A vast number of Pennsylvania records and documents can be used for family history research. The majority of records of genealogical value are usually found at the county level. Below is an overview of the types of documents which exist and for what years.
Vital Records
It wasn't until 1 January 1906 that birth and death records were officially recorded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These records are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Vital Records. Marriage licenses were issued by Pennsylvania counties beginning in October 1885. Most counties also recorded births and deaths from 1893 to 1906. Not all people chose to comply, however, so many births and deaths from this period were not registered. These pre-1906 vital records have no central depository but can be found in their respective county courthouses. For a brief period, from 1852-1854, the Register of Wills in each county recorded vital records. Those which still exist from that time period are available on microfilm. Copies are also maintained at the Pennsylvania State Archives. Few vital records of birth, marriage and death exist for Pennsylvania prior to the mid-nineteenth century - those that do are outlined in the published "Pennsylvania Archives" series.
More about vital records:
What You Can Learn From Vital Records
Where to Write for Pennsylvania Vital Records
Census Records
The U.S. federal census has been taken every ten years since 1790. The population schedules from 1790-1930 (with the exception of the 1890 schedules which were destroyed in a 1921 fire) are available online and through most major libraries. All of these censuses have been indexed, with Soundex indexes available for 1880, 1900, 1910 and 1920. Philadelphia is covered in separate Soundex rolls for 1910. Nonpopulation federal schedules (agricultural, industrial, mortality) also exist for Pennsylvania for 1850-1880. Pennsylvania did not take any state censuses. Census records are available for research in many Southwestern Pennsylvania libraries. The Pennsylvania Room of the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh (Oakland) and the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg both have microfilm copies of census records for all years from the entire state of Pennsylvania. The Historic Pittsburgh digital archive has online census records for the City of Pittsburgh (1850-1880) and Allegheny City (1850-1870). Census records can also be accessed through Mormon Family History Centers throughout the world.
More about census records:
Genealogy Guide to the U.S. Census
U.S. Census FAQ
Search Tips for Census Success
Tax Records
While Pennsylvania did not conduct any state censuses, tax records for the Commonwealth are particularly good. Taxpayer lists, often referred to as the "Septennial Census," were compiled every seven years from 1779 until 1863. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of these taxpayer lists have survived. These are available at the Pennsylvania State Archives. The amount of information enumerated varies by county and year, but generally included at least the names of all taxable residents and information on the amount of land and personal property owned, including slaves. Pennsylvania counties also compiled yearly tax rolls. These can generally be found at county courthouses or historical socities, although some have been microfilmed and are located at the State Archives. Early tax lists for many counties can be found in the published "Pennsylvania Archives" series.
More about tax lists:
Life in Mid-Eighteenth Century Pennsylvania - Tax Lists
Wills, Probate & Estate Records
Wills have been recorded in Southwestern Pennsylvania dating back to its earliest settlers. Copies of the original wills and estate records are available through the Register of Wills for the county in which the individual resided. The clerk of Orphans Court holds records dealing with the guardianship of any children. Estates for most Southwestern Pennsylvania counties have been indexed under the Russell Code system with the names of the executors, witnesses and beneficiaries. Copies of these PA Estate Indexes can be found at many libraries with large genealogical collections, and through Family History Centers. The Pennsylvania State Archives also holds microfilm copies of the indexes. The information provided in these indexes is sufficient to allow you to easily order copies of the original records from the County Register of Wills. In many cases, microfilm copies of the actual Will books are also available through these locations.
More about estate records:
Using Wills & Probate Records in Genealogy Research
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