Illinois Death Certificates, 1877-1916

The official recording of deaths began in December 1877 in Will County, Illinois.  However, this does not imply that all deaths were recorded when they happened.  Stricter enforcement of death registration was not enforced until 1916.  At this time heftier penalties were applied for not registering deaths when they occurred.  Below are examples of deaths certificates spanning the years 1888 through 1918.  With the passing of time more information was required when a death certificate was filed.

Death Certificate filed in Will County, Illinois 26 August 1888

Death Certificate filed in Will County, Illinois February 1902

Death Certificate filed in Will County, Illinois 20 February 1904

Death Certificate filed in Will County, Illinois 01 May 1910

Death Certificate filed in Will County, Illinois 26 December 1914

Death Certificate filed in Will County, Illinois 17 July 1918

Still-Birth Certificate filed in Will County, Illinois 17 December 1887

There is currently a database named "Illinois Death Certificates, 1916-1950" available from the Illinois State Archives.  This page also includes a detailed history on the registration of deaths in the state of Illinois.  Also, available from the state archives is a database named "Illinois Statewide Death Index, Pre-1916".  This is an ongoing project by state archives.  Will County is not currently available in this index.  These databases do not provide actual images of the certificates.  However, names, date of death, and place of place can be discovered.  With this information the death certificate can be retrieved from the appropriate county clerk.