In Oregon it wasn't required to record death (law) until Sept. 1903. Only problem is, not everyone did it. I tried to get one for my relative who died in 1907 and no such luck. Either they did it and it was lost in the mail, or not recorded, or they did not do it. To get FREE copies of death certificates (all you pay is xeroxing and a 33 cent stamp) is go to the Oregon State Archives in Salem. If you can't go, write them and they will do 2 FREE look-ups and copying for you and send you the bill. Can get ones up to 1949 right now (have to be dead for 50 years.) If you want it after that, you have to go/send to Portland Vital Records and pay 15 buckeroos! Good luck, Deana Tigard, Oregon