Ohio Vital Records: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States ]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Ohio|Ohio ]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Ohio Vital Records|Vital Records]]''
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== Introduction to Vital Records  ==
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
 
| link2=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. 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/Ohio.htm Ohio Vital Records State Department of Health] or the County Clerk's office of the county where the event occurred.
| link3=[[Ohio, United States Genealogy|Ohio]]
 
| link4=
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| link5=[[Ohio Vital Records|Vital Records]]
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<div style="width:23%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__
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== Ohio Vital Records Dates ==
{| class="wikitable" width="40%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
|-
| width="44%" | __TOC__
| width="10%" align="center" | '''Government Registration'''
| valign="middle" | <center>'''&nbsp; [[Image:Vital Records Collage.JPG|center|250px]]&nbsp;&nbsp; '''<br></center>
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" | '''[[Ohio Vital Records#Birth_Records|Births]]'''
== Vital Records Reference Dates  ==
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" | '''[[Ohio Vital Records#Marriage_Records|Marriages]]'''
 
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" | '''[[Ohio Vital Records#Death_Records|Deaths]]'''
Ohio's vital records start the following years:
 
<br>
<center></center>
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="100%" border="1"
|-
|-
| align="center" width="16.6%" |
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''County/Town'''
| align="center" width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" | [[Ohio Vital Records#Birth_Records|Births]]
| width="10%" align="center" | 1867
| align="center" width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" | [[Ohio Vital Records#Marriage_Records|Marriages]]
| width="10%" align="center" | County Formation
| align="center" width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" | [[Ohio Vital Records#Death_Records|Deaths]]
| width="10%" align="center" | 1867
|-
|-
| align="center" width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" | Earliest
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''Statewide Registration'''
| align="center" width="16.6%" | 1867
| width="10%" align="center" | 1908*
| align="center" width="16.6%" | County Formation
| width="10%" align="center" | 1949**
| align="center" width="16.6%" | 1867
| width="10%" align="center" | 1908*
|-
|-
| align="center" width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" | Statewide Registration
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''General Compliance'''
| align="center" width="16.6%" | 1908
| width="10%" align="center" | ***
| align="center" width="16.6%" | 1949
| width="10%" align="center" | County Formation
| align="center" width="16.6%" | 1908
| width="10%" align="center" | ***
|-
|-
| align="center" width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" | General Compliance
| colspan="4"|* In 1908, births and deaths are in certificate format<ref>[https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/c.php?g=707334&p=5313560 Vital Records at the Archives and Library] of Ohio History Connection</ref>, rather than the registers previously used by counties<br>** In 1949 county probate courts began forwarding copies of marriage certificates to the State<ref>[https://libraries.wright.edu/special-collections-and-archives/genealogy-resources#:~:text=The%20Ohio%20Department%20of%20Health%20maintains%20a,from%20September%207%2C%201949%2C%20to%20the%20present. Per Wright State University] accessed Feb 2025</ref><br>***Compliance was high, since county officials were keeping the records well before statewide registration began
| align="center" width="16.6%" |
| align="center" width="16.6%" |
| align="center" width="16.6%" |
|}
|}
<div style="clear:left"></div>


<br>
== Online Resources ==


|}
===Birth===
*'''1765-1947''' {{RecordSearch|2373709|Ohio Church and Civil Births and Baptisms, 1765-1947}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio, Church and Civil Births and Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1774-1973''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2541 Ohio Births and Christenings Index, 1774-1973] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1821-1962''' {{RecordSearch|1680845|Ohio Births and Christenings, 1821-1962}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1841-2003''' {{RecordSearch|1932106|Ohio County Births, 1841-2003}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio, County Births - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1907-1998''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3146/ Ohio Birth Index, 1908-1998] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1908-1998''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3146 Ohio Birth Index, 1908-1998] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1908-Onward''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10943/ohio-births?s=275764761 Ohio Births] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1918-1953''' {{RecordSearch|5000024|Ohio, Stillbirths, 1918-1953}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio, Stillbirths - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1959-1998''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10943/ohio-birth-index-1959-1998?s=275764761 Ohio Birth Index, 1959-1998] at MyHeritage — index ($)


<br>
===Marriage===
*'''1600s-1900s''' [https://search.findmypast.comitem|/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=ohio US Marriages – Ohio] at Findmypast — index & images ($)
*'''1774-1993''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61378 Ohio County Marriage Records, 1774-1993] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1789-2016''' {{RecordSearch|1614804|Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1789-Onward''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20618/ohio-marriages?s=275764761 Ohio Marriages] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1800-1958''' {{RecordSearch|1681001|Ohio Marriages, 1800-1958}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1803-1900''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5194 Ohio Compiled Marriage Index, 1803-1900] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1849-1853''' {{FSC|1254555|item|disp=Certified Abstract of Marriages (Ohio), 1949-1953}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog - images
*'''1970-2003''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10212/ohio-marriages-1970-2003?s=275764761 Ohio Marriages, 1970-2003] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1970-2007''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2025 Ohio Marriage Abstracts, 1970, 1972-2007] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1970-2011''' [http://www.findmypast.com/articles/world-records/full-list-of-united-states-records/birth-marriage-and-death/ohio-marriages-1970-1972-2011 Ohio Marriages, 1970, 1972-2011] at Findmypast — index ($)


