This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: eGENEee Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.texas.counties.burnet/2793/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Many people have been confused by the designation "Number exists***, **Death F" in the Father's Name Field in the Texas Birth Index. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services: This designation is actually **DEATH FILE NUMBER EXISTS***, and it means that the baby was deceased. At the time that the birth certificate was data entered, the only way to make the notation in the electronic record that the baby was deceased was to enter this in the father's name fields. The actual birth certificate will show the name of the father if that information was available, and the birth certificate will be stamped "DECEASED." This format is outdated, however, and no longer used. 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.