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<div style="width:23%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__
==Introduction to Vital Records==  
</div>
 
== Pennsylvania Vital Records Dates ==  
 
{| class="wikitable" width="40%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" width="70%" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"
|-
|-
| width="44%" |__TOC__
| width="8%" align="center" | '''Government Registration'''
| valign="middle" |<center>''' [[Image:Vital Records Collage.JPG|center|250px|Vital Records Collage.JPG]] '''<br></center>
| width="11%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" | '''[[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Birth_Records|Births]]'''
===Vital Records Reference Dates===
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" | '''[[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Marriage_Records|Marriages]]'''
 
| width="11%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" | '''[[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Death_Records|Deaths]]'''
Pennsylvania's civil records start the following years:
 
{| width="100%" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" align="center" |<br>
| width="8%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''County/Town'''
| width="16.6%" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" |[[How to Find Pennsylvania Birth Records|'''Birth''']]
| width="11%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1893
| width="16.6%" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" |[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records|'''County Marriages''']]
| width="10%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1885
| width="16.6%" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" |[[How to Find Pennsylvania Death Records|'''Death''']]
| width="11%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1893
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" |Earliest
| width="8%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''Statewide Registration'''
| width="16.6%" align="center" |1852-54, 1893
| width="11%" align="center" | January 1906
| width="16.6%" align="center" |1885, some in 1700s
| width="10%" align="center" | None
| width="16.6%" align="center" |1852-54, 1893
| width="11%" align="center" | January 1906
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" |Statewide Registration
| colspan="4"*<br>|See [[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Coverage and Compliance|Coverage and Compliance]] for details
| width="16.6%" align="center" |January 1906
| width="16.6%" align="center" |
| width="16.6%" align="center" |January 1906
|-
| width="16.6%" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffcc" |General Compliance
| width="16.6%" align="center" |1915
| width="16.6%" align="center" |<br>
| width="16.6%" align="center" |1915
|}
|}
<div style="clear:left"></div>


<br>
== Online Resources ==


|}
==Pennsylvania Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online==
===Births===
===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
*'''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  
*'''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 ($)
*'''1852-1854''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2349 Pennsylvania Births, 1852-1854] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''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
*'''1905-1915''' [http://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Birth-Indices.aspx Birth Indices] at Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission — images
*'''1906-Current''' [http://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Birth-Indices.aspx Pennsylvania State Archives Birth Index, 1906-1919].
*'''1906-1914''' [http://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Birth-Indices.aspx Pennsylvania State Archives Birth Index 1906-1914].
*'''1906-Current''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60484 Pennsylvania Birth Certificates, 1906-1915] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1906-1915''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60484 Pennsylvania Birth Certificates, 1906-most currently released] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''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
*'''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


===Marriages===
===Marriages===
*'''Pre-1699''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2081 American Marriages Before 1699] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''Pre-1699''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2081 American Marriages Before 1699] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''Pre-1810''' [https://books.google.com/books?id=j4UpsDxHI8YC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false Record of Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1810] at Google Books — e-book
*'''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]($)''
*'''1512-1989''' {{RecordSearch|4138689|Pennsylvania Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1512-1989}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; ''Also at: [https://search.findmypast.com/results/world-records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-marriages Findmypast] ($)''
*'''1600s-1900s''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania US Marriages – Pennsylvania] at Findmypast — index & images ($)
*'''1600s-1900s''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania US Marriages – Pennsylvania] at Findmypast — index & images ($)
*'''1626-2016''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania United States Marriages – Pennsylvania, 1626-2016] ($) index and some images
*'''1626-2016''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania United States Marriages – Pennsylvania, 1626-2016] at Findmypast - index and some images ($)
*'''1677-1950''' {{RecordSearch|2466357|Pennsylvania Civil Marriages, 1677-1950}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania, Civil Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''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 ($)
*'''1700-1821''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2383 Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1700-1821] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1709-1940''' {{RecordSearch|1681011|Pennsylvania Marriages, 1709-1940}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index  
*'''1709-1940''' {{RecordSearch|1681011|Pennsylvania Marriages, 1709-1940}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index  
*'''Pre-1810''' [https://books.google.com/books?id=j4UpsDxHI8YC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false Record of Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1810], e-book.
*'''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 ($)
*'''1823-Onward''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20625/pennsylvania-marriages?s=275764761 Pennsylvania Marriages] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1845-1963''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61324 Pennsylvania County Marriages, 1845-1963] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1845-1963''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61324 Pennsylvania County Marriages, 1845-1963] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1852-1854''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2486 Pennsylvania Marriages, 1852-1854] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1852-1854''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2486 Pennsylvania Marriages, 1852-1854] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''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 ($)
*'''1885-1889''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2489 Pennsylvania Marriage Records, 1885-1889] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1885-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1589502|Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''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>
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150921032909/http://genpa.org/collections/browse/Marriage%20Indexes%20and%20Licenses Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Indexes and Licenses], index & images<br><br>


