Vital Records

Marriage records have always been required in Tennessee.  Early divorces were granted by the General Assembly (legislature) rather than a court.

The State of Tennessee did not require regular recording of births and deaths before 1908.  Large cities have earlier records by local mandate.  Although birth and death records became required statewide in 1914, local recording was inconsistent — especially in rural areas — until the mid-1920’s.

The Tennessee State Library & Archives maintains a detailed description of available records and their access.  Click here to view the TSLA site for vital records.

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