A while back I took a look at Chicago/Cook death records and tried to summarize what you'd expect to find on the certificates for the various years. I haven't double-checked it recently so I'm not 100% sure it's completely accurate but I think I was pretty careful when I did it. It would be very rare to find parent names on the early death records, but I never say never. There are always a few unique exceptions to the "rule." The only time I think I've seen parent names on early records is for unnamed children. Then you may get something like "Infant of John Smith" or "Child of James and Mary Smith" in the blank for name. Cynthia _ 1878-1903_ name sex and race age in years, months, days occupation date of death marital status nationality and place where born (usually a state or country) how long a resident in the state place of death (street address and ward) cause of death duration of disease place of burial name of undertaker _1904-1909_ all of the information above father's birthplace (usually a state or country) mother's birthplace (usually a state or country) number of years in Chicago _1910-1915_ all of the information above name and birthplace of father (usually a state or country) maiden name and birthplace of mother (usually a state or country) informant's name and address __1916 forward__ all of the information above name of spouse Jackye Sullins wrote: > I disagree about the death certificates. I have a few from 1900 to 1905 and > they all have parents' names.