Michigan Births - FamilySearch Historical Records

This wiki article describes a collection that is available for free online at FamilySearch Record Search – Pilot Site. To access the collection, see Michigan Births 1867-1902



Collection Time Period
These records cover births from 1867 to 1902.

Collection History
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. From 1867 to 1879, about 15% to 20% of the births were recorded; from 1880-1902, coverage increased to about 60% to 70%.

Why This Collection Was Created
The state required counties to begin recording births to document the occurrence of a birth and to track public health issues.

Collection Reliability
Information on birth records is generally reliable, though there is always the chance of misinformation.

Collection Description
County birth records were entered into register books with multiple entries to a page. Pages are preprinted and the entries are handwritten.

Collection Content
Key genealogical facts found in Michigan birth records are:


 * Name of the child
 * Birth date and place
 * If still-born, illegitimate, or twin
 * Sex
 * Color or race
 * Record Number

How To Use The Collection
Birth records are the best source after 1867 of birth information. Use the family residence at time of birth to find other records about the family. Use the parents' names to search for information about them and earlier generations.

Related Article:
Michigan Vital Records