INFORMATION ON OBTAINING VITAL RECORDS
Issued by the Office of the
MASON COUNTY CLERK
PO BOX 77
HAVANA IL 62644-0077
PHONE: 309-543-6661, option 1
Click here for information regarding obtaining a marriage license.
DEATH RECORDS
Mason County’s first death records began in 1877 and may be viewed or obtained by persons having genealogical interest provided the death record has been on file for at least 20 years.
MARRIAGE RECORDS
Mason County was founded in 1841 and began recording marriages in that same year. Until 1883 Mason County’s marriage records contained only date of marriage and bride and groom’s names. Marriage records are indexed by the groom’s name only until 1953. Give the following facts when writing for marriage records:
1. Full names of bride and groom.
2. Month, day, and year of marriage.
3. Place of marriage (city or town).
4. Purpose for which copy is needed.
5. Relationship to persons whose record is being requested.
SPECIAL NOTE
Give the following facts when requesting birth or death records:
1. Full name of person whose record is being requested.
2. Sex.
3. Parent’s names, including maiden name of mother.
4. Month, day, and year of birth or death.
5. Place of birth or death (city or town).
6. Purpose for which copy is needed.
7. Relationship to person whose record is being requested.
The State of Illinois did not mandate the recording of marriage, birth, and death records until 1916. All Marriage, Birth, and Death Certificates must be certified if request requires that the certificate be returned by mail.