===Deaths===
===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
*'''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
*'''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 ($)
*'''1794-1873''' {{FSC|304019|item|disp=Death Warrants, 1794-1873}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images<ref>Pennsylvania. Governor. ''Death Warrants, 1794-1873''. These records are warrants for the executions of convicted criminals.</ref>
*'''1850-1880''' {{RecordSearch|3512181|Pennsylvania Mortality Schedules, 1850-1880}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania Mortality Schedules- FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1852-1854''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2487 Pennsylvania Deaths, 1852-1854] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1852-1854''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2487 Pennsylvania Deaths, 1852-1854] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1852-1854''' {{FSC|283624|item|disp=Pennsylvania, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1852-1854}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog; — index and images<ref>Full collection at the Pennsylvania State Archives. This FamilySearch Library collection does not include the counties of Blair, Clarion, Erie, Forest, Lehigh, Monroe, Montour, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, and Union. Cameron, Lackawanna, and Snyder counties were formed after 1854.</ref>
*'''1856-1971''' {{RecordSearch|4138690|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Deaths and Burials, 1856-1971}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Deaths and Burials - Familysearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1856-1971''' {{RecordSearch|4138690|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Deaths and Burials, 1856-1971}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Deaths and Burials - Familysearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1850-1880''' {{RecordSearch|3512181|Pennsylvania Mortality Schedules, 1850-1880}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania Mortality Schedules- FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1906-1964''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10724/pennsylvania-death-index-1906-1964?utm_source=organic_blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=supersearch&tr_funnel=supersearch&tr_country=US&tr_creative=aug19historicalrecords&utm_content=aug19historicalrecords Pennsylvania Death Index, 1906-1964] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1906-1974''' [http://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Death-Indices.aspx Pennsylvania Death Index, 1906-1974] at Pennsylvania State Archives
*'''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, 1906-1971] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1906-1971''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5164 Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-most currently released] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-deaths-and-burials Historical Society Of Pennsylvania, Deaths & Burials] at Findmypast — index & images ($)
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-deaths-and-burials Historical Society Of Pennsylvania, Deaths & Burials] at Findmypast — index & images ($)


