Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records date back nearly 200 years
As Hamilton County proudly commemorates its Bicentennial Anniversary, it also celebrates the preservation of nearly two centuries’ worth of vital records. The Hamilton County Health Department and the County Clerk’s office are charged with the safekeeping of hundreds of thousands of important documents – some dating back to the 19th century when Hamilton County became a county.
“These records are like time capsules, allowing us to glimpse the lives of those who came before us,” said Kathy Williams, County Clerk and co-chair of the Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission. “They remind us of the struggles, triumphs, and enduring spirit that have defined our community for two centuries.”
A closer look at the handwritten records. (Photo provided)
All persons born and/or deceased in Hamilton County after 1882 have written birth and death certificates on file with the Health Department. Hamilton County did not require birth and death records prior to that time. Records between 1882 and 1968 were handwritten in bound books that are now kept in fire-proof safes.
“These books are treasure troves of information,” said Susie Swenson, Vital Records Clerk at the Health Department. “For example, we know by looking at them that the primary causes of death in the 1800s were diphtheria, scarlet fever, and typhoid fever. These diseases are all but non-existent because of the advent of vaccinations, improved living conditions, and antibiotics.”
Fireproof safe full of birth and death records. (Photo provided)
The Health Department has successfully digitized birth and death records as far back as 1920. It is working diligently to digitize the rest. So too, is the Clerk’s Office, the official record-keeper for all county-level court cases, as well as documents related to immigration, marriage, divorce, estates, wills, and criminal records.
“These records are the living threads that connect us to our past,” Williams said. “For example, we know Jacob Winter and Elizabeth Cotlin were the first couple in Hamilton County issued a marriage license. They were married by a Justice of the Peace on June 9, 1843.”
Bound marriage records in County Clerk’s office. (Photo provided)
While the hand-written bounded books aren’t open to the public, requests can be made to both agencies for copies of the records they contain.
Anyone needing a copy of a birth or death record must complete the vital records application at this link. Hamilton County Birth and Death certificates are issued from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hamilton County Health Department.
The marriage record of first couple to receive marriage license in Hamilton County. (Photo provided)
Anyone needing documents related to immigration, marriage, divorce, expungements, estates, wills, and criminal records, should complete the form at this link.
“Preserving our history is not just a duty, but a privilege,” Williams said. “We are proud to be the keepers of such valuable information and will do all we can to ensure our residents have access to these records for hundreds of years to come.”