KENTUCKY DEATH CERTIFICATES

Finding Parents

You know from the 1850 census that your ancestor was born about 1829, but that's about all. Problem is, the 1830 and 1840 censuses don't show him listed by name as a child, he may not have even been born in Kentucky, and he was married by the 1850 census. So what do you do? If he lived to be at least 82 years old and died in Kentucky, then his death certificate could give you not only his parents' names (including the maiden name of his mother), but could also tell you where they were born.

When was he born?

So he was 21 at the time of the 1850 census. When was he actually born? There were two Daniel Carey's born that same year (and to brothers, no less). Which one is my Daniel? His death certificate will list his actual birth date, if known at the time.

Who was the spouse?

You find him listed in the census with a Rachel, but no marriage certificate can be found. So who is she? Rachel who? Many times the spouse will be specifically listed as such. Other times, if they're the informant, a maiden name will be given.

Where is he buried?

OK, so now that cemetery listing for Rachel Carey at Bruner's Chapel makes sense, she's your Rachel, but there's nothing in the listing about Daniel. You'll find the cemetery listed on the death certificate. Graves do sometimes get overlooked, for all kinds of reasons. Now you'll know for sure where to go, and to look harder.

When did he die?

This goes without saying. That's what a death certificate is for.

What did he die of?

By far, this has the highest potential for surprise. You'll find the darndest things listed here. This is a great way to track genetic diseases (does it run in the family?), but will more often give you a chuckle. I have one that has for cause of death "Don't know . He never did have much use for doctors". Another that states "Ate too much for lunch and fell in his plate dead. Always did eat too much."

You'll receive a photocopy taken from microfilm that has been made public (privacy restrictions on death certificates expire after 50 years). It will be as shown but will not be a certified copy like those received from the Department of Vital Statistics . Please refer to the picture to see what information is available on a death certificate: Place of Death Date of Birth Place of Birth Father's Name and Place of Birth Mother's Full Maiden Name and Place of Birth Date of Death Cause of Death Place and Date of Burial

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1. A note containing the information from the online index located at     (note: clicking opens a new window so you keep this page)
         If you prefer, you can Click Here (you'll leave this page)
         OR: Right-Click Here and select 'Open in a New Window' (this page will stay in a separate browser window so you don't lose your place)
   information to send:
   • Name
   • Date of Death   (*Remember: 1911 - 1954 deaths only !)
   • Age of the deceased
   • County of Death
   • Certificate #
   • DEATH VOLUME Number (from the online index - very important!)
2. A self-addressed, stamped envelope
     (Rule-of-thumb: 1 envelope per 10 certs, 1 stamp for every 5)
3. a check for $4.00 per certificate, payable to me at the address below.
     (One check covering multiple certificates is acceptable, and preferred)

Please be aware of the following:

• I do not fill email orders. I trash them.
• I reserve the right to refuse any order I receive, in which case your check will be returned.
• I do not give refunds in the following situations, so please be as thorough as possible:
  • incomplete, incorrect, or missing information
  • typos or other errors on your part
  • requests for years other than 1911-1954
• I am in no way affilliated with any state agency nor any entity who presents this information in any form.

Virginia

Virginia Death Certificates, 1912-1939 - service provided by Beth Bond