== Ohio Birth, Marriage and Death Records ==
===Death===
*'''1833-1967''' {{RecordSearch|2373723|Ohio Church and Civil Deaths, 1833-1967}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio, Church and Civil Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1840-2001''' {{RecordSearch|2128172|Ohio, County Death Records, 1840-2001}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio, County Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1840-1908''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62075/ Ohio Select County Death Records, 1840-1908] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1854-1997''' {{RecordSearch|1681000|Ohio Deaths and Burials, 1854-1997}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index only
*'''1908-2018''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/5763/ Ohio Death Records, 1908-1932, 1938-2018] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1908-1953''' {{RecordSearch|1307272|Ohio Deaths, 1908-1953}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1908-2007''' {{RecordSearch|1949341|Ohio Death Index, 1908-1932, 1938-1944, and 1958-2007}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1908-2018''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5763 Ohio Death Records, 1908-1932, 1938-2018] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1913-1970''' [https://resources.ohiohistory.org/death/search_dc.php Search: Death Certificates, 1913-1944, 1954-1970] at Ohio History Connection — index
*'''1913-1963''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10692/ohio-death-index-1913-1944-1954-1963?s=275764761 Ohio Death Index, 1913-1944, 1954-1963] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1918-1953''' {{RecordSearch|5000024|Ohio, Stillbirths, 1918-1953}} at FamilySearch — [[Ohio, Stillbirths - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1945-1954''' {{FSC|1212446|item|disp=Ohio, Death Certificate Indexes (1945-1954) and Death Certificates (1951, 1953)}}; Ohio. Bureau of Vital Statistics at FamilySearch Catalog; — images
*'''1959-2012''' [http://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/ohio-deaths-1959-2012?sourceID=13&utm_source=msix_affiliate&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=%20fmp_us&awc=5927_1436915190_e14e68043c3c2c24d1bedd858433a7d4&dclid=CPDGjZze28YCFSZdMAodesgMrg Ohio Deaths, 1959-2012] at Findmypast — index ($)


The following is a list of online resources useful for locating Ohio Vital Records which consist of [[United States Birth Records|births]], adoptions, [[United States Marriage Records|marriages]], divorces, and [[United States Death Records|deaths]].&nbsp; Most online resources for Ohio 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>'''
===Divorce===
*See [[Ohio Divorce Records|Ohio Divorce Records]] for more resources.


*[http://userdb.rootsweb.ancestry.com/regional.html# Ohio Databases] listed on [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ Rootsweb.com]&nbsp;- Free
== Get Copies ==
*Search for Ohio Collections on [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch.org][https://beta.familysearch.org/s/collection/list ] under [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/list#page=1&region=NORTH_AMERICA Canada, USA, and Mexico] - Free
''Restrictions:''<br>
*The Vital Records Search and Information Directory for [http://www.daddezio.com/records/room/RR-OH-NDX.html Ohio] - Free/$
* Death records less than 50 years and birth records less than 125 years are restricted.<ref>Ohio law (Ohio Administrative Code Section 3701-5-11) states years birth and death records are restricted</ref>
*Wee Monster Links for Ohio [http://www.germanroots.com/vitalrecords.html#Ohio Birth &amp; Marriage]&nbsp;and [http://www.germanroots.com/deathrecords.html Death] Records -&nbsp;Free/$
* Marriage records are public, and access to these records is not restricted by identity or purpose<ref>[https://ohiocourtrecords.us/family-court-records/marriage/ per Ohio Court Records.US] Marriages are public records. Accessed February, 2025</ref>
*Linkpendium Links for [http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/OH/ Ohio Genealogy and History], including individual Counties&nbsp;-&nbsp;Free/$&nbsp;
*Progenealogists Links for the [http://progenealogists.com/genealogysleuthb.htm United States]. Press '''Ctrl + F''' on the keyboard to search for '''Ohio''' or '''OH''' -&nbsp;Free/$
*Search the [http://www.ancestryinstitution.com/search/locality/dbpage.aspx?tp=2&p=38&categoryFilterID=34&showPaging=true Ohio Birth, Marriage &amp; Death] Records at Ancestry.com - $&nbsp;
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5763&enc=1 Ohio Deaths, 1908-1932, 1938-1944, and 1958-2007] at Ancestry.com - $
*Order [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/ Ohio Certificates] online -&nbsp;<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247073573052_30" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247073573052_178" />$&nbsp;


