Texas Vital Records: Difference between revisions
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''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] [[Texas|Texas]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] [[Texas_Vital_Records|Vital Records]]'' | |||
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{| width=" | <br>'''Introduction to Vital Records''' | ||
[[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]] has additional research guidance on researching and using vital records. A copy or an extract of most original records can be purchased from the [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/Texas.htm Texas Vital Records State Department of Health] or the County Clerk's office of the county where the event occurred. | |||
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| valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc | | align="center" valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc" | '''Birth Records''' | ||
| valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc | | align="center" valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc" | '''Marriage Records''' | ||
| valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc | | align="center" valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc" | '''Death/Will''' '''Records''' | ||
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{{Adoption TXGenWeb}} | |||
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== Texas Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online == | == Texas Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online == | ||
{{Indexing badge | |||
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| link = https://indexing.familysearch.org/projtab/viewProject.jsf?url=US_TexasBirth_Records_1903-1934_Part_F/ProjectHelp1.html | |||
| name = US, Texas—Birth Records 1903-1934 Part F | |||
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The following is a list of online resources useful for locating Texas 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 Texas 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. | |||
*''' | === Birth === | ||
*''' | |||
*''' | *'''1840-1981''' - {{RecordSearch|1681015|Texas, Births and Christenings, 1840-1981}} - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas_Births_and_Christenings_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)|Description]]. | ||
*'''1903-1935''' - {{RecordSearch|1803956|Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935}} - free, includes images, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas_Birth_Records_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)|Description]]. | |||
*'''1837-1973''' {{RecordSearch|1681052|Texas, Marriages, 1837-1973}} | *'''1903-1997''' - {{RecordSearch|1949342|Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997}} - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas,_Birth_Index_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)|Description]]. | ||
*'''1837-1977''' {{RecordSearch|1803987|Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977}} | |||
=== Marriage === | |||
*'''1837-1973''' - {{RecordSearch|1681052|Texas, Marriages, 1837-1973}} - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas_Marriages_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)|Description]]. | |||
*'''1837-1977''' - {{RecordSearch|1803987|Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977}} - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas_County_Marriage_Records_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)|Description]]. | |||
=== Death === | === Death === | ||
*'''1890-1976''' - {{RecordSearch|1320964|Texas Deaths, 1890-1976}} - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas Death Records, 1890-1976 (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Description]]. | |||
*''' | *'''1890-1976''' - {{RecordSearch|1983324|Texas Deaths, 1890-1976 (New Images)}} - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas Death Records, 1890-1976 (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Description]]. | ||
*''' | *'''1903-1973''' - {{RecordSearch|1681049|Texas Deaths and Burials, 1903-1973}} - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas Deaths and Burials (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Description]]. | ||
*''' | *'''1903-2000''' - {{RecordSearch|1949337|Texas, Death Index, 1903-2000}} - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas, Death Index (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Description]]. | ||
*''' | *'''1964-1998''' - {{RecordSearch|1375599|Texas Death Index, 1964-1998}} - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas Death Index (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Description]]. | ||
*''' | *'''1977-1986''' - {{RecordSearch|1930157|Texas Deaths, 1977-1986}} - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. [[Texas Death Records, 1977-1986 (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Description]]. | ||
*''' | *The Vital Records Search and Information Directory for [http://www.daddezio.com/records/room/RR-TX-NDX.html Texas] - Free/$ | ||
* | *[http://search.ancestry.com/search/category.aspx?cat=34 Search the Texas Birth, Marriage & Death] Records at Ancestry.com ($) | ||
*''' | *USGenWeb.org [http://www.txgenweb.org/ Texas Site] - Free | ||
*[http://fhlfavorites.info/Links/USA_States/States_Frames/Texas/texas.htm Texas Links] from [http://fhlfavorites.info/ fhlfavorites.info] - Free | |||
*[http://userdb.rootsweb.ancestry.com/regional.html# Texas Databases] listed on [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ Rootsweb.com] - Free | |||
*USGenWeb.org [http://www.txgenweb.org/ Texas Site] - Free | |||
*Wee Monster Links for Texas [http://www.germanroots.com/vitalrecords.html#Texas Birth & Marriage] and [http://www.germanroots.com/deathrecords.html Death] Records - Free/$ | |||
*Linkpendium Links for [http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/TX/ Texas Genealogy and History], including individual Counties - Free/$ | |||
*Progenealogists Links for the [http://progenealogists.com/genealogysleuthb.htm United States]. Press '''Ctrl + F''' on the keyboard to search for '''Texas''' or '''TX''' - Free/$ | |||
