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→Historical Background
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'''Civil transcripts:''' Civil registration started when the clergy were required to make civil copies of birth, marriage, and death records. These are known as civil transcripts of church records (see [[Poland Church Records]]). Because the church was involved in early civil registration, it is difficult to clearly distinguish between civil registration and church records. | '''Civil transcripts:''' Civil registration started when the clergy were required to make civil copies of birth, marriage, and death records. These are known as civil transcripts of church records (see [[Poland Church Records]]). Because the church was involved in early civil registration, it is difficult to clearly distinguish between civil registration and church records. | ||
In accordance with the law, metrical books were to be kept by state officials. Because there were not enough state officials to perform the duties, the clergy were frequently appointed as civil registrars. Catholic clergy were responsible for all civil registration from 1808 until 1825. Beginning in 1826, Jews, Evangelical Lutherans, Protestants, Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, etc.) were allowed to maintain separate civil registers. From 1826 on, metrical documents were once more church records in nature, but their form remained true to that of the Napoleonic Code. | In accordance with the law, metrical books were to be kept by state officials. Because there were not enough state officials to perform the duties, the clergy were frequently appointed as civil registrars. Catholic clergy were responsible for all civil registration from 1808 until 1825. Beginning in 1826, Jews, Evangelical Lutherans, Protestants, Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, etc.) were allowed to maintain separate civil registers. From 1826 on, metrical documents were once more church records in nature, but their form remained true to that of the Napoleonic Code. | ||
'''Prussian Poland:'''Starting in the late 19th century, churches quit making civil transcripts, and the people were required to report all births, marriages, and deaths to a civil registrar (Standesamt). Civil authorities in the German territories of Poland began registering births, marriages, and deaths in 1874. After this date all individuals who lived in Prussian German territories were to be listed in civil records. For birth, death, and marriage records in these areas before 1874, see [[Poland Church Records]]. | '''Prussian Poland:'''Starting in the late 19th century, churches quit making civil transcripts, and the people were required to report all births, marriages, and deaths to a civil registrar (Standesamt). Civil authorities in the German territories of Poland began registering births, marriages, and deaths in 1874. After this date all individuals who lived in Prussian German territories were to be listed in civil records. For birth, death, and marriage records in these areas before 1874, see [[Poland Church Records]]. | ||