Michigan Births - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of an index and images to Michigan statewide birth registration entries for the years 1867 to 1902. County birth records were entered into register books with multiple entries to a page. Pages are printed and entries are handwritten.

Clerks of each County Court recorded births that were reported by parents, doctors, and midwives, beginning in 1867. This information was then sent to the secretary of the state. Because of the way the births were recorded, some information may be slightly off or inaccurate. Users are advised to locate additional sources to confirm anything found in this collection. From 1867 to 1879, about 15% to 20% of the births were recorded; from 1880-1902, coverage increased to about 60% to 70%.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records: • 2

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The approximate birth date of your ancestor
 * The place where your ancestor was born
 * The name of the child's parents

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * If available, check the image for additional information
 * Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Try searching by surname only
 * The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of their name
 * Remember that spelling was generally not standardized until the early part of the 20th century

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Michigan.
 * Michigan Guided Research
 * Michigan Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Related Family History Library Holdings

 * Michigan. Secretary of State. Birth records, 1867-1902

Related FamilySearch Historical Record Collections

 * Michigan Births and Christenings, 1775-1995
 * Michigan, County Births, 1867-1917

Related Digital Books

 * Michigan Historical Records Survey Project, Division of Community Service Programs, Work Projects Administration. Vital statistics holdings by government agencies in Michigan; birth records. Detroit, Michigan : Michigan Historical Records Survey Project, 1941

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.