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Archiver > ILHAMILT > 1999-09 > 0936328755


From: James Gholson <>
Subject: [ILHAMILT-L] Vital Records
Date: Thu, 02 Sep 1999 23:19:15 -0400


Hello Group,
Much was discussed recently about how helpful Hamilton County Clerks are
and I for one will have to agree. I was just there August 30th and they
were very helpful, but the reason for this letter is to call attention to
my visit to Saline County at Harrisburg the same day. At the Clerks office
I wanted to know if one of my grandfather's marriages could have been in
Saline County? I was immediately told that they could not let me see the
Index of Marriages unless the marriage was before 1916 or I would need to
get a letter from the State Of Illinois permitting me to view the records
if after that date. I said, I don't need to view it if you can view it,
can you tell me if he was married in Saline County? I don't know if he is
even listed in the county! They looked to each other for support and
didn't know what to do. They even mentioned they can mail out the record to
someone if the request is made by mail, so what would be the difference? A
man was called in from another room to address the problem. I was shown a
letter from the State of Illinois of a ruling Dec 1, 1995 and another
letter reprinted August 1999 which apparently the staff at Saline County
did not understand, nor me either for that matter. I ask for a copy of the
letter which was given to me. I was asked what year was the marriage? I
said sometime between 1900 & 1946. They then checked for me and turns out
they did have a record and it was before 1916 so they let me see it and I
obtained a copy which was only permitted because of the early date prior to
1916.
After reading the letters, it seemed to me they are directed to abstract &
title companies, credit bureau & private agencies. The whole concern seems
to be Vital Records were being collected and sold on the open market. Some
vital records turning up in subscription newsletters published by these
agencies. Then comes the restrictions on these agencies, and a letter or
permit from the State to view them.

county Clerks p, 2
We also need to remind you that only you or your employees may
physically access and/or view the vital records or indexes in your office.
Private agencies may not physically access records.
(next states the law and if custodian of vital records willfully and
knowingly violates the law etc...) (The only exception to this law is that
indexes to records prior January 1, 1916 shall be made available to persons
for the purpose of genealogical research).
It is signed Steven L. Perry Deputy State Registrar

(A copy can probably be obtained at any Illinois Court House)
I have enjoyed the privilege in the past of looking at the index of records
and hope it continues for us who are not in it for monetary gain. I
sincerely hope no person is turned away after traveling many miles to check
on a family member.

James

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