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Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society has copied the original 1878-1950 death certificates which were in long-term storage at the Tazewell County courthouse. We would like to thank the Tazewell County Clerk’s office for allowing us to access these historical documents!
TCGHS members may search an online index for free.
Prior to 1878, registration of deaths was not required.
Starting in 1878, the Illinois State Board of Health required all deaths to be reported to the Tazewell County Clerk, although most were not reported because compliance was not enforced. The Tazewell County Clerk’s office estimates only about 10% of the deaths prior to 1916 were actually recorded.
Beginning in 1916 the Tazewell County Clerk and the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records jointly recorded death records. Compliance was very high, reaching 95% state-wide by 1919.
Death certificates after 1916 generally show date, place and cause of death; the deceased’s full name, sex, race, marital status, birth date, age at death, occupation, employer, social security number, and city & state of birthplace; father’s name and birthplace; mother’s maiden name and birthplace; name of the informant providing the information (usually a close family member); the filing date; certificate number; and the registrar’s name, signature and address. Also included are certifying physician’s name & signature; sometimes the burial place and date; and the funeral home’s name and address.
We cannot guarantee the name on a death certificate is the person you’re looking for. Please see our research services if you need further research done.
