 383294].) </ref>The originals are at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.&nbsp;
''Coverage included:''<br>
*Residents of the area
*In the early registration years, there may be under-representation for Blacks/African Americans and other groups


The Family History Library has ''Pennsylvania, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Births, Marriages, and Deaths'' on File at the State Archives, 1852-1854. <ref>''Pennsylvania, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Births, Marriages, and Deaths''(Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;filmno=1016403 films 1016403]-8). </ref>The Library does not have 1852-1854 records for the counties of Blair, Clarion, Erie, Forest, Lehigh, Monroe, Montour, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, and Union. Cameron, Lackawanna, and Snyder counties were formed after 1854.


*Pennsylvania. Governor. ''Death Warrants, 1794-1873''. <ref>''Death Warrants, 1794-1873''. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;filmno=1016409 films 1016409]-12.) </ref>These records are warrants for the executions of convicted criminals.&nbsp;
''Births and Deaths:''<br>
*1852-1854 Very low compliance<br>
*1893-1906 Much higher compliance, especially when midwives, doctors, or funeral homes were used
*1960-present General compliance by 1915
*Births are collected by county clerk of the Orphans Court as reported by hospitals, midwives, birthing centers, parents, etc.
*Death records are also collected by the county clerk of the Orphans Court as reported by funeral homes, medical examiners, physicians, hospitals, relatives, etc.


*Funeral records issued by a funeral home include financial records (cost of casket, dressings, etc.), funeral cards given out at the time of the funeral, etc. These records usually give the name of the deceased, when and where buried, if shipped out to another funeral home, purchaser of cemetery plot, etc. The Family History Library has many records of funeral homes.


*''Complete Name Index to Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875''. <ref>Santos, Carile. ''Complete Name Index to Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875''. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;filmno=1597740 film 1597740] item 6.) </ref>
''Marriages:''<br>  
*Generally high compliance from 1885
*Couples often married in the county where bride lived or they may have eloped


=== Delayed Registration of Birth Records  ===
== Information in the 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" | '''Pennsylvania 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 information
|}


Births before 1906 that were not registered at the time of the birth may have been registered beginning in 1941. To prove a birth, several witnesses were required to sign affidavits before the orphans' court which would then issue a birth certificate. Delayed registration of births began in various counties in different years, usually in 1941, and continued until about 1976.  
[[United_States_Birth_Records#Content_of_Birth_Records|Information in birth records]] can vary, depending upon the who made the report (midwife,  doctor, parent, etc.).
*Births are collected by county clerk of the Orphans Court


The Registrar of Vital Statistics at the county seat. Write for information.


An example of delayed registration of births is ''Pennsylvania, Orphans' Court (Bucks County), Delayed Special Registration of Births and Index, 1941-1972''. <ref>''Pennsylvania, Orphans' Court (Bucks County), Delayed Special Registration of Births and Index, 1941-1972'' (Family History Library films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=265163&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Delayed+special+registration+of+births+f%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 927594-605]). </ref>
'''Delayed Birth Records'''<br>
[[United_States_Delayed_Birth_Records|Delayed birth records]] were created in the 1940s for adults without birth certificates in order to be eligible for [[United_States_Social_Security_Administration_Records|Social Security]] benefits or for passports.<br>


The Family History Library. Microfilm records are available for all counties EXCEPT Carbon, Chester, Huntingdon, Lehigh, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Union.
''See also:''<br>
*[[GuidedResearch:Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Pennsylvania Birth Records|How to Find Pennsylvania 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]]


== Marriage Records  ==
<div style="clear:both"></div>
=== Marriage Records ===
{| class="wikitable" width="30%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="right"
|-
| colspan="2" valign="middle" height="50" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="center" | '''Pennsylvania 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
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Witnesses'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| colspan = "2" |* Early records may have less information<br>** May be previous married name of bride
|-
|}


Pennsylvania counties recorded few civil marriage records before 1885. As a general rule, make applications to the Marriage License Clerk, County Courthouse, in the county where licenses were issued.&nbsp;However, many marriages before then will be found in church records.
Most county clerks of the Orphans Court began recording and retaining marriage records beginning in October 1885. <br>
*The persons performing the marriages (usually ministers or justices of the peace) send the "returns" to the clerks
*These records can include applications for licenses, marriage licenses, and marriage returns<ref>See [[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]] for a good explanation of each type of marriage record.</ref>
*The couple or a parent provided information
*Individual counties or cities such as Philadelphia may have recorded marriages earlier


