District of Columbia, Deaths, 1874-1961
Name index and images of death records from the District of Columbia.
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District of Columbia, Deaths
Source: https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/District_of_Columbia,_Deaths_-_FamilySearch_Historical_Records
What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of an index & images to death records from the District of Columbia. The records cover the years 1874 to 1961. The records were recorded by hand on pre-printed forms.
Deaths were recorded to better serve public health needs. Death certificates were also used in connection with the probate of wills and the administration of estates.
Registration of vital statistics began in 1874 for the District of Columbia and was generally complied with by 1880 for deaths. Some earlier records of deaths exist from 1855-1860, and 1865-1949. They can be obtained from the following address:
Department of Health Department of Human Services
Vital Records Division
800 9th Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20024
Telephone: 202-645-5962
Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.
To Browse This Collection
| You can browse through images in this collection using the waypoints on the Collection Browse Page for District of Columbia Deaths, 1874-1961. |
What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:
- Name of deceased
- Date and place of death
- Age and gender of deceased
- Race
- Marital status
- Occupation
- Birthplace of deceased and parents
- Duration of residence
- Cause of death
- Name of person(s) who removed the body
- Name of undertaker
- Place and date of burial
Collection Content
Sample Images
1949 Death Certificate
1949 Burial Permit
_(10-0069)_Death_Certificate_DGS_4259426_411.jpg)
_(10-0069)_Burial_Permit_DGS_4259426_410.jpg)
Collection Details
Location of Original Records
Health Department. District Records Center, Washington D.C.
"District of Columbia, Deaths, 1874-1961." Database with images. FamilySearch. http://FamilySearch.org : 28 June 2025. Citing Health Department. District Records Center, Washington D.C.