<br>


== Birth Records  ==
'''Ohio Department of Health'''<br>
Bureau of Vital Statistics<br>
4200 Surface Road<br>
Columbus, OH 43228<br>
Phone: 614-466-2531<br>
[https://odh.ohio.gov/help-center Contact Us] <br>
[https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/vital-statistics/vital-statistics Website]<br>


==== Birth and Death Records  ====
*They maintain birth records from December 20, 1908 and death records 50 years ago to present
{{Block indent|*Death records older than 50 years are transferred to Ohio History Connection.}}
{{Block indent|*[https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/vital-statistics/How-to-Order-Certificates How to Order Certificates] (birth and death) with details for online, by mail, and in-person}}


County-level registrations of births and deaths began in 1867 and were kept by the probate court; however, they are incomplete. A few counties have records dating from the 1840s. These records include the names of the parents and their place of residence. The obligatory recording on a state level of births and deaths in Ohio began 20 December 1908.<br>Birth and death records prior to 20 December 1908 are available from the probate court of the county where the event occurred. For more information see the [[Ohio County Birth Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio County Birth Records]] and [[Ohio County Death Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio County Death Records]] pages.


==== County or City Health Departments  ====
'''Ohio History Connection'''<br>
Archives & Library <br>
Ohio History Connection <br>
800 East 17th Avenue <br>
Columbus, OH 43211 <br>
Phone: 614.297.2510 <br>
FAX: 614.297.2546<br>
Email: [mailto:reference@ohiohistory.org reference@ohiohistory.org]<br>
[https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/vital Website]<br>


These records are in the county or city health departments. The state-level birth records usually contain a child's name, place and date of birth, sex, race, name and birthplace of father, and maiden name and birthplace of mother. The state-level death records usually include a child's name, place and date of death, sex, age at death, marital state, place of birth, parents, occupation, cause of death, and last residence.  
* Vital Records at Ohio History Connection: [https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/vital/birthrecords Birth]  [https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/vital/marriagerecords Marriage]      [https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/vital/death Death]
{{Block indent|1=* [https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=75820162 Copy Request Form]|2=1}}


Delayed and corrected registrations of births are also available for many counties at the Family History Library. Another source for vital statistics is the large collection of family Bible and cemetery records compiled by the [http://www.ohiodar.org/ Daughters of the American Revolution] also (see the "[[Ohio Genealogy|Genealogy]]" page).


The [http://www.odh.ohio.gov/vitalstatistics/vitalstats.aspx Ohio Department of Health] <ref name="Ohio Department of Health">[http://www.odh.ohio.gov/vitalstatistics/vitalstats.aspx Division of Vital Statistics]&amp;amp;amp;; Ohio Department of Health; P. O. Box 15098 Columbus, OH 43215-0098; Telephone: 614-466-2531 </ref>in Columbus has birth records since 20 December 1908 to the present. They can be contacted for copies of records.
'''County Courthouses'''<br>
If you know where the person was born, married, or died, you may contact the county directly.<br>
*Any county or city health department in the State of Ohio can provide a copy of a birth or death record. <br>
{{Block indent|*[https://odh.ohio.gov/find-local-health-districts Links to County Health Departments]<ref>[https://odh.ohio.gov/find-local-health-districts Ohio County Health Departments] at Ohio Department of Health</ref>}}
*Marriage certificate copies can be obtained from the specific county probate court.  In Ohio each county probate court maintains their own online contact pages and information. <ref>[https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/vital-statistics/vital-statistics ''How to Order Certificates''] per Ohio Department of Health, accessed Feb, 2025</ref>
{{Block indent|*[https://www.ohiojudges.org/ohio-courts-links Ohio Court Links] including to County Probate Courts<ref>[https://www.ohiojudges.org/ohio-courts-links Ohio Court Links] at Ohio Judicial Conference</ref>}}


== Marriage Records  ==
== Coverage and Compliance ==


The statewide registration of marriages began 7 September 1949. Records after that date can be obtained from the Division of Vital Statistics. The original marriage records, however, are filed with the probate judge in each county. A statewide index to marriages since 1949 is at the Division of Vital Statistics (address above).  
''Births:''<br>
Physicians or midwives created the birth records and sent them to the country probate court. Parents also reported.
*Compliance to the law for registering births with the county was highest when midwives or doctors were used
*Birth certificates are now completed by hospitals, midwives, birthing centers, parents, etc., and collected by county clerks, who transfer copies to the state.