<br>


*''Marriage Register of Pennsylvania, 1684 to 1689''. <ref>''Marriage Register of Pennsylvania, 1684 to 1689''. (Family History Library film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=189466&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriage+register+of+Pennsylvania%2C+168%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 20438 item 4].) </ref>This contains mainly Quaker records in Philadelphia.
'''[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Gretna Greens]].''' When eloping, couples would get married in alternate places instead of the county they lived in.<br> For those from Pennsylvania, 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><br>
*[[Berks County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Reading, Berks, Pennsylvania]]
*[[Washington County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|West Alexander, Washington, Pennsylvania]]
*[[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania]]
*[[Cecil County, Maryland Genealogy|Elkton, Cecil, Maryland]]
*[[Howard County, Maryland Genealogy|Howard County, Maryland]]
*[[Prince William County, Virginia|Prince William County, Virginia]]
*[[Niagara County, New York Genealogy|Niagara Falls, New York]]


*Pennsylvania. Supreme Executive Council. ''Marriage Bonds, 1784-1786''. <ref>''Marriage Bonds, 1784-1786''(Family History Library films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=685442&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriage+bonds%2C+1784%2D1786%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 1759093 item 2] through [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=685442&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriage+bonds%2C+1784%2D1786%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 1759094 item 1].) </ref>These records are alphabetically arranged by male applicant and are all at Philadelphia. They are probably the same records as those abstracted in Pennsylvania Archives, series 6, volume 6, pp. 285- 310.


*Pennsylvania. Bureau of Vital Statistics. ''Marriage Records, 1885-1889''. <ref>''Marriage Records, 1885-1889'' (Family History Library films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=11462&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriage+records%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 1027957-8].) </ref>The males are listed on the first film and the females on the second.
''See also:''
*[[GuidedResearch:Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records|How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records]]
*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]
*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States How to Use Marriage Records]]
*[[Pennsylvania_Divorce_Records|Pennsylvania Divorce Records]]


Individual counties or cities have recorded marriages. Some cities began keeping records in the early 1800s. Counties which kept birth and death records for the years 1852-1854 usually kept marriage records for the same time period. Most counties began keeping marriage records in October 1885. You can obtain copies from the clerk of the orphans' court in the appropriate county.
<div style="clear:both"></div>
=== Death Records ===
{| class="wikitable" width="30%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="right"
|-
| colspan="2" valign="middle" height="50" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="center" | '''Pennsylvania 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
|}


The Family History Library has copies of many marriage records, usually from 1885 to 1920, although some are earlier. For Philadelphia City and County, the library has:
*'''1852-1854:''' The Register of Wills in most counties kept records deaths for the years 1852-1854. However, the practice stopped due to lack of compliance
*'''1893-1906:''' Most counties began registering births and deaths in 1893
*'''1906-present:''' The state took over the responsibility in 1906. Deaths are collected by county clerk of the Orphans Court


*''Early Marriage Papers of Philadelphia County,1752- 1804''. <ref>Family History Library film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=189484&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Early+marriage+papers+of+Philadelphia+Co%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 20438 item 8]. </ref>


*''Marriages in Philadelphia, 1808-1895''. <ref>Family History Library films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=272859&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriages+in+Philadelphia%2C+1808%2D1880%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 381275-8]. </ref>
''See also:''
*[[GuidedResearch:Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Pennsylvania Death Records|How to Find Pennsylvania 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]]


*''Marriage Register of Philadelphia County, 1814 to 1839''. <ref>Family History Library film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=189470&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriage+register+of+Philadelphia+County%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 20438 item 5.] </ref>


*Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). Board of Health. ''Certificates of Marriages Before John Dennis, Alderman of Philadelphia, 1846-1852''. <ref>Family History Library film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=193210&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Certificates+of+marriages+before+John+De%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 20447 item 3]. </ref>
'''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>


*Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). Mayor. ''Marriage Records, 1857-1938''. <ref>Family History Library films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=979012&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Philadelphia+mayor%27s+marriage+records%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 974.811 V28k] </ref>
== Additional Information ==


*Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). Board of Health. ''Marriage Returns, 1860-1885, Filed by Person Performing the Ceremony''. <ref>28 Family History Library films beginning with [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=605351&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriage+returns%2C+1860%2D1885%2C+filed%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 1764889]. </ref>These records are returns of marriages arranged quarterly under the name of the person performing the marriage. They include the date of ceremony, the name, age, place of birth, and residence of parties involved; and the groom's occupation and race. The records are the source for:
''See also:''<br>
*[[Pennsylvania Guided Research|Pennsylvania Guided Research]]
*[[Pennsylvania Law and Legislation#Vital Records Laws|Pennsylvania Vital Records Laws]]
*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
*{{FSC|283700|item|disp=''W.P.A. Inventory of Vital Statistics Within Each County''}} <ref>Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Historical Records Survey, N.d. This inventory also describes many available church records.</ref> at FamilySearch Catalog(*)
*[https://pagenweb.org/resources.html Pennsylvania GenWeb] for maps, resources, and histories
*[https://genpa.org/public-collections/ ''Public Resources and Collections''] at Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania#Collections ''Collections''] at Pennsylvania Historical Society
*[https://guides.loc.gov/pennsylvania-local-history-genealogy/vital-records ''Vital Records''] part of Library of Congress, ''Pennsylvania: Local History & Genealogy Resource Guide''


*Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). Board of Health. ''Marriage Register, 1860-1885''. <ref>7 Family History Library films beginning with [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=250079&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriage+register%2C+1860%2D1885%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 978997]. </ref>These films are difficult to read in many places.
==Strategies==
*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 [[Pennsylvania 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. [[Pennsylvania 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>
<br>
{{Block indent|''See also:''}}
* [[Pennsylvania Research Tips and Strategies]]
* [[United States Basic Search Strategies]]
* [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]


*Pennsylvania. Magistrate's Court (Philadelphia). ''Record of Marriages, 1880-1908, in Magistrate's Court No. 9''. <ref>Family History Library film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=232553&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Record+of+marriages%2C+1880%2D1908%2C+in%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 475647]. </ref>
===Burned, Lost, or Missing Records===
The following counties had record loss. Click on the county for more information.<br>
{| style="width:70%; vertical-align:top;"
|-
|style="width:16%; vertical-align:top;"|
*[[Erie County, Pennsylvania Genealogy#Record Loss|Erie]]
*[[Franklin County, Pennsylvania Genealogy#Record Loss|Franklin]]
*[[Mercer County, Pennsylvania Genealogy#Record Loss|Mercer]]
|}


*Philadelphia County (Pennsylvania). ''Clerk of the Orphans' Court. Affidavit of Applicant for Marriage License 1885-1915; Index 1885-1916''. <ref>598 Family History Library films beginning with [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=217392&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Affidavit+of+applicant+for+marriage+lice%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 1290579]. </ref>
''See also:''<br>
*[[Burned Counties Research|Burned Counties Research]] for strategies to find ancestors in spite of record loss.


Justice of the Peace records may contain marriages before 1885. The library has these records from the counties of Beaver, Chester, Dauphin, Greene, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery, and Somerset. For example see:
<br>
 
===Substitute Records===
*Potter County (Pennsylvania). ''Justice of the Peace. Records, 1865-1927''. <ref>Family History Library film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=591293&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Records%2C+1865%2D1927%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 1421828]. </ref>This source contains summons, warrants, and marriages. It also includes typewritten indexes to the records and a separate typewritten index to marriages (1865-1896).
For other records that may give birth, marriage, or death information, see:
 
*[[Pennsylvania_Substitute Records|Pennsylvania Substitute Records]]
*Bucks County (Pennsylvania). ''Justice of the Peace. Register of Marriages Performed by Lewis Swift, a Justice of the Peace of Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 1835-1839''. <ref>Family History Library film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=193203&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Register+of+marriages+performed+by+Lewis%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 20447 item 3]. </ref>
*[[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]]
Published records include the following:
*[[Substitute_Records_For_United_States_Death_Information|Substitute Records for United States Death Information]]
 
Marriage licenses for 1742 to 1790 (mostly for 1744 to 1776) are in:
 
*''Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1790'' <ref>''Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1790''. 1968. Reprint, Baltimore, Maryland.: Genealogical Publishing, 1968. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=1023537&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Pennsylvania+marriages+prior+to+1790%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 974.8 V2n; film 823832 item 2].) This was reprinted from Pennsylvania Archives, series 2, volume 2. </ref>
 
=== Additional marriage records are in:  ===
 
*''List of Marriage Licenses Issued in the Secretary's Office From August 1755 through April 1759''. <ref>Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 21 (1960): 312-27. </ref>See the [[Pennsylvania Periodicals|"Periodicals]]" page.
 
*''Record of Pennsylvania Marriages, Prior to 1810''. <ref>2 vols. 1880. Reprint, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1968. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=545541&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Record+of+Pennsylvania+marriages%2C+prio%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 974.8 V2r; fiche 6049248-9.] </ref>This was reprinted from Pennsylvania Archives, series 2, volumes 8 and 9, and is mostly from church records.
 
== Death Records  ==
 
For State registration of death records, see Birth Records.
 
With the consolidation of Philadelphia City and County in 1854, all vital records after 1854 are found on the level for Philadelphia City.
 
== Adoption Records  ==
 
In Pennsylvania adoption information may be accessed by the adoptee who is 18 years or older. For persons under 18 years, information may be accessed by adoptive parents or legal guardian. However, not all the records relating to the adoption may be released.
 
