how do you find birth records of someone born 1861 if records only start 1864?

Answer 1

You won't. You can sometimes (not always) find out a person's exact birth date from
Death records - Obituary, death certificate, funeral records
Military records
Tombstone (died April 1, 1941, aged 80 years, 4 mo, 5 days)
Family Bible
Church records, if the person belonged to a denomination that christened children within a week of birth. (Watch out for the ones that confrim children at 7 - 10 years old, and adults who get baptized.)

The 1900 US census asked for birth month and year. Other censues just asked for age at last birthday. They tend to vary, but you should be able to pin it down to a 5-year range.

If they live long enough to get an article in the small town paper ("Springfield's Oldest Resident has seen town grow"), it might mention the exact date.

Marriage records sometime give the age of the bride & groom - again, it will be in years and thus not the exact date.

Answer 2

We're getting a slew of answers from different countries. It only goes to show how differently every country handled the matter pre-1870.

If you are looking for birth records pre-birth certificate days, the best way is to search local church/parish records for christening/baptismal records. The caveat is that they had to live in a place where there was a minister available (not always so easy, especially in the pioneer days) and that you have to be able to find the records from the minister...some took their books with them when they moved around and you have to be creative to find the records.

But if they lived in a town where there was a minister or priest handy, you should be able to find records that way.

Answer 3

I dont know where you live in the world, but in Britain life events were recorded from 1837. The first census took place in 1841, and have taken place every ten years since, the results wont be made public for 100 years after the census was taken. If you need a hand to find your relative just email me the details where they were born, what year, and their name and I will email you back with my findings, good luck, Diane.

Answer 4

Try checking a larger geographical area ... a small town might start records because the population was growing too fast for accurate record keeping and that is probably true for other little towns around.... so check county records...

Answer 5

Are you asking for birth certificates?

I found the best way to find RECORDS for researching my family tree is via Genes Reunited. Brilliant site.

;-)

Answer 6

labyrinth if you contact the census office they may help u .This to do with you great -grand mother!.There is an office in Lombard Street who hold records that may help you also .The office is in Dublin where you based I live in Kildare any help let me know cheers .

Answer 7

Genes reunited is top it will take you back to most years with gr8 results you have to subscribe but its wirth it! Good luck!

Answer 8

Try Familysearch, on the web.

Answer 9

i may be wrong but i recall thet the mormon chuch has a vast database of births deaths etc due to their belief...i'll see if i can find it one mo!

www.familysearch.org

Answer 10

This is where I would start........

http://free-genealogy-info.zoomshare.com/

Loads and loads of free info all in one place. Good luck with your search.