Delaware Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
Statewide death registration officially began in 1913, although some deaths were recorded as early as 1855. This collection contains records from 1855 to 1955.

Record History
By 1913, it is estimated that most deaths were reported to the State.

On July 1, 1913, the state of Delaware established a law requiring the registration of births, deaths, and marriages and created the Bureau of Vital Statistics as an agency of the State Board of Health. Death records have been submitted to the Delaware Bureau of Vital Statistics since 1913. The city of Wilmington also has a register of vital statistics.

The Delaware Public Archives has death certificates created since 1913 up to 1967. The Archives also hosts files of early death records that were compiled from sources including tombstones, newspapers and family Bibles. The Public Archives also has records of some deaths that have not been indexed.

Why This Record Was Created
Birth and deaths were recorded to better serve public health needs.

Record Reliability
Death records are considered to be primary source records. Information in these records is usually reliable, depending on the knowledge of the informant. For example, a coroner would be able to give reliable information about the date, time and cause of death, but might not know personal details about the deceased.

Record Description
Death records were generally well preserved, though fires, floods, or other disasters may have destroyed some records.

Death records include certificates, returns, physicians’ certificates and coroner’s returns. Death returns were turned into the State by county clerks prior to creation of death certificates. All documents were recorded on pre-printed forms.

Record Content
Delaware death records may include: • Name

• Date of death • Place of death • Sex and race

• Age • Maiden name of mother • Where born • Name of father • Marital status • Occupation • Cause of death • Parent’s birthplaces • Place of residence • Place of burial

Delaware death certificates may also include: • Name of undertaker • Date of burial • More exact place of death information, (name of village, hundred, etc.)

How to Use the Record
Death records are the best source of birth information after 1913. Use birth, marriage, and death records as the basis for compiling a family group. Use the ages and birth place of each partner to find identities of parents and siblings. Use the place of residence to search for other records that may have information on parents and siblings.

Related Websites
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Related Wiki Articles
Delaware Vital Records

Sources of This Collection
• Delaware. Death Records, 1855-1955. Delaware Bureau of Vital Statistics, Dover, Delaware