Michigan Deaths - 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 Vital Records



Collection Time Period
The state of Michigan required registration of deaths beginning in 1867. This collection covers deaths registered through 1897.

Collection History
From 1867 to 1897 the township supervisor or city assessor or supervisor annually canvassed their area and recorded the deaths that took place the year preceding the first Monday in April. The supervisor or assessor returned the results to the county clerk within 30 days of completing the canvass. Each year the county clerk forwarded the records to Secretary of State. The Secretary of State had the records bound in books, one for each year, and made an annual report to the Governor. Registration was initially very incomplete. Some counties did not report any deaths during the first three years of this statute. This law remained in effect until 1897 when the state required a death certificate be issued. It is believed that approximately half of the deaths were missed in the time period from 1867 until 1897.

Why This Collection Was Created
Deaths were recorded to serve public health needs. They are also used to probate wills and administer the deceased person’s estate.

Collection Reliability
Death information was collected during the year following the death of the individual. The assessor or supervisor could obtain the information from anyone who had knowledge of the death. Normally it would be the spouse, parent or child, but could be another relative, neighbor, physician, or undertaker. The information would only be as reliable as the informant’s knowledge or memory.

Collection Description
Two page ledger form provided by the Michigan Secretary of State. The registration ledgers are bound in volumes by year. The counties are listed alphabetically within each volume.

Collection Content
Key genealogical facts found in the Michigan death records are:


 * Name of deceased
 * Date and place of death
 * Sex and color
 * Marital status
 * Age in years, months, and days
 * Disease or apparent cause of death
 * Birthplace of deceased
 * Names and occupations of parents
 * Date the record was made

How To Use The Collection
Use death registers to obtain death information. You may also find burial information. The registers normally provide clues for further research: names of parents, birth date, birthplace, and place of residence.

Related Article
Michigan Vital Records