For more information on Pennsylvania adoption records contact:
 
*Department of Public Welfare<br>Office of Children Youth &amp; Families<br>P.O. Box 8018 <br>Harrisburg, PA 17105 <br>Phone: (717) 787-3672&nbsp; <br>FAX: (717) 787-9706<br>[http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/department_of_health_home/17457 Pennsylvania Department of Health] <ref>Public Records Information. Pennsylvania Adoption Records. http://www.publicrecordsinfo.com/adoption_records/Pennsylvania_adoption_records.htm, 23 September 2010.</ref><br>To review laws lelating to Pennsylvania adoption research, see: [http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/infoaccessapall.pdf Access Sumary]&nbsp;and scroll to Pennsylvania <ref>U.S. Department of Human Services. ''Child Welfare Information Gateway: Access to Adoption Record: Summary of State Laws.'' http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/infoaccessapall.pdf, 3 September 2010. Information current through June 2009</ref>
 
== Divorce Records  ==
 
In Pennsylvania, divorce proceedings were usually kept by the court of common pleas. For example, see:  
 
*Pennsylvania. Court of Common Pleas (Philadelphia County). ''Divorce Docket, 1851-1874''. <ref>''Divorce Docket, 1851-1874''. (Family History Library films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=99168&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Divorce+docket%2C+1851%2D1875%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 963387]-93.) </ref>
 
*''Divorces Granted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania from December 1785 until 1801, Publications of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania''. <ref>''Divorces Granted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania from December 1785 until 1801, Publications of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania''. Vol. 1, pp. 185-92. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=55326&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Publications+of+the+Genealogical+Society%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 974.8 B2p v. 1; film 1698098 item 2].)</ref>
 
== Substitute Records  ==
 
[[Pennsylvania Church Records|Pennsylvania Church Records]]  
 
[[Pennsylvania Cemeteries|Pennsylvania Cemetery Records]]  
 
[[Pennsylvania Census|Pennsylvania Census]]
 
[[Pennsylvania Newspapers|Pennsylvania Newspapers]]
 
[[Pennsylvania Military Records|Pennsylvania Military Records]]
 
[[Pennsylvania Periodicals|Pennsylvania Periodicals]]
 
== Tips  ==
 
*Information listed on vital records is given by an 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 found on the record.
*If you are unable to locate vital records recorded by governments, search for church records of christening, marriages, 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 las 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except a direct relative.
*Search for Vital Records in the Family Hisoty Library Catalog by using a '''Place Search''' and then choosing '''Vital Records.'''&nbsp; Search for Pennsylvania to locate records filed by the State and then search the '''name of the county '''to locate records kept by the county.
 
== Family History Library Pennsylvania Vital Records Collections  ==
 
=== '''Published records include:'''  ===
 
*''Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875''. <ref>Charles Adam Fisher. ''Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875''. Reprint of 1947 edition; Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1979 (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;callno=974.8+V2fi book 974.8 V2fi]; [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlefilmnotes&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=282865&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Early+Pennsylvania+births%2C+1675-1875++ fiilm&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;982335].) </ref>This book contains church and cemetery records as well as birth dates, many from sources never before published, in the counties of Berks, Juniata, Lebanon, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union. An index to this is:
 
*Pennsylvania Vital Records From the Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine and the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography. <ref>Pennsylvania Vital Records From the Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine and the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography.3 vols. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1983. (Family History Library&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;callno=974.8+V2p book 974.8 V2p].) </ref>This contains most records of births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths published in those magazines.
 
Newspaper accounts of deaths are valuable sources for further research. The library has numerous newspaper accounts of vital records. Many obituary records have been abstracted in published books such as:
 
*''Abstracts (Mainly Deaths) From the Pennsylvania Gazette, 1775-1783'' <ref>Scott, Kenneth. ''Abstracts (Mainly Deaths) From the Pennsylvania Gazette, 1775-1783''. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1976. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;callno=974.8+A1 book 974.8 A1] no. 87.) </ref>See the [[Pennsylvania Newspapers|Pennsylvania Newspapers]] page for more information.
 
== Archives, Libraries and Societies  ==
 
[[Pennsylvania Archives and Libraries|Pennsylvania Archives and Libraries]]
 
[[Pennsylvania Societies|Pennsylvania Societies]]  
 
=== Inventory of Vital Records  ===
 
You can learn more about the history and availability of vital records in ''Inventory of Vital Statistics within Each County''. <ref>Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Historical Records Survey, N.d. (Family History Library film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;titleno=283700&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;disp=Inventory+of+vital+statistics+within+eac%20%20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 1016402].) </ref>This inventory also describes many available church records.


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}


<references />{{Place|Pennsylvania}}


[[Category:Pennsylvania|Vital Records]] [[Category:United_States_Vital_Records|Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania Vital Records]][[Category:Pennsylvania, United States]]
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