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Archiver > ESSEX-ROOTS > 1998-09 > 0904750771


From: Bob Gillis <>
Subject: Re: Massachusetts Vital Records
Date: Wed, 02 Sep 1998 08:39:31 -0700


Jeff Simonson wrote:
>
> >As far as I know there is no such thing in MA as an "original
> >certificate."
>
> Bob,
>
> Would not the return of birth be the original? If not, then certainly the
> town clerk's is the "original".
>
> I'm not trying to split hairs, just trying to understand your comment.
>

Many people from comments on lists think that there is a file somewhere
of " original birth certificates" From my experience such a document
does not exist, only a ledger entry for the birth, marriage or death.
The return of birth, marriage or death may or may not be retained by the
clerk after the record has been entered into the ledger. If it is
availble, great but don't count on it.

Jeff from his signature file may have better information on the system.

bob gillis

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