New Hampshire Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
 This information covers the years 1901-1948.

Collection History
Official records of deaths occurring in each New Hampshire town or city are kept by the clerk, who sends copies to the Bureau of Vital Records and Health in Concord, New Hampshire. Statewide compilation began with the passing of a law in 1866. Total compliance with the law did not happen until sometime in the 1880’s. The Bureau of Vital Records was not created until 1905 but it contains records from about 1640 to the present. Until 1883 less than half of the population was listed in the vital records. After 1901 the records are more complete and give more genealogical information.

Why This Collection Was Created
Deaths were recorded to better serve public health needs. They were also used in connection with the probate of wills and the administration of estates.

Collection Reliability
The most reliable information is the date and place of death or burial. Other information will only be as reliable as the informant’s knowledge or memory.

Collection Description
The record is a printed form that was filled in by hand or typed.

Collection Content
Key genealogical facts found in New Hampshire Statewide Deaths are: Name of deceased Date and place of death Age Length of time in the community Date and place of birth Gender Color or race Occupation Marital status Name of father and mother (including maiden name) and their place of birth Name of spouse Place and date of interment

How to Use the Collection
Death records are the best source of death and burial information. The death record may provide clues for further research: date and place of birth of the individual, names of parents, place of residence, etc. In addition to the information listed below, the later records also contain the name and address of the informant, the usual residence of the deceased, and if foreign born how long in the U.S.

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