*[http://www.genlookups.com/texas_marriages/ Texas Marriage and Divorce] | |||
*[http://www.deathindexes.com/texas/ Texas Death Indexes] | |||
*[http://www.mortalityschedules.com Mortality Schedules] | |||
* Fold3.com also has [http://www.fold3.com/title_479/texas_death_certificates Texas Deaths, 1890-1976] ($) available online. | |||
*Order [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/texas.htm Texas Certificates] ($) online from the State. | *Order [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/texas.htm Texas Certificates] ($) online from the State. | ||
== State Records of Births and Deaths == | If you are aware of other online databases, please feel free to add them. | ||
=== City and County Records of Births and Deaths === | |||
As early as 1873 some cities and towns in [[Texas]] had authorized the registration of births and deaths. For a brief period from 1873 to 1876, the county recorders also recorded births. For records from early times to 1903, write to the clerk's office in the county where the event occurred. The records are open to public inspection. | |||
=== State Records of Births and Deaths === | |||
Statewide registration of births and deaths began in 1903 with the formation of the Texas Department of Public Health. For copies of Death Records first search: | Statewide registration of births and deaths began in 1903 with the formation of the Texas Department of Public Health. For copies of Death Records first search: | ||
If not located online, write to: | If not located online, write to: | ||
'''Bureau of Vital Statistics'''<br>Texas Department of Health<br>1100 West 49th Street<br>Austin, TX 78756-3191<br>Telephone: 512-458-7111<br>Internet: [http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/default.shtm Texas Vital Statistics] | '''Bureau of Vital Statistics'''<br>Texas Department of Health<br>1100 West 49th Street<br>Austin, TX 78756-3191<br>Telephone: 512-458-7111<br>Internet: [http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/default.shtm Texas Vital Statistics] | ||
Only authorized personnel may search the records. 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. {{ | Only authorized personnel may search the records. 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. {{FHL|973 V24wv|disp=FHL Book 973 V24wv}}.</ref>Copies of this booklet are at the Family History Library and many family history centers. | ||
The Texas State Library and Archives has indexes to birth, "probate births" (delayed registrations), and death records from 1903 to 1973. These are available for public searches. | The Texas State Library and Archives has indexes to birth, "probate births" (delayed registrations), and death records from 1903 to 1973. These are available for public searches. | ||
=== | === Adoption Records === | ||
All adoption records in Texas are sealed meaning once the adoption is completed, no one may have access to the record without a court order from the court which sealed it. This includes the adult adoptee, adoptive parents and birth parents. In the case of step parent adoptions or other family member adoptions the prohibition still applies. The opening of a record is solely at the discretion of the judge. There are no required guidelines for a judge to follow. Traditionally, the sealing has included the original birth certificate naming the birth parent(s). The original birth certificate is created in the County Clerks office in the county where the birth occurred and a copy is sent to Austin. Until the adoption is finalized, a birth parent may have a copy of the birth certificate. When the adoption is finalized, the court order along with the original birth certificate is sent to Austin where a new birth certificate is generated naming the adoptive parents in place of the birth parent(s). The new certificate is called a supplemental birth certificate. A copy of the supplemental birth certificate is sent to the County Clerk for their records. Both the original and the supplemental birth certificates have the same number. Some supplemental birth certificates have an "A" after the number to identify it as an amended birth certificate. If an adult adoptee knows the name of his/her birth parent(s)as stated on the original birth certificate, he/she may obtain a non-certified copy of the birth certificate without having a court order. Mostly, these are step parent or family adoptions where the adult adoptee has a personal knowledge of the birth parent(s). | |||
== Marriage Records == | == Marriage Records == | ||
| Line 90: | Line 95: | ||
Prior to 1836, only the Catholic Church could legally solemnize marriages. As a result, many Protestants will be listed in the Catholic records. From 1837 to 1966, the county recorders issued marriage licenses and kept marriage registers. Copies of the records can be obtained by writing to the clerk of the county where the license was issued. For information from 1966 to the present, write to the Bureau of Vital Statistics (see address above). | Prior to 1836, only the Catholic Church could legally solemnize marriages. As a result, many Protestants will be listed in the Catholic records. From 1837 to 1966, the county recorders issued marriage licenses and kept marriage registers. Copies of the records can be obtained by writing to the clerk of the county where the license was issued. For information from 1966 to the present, write to the Bureau of Vital Statistics (see address above). | ||
The [ | The [[Family History Library]] has acquired copies of marriage records from many county courthouses. From the clerk of the county court in Bexar County, for example, the library has 49 microfilms of marriages and indexes for 1837 to 1925. | ||
The Texas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and other societies have compiled many early vital records. Examples of published transcripts of marriages are: | The Texas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and other societies have compiled many early vital records. Examples of published transcripts of marriages are: | ||