===City & County Databases===
==Print Publications==
*'''1800-1935''' {{RecordSearch|3157976|Pennsylvania, Huntingdon County, Delayed Birth Records, 1800-1935}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania, Huntingdon County, Delayed Birth Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*''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>
*'''1852-1854''' [http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/deaths.htm Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, Deaths 1852-1854] at USGenWeb Archives
*''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>
*'''1860-1906''' {{RecordSearch|1951739|Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Births, 1860-1906}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Births - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*''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>
*'''1870-1905''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61894 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Deaths, 1870-1905] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*''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>
*'''1885-1920''' [http://www.camgenpa.com/courthouse/marriage.html Pennsylvania, Cambria County Marriage Records Index, 1885-1920]
*''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}}
*'''1851-1854''' [http://www.joycetice.com/birth/tiog1852.htm Pennsylvania, Tioga County Vital Records Abstracts, 1851-1854]
*'''1852-1906''' [http://www.chesco.org/index.aspx?NID=1167 Pennsylvania, Chester County Archives Birth Index 1852-1855; 1893-1906] - also delayed births 1857-1906]
*'''1852-1957''' [http://www.chesco.org/index.aspx?NID=1165 Pennsylvania, Chester County Archives Deaths 1852-1855; 1893-1905; Proof of Death registers 1875-1893; Corner's records 1720-1957]
*'''1852-1930''' [http://www.chesco.org/index.aspx?NID=1174 Pennsylvania, Chester County Archives Marriages 1852-1855; 1885-1930; Marriage Contracts, Separations, and Certificates, 1698-1890; Divorce records 1804-1902]
*'''1852-1905''' [http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/ Pennsylvania, Clearfield County, Births, Marriages, and Deaths] at USGenWeb Archives - includes extracts and images, births and deaths 1893-1905, births 1852-1854, select marriages
*'''1852-1855''' [http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/vitals/deaths/dr185255.txt Pennsylvania, Cumberland County Death Record Abstracts, 1852-1855]
*'''1852-1855''' [http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/jefferson/vitals/1852marr01.txt Pennsylvania, Jefferson County Marriage Record Extracts, 1852-1855] at USGenWeb Archives
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/northumberp/vitals.html Pennsylvania, Northumberland] at USGenWeb Archives - partial marriage index
*'''1852-1855''' [http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/perry/vitals/drperry.txt Pennsylvania, Perry County Death Abstracts, 1852-1855] at USGenWeb
*'''1860-1906''' {{RecordSearch|1951739|Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Births, 1860-1906}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Births - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1885-1969''' [http://www.co.schuylkill.pa.us/info/Offices/ROW/Marriage/Combo/Lookup.csp Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County Marriage Records Index, 1885-1969]
*'''1885-1911''' [http://www.joycetice.com/marriage/1885bradmarr01.htm#toc Pennsylvania, Bradford County Marriage Record Extracts, 1885-1911] - Free
*'''1887-1947''' [http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/mckean/marriages-digital.html Pennsylvania, McKean County Marriage Extracts and Images, select 1887-1947]
*'''1893-1905''' [http://www.joycetice.com/birth/bcbirths.htm Pennsylvania, Bradford County Birth Record Extracts, 1893-1905] at Tri-Counties Genealogy & History - Free
*'''1893-1905''' [http://www.joycetice.com/death/bcdeaths.htm Pennsylvania, Bradford County Death Record Extracts, 1893-1905]
*'''1893-1905''' [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~pabutler/Births.htm Pennsylvania, Butler County Birth Record Extracts, 1893-1905]
*'''1892-1905''' [http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/mckean/vitals/births/anni0001.txt Pennsylvania, McKean County, Annin Township Births, 1892-1905]
*'''1893-1905''' [http://usgwarchives.net/pa/fayette/vitals.htm Pennsylvania, Fayette County, 1893-1905] at USGenWeb Archives - select deaths 1893-1905
*'''1893-1905''' [http://www.joycetice.com/birth/tcbirths.htm Pennsylvania, Tioga County Birth Record Extracts, partial 1893-1905]
*'''1893-1905''' [http://www.yorkcountyarchives.org/records.asp Pennsylvania, York County Archives Indexes] - includes births and deaths 1893-1905, marriages 1885-1929
*'''1893-1915''' [http://usgwarchives.net/pa/greene/ Pennsylvania, Greene County Vital Records Extracts] at USGenWeb Archives - births and deaths 1893-1915
*'''1893-1929'''  [HTTPS://WWW.DELCOPA.GOV/ Pennsylvania, Delaware County Archives Indexes] - births and deaths 1893-1905, marriages 1885-1929
*'''1900s-Current''' [http://webapp.montcopa.org/PSI/Viewer/Search.aspx?oq=Yz1NYXJyaWFnZUxpY2Vuc2VTZWFyY2g=&amp;rwocNav=%7C Pennsylvania, Montgomery County Marriage Records Index, 1990's-present]
*[https://paperless.co.lancaster.pa.us/psi3/v/search/marriageLicense Pennsylvania, Lancaster County Marriage Records Index]