Before statewide registration, individual counties recorded marriages, generally from the date the county was created. These include marriage records, marriage returns, marriage consents of minors by parents, and ministers' license records. Marriage records are considered one of Ohio's most valuable genealogical sources because of their early beginnings and completeness. Marriage records show the names of the bride and groom, the date of the marriage, the county in which the marriage occurred, and the officiating individual. Sometimes there is information about the ages and residences of the bride and groom. Parents are not usually named in records dated before 1900. Each county maintains a marriage index. For more information see the [[Ohio County Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio County Marriage Records]] page.
''Marriages:''<br>
*Generally high compliance from county formation.
*County clerks created marriage licenses and the persons performing the marriages (usually ministers or justices of the peace) reported the "returns" to the clerks.
*Ohio was a common-law marriage state until 1991. No actual marriage record was created for those couples. <ref>[https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources/commonly-asked-law-questions-results/law-facts/law-facts-ohios-marriage-laws/#:~:text=Until%20October%201991%2C%20Ohio%20recognized,to%20obtain%20a%20marriage%20certificate Common-law Marriages] Per Ohio Bar Association, Feb 2025</ref>


For each county in Ohio, the Family History Library has microfilmed the marriage records up to 1910 and some to 1970. Many existing county records of marriages before 1876 have been indexed in the International Genealogical Index, available at the Family History Library and at Family History Centers. However, 25 counties have large information gaps or are not included in this index.  
''Deaths:''<br>
*Registering deaths soon after required by law was highest when doctors and funeral homes were used
*Death certificates are now completed by funeral home directors, medical examiners, physicians, hospitals, relatives, etc., (and collected by county clerks), who transfer them to the state.


Many early marriage records are published in:  
== 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" | '''Ohio 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
|}
*'''1867-1908''' County records of births and deaths were kept by the probate court.<ref>[https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/vital Vital Records] at Ohio History Connection. accessed Feb, 2025</ref>
{{Block indent|*These records include the name, date of birth, sex, names of the parents and their place of residence.}}
{{Block indent|* A few counties have records dating from the 1840s.}}
*'''1908-current''' The counties started reporting of births and deaths to the state December 20, 1908.
{{Block indent|*The state-level birth records usually contain a child's name, place and date of birth, sex, race, name and birthplace of father, and maiden name and birthplace of mother. }}
{{Block indent|*These records are also in the county or city health departments.<ref>[https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3705.07 Section 3705.07 | Keeping and transmitting records by local registrar] per Ohio code, Senate Bill 172, 123rd General Assembly, Feb 12, 2001. Accessed Feb 2025</ref> }}


*''Ohio Marriages Extracted from the Old Northwest Genealogical Quarterly'' <ref>Smith, Marjorie, ed. ''Ohio Marriages Extracted from the Old Northwest Genealogical Quarterly''. Thomson, Illinois: Heritage House, 1977-80. (Family History Library book 977.1 V25s; film 928183 item 3; fiche 6051390.)</ref>


For the southwestern region of the state, the Hamilton County, Ohio, marriage records often include the names of couples who lived in the Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky Counties along the Ohio River. A published marriage index for 1817 to 1840 is available at the Family History Library in:


*''Hamilton County, Ohio, Marriage Index'' <ref>Hughes, Lois E. ''Hamilton County, Ohio, Marriage Index''. Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Book, c. 1994. (Family History Library book 977.177 V22h.) </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 marriages of those living in the northeastern area of Ohio may be found in:


*''Marriage Notices from the Ohio Observer Series, 1827-1855'' <ref>Caccamo, James F. ''Marriage Notices from the Ohio Observer Series, 1827-1855''. Apollo, Pennsylvania: Closson Press, 1994. (Family History Library book 977.1 V2c.) </ref>


The Family History Library has a number of compact discs with vital records information from many states in the Automated Resource Center (ARC). For Ohio, the following may be helpful:
''See also:''<br>
*[[GuidedResearch:Ohio|Ohio Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Ohio Birth Records|How to Find Ohio 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]]
<gallery>
</gallery>


*Marriage Records <ref>Marriage Records. CD/Automated Archives, numbers 2-5. Orem, Utah: Automated Archives, 1994. (Family History Library compact disc number 9, pt. 2-5; does not circulate to Family History Centers.) </ref>This file was acquired from the "Hunting for Bears" collection. Marriage information for Ohio is listed in part two. At the beginning of the list, unknown county records are given. (The introduction to this file gives information regarding the dates listed and the extraction methods used. It is not a complete index of all Ohio marriage records.)
<div style="clear:both"></div>


