I requested the birth record of my grandmother Matilda Albertus (10 May 1876). She was born into a large German family living on a farm on the outskirts of Freeport, Illinois. It is very possible that all the children were born at home and there may not be any record of their births at that time. I had requested the birth documents of both Matilda and her younger sister, Jennie Albertus (12 Jul 1878).
The answer I received was that Matilda's birth record could not be found and a certificate with the name Jennie Albertus, also could not be found.
However, they did find this record.
The parents names are correct, the birth date is correct, but there is no name for the child. This is, however, the record for Jennie Albertus because she was, in fact, the 13th child born into this family. She is also probably the first of the children to have a recorded birth record. Even though this is not a record for my grandmother, I am thrilled to have it. A wonderful find!
Other items noticed on this form are the parents places of birth. I had already done considerable research on their origins and know that Peter Albertus was born in Veenhusen, Ostfriesland, Germany and Taalke was born in Petkum, Ostfriesland, Germany. The dates were exact to my research so I can only guess that the written village names on this form are spelled as the person recording this information heard them.
So! A surprise birth record with validating information from the State Board of Health, Stephenson County, Illinois.
Thank you IRAD!