===Divorce===
== Get Copies ==
*'''1851-1874''' - Pennsylvania. Court of Common Pleas (Philadelphia County). ''Divorce Docket, 1851-1874''. <ref>''Divorce Docket, 1851-1874''. {{FSC|99168|item|disp=FS Library films 963387-393}} </ref>
''Restrictions:''<br>
*'''1785-1801''' - "Divorces Granted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania from December 1785 until 1801," ''Publications of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania,'' Vol. 1 (Jul. 1897):185-192. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Genealogical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Genealogical_Magazine here]; {{FSC|55326|item|disp=FS Library Book 974.8 B2p v. 1; FS Library film 1698098 item 2}}.
*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>


===Original Certificates===
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 divorce records are usually obtained from the courthouse in the county where the marriage license was issued or divorce decree was granted.


Pennsylvania legislation allows access to statewide death records 50 years and older and statewide birth records 105 years and older. Indexes to the records are available at the [http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Pages/default.aspx#.WOgEeqJMHIU Pennsylvania Department of Health] website. Additional online records include those kept by the various counties or cities of Pennsylvania. These records generally cover births and deaths from 1893-1905, before the state began its vital records program in 1906. Births, deaths and marriages were also officially recorded by the counties between 1851-1855. County marriages are then recorded from 1885 to the present. Some exceptions include city births or deaths beginning in 1803--as in the case of Philadelphia--or the 1870's--as in the case of Reading and Pittsburgh. Also, some city, township, or borough vital records overlap the state records for several years as late as the 1940's.
'''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>


==Birth And Death Records==
* [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]


Statewide registration of births and deaths began in January, 1906, and was generally complied with by 1915. You can obtain copies by writing to:  
''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]


'''Division of Vital Statistics<br>'''Room 401 Central Building<br>101 South Mercer Street<br>New Castle, PA 16101<br>Phone: 1-877-PA-HEALTH or (724) 656-3100


'''[https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Birth-Indices.aspx Birth] and [https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Death-Indices.aspx Death] Indexes are available at the Pennsylvania State Archives website:'''<br>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 the website for the [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/pennsylvania.htm Center for Disease Control] and Prevention (CDC) or at [http://www.vitalrec.com/ Vitalrec.com]. You can also write to the [http://www.health.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx#.VMGRb3u_Z41 Division of Vital Statistics] for current information.
'''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>


'''Records at the Pennsylvania State Archives:'''<br>Currently birth certificates 1906 through 1917 and death certificates, 1906 through 1972 are available at the [[Pennsylvania State Archives|Pennsylvania State Archives]]. If you walk into the archives the certificates are only 50 cents per certificate. Certificates are limited to twenty per family per day.<br>
*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]


'''Other walk-in locations include:'''<br>[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/Erie.aspx#.Vo2Skb_0_y0 Erie]<br>[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/Harrisburg.aspx#.Vo2Stb_0_y0 Harrisbug]<br>[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/New%20Castle.aspx#.Vo2S0L_0_y0 New Castle]<br>[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/Pittsburgh.aspx#.Vo2S6r_0_y0 Pittsburgh]<br>[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/Scranton.aspx#.Vo2THb_0_y0 Scranton]<br>[http://www.health.pa.gov/MyRecords/Certificates/Pages/Philadelphia.aspx#.Vo2TRL_0_y0 Philadelphia]<br>
'''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]


===Local Records of Births and Deaths===
== Coverage and Compliance ==


The Register of [[Pennsylvania Probate Records|Wills]] in most counties kept records of births and deaths for the years 1852-1854. However, the practice stopped due to lack of compliance.
''Coverage included:''<br>
*Residents of the area
*In the early registration years, there may be under-representation for Blacks/African Americans and other groups


Counties began registering births and deaths in 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.


Vital records were also kept by some of the larger cities. The FamilySearch Library has birth and death records on microfilm for the cities of Altoona, Harrisburg, Johnstown, McKeesport, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, Scranton, Wilkinsburg, Williamsport, and York.<br>
''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.


