Genealogy Hints
Genealogical Society of Marion County, IndianaBirth Records
Birth Records are difficult to obtain because they can be (mis)used for so many purposes. You may be required to provide proof of relationship and proof of the person's death.
Death Records
Death Records can be the least accurate records depending upon the knowledge of the person reporting the information about the deceased. Unfortunately, you will never be able to report your own information. How much do your children know about you?
Marriage Records
Marriage Records may only be records of the wedding. However, you may also find the Application for Marriage completed by the bride and groom-to-be. Marriage records may also be corroborated with church records.
types
Vital Records include birth, marriage, divorce and death records.
calculating birth date
To find a birth date from a death date, subtract the age in years, months and days from the date of death. This is a very close approximation.
non-certified copy
When ordering a death, marriage or birth certificate, request a non-certified copy. It contains exactly the same information as the certified copy but is less expensive.
timing of recording
Vital records and event information are more reliable when they are recorded near the time of the happening. The longer the time from the event occurrence that the record is made, the less accurate it may be based on the memory of the person involved.
More information on Long Form
When ordering a death, marriage or birth certificate, request the long form which will have more information than the short form.
Public record keeping
Public record keeping was very unorganized in previous generations.
Witness / Bondsman
Look carefully at marriage records. The witnesses and bondsmen may be related to either party.