*Marriage Index <ref>Marriage Index. Family Tree Maker's Family Archives, Number 400. Orem, Utah: Brøderbund, 1996. (Family History Library compact disc number 9, part 400; disc does not circulate to Family History Centers.) </ref>The Ohio marriage data was acquired from Liahona, Inc. This CD uses the Soundex code for quick access to surnames and gives references to the Family History Library film number for each entry. The CD lists marriages by county and gives the dates covered.
=== Marriage Records ===
{| class="wikitable" width="30%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="right"
|-
| colspan="2" valign="middle" height="50" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="center" | '''Ohio 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
|-
|}
County marriage records are the earliest and most complete vital records for Ohio. County probate courts kept the records, starting from the date of the county's creation. <ref>[https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/vital per Ohio History Connection] accessed Feb, 2025</ref><br>
*Marriage records show the names of the bride and groom, the date, the county, and the officiating individual. Sometimes there is information about the ages and residences of the bride and groom. <ref>[https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/vital/marriagerecords Marriage Records] at Ohio History Connection, Library Guides. Accessed Feb, 2025</ref>
*Parents are not usually named in records dated before 1900.
*These records include applications for licenses, marriage licenses, and marriage returns.<ref>When the marriage was performed, the minister or justice of the peace returned the information to county officials (not always to the same county).</ref><br>
*The couple or a parent provided information for license applications.


'''[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Gretna Greens]].''' When an '''eloping''' Ohio couple's marriage is not in their home county, search for it in alternate places like:<ref name="Eakle1">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><ref>Arlene H. Eakle, "Charles H. Browning and Your Genealogy" in ''Genealogy Blog'' at http://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/2007/11/30/charles-h-browning-and-your-genealogy/ (accessed 8 January 2011).</ref>


:*[[Brown County, Ohio|Aberdeen, Brown, Ohio]]
:*[[Hamilton County, Ohio|Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio]]
:*[[Mason County, Kentucky|Maysville, Mason, Kentucky]]
:*[[Washington County, Pennsylvania|West Alexander, Washington, Pennsylvania]]
:*[[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania]]
:*[[Steuben County, Indiana|Angola, Steuben, Indiana]]
:*[[Vanderburgh County, Indiana|Evansville, Vanderburgh, Indiana]]


== Death Records  ==
'''[[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 Ohio, 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>
{{Block indent|*[[Brown County, Ohio Genealogy|Aberdeen, Brown, Ohio]]}}
{{Block indent|*[[Hamilton County, Ohio Genealogy|Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio]]}}
{{Block indent|*[[Mason County, Kentucky Genealogy|Maysville, Mason, Kentucky]]}}
{{Block indent|*[[Washington County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|West Alexander, Washington, Pennsylvania]]}}
{{Block indent|*[[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania]]}}
{{Block indent|*[[Steuben County, Indiana Genealogy|Angola, Steuben, Indiana]]}}
{{Block indent|*[[Vanderburgh County, Indiana Genealogy|Evansville, Vanderburgh, Indiana]]}}


*''Certificates of Death, 1908-1944; Index, 1908-1911''. <ref>''Certificates of Death, 1908-1944; Index, 1908-1911'' Columbus, Ohio: Ohio Historical Society. Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1983, 1994-1995. (On 1214 Family History Library films beginning with http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetailsdisp=Certificates+of+death%2C+1908%2D1953+%3B%20%20columns=*,0,0 929253fckLR {{dead link}}.) </ref>
*''Death Index, 1908- 1944'' <ref>Ohio Historical Society, comp. ''Death Index, 1908- 1944''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1983, 1992, 1995. (On 21 Family History Library films beginning with http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetailsdisp=Death+index%2C+1908%2D1944%20%20columns=*,0,0 2023798fckLR {{dead link}}.) </ref>
*The Ohio Department of Health <ref name="Ohio Department of Health" />in Columbus has death records for Ohio residents who died between January 1945 to the present. They can be contacted for copies of records.
*[http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/death// Deaths that occurred between 1913 and December 1944] are available at the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus, copies are available for a small fee.
*The current fees for obtaining copies of the state's records are listed at: [http://www.vitalrec.com/ Vital Records]
*'''Ohio Deaths, 1908-1953''' Free name indexes and images at [http://search.labs.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails;t=searchable;c=1307272 FamilySearch – Pilot]. Records include such information as birth date of deceased, city, county, and state of death, name of spouse if married, names of parents, maiden name of mother, name of informant, if deceased was single, married, windowed or divorced, occupation of deceased<br>


== Divorce Records ==
''See also:''
*[[GuidedResearch:Ohio|Ohio Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Ohio Marriage Records|How to Find Ohio Marriage Records]]
*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]
*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States How to Use Marriage Records]]
*[[Ohio_Divorce_Records|Ohio Divorce Records]]


Divorce proceedings were usually recorded by the state supreme court before 1852, but petitions were filed in the county court. Since then all records have been kept in the court of common pleas in each county. Records of divorce granted before 7 September 1949 may be recorded in the County Clerk of Courts Office of the county where the divorce was granted. Divorce records since 7 September 1949 are recorded at the Ohio Department of Health in Columbus.
<div style="clear:both"></div>