===Other records include:===


*''Old German Midwife's Records, 1791-1815''. <ref>''Old German Midwife's Records, 1791-1815''. ({{FSC|271764|item}} film 383294) </ref>The originals are at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
''Marriages:''<br>  
*Generally high compliance from 1885
*Couples often married in the county where bride lived or they may have eloped


The FamilySearch 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''. ({{FSC|283624|item}}films 1016403-408). </ref>The FamilySearch 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.
== 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
|}


*Pennsylvania. Governor. ''Death Warrants, 1794-1873''. <ref>''Death Warrants, 1794-1873''. ({{FSC|304019|item}} films 1016409-412) </ref>These records are warrants for the executions of convicted criminals.
[[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


*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 FamilySearch 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''. (FamilySearch Library ({{FSC|555301|item}} film 1597740 item 6.) </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>


*''Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875''. <ref>Charles Adam Fisher. ''Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875''. Reprint of 1947 edition; Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1979 ({{FSC|282865|item}} 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. An index to this is:
''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]]


*''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}}. Includes most records of births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths published in those magazines.
<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
|-
|}


===Delayed Registration of Birth 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


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.


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


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'' {{FSC|265163|titleno}}</ref>


The FamilySearch Library. Microfilm records are available for all counties EXCEPT Carbon, Chester, Lehigh, Monroe, Pike, and Union.
''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]]


=== Cause of Death ===
<div style="clear:both"></div>
*[[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
=== 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
|}


==Marriage Records==
*'''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


Pennsylvania counties recorded few civil marriage records before 1885. As a general rule to obtain records, make applications to the Marriage License Clerk, County Courthouse, in the county where licenses were issued. However, many marriages before then will be found in church records.<br>


Some earlier records have been published:  
''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]]


*'''Pre-1810''' - ''Record of Pennsylvania Marriages, Prior to 1810''. Digital versions at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2206 Ancestry.com ($)]; [https://books.google.com/books?id=j4UpsDxHI8YC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false] (vol. 2 only) - free.<ref>2 vols. 1880. Reprint, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1968. ({{FSC|284981|item}} Book 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.


*'''1684-1689''' - ''Marriage Register of Pennsylvania, 1684 to 1689''. <ref>''Marriage Register of Pennsylvania, 1684 to 1689''. ({{FSC|189466|item|disp=FS Library film 20438 item 4}}.</ref>This contains mainly Quaker records in Philadelphia.
'''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>


*'''1729-1763''' - Meier, Judith A. "Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women as Advertised in ''The Pennsylvania Gazette''," ''The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine'', Vol. 34, No. 3 (1986):201-227. For free online access, click [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Genealogical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Genealogical_Magazine here]
== Additional Information ==


*'''1742-1748''' - "Pennsylvania Marriage Licenses, 1742-1748," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' '''Dec 1742-May 1746:''' Vol. 39 (1915):176-185; '''Jun 1746-Dec 1747:''' Vol. 39 (1915):364-372; '''1748:''' Vol. 39 (1915):434-439. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography here]
''See also:''<br>
*[[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''


*'''1742-1790''' - ''Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1790'' <ref>''Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1790''. 1968. Reprint, Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing, 1968. ({{FSC|283258|item|disp=FS Library Book 974.8 V2n; film 823832 item 2}}. Includes marriage licenses (mostly 1744 to 1776). This was reprinted from Pennsylvania Archives, series 2, volume 2. </ref>. Digital versions at [http://books.google.com/books?id=onEFAAAAQAAJ Google Books] - free.
==Strategies==
'''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 Burned, Lost, or Missing Records below.
#The event may not have been recorded by the government at that time. See Substitute Records below
*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 and evidence for your family
#Use the information as a clue, not a fact, until verified by other sources <br>


*'''1748-1752''' - Jordan, Helen. "Pennsylvania Marriage Licenses, Issued by Governor Hamilton, 1748-1752," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' '''Surnames A-H:''' Vol. 32 (1907):71-87; '''Surnames H-J:''' Vol. 32 (1907):233-236; '''Surnames J-M:''' Vol. 32 (1907):345; '''Surnames M-Y:''' Vol. 32 (1907):471-486. For free online access, click [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography here]


