It should be understood that most people did not obey this regulation. Three of my grandparents were born in Philadelphia (1876, 1897, 1898) and none of their births were registered. My other grandfather was born in Bucks Co. in 1872 and his birth was not registered either. My mother's brother was born in 1918 and his birth wasn't registered. In general, if a baby was born in a hospital then the birth was registered. My mother was premature and born in a hospital in 1917 and she has a birth certificate. Her brother was born at home and he had no birth certificate. "Universal" birth registration did not become a reality in Philadelphia until Social Security was enacted. This was probably also the case in other counties. In a message dated 4/15/2007 9:16:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, larzemail@yahoo.com writes: BIRTHS 1 July 1860 - 30 June 1915 The registration of births in Philadelphia City and County began on 1 July 1860 under the provisions of an Act of the Pennsylvania Assembly approved on 8 March 1860. Under the provisions of this act, the birth records from 1860 to 1904 Sndtenterprises Genealogical and Historical Research ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.