Missouri, Births - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This collection is an index to selected county birth records including the years 1817-1939. A few church entries are included.

Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes images available for all users. However, ultimate rights to view images on our website are granted by the record custodians. The "Missouri, Births, 1817-1939" collection is available to the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers.

Birth images may be viewed or ordered through the following: 1. Microfilm and microfiche from the Family History Library are available via Online Film Ordering in most parts of the world. The film number is included in the source information found on the index of the record. A catalog search for Missouri provides a rich variety of available records. Instructions on how to order microfilm are found on the research wiki. 2. The research wiki provides links to several websites which offer vital records for Missouri.

Record Content
Birth records may contain the following information:


 * Birth date
 * Name at birth
 * Birth town, county, and state
 * Parents’ names, ages, and birthplaces
 * Gender
 * Race/nationality of ancestor
 * Registration date and place
 * Additional relatives
 * Image number
 * Volume/Page/Certificate number
 * Name of child - notes

How to Use the Record
To begin your search it is helpful to know:


 * Your Ancestor’s name
 * Other identifying information such as their residence, age, names of other family members and relationships.

Search the Collection
To search by index: Fill in the requested information on the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the individuals in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to find your ancestor. Keep in mind:


 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names, or variations of their name, throughout their life.
 * If your ancestor used an alias or a nickname, be sure to check for those alternate names.
 * Even though these indexes are very accurate they may still contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned.

For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line article FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Add new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors. The following examples show ways you can use the information:


 * Use the birth information to locate an original birth certificate from the county of origin. See Missouri Digital Heritage for pre-1910 birth record database.
 * Use the estimated age of parents to calculate their birth date.
 * Use the birth record as a source for your ancestor’s parents. This record is proof of the relationship.
 * Note individuals listed as witnesses or godparents. Witnesses and godparents were often relatives.
 * Try searching for the parents’ marriage record in the same locality as your ancestor’s birth place. A marriage record can provide more information about your family, especially the mother’s maiden name.
 * Your ancestor may have been married in the same locality where he or she was born. Search marriage records for that locality to find your ancestor’s marriage.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name as your ancestor and that your ancestor may have used nicknames or different names at different times.
 * Continue to search the index and records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have been born in Missouri.
 * If your ancestor used multiple names throughout their life, look for all their names.
 * Be aware that, as with any index, transcription errors may occur.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby localities.
 * Try alternative search methods such as filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) leaving the other box empty and then do the search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You can then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.

Related Websites

 * Birth and Death Records Database
 * Missouri Department of Health

Related Wiki Articles

 * Missouri Genealogy
 * Missouri Vital Records
 * Missouri Births and Christenings (FamilySearch Historical Records)

Citations for This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

Collection Citation:

Record Citation (or citation for the index entry):