*'''1755-1759''' - ''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.
:''See also:''<br>
:* [[Pennsylvania Research Tips and Strategies]]
:* [[United States Basic Search Strategies]]
:* [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]


*'''1762-1768''' - "Pennsylvania Marriage Licenses, 1762-1768," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 40 (1916):104-107; Vol. 40 (1916):208-221; Vol. 40 (1916):319-334; Vol. 40 (1916):436-457. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography here]


*'''1769-1776''' - "Pennsylvania Marriage Licenses, 1769-1776," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 41 (1917):224-246; Vol. 41 (1917):334-358; Vol. 41 (1917):489-501. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography here]
'''Burned, Lost, or Missing Records?'''<br>
 
The following counties had record loss. Click on the county for more information.<br>
*'''1784-1791''' - Rogers, Harry. "Marriage Bonds in the State Library, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 55, No. 3 (Jul. 1931):259-276. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography here]. (mostly 1785-1786)
{| style="width:70%; vertical-align:top;"
 
|-  
*'''1784-1786''' - Pennsylvania. Supreme Executive Council. ''Marriage Bonds, 1784-1786''. <ref>''Marriage Bonds, 1784-1786''({{FSC|685442|item}} films 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.
|style="width:16%; vertical-align:top;"|
 
*[[Erie County, Pennsylvania Genealogy#Record Loss|Erie]]
*'''1885-1889''' - Pennsylvania. Bureau of Vital Statistics. ''Marriage Records, 1885-1889''. <ref>''Marriage Records, 1885-1889'' ({{FSC|11462|item}} film 1027957-958.) </ref>The males are listed on the first film and the females on the second.
*[[Franklin County, Pennsylvania Genealogy#Record Loss|Franklin]]
 
*[[Mercer County, Pennsylvania Genealogy#Record Loss|Mercer]]
Many of these old articles have been republished in three volumes:
|}
 
*''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}}. Includes most records of births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths published in those magazines.
 
Individual counties or cities such as Philadelphia 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.
 
The FamilySearch Library has copies of many marriage records, usually from '''1885 to 1920''', Justice of the Peace records may contain marriages '''before 1885'''. The library has these records from the counties of Beaver, Centre, Chester, Columbia, Dauphin, Greene, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery, Potter, and Somerset. For example see:
 
*'''1865-1927''' - Potter County (Pennsylvania). ''Justice of the Peace. Records, 1865-1927''. <ref>({{FSC|591293|item}} film 1421828 items 1-2.) </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).
 
*'''1835-1839''' - 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>({{FSC|193210|item}} film 20447 item 3.) </ref>
 
Newspaper accounts of marriages and 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:
 
*'''1724-1746''' - Samuel, Edith. "Index to the Deaths Mentioned in the ''American Weekly Mercury,'' 1724-1746," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 58, No. 1 (Jan. 1933):37-60. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography here.]
 
*'''1766-1787''' - Scott, Kenneth. "Marriage Notices in the ''Pennsylvania Gazette,'' 1766-1787," ''National Genealogical Society Quarterly,'' Vol. 64 (1976):184-188. {{FSC|39597|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 B2ng v. 64 (1976)}}.
 
*'''1775-1783''' - ''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. ({{FSC|238199|item}} Book 974.811 V4s.) </ref>See the [[Pennsylvania Newspapers|Pennsylvania Newspapers]] page for more information.
 
===Additional marriage records are in:===
 
'''[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Gretna Greens]].''' When an '''eloping''' Pennsylvania 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 [http://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/2007/02/19/have-you-searched-and-searched-for-the-marriage-without-finding-it/ ''Genealogy Blog'' (accessed 8 January 2011)].</ref><ref>Arlene H. Eakle, "Charles H. Browning and Your Genealogy" in [http://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/2007/11/30/charles-h-browning-and-your-genealogy/ ''Genealogy Blog'' (accessed 8 January 2011)].</ref>
 
:*[[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]]
 
