BIRTHS

 

Below is information on how to research Vernon County, Missouri births.

 

1.  1883-1910 Database of Officially Reported Births and Deaths in Vernon County. Prior to 1883, Missouri counties were not asked to record births and deaths.  Beginning in 1883, counties were asked (but not required) to report births and deaths.  The births and deaths that were recorded in the County Clerk's office beginning in 1883 are in this database at the Missouri State Archives website.  Because it was not mandatory to report births or deaths from 1883-1910, many are not included.

 

2.  1910-Present Missouri Birth Certificates.  Missouri required birth certificates beginning in 1910. Copies of original Missouri birth certificates are available from the Dept. of Health and Senior Services in Jefferson City, Missouri; a fee is required. Use their application at Application for copy of Birth or Death Certification. Also enclose a note requesting a copy of the original document (not a "Birth Certification").

   Legal "Birth Certification" documents from about 1985 to present are available at all Missouri county health departments and also the Dept. of Health and Senior Services, Jefferson City, MO. This is a legal document which is computer generated on certificate paper and is "a true certification of name and birth facts as recorded by the Bureau of Vital Records, Jefferson City, Missouri."  (It is not a copy of the original birth certificate.) The Vernon County Health Department is located at 301 North Washington Street, Nevada, MO 64772; there is a small fee.

   Birth documents are generally restricted to family members.

 

3.  Death Certificates Over 50 Years Old.  Missouri required death certificates beginning in 1910, and those which are at least 50 years old are available online without charge from the Missouri State Archives. Many death certificates will also give a date of birth. Use "creative spelling," partial names, etc., when searching in the index.

 

4.  Social Security Death Index. Birth information can be found in the SSDI. If the death occurred after approximately 1962 and the deceased was receiving a Social Security benefit or the death was reported to the Social Security Administration, a listing may be found. The SSDI is available online for free at https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1202535 and also at http://www.stevemorse.org/ssdi/ssdi.html

 

5.  United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT)  Search these Social Security Administration records at https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/5000016  A free account is required.

 

6.  All Other Resources for Researching Deaths.  Many resources which are available for researching deaths will also have birth information.