How to Find Chicago Birth Records Before 1871
Chicago birth records are not available before late 1871 because the "Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871 destroyed all county vital records prior to that date." (See Genealogy Records at the Cook County Clerk's Office website.) Some alternate sources of information are listed below.- Baptismal records
- County histories
- Death certificates
- Delayed birth certificates
- Family records including bible records
- Pension records
- School records
- Social security applications