Georgia Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
After legislation was enacted in 1919, Georgia began requiring the recording of deaths.

Record Description
Each death was recorded on a one-page pre-printed form.

Record Content
Important genealogical facts in death entries:


 * Dates of death and burial
 * Frequently, birth date of the deceased
 * City, county, and state of death
 * Name and location of the cemetery where buried
 * Frequently, the country or state and sometimes the town and county of birth for the deceased
 * Frequently, the country or state and sometimes the town and county of birth for the parents
 * Name of the deceased, married name of spouse, names of parents, often with maiden surname of the mother
 * Name of the informant, who is often a child or other family member
 * Age of the deceased usually in years, months, and days
 * Sex of the deceased
 * Residence or address of the deceased, often including length of residence at that place or in the United States, if foreign-born
 * Whether the deceased was single, married, widowed, or divorced at the time of death
 * Occupation of the deceased

How to Use the Records
Death certificates are the best source of death information. The certificates contain clues for further research: the birth date and birthplace of the individual; the name of the spouse; the names of parents; the place of residence; the name of the informant who may be a child of the deceased. Some certificates will have information written on the back of the page. In those cases, the back of the page is found on the next image

Record History
In 1919 Georgia law required the registration of deaths in the state. Some deaths were recorded for years before 1919. Prior to statewide registration, death records were recorded in some counties beginning in 1875. Though statewide registration was established in 1919, county officials were slow to respond to the law and most did not comply until 1928.

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.

Record Reliability
Information pertaining to death is reliable; including cause of death, name of the attending physician or medical professional, name and address of the funeral home used, and the exact date and place of burial. Other information is dependent upon the reliability of the informant.

Related Web Sites
| Georgia Death Records invalid link

Related Wiki Articles
Georgia Vital Records

Sources of Information for This Collection:
"Georgia Deaths, 1914-1927" and "Georgia Deaths, 1930," database, FamilySearch; from Georgia Department of Health and Vital Statistics. "Georgia Statewide Death Certificates, 1914-1927." Georgia Department of Health, Atlanta, Georgia. FHL microfilm, 262 reels. Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should also list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the Wiki Article: How to Cite FamilySearch Collections

Examples of Source Citations for a Record
Georgia Deaths, 1914-1927. digital images, From FamilySearch Internet (www.familysearch.org): January 12, 2011). Death of Matilda Eaton, 14, February 1927, Madison, Georgia. film number 2365000.