Search Ashland County Death Index

Ashland County death index records start from 1867 at the Probate Court and from 1909 at the health department. Whether you need a certified death certificate or want to trace a family member through historical records, the county seat of Ashland is where you go. The free Ohio Death Certificate Index covers some Ashland County deaths online, and FamilySearch has digital copies of older certificates. For certified copies of more recent death records, the Ashland County Health Department handles all requests by walk-in, mail, or through VitalChek online.

Ashland County Death Certificates

The Ashland County Health Department issues death certificates for deaths that happened in Ashland County from 1909 to the present. They are at the County Service Center, 1763 State Route 60, Ashland, OH 44805. Call (419) 282-4231 for the vital statistics desk. They can also issue birth certificates for anyone born anywhere in Ohio from 1909 forward, but death certificates are limited to Ashland County deaths only.

A certified copy costs $25.00. Cash, check, and money order are the usual payment methods. Call first to ask about credit card options. Walk-in requests can be done same day during regular business hours. For mail orders, write a letter with the full name of the person who died, the date of death, how many copies you need, your daytime phone number, and your signature. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment.

Death records in Ohio are public under ORC Title 37. You do not need to prove a relationship to get a copy. For deaths within the past five years, the social security number is taken off unless you qualify as an authorized person.

Ashland County Death Index Before 1909

The Ashland County Probate Court holds death records from 1867 through 1908. The court is in the Ashland County Courthouse. Ohio started requiring death registration in 1867, so the probate court records from that year forward are the oldest official death records for the county.

Records from this period are ledger entries. Each one shows the name, date of death, age, cause of death, and sometimes other details. The court also holds wills from 1846 to 1894 and marriage records from 1846 to 1865, which can help with related research. Public access is available during business hours. Staff can help you find specific records, though it is best to know the approximate date of death before you visit so they can narrow the search.

The Ashland County Health Department vital statistics office is the source for records from 1909 forward, as shown on their site.

The image above shows the Ashland County Health Department website, where you can find forms and contact details for requesting death records.

Search Ashland County Death Records Online

The Ohio Death Certificate Index is a free tool. It covers 1913 to 1944 and 1954 to 1963. Enter a name and you get the county, date of death, and certificate number. That number is what you need to order a copy from the health department or the state.

Ohio History Connection in Columbus holds Ashland County death records on microfilm. Their archives have the State Archives Series 3146 for death records from 1867 to 1908. You can visit the reading room in Columbus or request research help by phone. Ashland County is among the counties with indexed records at the state archives, which makes searching easier than browsing unindexed microfilm reels.

The Ohio Genealogical Society and its local chapters maintain cemetery transcriptions and obituary collections for Ashland County. These can fill gaps when official records come up short. The Ohio Memory digital library is another free resource with materials from hundreds of Ohio institutions.

How to Get Ashland County Death Records

The fastest way is to walk in. Go to the Ashland County Health Department at 1763 State Route 60 in Ashland during business hours. They can process your request on the spot.

Mail is another option. Write to the Ashland County Health Department at 1763 State Route 60, Ashland, OH 44805. Include the deceased person's full name, date of death, how many copies, your signed request with phone number, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests usually take a few business days once they arrive. For faster service, use VitalChek to order online with a credit card. VitalChek charges their own processing fee on top of the $25 copy cost.

The Ohio Department of Health in Columbus can also supply Ashland County death certificates. State copies cost $21.50 each but take longer. For older records from 1908 to 1970, the Ohio History Connection sells uncertified copies at about $14 each, though processing runs 8 to 10 weeks.

Death Index Resources for Ashland County

The Ohio local health districts directory lists current contact info for the Ashland County Health Department. Fees and hours can shift, so it pays to check before sending money or making the trip.

Church records can help with Ashland County deaths, particularly from before official registration. Cemetery records, funeral home files, and newspaper obituaries are worth checking too. The Ashland County Historical Society may have compiled materials not found in official sources. Local genealogical researchers have put together indexes and transcriptions over the years that can save a lot of time when searching for a specific person.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Ashland County. Check them if you are not certain where a death was recorded.