Genealogy Chat

My daughter is asking if it is worth while getting a Birth/Death/Marriage certificate in the year circa 1865 - what information it would contain (she is after more detail of the parents. Judy

Since civil registration started in 1837 there have been standard forms, so the information was as full in the early days, as it was later on. As now, death certificates won't give mention of parents, except in the case of a young child, when they are usually shown as son or daughter of ( father ) Marriages will hopefully have fathers' names, where known and birth certs. give mother's maiden name as well as child's father's name and occupation. Gwyn

Obtaining certificates is vital. Birth certs for that time give date and place of birth, parents names and father's profession, Death certs give name, age cause of death, where it took place and who was present at the death . Marriage certs can be a real revelation sometimes. They give names and places where both paries are living, whether they are of full age or under, whether bachelor or spinster (or other,), names and prof. of fathers and the names of witnesses. They are an important part of verification that who you think you have found is actually the right person.M

Gwyn & Marie, Many thanks for your advice, it is much appreciated. Judy (from Australia)

Oh heck - I omitted to say AMERICAN, not English - can someone help from the US please? Judy