> << How can I get copies of birth records from the > late 1890's and early 1900's. >> Birth records should be available at each WV county courthouse from the date of formation (or **1854 whichever is first) through 1917 -or- from the WV State Archives & History at: 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0300 (304) 558-0220 After 1917, you can obtain birth/death records from the Division of Vital Statistics, * provided you can establish a relationship to the individual in question, from: Vital Registration Office Building 3, Room 516 State Capitol Complex Charleston, WV 25305 * WV is a closed record state. For more info, please see http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/oehp/hsc/vr/birtcert.htm on this issue. (The web site is down as of this writing but may be back up shortly... please keep trying). ** VA passed the law making birth and death records mandatory in 1854. Birth and death records do not exist on file for years prior to 1854 in VA or WV. Julie McGrew-Ayres maito:[email protected]