Certified copies of divorce records after 1949 are not available from the Ohio Department of Health. Certified copies of earlier divorce records may be available from the Court of Common Pleas where the divorce was granted. The Family History Library has few of these files. One significant publication is:
=== Death Records ===
{| class="wikitable" width="30%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="right"
|-
| colspan="2" valign="middle" height="50" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="center" | '''Ohio 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
|}


*''Ohio Divorces: The Early Years'' <ref>Bell, Carol Willsey. ''Ohio Divorces: The Early Years''. Boardman, Ohio: Bell Books, 1994. (Family History Library book 977.1 V2b.) </ref>
*'''1867-1908''' County records of deaths were kept in register books by the probate court.<ref>[https://ohiohistory.libguides.com/vital Vital Records] at Ohio History Connection. accessed Feb, 2025</ref>
*'''1908-current''' The counties started reporting deaths on certificates and sent them to the state December 20, 1908.
{{Block indent|*These records are also in the county or city health departments.<ref>[https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3705.07 Section 3705.07 | Keeping and transmitting records by local registrar] per Ohio code, Senate Bill 172, 123rd General Assembly, Feb 12, 2001. Accessed Feb 2025</ref> }}


Many '''eloping couples '''went to Cincinnati, Hamilton County, or Aberdeen, Brown County, Ohio to be married and to avoid the waiting period between the time of issuing a license and the performance of the marriage.


== Adoption Records ==
''See also:''
*[[GuidedResearch:Ohio|Ohio Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Ohio Death Records|How to Find Ohio 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]]


== Additional Helps  ==


=== Tips  ===
'''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>


*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.
== Additional 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.


=== [[Image:Fire.png|thumb|right|110px]]Burned, Lost, or Missing Records  ===
''See also:''<br>
*[[Ohio Law and Legislation#Vital Records Laws|Ohio Vital Records Laws]] posted in [[Ohio Law and Legislation]] page
*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
*[https://www.ogs.org/ Ohio Genealogical Society]
*[http://OHgenweb.org/ Ohio GenWeb Site]


For a list of record loss in Illinois counties see the following:  
==Strategy==
'''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 [[Ohio 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. [[Ohio 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:''<br>}}
{{Block indent|* [[Ohio Research Tips and Strategies]]}}
{{Block indent|* [[United States Basic Search Strategies]]}}
{{Block indent|* [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]}}


*[[Burned Counties Research|Burned Counties Research in FamilySearch Wiki]]
===Burned, Lost, or Missing Records===
*[http://blogs.ancestry.com/circle/?p=2424 Michael John Neill, ''Burned Counties'' in Family History Circle]
The following counties had record loss.  Click on the county for more information.<br>
 
{| style="width:70%; vertical-align:top;"
=== Substitute Records ===
|-
 
|style="width:16%; vertical-align:top;"|
These links will take you to wiki pages describing alternate sources for birth, marriage and death records.  
*[[Adams County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Adams]]
 
*[[Belmont County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Belmont]]
*[[Ohio Church Records|Church Records]]: Depending on the denomination, church records&nbsp;may contain information about birth, marriage and death.
*[[Brown County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Brown]]
 
*[[Champaign County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Champaign]]
*[[Ohio Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]: Cemetery records are a rich source of birth and death information.&nbsp; These records may also reveal family relationships.
|style="width:16%; vertical-align:top;"|
 
*[[Columbiana County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Columbiana]]
*[[Ohio Census|Census Records]]: Census records are a valuable source for birth and marriage information. You may also determine approximate time of death when the individual disappear from the census. This is a good place to begin a search.
*[[Crawford County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Crawford]]
 
*[[Delaware County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Delaware]]
*[[Ohio Newspapers|Newspapers]]: Besides obituaries, local newspapers may contain birth and marriage announcements and death notices.&nbsp; Also check newspaper social columns for&nbsp;additional information.&nbsp;
*[[Fayette County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Fayette]]
 
|style="width:16%; vertical-align:top;"|
*[[Ohio Periodicals|Periodicals]]: Local genealogical and historical societies often publish periodicals which may contain abstracted early birth, marriage and death information.
*[[Fulton County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Fulton]]
 
*[[Gallia County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Gallia]]
*[[Ohio Military Records|Military Records]]: &nbsp;Military pension records can give birth, marriage and death information,&nbsp; In addtion, soldiers' homes records can included this same information.
*[[Hamilton County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Hamilton]]
 
*[[Henry County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Henry]]
*[[Ohio Probate Records|Probate Records]]: If no death record exists, probate records&nbsp;may be helpful in estimating when an individual has died. Probate records in the 20th Century&nbsp;often contain the exact death date.
|style="width:16%; vertical-align:top;"|
 
*[[Licking County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Licking]]
*[[Ohio History|History]]: &nbsp;Local histories, family&nbsp;histories&nbsp;and biographies can all be sources of birth, marriage and death information. Often this information is found in county-level records or in surname searches of the Family History Library catalog.
*[[Monroe County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Monroe]]
 
*[[Seneca County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Seneca]]
=== More Online Ohio Vital Records Links  ===
*[[Trumbull County, Ohio Genealogy#Record Loss|Trumbull]]
 
|}
These websites contain many, many links to deaths, obituaries and other Ohio records.
 
