Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tuesday's Tip - Westmoreland County PA Marriage Records

My mother's family is all from western Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, there aren't many vital records online for this region. I rely on Ancestry.com as my best source for historical records, but in this case it wasn't helpful.


From my own family history, I did know the names of many of my aunts and uncles and great-aunts and great-uncles, but very few spouses.


After a lot of searching for marriage records, I fell upon a new resource from Westmoreland County, PA.


This online searchable database doesn't provide a copy of the certificate, but gives you some very useful information including:


  • Bride's full name
  • Groom's full name
  • Date of marriage
  • Record number
  • License number


They have records for since the late 1890's online.


In their newer records (from the last 10-20 years), they include more information including:


  • Bride and groom's mailing addresses
  • Date of birth for each
  • Occupations
  • Level of school attended


Presumably you can contact the county directly with the record number and license number information and receive a copy of the full marriage license application.


I haven't tried that, yet


Here is the link: http://westmorelandweb400.us:8088/EGSPublicAccess.htm

2 comments:

  1. In general, Pennsylvania is a wasteland when dealing with vital records. They cite privacy records, but Philadelphia County also have some vital records online.

    The real records only begin in c 1907. It causes me angst.

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  2. It has been tough. I do find that everyone I have talked with at the county offices where I have requested vital records and naturalization records has been extremely helpful. But I love it when things are online!

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