Missouri
Dept. of Health
Branch Offices:
Scott County Health Center - Benton: P.O.Box 70
Benton, MO 63736
(573) 545-3583
[Across from the Courthouse]
Sikeston: 205 W. Malone
Sikeston, MO 63801
(573) 471-4044
I stopped by the clinic in Benton to find out if I could give them an application for a copy of a birth certificate and see if I could get the certificate faster that way instead of mailing it in. To my surprise, the nurse told me that it would only take about 5 minutes and I'd have my copy. They have birth records available in-office back to 1920 for Missouri, and death records back to 1980. I was told while I was there that soon they would have the birth records to 1910 and more death records available. They didn't know how long it was going to take before the state had them in the system, so we'll just have to check back periodically. This could save you that stamp, the thought of your letter and check/money order getting lost in the mail, and not to mention the 6 to 8 week wait for your copy! To find a local branch in your area, just check your phone book and look in the white pages under Missouri - State of - Health Department of -. You may want to call them too, and see if there are any smaller branches closer to you that may not be listed in the phone book.
Kent Library - On-Campus at SEMO University
Cape Girardeau, MO
Phone: (573) 651-2232The college library has vast resources for the genealogist researching Missouri. Not only does it carry books of indexes, transcriptions, and histories, it also has its own Microfilm room. I am fairly positive that they offer interlibrary loans, although I have never inquired about it (I will be soon). As long as you are a resident of Missouri, you can obtain a FREE library card and check out the books for a period of 2 weeks. The public library in Cape Girardeau requires anyone who is not a resident of Cape to provide a fee before they can obtain a library card. The college library has multitudes more to offer. They also have individuals on hand who can help you with finding the materials that you need for your research, as well as an easy-to-use computer catalog (SADIE) to use to search for the books, microfilm, microfische, etc, that you need.
1048 W. Cape Rock Drive
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Phone: (573) 334-9298I have to say that I just found out that LDS had a Research Center here in my area, so I haven't been to this facility yet. I thought that I'd go ahead and put the information here for any of you who also didn't know. As soon as I find out what it's all about, I'll post something here! I have heard that these centers are like a goldmine for genealogists, that the people help out more than anyone else. I have also heard that they do not pressure their religion on anyone, they created these centers because they feel that family is the most important part of your life. Don't be scared to contact them, they will help. If you want to find one in your area, click here.
210 Independence
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
Phone: (573) 334-4485These people are busy. Very very busy. I applied for a roll number about 3 years ago, and just got a postcard about 6 months ago saying my application had been received and would be reviewed shortly. If you are of Cherokee descent (at least 1/8th), then you can send an application & $10.00 to them and you will be included in the rolls of The Northern Cherokee Nation of the Old Louisiana Territory. However, you have to PROVE lineal descent from a full-blooded Cherokee or from an ancestor listed on the Guion-Miller Rolls. They told me that they would help me trace my family line into the Cherokees, but I have decided to wait to ask for their assistance until I have collected more data on my own. I am assuming that when they placed the ad in the newspaper looking for Cherokee descendants, they were swamped with applications. I would say go ahead and contact them, they will point you in the right direction if they don't have time to help you. Their office is located inside "Cherokee Trails" gift shop in Cape Girardeau. Stop by and visit - and to note: all of the money you spend in the gift shop goes to fund the local office of NCN.
Cape Girardeau County Genealogical Society
P. O. Box 389, Jackson, MO 63755This society chose not to maintain a private library, but to support the Riverside Regional
Library at 204 S. Union St., Jackson, Missouri. They have quite a collection of books concerning Cape County and surrounding areas. Membership runs from May 1st to April 30th. Dues are $ 10.00 for an individual and $ 12.50 for a couple. To join send your Name, Street Address, City, State, Zip Code, Phone Number and E-mail Address to: Membership Chairman, Cape Girardeau County Genealogical Society, P. O. Box 389, Jackson, MO 63755.Dunklin County Genealogical Society
c/o Dunklin County Library
226 North Main Street
Kennett, MO 63857
qjg003@mail.connect.more.net
If I remember correctly, they charge $8.00 membership dues per year. They also use the local library to house their materials. If you have any questions, the number to the library in Kennett is (573) 888-3561.
Box 188
Kennett, MO 63857Phone: (573) 888-2796
