I hope that someone on the list may be able to help me with information regarding my Great Grandfather Henry Marshall Carpenter. Henry Marshall Carpenter's death certificate states that he was born Dec. 21, 1869 in Wisconsin. It gives his Father's names as H.B. Carpenter born in New York. How would one go about finding out what the H. and B. stand for? Would a marriage certificate for Henry Marshall Carpenter give the names of his parents? Also, could anyone tell me what year it became mandatory to register a birth, marriage or death in the United States. With thanks Gai