==Divorce Records==
 
Divorce became more common in Pennsylvania after the divorce law of 1785.<ref>Thomas R. Meehan, [http://journals.psu.edu/pmhb/article/view/42441/42162 "'Not Made Out of Levity,' Evolution of Divorce in Early Pennsylvania,"] ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 92, No. 4 (Oct. 1968):441-464.</ref> Divorce proceedings were usually kept by the court of common pleas. However, to obtain a record of divorce and it's proceedings, contact the Office of the Prothonotary in the county where the divorce was granted. For example, see:
 
:*'''1851-1874''' - Pennsylvania. Court of Common Pleas (Philadelphia County). ''Divorce Docket, 1851-1874''. <ref>''Divorce Docket, 1851-1874''. {{FSC|99168|item|disp=FS Library films 963387-393}} </ref>
 
:*'''1785-1801''' - "Divorces Granted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania from December 1785 until 1801," ''Publications of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania,'' Vol. 1 (Jul. 1897):185-192. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Genealogical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Genealogical_Magazine here]; {{FSC|55326|item|disp=FS Library Book 974.8 B2p v. 1; FS Library film 1698098 item 2}}.
 
==Additional Helps==
 
===Tips===
 
*Information listed on vital records is given by an informant. Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record. The closer the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) and whether or not the informant was present at the time of the event can help determine the accuracy of the information 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. 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 las 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except a direct relative.
*Search for Vital Records in the FamilySearch Catalog by using a '''Place Search''' and then choosing '''Vital Records.''' 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.
 
===Substitute Records===
 
These links will take you to wiki pages describing alternate sources for birth, marriage and death records.
 
[[Pennsylvania Church Records|Pennsylvania Church Records]] Depending on the denomination, church records may contain information about birth, marriage and death.
 
[[Pennsylvania Cemeteries|Pennsylvania Cemetery Records]] Cemetery records are a rich source of birth and death information. These records may also reveal family relationships.
 
[[Pennsylvania Census|Pennsylvania Census]] Besides obituaries, local newspapers may contain birth and marriage announcements and death notices. Also check newspaper social columns for additional information.
 
[[Pennsylvania Newspapers|Pennsylvania Newspapers]] Besides obituaries, local newspapers may contain birth and marriage announcements and death notices. Also check newspaper social columns for additional information.
 
[[Pennsylvania Military Records|Pennsylvania Military Records]] Military pension records can give birth, marriage and death information, In addition, soldiers' homes records can included this same information.
 
[[Pennsylvania Obituaries|Obituaries]]: Obituaries found in newspapers can list the age of the deceased, birth date and place, death date and place, and names of living relatives and their residences.
 
[[Pennsylvania Periodicals|Pennsylvania Periodicals]] If no death record exists, probate records may be helpful in estimating when an individual has died. Probate records in the 20th Century often contain the exact death date.
 
[[Pennsylvania Probate Records|Pennsylvania Probate Records]] If no death record exists, probate records may be helpful in estimating when an individual has died. Probate records in the 20th Century often contain the exact death date. <br>
 
[[Pennsylvania History]] Local histories, family histories 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 FamilySearch Catalog.
 
===W.P.A. Inventory of Vital Records===


You can learn more about the history and availability of vital records in <ref>{{FSC|283700|item|disp=of Vital Statistics within Each County''.}}</ref>Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Historical Records Survey, N.d. This inventory also describes many available church records.  
''See also:''<br>
*[[Burned Counties Research|Burned Counties Research]] for strategies to find ancestors in spite of record loss.


{{Template:Pros-PA}}


==References==
'''Substitute Records'''<br>
For other records that may give birth, marriage, or death information, see:
*[[Pennsylvania_Substitute Records|Pennsylvania Substitute Records]]
*[[Substitute_Records_For_United_States_Birth_Information|Substitute Records for United States Birth Information]]
*[[Substitute_Records_for_United_States_Marriage_Information|Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information]]
*[[Substitute_Records_For_United_States_Death_Information|Substitute Records for United States Death Information]]


<references />
== References ==
{{reflist}}


{{Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania}} {{U.S. Vital Records}} 


[[Category:United States_Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
[[Category:Pennsylvania Vital Records]][[Category:Pennsylvania, United States]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania_Vital_Records|Pennsylvania Vital Records]]
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