Hi all, There definitely would be no birth "certificates" that early, as vital records were not mandated until the 1880s, but it's possible that there are records of birth that early. I would first try the Historian for the specific area that you are interested in, although I must admit, having lived my entire life in Genesee County, I have never heard of an Erie within the County boundaries!! Genesee County BORDERS Erie County, but that's the best I can do with that! From what source did you obtain the location of Erie, Genesee County???? Depending on the dates of death that you would be looking for, you might find a death certificate with birth info on it. You might also try the cemetery where they were buried...often the exact age at death is given on the headstone. Also, the later state census records give some birth info, but that might only be month & year. Church records have already been suggested, and could possibly be obtained through the Mormon Church's Family History Center on microfilm. Lastly, there may have been an obituary in the local paper where they died, which might give some birth info...but that's about the best I can do!!! Happy Hunting! Joan In a message dated 11/5/2002 9:33:09 AM Eastern Standard Time, Flowheat@aol.com writes: > In a message dated 10/29/02 7:36:20 AM Mountain Standard Time, Flowheat > writes: > > > > > Good Morning: > > > > I have a Grandmother born at Erie, Genesee County, New York in 1842. > Could > > anyone tell me if birth certificates can be obtained for that year and if > > so, how to go about doing it? > > > > Thanks, > > Florence > and cwilcox@austin.rr.com writes: >>I also would like information about obtaining birth certificates for the year 1836 for my great grandmother. Thank you. Colleen<<