Which date to use from 19th century birth certificate?

By Anonymous on Thu, 06/15/2017 - 20:57

Forums

I have a county-level birth certificate for an infant born in May 1886 where the birth was not filed until January 1887. Which date should I use in the source citation, or is it best to use both?

Thanks!

Lesley

Submitted byEEon Sun, 06/18/2017 - 09:20

Generically speaking: both—with each date identified as to what it represents. Differences practices exist because different locales have different filing schemes for their records. In some locales, the date of filing is absolutely essential. In other locales, filing is done by registration number, and the birth date is the essential date.  When in doubt, cover all bases and use both.