Re: Death Certificates

Charla,
I might be out-of-line here but want to share my own personal experience with obtaining death certificates in Texas.In Texas, the death records are private unless they are at least 25 years old.The birth records are private, unless they are at least 50 years old.This means that the "public" cannot look at them. All counties in which I have had to obtain a newer birth or death record have charged the certified copy fee and I have had to fill out a request to obtain these documents.On the form I just put "unknown" if I didn't know the parents names or the places of birth.On the form I stated how I thought I was related.So far, no clerk has rejected my request to obtain a death certificate.Some counties have looked this up to be sure my names were filed before I paid.Others have charged me whether they found it or not.

I also have had "bad luck" with Wichita County.I had found a name in the TX death records in which it stated that person died in Wichita County.The death was over 50 years old.I called the clerk there and gave her the exact name & date that was listed and was told that person didn't have death record on file.I still find that hard to believe and will try again later!!

I believe you and I probably found a very inexperienced clerk in that county!

Good Luck!
Eva Bush