Researching bIRTHS in Vernon County, Missouri

Here are some suggestions on where to begin with research to find information on an ancestor's birth in Vernon County.  Please see Request Research to request Vernon County lookups or general research by genealogy society members.  The Society cannot request birth certificates from the State of Missouri on your behalf -- you must do so yourself.

1.

1883-1910 Database of Officially Reported Births and Deaths in Vernon County.  Prior to 1883, counties were not asked to record births and deaths.  This is a list from a ledger book of births and deaths that were recorded beginning in 1883.  It was not mandatory to report births or deaths from 1883-1910, so many are not included.  This database is available online at the Missouri State Archives website and printed copies are available at the Nevada Library Genealogy Department. 

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; fee 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 are available at all Missouri county health departments and also the Dept. of Health and Senior Services.  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 document.)  The Vernon County Health Department is located at 301 North Washington Street, Nevada, MO 64772; and the 2008 fee for obtaining a "Birth Certification" is $15.

3.

Missouri State 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 at http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/   This is a copy of the very same Death Certificate document which you would pay $13 for from the Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services, except that it is not embossed as a legal document. 

4.

Social Security Death Index.  Birth information can sometimes be found in the SSDI.  If the death occurred after about 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.  Search SSDI on-line here.

5.

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