Dear Julie, Prior to 1880 - sorry I didn't make that clear. The state level record keeping really didn't start until 1908, but they do have some records at the state level prior to that. So let me start over, Check with Seneca County for records prior to 1908. You just send a letter to the Probate Court explaining that you need a copy of the birth certificate or death certificate for this person on or near this date. It might be a good idea to call and ask what they charge. Every county seems to have their own way of charging for things. If you would check the Seneca county website at rootsweb, you will find addresses and phone numbers and everything you need for all of this. http://www.rootsweb.com/roots-l/USA/oh.html After 1908, you have to send a letter to the State Of OHio Department of Vital Statistics with the same info. It takes 3 or more months to get records back from them. They also have a website to visit go to www.ohio.gov and then tot he Vital Statistics site and they will have all that and phone numbers and addresses too. The people have been very nice on the phone when I've called to ask questions and it is an 800 number. As to who to send the letters to directly, in Madison County I called and asked and they have one person who takes care of all of that. At the state level, you just send it to the department and they look it up - no one particular person to send it to. Check out the websites and all of the links and you will find LOTS of info to help you plan your research trip. Good Luck! Jeanne ----- Original Message ----- From: "J Barnes" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2000 7:34 PM Subject: Research trip responses > Thanks to all who have responded about my research trip to Ohio! Jeanne you > said: "Most birth/death records are kept at the county level until like > 1880. Then they are kept at the state level (in Ohio), in order to search > the state level, you have to send letters etc." Could I ask for > clarification, do you mean records PRIOR to 1880 are at the county level or > AFTER 1880? And what kind of letters do you have to have, to send to whom, > to do research ? Thanks again. > Julie Hastings Barnes > >