Hi All, I am not only new to this list, but new to Missouri. I am an Aussie trying to help a Canadian friend trace her American ancestry and I am hoping someone can point us in the right direction. Her Grandfather was Frederick Hartzler SMITH born May 31, 1884 in Kirksville. What she would like to know is: Would she be able to get a birth certificate for this period especially as she has no idea who his parents were. If birth certificates are not available for this period, then where or how were births registered/recorded in 1884? I found Frederick on the 1920 Census but have not been able to find him on any earlier ones. I was hoping that the earlier census, particularly around 1900 would give us more clues. Any help or advice would be more than welcome. Regards Sue Perth Western Australia.