Tennessee first began keeping statewide birth records in 1908, though some larger cities began before then. Someone born before that time needed proof of birth if they wanted to apply for a Social Security card or a passport or for legal matters. This proof of birth is provided by a delayed birth certificate which they or their representative could apply for. To obtain a delayed birth certificate, the applicant had to supply supporting evidence as to their birth; thus this certificate can provide even more information to a genealogist than a standard birth certificate:
When looking at these images online, remember to examine the next page. The example below is the first page (front of the document), but the next page (back of the document) also has important information.
Ancestry.com, Tennessee Delayed Birth Records
- If a married woman obtained a delayed birth certificate, both her maiden and married surnames will be on it.
- There may be information on the parents’ birth or death dates, or even the names of the applicant’s children.
- The certificate lists the supporting evidence, which may provide additional clues about the applicant and his or her relatives.
- Sometimes the applicant’s death date is noted on the certificate.
When looking at these images online, remember to examine the next page. The example below is the first page (front of the document), but the next page (back of the document) also has important information.
Ancestry.com, Tennessee Delayed Birth Records
