Map of Plymouth Colony, one of the earliest settlements in Massachusetts
Map of Plymouth Colony, one of the earliest settlements in Massachusetts (Public Domain)

Introduction to Colonial Era Vital Records

Colonial Massachusetts vital records, spanning 1635 to 1840, offer a rare glimpse into the lives of early New England settlers and descendants. These records, which include births, marriages, and deaths, are excellent resources for genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in researching their ancestors in early America.

"During this time, record-keeping was mostly the duty of town clerks, resulting in a decentralized system with varying quality and uniformity among towns."

Despite these limitations, these documents provide detailed information about individuals and families, social norms, and the formation of early American towns.

Historical Context of Record Keeping

The history of Massachusetts vital records reflects the evolution of governance and record-keeping practices in colonial America.

1620-1630s

Early settlements established, with informal record-keeping by religious leaders.

1639

Massachusetts Bay Colony mandates that town clerks record all births, marriages, and deaths.

1692

Plymouth Colony merges with Massachusetts Bay Colony, extending record-keeping practices.

1750s-1780s

Improved literacy and standardization lead to more detailed and consistent records.

1780-1840

Gradual shift towards more secular record-keeping as church and state roles separate.

Types of Records Available

Colonial vital records provide key information about individuals and families from Massachusetts' earliest settlements.

Birth Records

Colonial birth records typically include:

  • Child's name
  • Date of birth
  • Parents' names
  • Sometimes: place of birth, father's occupation

Marriage Records

Marriage records often provide:

  • Names of bride and groom
  • Date of marriage
  • Names of parents (more common in later records)
  • Sometimes: ages, residences, occupations

Death Records

Death records from this period may include:

  • Name of deceased
  • Date of death
  • Age at death
  • Sometimes: cause of death, parents' names, spouse's name

How to Access Colonial Vital Records

There are multiple ways to access vital records from 1635-1840, including in-person visits and digital resources.

Town or City Clerk's Offices

Cities and towns are the primary source for original records. Many communities have digitized their earlier vital records and they are free and online. This should be your first step.

Determine if the town or city you're interested in has digitized their records.

Massachusetts Archives

  • Contains microfilm copies of numerous town records
  • Allows access to other colonial documents that might enhance vital records
  • Located in Boston, provides both in-person and mail-in research services
  • Many holdings have been scanned and made available for free via FamilySearch.org

Libraries and Historical Societies

Often have transcriptions or published collections of vital records. May contain unique local history materials that supplement vital records.

Examples: New England Historic Genealogical Society's church record collections and American Antiquarian Society for their acclaimed Massachusetts newspaper collection.

Tewksbury, Massachusetts Vital Records Book

An Example of Digitized Massachusetts Vital Records Book

Research Tips for Colonial Records

Follow these important tips for successful research of Massachusetts vital records from this period.

Research Strategies

Understand colonial handwriting. Familiarize yourself with common scripts and abbreviations from the era.
Be ready for spelling variations. Names and places were commonly spelled phonetically or inconsistently.
Use multiple sources: Cross-reference vital records with church records, land deeds, and probate records.
Consider historical context: Keep in mind historical events (such as King Philip's War and the American Revolution).
Explore nearby towns: If a record cannot be found in the predicted town, search the surrounding areas.
Understand calendar changes: The transition from Julian to Gregorian calendar in 1752 may affect date interpretations.

Important Resources

Free Online Resources for Colonial Era Vital Records

Several online databases offer access to indexes or images of Massachusetts vital records from this period.

Major Digital Collections

Internet Archive Collections

A number of towns have contributed their "early records" to the Internet Archive - a free service that allows users to read or download entire books. A short search of their holdings revealed that these 25 towns or cities have records (abstracts) dating back to 1850 online. The list is random, and there are many other towns.

1. Ashfield
View Records
2. Boxford
View Records
3. Charlestown
View Records
4. Chelsea
View Records
5. Dalton
View Records
6. Dartmouth
View Records
7. Dover
View Records
8. Eastham
View Records
9. Edgartown
View Records
10. Lynnfield
View Records
11. Marlborough
View Records
12. Medway
View Records
13. Middleborough
View Records
14. Montague
View Records
15. Natick
View Records
16. Nantucket
View Records
17. New Bedford
View Records
18. Plympton
View Records
19. Raynham
View Records
20. Sandwich
View Records
21. Sheffield
View Records
22. Taunton
View Records
23. Topsfield
View Records
24. Wayland
View Records
25. Weymouth
View Records

Conclusion

Colonial Massachusetts vital records are rich sources of historical and genealogical information. While they present unique challenges, the rewards of researching these records are immeasurable for understanding our early American ancestors.

Continue Your Research

Looking for records after 1840? Check our Massachusetts Vital Records (1841-1930) Guide for information on early statewide registration.

J. James Simonson

About the Author

J. James Simonson, a graduate of Suffolk University's Journalism and Marketing Communications program, with a minor in Local History, has been instrumental in genealogy research since the early 1990s. Known for his expertise in Massachusetts vital records, he has helped many piece together intricate family histories and is passionate about assisting individuals in discovering their ancestral narratives.

Contact J. James at services@mass-doc.com