This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: wwmccollum Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.northumberland/9953.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Most states did not start requiring death certificates until the early 20th century. Prior to that time newspapers and church records were about the only records that reported deaths. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.