West Virginia, Stati Uniti, Archivio dei decessi, 1853-1973

This database contains an index extracted from various West Virginia death records.

What’s in the Records

West Virginia counties began recording deaths in 1853, in accordance with Virginia state laws. Statewide registration of deaths began in 1917. Compliance with the 1917 law—and, thus, the percentage of deaths registered—increased over time. Initially, deaths were recorded in register books; later, certificates were submitted to the state.

This database is an index extracted from microfilmed copies of county death records. Details listed in the index will vary depending on form type and how completely the form was filled out, but information may include

• name
• gender
• birth date
• birthplace
• race
• marital status
• occupation
• residence
• street address
• age
• date of death
• place of death
• date of burial
• place of burial
• cemetery
• spouse
• father’s name and birthplace
• mother’s name and birthplace
• FHL film number

The FHL film number refers to a microfilm copy of the source held by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.