*USGenWeb.org [http://ILgenweb.com/ Minnesota Site] - Free
*[http://userdb.rootsweb.ancestry.com/regional.html# Ohio Databases] listed on [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ Rootsweb.com]&nbsp;- Free
*German Roots Links for Ohio [http://www.germanroots.com/vitalrecords.html#Ohio Birth &amp; Marriage]&nbsp;and [http://www.germanroots.com/deathrecords.html Death] Records -&nbsp;Free/$ This site includes all vital records, not just those of German descent
*Progenealogists Links for the [http://progenealogists.com/genealogysleuthb.htm United States]. Press '''Ctrl + F''' on the keyboard to search for '''Ohio''' or '''OH''' -&nbsp;Free/$
*[http://fhlfavorites.info/Links/USA_States/States_Frames/Ohio/ohio.htm Ohio Links] from [http://fhlfavorites.info/ fhlfavorites.info] -&nbsp;Free
<br>


== References  ==
''See also:''<br>
<references />  
*[[Burned Counties Research|Burned Counties Research]] for strategies to find ancestors in spite of record loss.


{{Ohio|Ohio}}


[[Ohio Statewide Death Certificates (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]<br>
===Substitute Records===
For other records that may give birth, marriage, or death information, see:
*[[Ohio_Substitute Records|Ohio 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]]


[[Ohio Vital Records Index (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Ohio|Vital]] [[Category:Record_Types_of_the_United_States]] [[Category:United_States_Vital_Records]]
[[Category:Ohio Vital Records]]

Latest revision as of 00:31, 20 August 2025

Ohio Wiki Topics
Ohio flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Ohio Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources

Ohio Vital Records Dates[edit | edit source]

Government Registration Births Marriages Deaths
County/Town 1867 County Formation 1867
Statewide Registration 1908* 1949** 1908*
General Compliance *** County Formation ***
* In 1908, births and deaths are in certificate format[1], rather than the registers previously used by counties
** In 1949 county probate courts began forwarding copies of marriage certificates to the State[2]
***Compliance was high, since county officials were keeping the records well before statewide registration began

Online Resources[edit | edit source]

Birth[edit | edit source]

Marriage[edit | edit source]

Death[edit | edit source]

Divorce[edit | edit source]

Get Copies[edit | edit source]

Restrictions:

  • Death records less than 50 years and birth records less than 125 years are restricted.[3]
  • Marriage records are public, and access to these records is not restricted by identity or purpose[4]


Ohio Department of Health
Bureau of Vital Statistics
4200 Surface Road
Columbus, OH 43228
Phone: 614-466-2531
Contact Us
Website

  • They maintain birth records from December 20, 1908 and death records 50 years ago to present
*Death records older than 50 years are transferred to Ohio History Connection.
*How to Order Certificates (birth and death) with details for online, by mail, and in-person


Ohio History Connection
Archives & Library
Ohio History Connection
800 East 17th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211
Phone: 614.297.2510
FAX: 614.297.2546
Email: reference@ohiohistory.org
Website


County Courthouses
If you know where the person was born, married, or died, you may contact the county directly.

  • Any county or city health department in the State of Ohio can provide a copy of a birth or death record.
  • Marriage certificate copies can be obtained from the specific county probate court. In Ohio each county probate court maintains their own online contact pages and information. [6]
*Ohio Court Links including to County Probate Courts[7]

Coverage and Compliance[edit | edit source]

Births:
Physicians or midwives created the birth records and sent them to the country probate court. Parents also reported.

  • Compliance to the law for registering births with the county was highest when midwives or doctors were used
  • Birth certificates are now completed by hospitals, midwives, birthing centers, parents, etc., and collected by county clerks, who transfer copies to the state.

Marriages:

  • Generally high compliance from county formation.
  • County clerks created marriage licenses and the persons performing the marriages (usually ministers or justices of the peace) reported the "returns" to the clerks.
  • Ohio was a common-law marriage state until 1991. No actual marriage record was created for those couples. [8]

Deaths:

  • Registering deaths soon after required by law was highest when doctors and funeral homes were used
  • Death certificates are now completed by funeral home directors, medical examiners, physicians, hospitals, relatives, etc., (and collected by county clerks), who transfer them to the state.

