| How Do I Find a Birth Date or Location? | |
What You Need:
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Full Name
Before searching for an ancestor's birth date or location you will need to know their full name (including maiden name for your female ancestors). Without this information you will find it very difficult to locate records and, even if you locate them, you will find it almost impossible to verify that it is indeed your ancestor.Approximate Year of Birth
If you do not already know, you will need to find the approximate year in which your ancestor was born. This can be estimated by using his/her age at various events in their life.Approximate Place of Birth
If you do not already know, you will need to find the approximate location in which your ancestor was born. This can usually be found on records which were generated later in their life or by tracing the movements of relatives (siblings and children) and neighbors.
Where to Look:
The following records are all good places to look for approximate year or place of birth, as well as an actual birth date. Please keep in mind that the availability of these records will vary by time period and country/region. They are listed in descending order of importance.
Vital Records
Birth, marriage & death recordsChurch Records
Baptism, christening or marriage recordsNewspaper Notices
Birth announcements, marriage banns, obituariesFamily Sources
Bible records, interviews, passports, driver's licenses, citizenship papers, birth announcementsMilitary Records
Service records, pension files, draft registrations, awards, discharge papersCensus Records
Many census and tax records will give the age at the date of the census as well as country/locality of birth. Keep in mind that availability and usefulness of census records varies widely by country.Cemetery Records
Tombstones, funeral home records, sexton's recordsImmigration/Emigration Records
Citizenship papers, ships passenger lists, port entry/exit recordsLand Records
Deeds, homestead applications, mortgages and other property records may provide clues as to place of birth.Probate Records
Wills and estate records will often provide the age at death, from which you can approximate the year of birthInternational Genealogical Index
The International Genealogical Index is a partial index to vital records from around the world created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). While it is a good source for birth information, it should always be verified by going back to the original record.
