Library and Archives: History and Genealogy > Vital Records > Index to Tennessee Death Records 1908-1912

Index to Tennessee Death Records 1908-1912 : Introduction

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Registrations of births and deaths began in 1908 in Tennessee.

This index covers nearly 98,000 deaths occurring in Tennessee and recorded between 1908 and 1912. Although deaths were not registered as carefully and regularly as they were beginning in 1914, the index includes all extant records.

The index includes the name of the deceased, county, year of death and certificate number. This information can be used to order a copy of the death certificate from the Tennessee State Library and Archives. If no year of death was given on the certificate, it is noted in this index as "1908-12". Children with no given name are listed under "infant".

Death records in this time period do not give parents' names. They do include the individual's age, occupation, place of birth and cause of death. Names have been transcribed as found on the original record, and may include spelling errors. There may also have been typographical errors made in preparing this index. If you see an error of this type, please notify us by email.

A sample death certificate is available for viewing on our web site.

The Statewide Index to Tennessee Death Records (1914 - 1924) is available on our web site. There are no statewide birth or death records in Tennessee for 1913. A new law was passed at that time, to be effective in 1914, and consequently vital statistics were not recorded in 1913.

Click here for instructions on ordering a copy of a death certificate from the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

PLEASE NOTE: The death index is made up of large files. Slower modems many take 45 - 60 seconds for the page to load completely.

INDEX