What can birth records really tell you asides from family lineage. These records along with death records are more often than not referred to as VITAL RECORDS along with divorce decrees, marriage licenses and wills. Birth records can resolve details such as parent’s residence, ages, employment and full names. A child and parents birth place along with religious information (baptism). These records are naturally seen by many as just the beginning. A concerted and committed impetus and momentum of late has offered adoptees new hope in tracing birth parents. Certain criteria does apply i.e. subject to the approval of the biological parent/s. This can be evidenced by The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) efforts in that adoptees now have access to Indiana birth records pre 1994.
While birth records may well seem an obvious place to start, the consensus is that death records may well be seen as the initial search followed by marriage records then birth records, these records being arguably the most difficult to find. The reason being is that not all States kept records until some way in to the 1900’s. Local churches held some early records of baptism and christenings but birth records may well be absent. The commencement date of recorded death/birth records varied from each State. Records were held under each County and State jurisdiction. State laws will confirm when birth records were first recorded and available. Some birth records are also deemed ‘confidential’ and proof may be required to confirm you are who you say you are and/or a descendant. Vital records should be used by the right people for the right reasons.