*''Marriage Records of Early Texas, 1824-1846''. <ref>Grammer, Norma Rutledge. ''Marriage Records of Early Texas, 1824-1846''. Fort Worth, Texas: Fort Worth Genealogical Society, Texas 1971. {{ | *''Marriage Records of Early Texas, 1824-1846''. <ref>Grammer, Norma Rutledge. ''Marriage Records of Early Texas, 1824-1846''. Fort Worth, Texas: Fort Worth Genealogical Society, Texas 1971. {{FHL|189964|item|disp=FHL Book 976.4 V25g; Film 982117}}. </ref> | ||
*''8,800 Texas Marriages, 1824-1850'' <ref>Swenson, Helen Smothers. ''8,800 Texas Marriages, 1824-1850 | *''8,800 Texas Marriages, 1824-1850'' <ref>Swenson, Helen Smothers. ''8,800 Texas Marriages, 1824-1850''. Two Volumes. Round Rock, Texas: H. Swenson, 1981. {{FHL|96771|item|disp=FHL Book 976.4 V2s}}.</ref> | ||
=== Divorce Records === | === Divorce Records === | ||
| Line 114: | Line 119: | ||
[[Texas Newspapers|Texas Newspapers]] | [[Texas Newspapers|Texas Newspapers]] | ||
[[Texas Periodicals|Texas Periodicals]] | [[Texas Periodicals|Texas Periodicals]] | ||
[[Texas Military Records|Texas Military Records]] | [[Texas Military Records|Texas Military Records]] | ||
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*Information listed on vital records is given by an informant. Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) or 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 found on the record. | *Information listed on vital records is given by an informant. Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) or 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 found on the record. | ||
*If you are unable to locate vital records recorded by governments, search for church records of christening, marrriage, death or burial. A family Bible may have been used to record births, marriages and deaths. | *If you are unable to locate vital records recorded by governments, search for church records of christening, marrriage, 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 records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except a direct relative. | *Privacy laws may restrict your access to some vital records. Copies of some records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except a direct relative. | ||
*Search for Vital Records in the | *Search for Vital Records in the Family History Library Catalog by using a '''Place Search''' and then choosing '''Vital Records'''. Search for '''Texas''' to locate records filed by the State and then search the '''name of the county''' to locate records kept by the county. | ||
== Archive, Libraries and Societies == | == Archive, Libraries and Societies == | ||
| Line 136: | Line 139: | ||
=== Inventory of Vital Records === | === Inventory of Vital Records === | ||
You can learn more about the history and availability of the records in ''Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in Texas.'' <ref>Historical Records Survey, 1941. {{ | You can learn more about the history and availability of the records in ''Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in Texas.'' <ref>Historical Records Survey, 1941. Family History Library {{FHL|189782|title-id|disp=book 976.4 A3gp; film 1000610 item 14}}.) </ref> | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
{{Texas|Texas | {{Texas|Texas}} | ||
[[Category:Texas Vital | [[Category:Texas|Vital]] [[Category:Record_Types_of_the_United_States]] [[Category:United_States_Vital_Records]] | ||
Revision as of 10:26, 17 April 2012
United States 
Texas 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 Texas Vital Records State Department of Health or the County Clerk's office of the county where the event occurred.
|
Texas Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online[edit | edit source]
 |
Records from this area are currently being indexed by volunteers. Come join the effort and help us index the US, Texas—Birth Records 1903-1934 Part F |
|---|
The following is a list of online resources useful for locating Texas Vital Records which consist of births, adoptions, marriages, divorces, and deaths. Most online resources for Texas Vital Records are indexes. After locating a person in an index always consult the original record to confirm the information in the index.
Birth[edit | edit source]
- 1840-1981 - Texas, Births and Christenings, 1840-1981 - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
- 1903-1935 - Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1935 - free, includes images, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
- 1903-1997 - Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997 - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
Marriage[edit | edit source]
- 1837-1973 - Texas, Marriages, 1837-1973 - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
- 1837-1977 - Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977 - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
Death[edit | edit source]
- 1890-1976 - Texas Deaths, 1890-1976 - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
- 1890-1976 - Texas Deaths, 1890-1976 (New Images) - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
- 1903-1973 - Texas Deaths and Burials, 1903-1973 - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
- 1903-2000 - Texas, Death Index, 1903-2000 - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
- 1964-1998 - Texas Death Index, 1964-1998 - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
- 1977-1986 - Texas Deaths, 1977-1986 - free, courtesy: FamilySearch. Description.
- The Vital Records Search and Information Directory for Texas - Free/$
- Search the Texas Birth, Marriage & Death Records at Ancestry.com ($)
- USGenWeb.org Texas Site - Free
- Texas Links from fhlfavorites.info - Free
- Texas Databases listed on Rootsweb.com - Free
- USGenWeb.org Texas Site - Free
- Wee Monster Links for Texas Birth & Marriage and Death Records - Free/$
- Linkpendium Links for Texas Genealogy and History, including individual Counties - Free/$
- Progenealogists Links for the United States. Press Ctrl + F on the keyboard to search for Texas or TX - Free/$
- Texas Marriage and Divorce
- Texas Death Indexes
- Mortality Schedules
- Fold3.com also has Texas Deaths, 1890-1976 ($) available online.
