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Oregon Research Outline |
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Table of Contents
Records Of The Family History Library
Family History Library Catalog
Archives And Libraries
Bible Records
Biography
Cemeteries
Census
Church Records
Court Records
Directories
Emigration And Immigration
Gazetteers
Genealogy
History
Land And Property Records
Maps
Military Records
Native Races
Naturalization Records
Newspapers
Periodicals
Probate Records
Vital Records
For Further Reading
Comments And Suggestions
PROBATE RECORDS In the territorial era a probate court
While most counties began keeping birth and death records in 1903, some areas started as early as 1854. For example, birth records for Portland begin in 1864 and death records begin in 1862, but they are incomplete. These are available at the Oregon State Archives.
You can write to each county clerk for information. The Family History Library has copies of some county records, for example, Douglas County marriages, 1852 to 1912, and coroner inquests, 1896 to 1946.
Statewide registration of births and deaths began in 1903. The Family History Library has the index to deaths from 1903 to 1970 and has some county birth and death records on microfilm. The original birth and death records are available from the state. To request copies for 1903 to the present, write to:
State records are not open to the public. Birth records are available only to the registrant's immediate family. Death records are available to persons with a “direct and tangible interest.” In your request, state your relationship to the individual you want information about and your reason.
The Oregon State Archives (see address under “Archives and Libraries” section of this outline) has an index to the state's records of births and deaths from 1903 to 1984. They also have copies of Oregon death records 1903-1946, some marriage records 1849-1935, and a marriage index 1906-1995 (some years missing).
Delayed registration of births
Counties began to record marriages soon after they were organized. Some county marriage records date from 1849. Write to the county clerk for information on early records they may have. Beginning in 1906 each county sent copies of the records to the Oregon State Health Division (address above). For records after 1906 you can write to the county clerk or to the state. Records from 1849-1930 are also at the Oregon State Archives (see address under “Archives and Libraries” section of this outline).
Before 1853, divorces were granted by the territorial legislature. These records are now kept at the Oregon State Archives. Divorces that occurred after 1853 were recorded in the circuit court of each county. Records since 1925 may also be obtained from the Oregon State Health Division (address above).
More information about the history and availability of vital records is in Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in Oregon (Portland, Oreg.: Historical Records Survey, 1942; FHL book 979.5 V2h; film 1036701 item 4; fiche 6051198).
Eichholz, Alice, ed. Ancestry's Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources. Rev. ed. Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1992. (FHL book 973 D27rb 1992; computer number 594021.) Contains bibliographies and background information on history and ethnic groups. Also contains maps and tables showing when each county was created.
The Family History Library welcomes additions and corrections that will improve future editions of this outline. Please send your suggestions to:
Paper publication: Second edition August 1997. English approval: 8/97.
©1998, 2001 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
No part of this document may be reprinted, posted on-line, or reproduced in any form for any purpose without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. FamilySearch is a trademark of Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
handled probate matters. A few of the early probate files are now at the Oregon State Archives. Since 1859 the probate judge in each county has had jurisdiction over wills and the disposition of estates. Although some records are in the circuit court, the majority are kept by the clerk of each county court. The Family History Library has many of these records on microfilm.
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VITAL RECORDS
County Records of Births and Deaths
State Records of Births and Deaths
Oregon State Health Division
The current fees for obtaining copies of the state's records are listed in Where to Write for Vital Records: Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces (Hyattsville, Md.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 1993; FHL book 973 V24wv). Copies of this booklet are at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. You can also write to the Oregon State Health Division (address above) for current information.
Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 14050
Portland, OR 97293-0050
Telephone: 503-731-4095
Fax: 503-731-4084
began in the late 1930s. To obtain these records write to the Oregon State Health Division. The Family History Library has delayed records for some counties.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Guide to Vital Records
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FOR FURTHER READING
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COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Publications Coordination
We appreciate the archivists, librarians, and others who have reviewed this outline and shared helpful information.
Family History Library
35 N. West Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-3400
USA
[FamilySearchTM: Research Guidance
Version of Data: 6/9/2001]