Minnesota, Death Records and Certificates - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of an index to records from the State Department of Health for the years 1900 to 1955. Deaths were recorded from 1900-1907 without certificate numbers. In 1908, the state began issuing numbered certificates.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The index may list any of the following:
 * The name of the deceased
 * Age
 * Death date
 * Birth date and place
 * Burial date and place
 * Calculated date of birth
 * Birth place of parents
 * Parents’ names
 * The name of a spouse
 * The name of the cemetery and/or funeral home
 * The name of informant
 * Residence
 * Occupation
 * Race

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before searching the collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The date of death for your ancestor
 * The place of death for your ancestor
 * The names of the parents or other family members

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.

What Do I Do Next?
Use the locator information found in the index (to locate your ancestor in the death records from the Minnesota Department of Health in Minneapolis. When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors.

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

 * Use the information found on the death record to search for the family in census records.
 * Use the information found on the death record to search for an obituary.
 * Use the information found on the death record to search for the family in additional county and state records.

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

 * 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 only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.

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

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.

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