- Order Texas Certificates ($) online from the State.
If you are aware of other online databases, please feel free to add them.
City and County Records of Births and Deaths[edit | edit source]
As early as 1873 some cities and towns in Texas had authorized the registration of births and deaths. For a brief period from 1873 to 1876, the county recorders also recorded births. For records from early times to 1903, write to the clerk's office in the county where the event occurred. The records are open to public inspection.
State Records of Births and Deaths[edit | edit source]
Statewide registration of births and deaths began in 1903 with the formation of the Texas Department of Public Health. For copies of Death Records first search:
If not located online, write to:
Bureau of Vital Statistics
Texas Department of Health
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3191
Telephone: 512-458-7111
Internet: Texas Vital Statistics
Only authorized personnel may search the records. 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 many family history centers.
The Texas State Library and Archives has indexes to birth, "probate births" (delayed registrations), and death records from 1903 to 1973. These are available for public searches.
Adoption Records[edit | edit source]
All adoption records in Texas are sealed meaning once the adoption is completed, no one may have access to the record without a court order from the court which sealed it. This includes the adult adoptee, adoptive parents and birth parents. In the case of step parent adoptions or other family member adoptions the prohibition still applies. The opening of a record is solely at the discretion of the judge. There are no required guidelines for a judge to follow. Traditionally, the sealing has included the original birth certificate naming the birth parent(s). The original birth certificate is created in the County Clerks office in the county where the birth occurred and a copy is sent to Austin. Until the adoption is finalized, a birth parent may have a copy of the birth certificate. When the adoption is finalized, the court order along with the original birth certificate is sent to Austin where a new birth certificate is generated naming the adoptive parents in place of the birth parent(s). The new certificate is called a supplemental birth certificate. A copy of the supplemental birth certificate is sent to the County Clerk for their records. Both the original and the supplemental birth certificates have the same number. Some supplemental birth certificates have an "A" after the number to identify it as an amended birth certificate. If an adult adoptee knows the name of his/her birth parent(s)as stated on the original birth certificate, he/she may obtain a non-certified copy of the birth certificate without having a court order. Mostly, these are step parent or family adoptions where the adult adoptee has a personal knowledge of the birth parent(s).
Marriage Records[edit | edit source]
Prior to 1836, only the Catholic Church could legally solemnize marriages. As a result, many Protestants will be listed in the Catholic records. From 1837 to 1966, the county recorders issued marriage licenses and kept marriage registers. Copies of the records can be obtained by writing to the clerk of the county where the license was issued. For information from 1966 to the present, write to the Bureau of Vital Statistics (see address above).
The Family History Library has acquired copies of marriage records from many county courthouses. From the clerk of the county court in Bexar County, for example, the library has 49 microfilms of marriages and indexes for 1837 to 1925.
The Texas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and other societies have compiled many early vital records. Examples of published transcripts of marriages are:
Divorce Records[edit | edit source]
From 1837 to 1841, divorces were obtained by special acts of Congress. In 1841, the district courts were given jurisdiction, with some restrictions, over divorces. Since 1846, they have had jurisdiction over all cases. You can write to the clerk of the district court in the county where the decree was granted for copies of records.
Lost and Missing Records[edit | edit source]
Denton 1875, liberty 1874, Rusk 1878, Trinity 1876,
Substitute Records[edit | edit source]
Tips[edit | edit source]
- Information listed on vital records is given by an informant. Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) or 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 found on the record.
- If you are unable to locate vital records recorded by governments, search for church records of christening, marrriage, 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 records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except a direct relative.
- Search for Vital Records in the Family History Library Catalog by using a Place Search and then choosing Vital Records. Search for Texas to locate records filed by the State and then search the name of the county to locate records kept by the county.
Archive, Libraries and Societies[edit | edit source]
Inventory of Vital Records[edit | edit source]
You can learn more about the history and availability of the records in Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in Texas. [4]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Hyattsville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 1993. FHL Book 973 V24wv.
- ↑ Grammer, Norma Rutledge. Marriage Records of Early Texas, 1824-1846. Fort Worth, Texas: Fort Worth Genealogical Society, Texas 1971. FHL Book 976.4 V25g; Film 982117.
- ↑ Swenson, Helen Smothers. 8,800 Texas Marriages, 1824-1850. Two Volumes. Round Rock, Texas: H. Swenson, 1981. FHL Book 976.4 V2s.
- ↑ Historical Records Survey, 1941. Family History Library book 976.4 A3gp; film 1000610 item 14.)