Information in the Records[edit | edit source]

Birth Records[edit | edit source]

Ohio Birth Records May Include*
Name of Child x
Birth Date/Place x
Sex/Race x
Parents' Names x
Parents' Birthplace x
# of Children Born/Living x
Residence/Occupation x
Midwife/Doctor x
* Early records may have less information
  • 1867-1908 County records of births and deaths were kept by the probate court.[9]
*These records include the name, date of birth, sex, names of the parents and their place of residence.
* A few counties have records dating from the 1840s.
  • 1908-current The counties started reporting of births and deaths to the state December 20, 1908.
*The state-level birth records usually contain a child's name, place and date of birth, sex, race, name and birthplace of father, and maiden name and birthplace of mother.
*These records are also in the county or city health departments.[10]


Delayed Birth Records
Delayed birth records were created in the 1940s for adults without birth certificates in order to be eligible for Social Security benefits or for passports.


See also:

Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

Ohio Marriage Records May Include:*
Names of Bride/Groom** x
Date/Place of Marriage x
Presiding Official x
# of Times Married x
Dates/Places of Birth x
Residences/Race x
Parents' Names x
* Early records may have less information
** May be previous married name of bride

County marriage records are the earliest and most complete vital records for Ohio. County probate courts kept the records, starting from the date of the county's creation. [11]

  • Marriage records show the names of the bride and groom, the date, the county, and the officiating individual. Sometimes there is information about the ages and residences of the bride and groom. [12]
  • Parents are not usually named in records dated before 1900.
  • These records include applications for licenses, marriage licenses, and marriage returns.[13]
  • The couple or a parent provided information for license applications.


Gretna Greens. When eloping, couples would get married in alternate places instead of the county they lived in.
For those from Ohio, these locations include:[14]


See also:

Death Records[edit | edit source]

Ohio Death Records May Include:*
Name of Decedent x
Date/Place of Death x
Sex/Race x
Occupation x
Age/Date of Birth x
State/Country of Birth x
Length of Residence x
Name of Spouse x
Parents' Names x
Birth Places of Parents x
Physician x
Cause of Death x
Informant x
Cemetery x
* Early records may have less information
  • 1867-1908 County records of deaths were kept in register books by the probate court.[15]
  • 1908-current The counties started reporting deaths on certificates and sent them to the state December 20, 1908.
*These records are also in the county or city health departments.[16]


See also:


Cause of Death

  • Causes of Death - use this resource when trying to interpret a disease or medical condition listed on a death record or certificate.

Additional Information[edit | edit source]

See also:

Strategy[edit | edit source]

Tips for Using Vital Records

  • Certificate or record is not found:
  1. Couples often married in the county where bride lived or they may have eloped
  2. Search the towns and cities where the event took place. Also search surrounding counties to locate the document.
  3. The record may not exist because of record loss at the the county courthouse. See Burned, Lost, or Missing Records.
  4. The event may not have been recorded by the government at that time. Substitute Records.
  • Examine the record to determine accuracy:
  1. Person providing information may not remember events accurately
  2. Informant may not have been present at the time of the event
  3. Informant may give false information to hide age, race, religion, or illegitimacy
  4. Grieving relatives may not have remembered correctly
  • Review the informant on the document:
  1. Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record
  2. See if records about the informant may have clues about the family
  3. Verify vital information with other sources


See also:

Burned, Lost, or Missing Records[edit | edit source]

The following counties had record loss. Click on the county for more information.

See also:


Substitute Records[edit | edit source]

For other records that may give birth, marriage, or death information, see:

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Vital Records at the Archives and Library of Ohio History Connection
  2. ↑ Per Wright State University accessed Feb 2025
  3. ↑ Ohio law (Ohio Administrative Code Section 3701-5-11) states years birth and death records are restricted
  4. ↑ per Ohio Court Records.US Marriages are public records. Accessed February, 2025
  5. ↑ Ohio County Health Departments at Ohio Department of Health
  6. ↑ How to Order Certificates per Ohio Department of Health, accessed Feb, 2025
  7. ↑ Ohio Court Links at Ohio Judicial Conference
  8. ↑ Common-law Marriages Per Ohio Bar Association, Feb 2025
  9. ↑ Vital Records at Ohio History Connection. accessed Feb, 2025
  10. ↑ Section 3705.07 | Keeping and transmitting records by local registrar per Ohio code, Senate Bill 172, 123rd General Assembly, Feb 12, 2001. Accessed Feb 2025
  11. ↑ per Ohio History Connection accessed Feb, 2025
  12. ↑ Marriage Records at Ohio History Connection, Library Guides. Accessed Feb, 2025
  13. ↑ When the marriage was performed, the minister or justice of the peace returned the information to county officials (not always to the same county).
  14. ↑ 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).
  15. ↑ Vital Records at Ohio History Connection. accessed Feb, 2025
  16. ↑ Section 3705.07 | Keeping and transmitting records by local registrar per Ohio code, Senate Bill 172, 123rd General Assembly, Feb 12, 2001. Accessed Feb 2025

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