The index to the Probate Court records of death, organized alphabetically by surname, and dating from 1867 to 1890, is a finding aid that facilitates access to the first four volumes of a broader series of death records that date from 1867-1908. These records were created in compliance with Ohio state legislation, initially passed in 1867, "to provide for the registry of births and deaths," and represents a law that placed the responsibility for creating and maintaining records of death and birth into the hands of the Probate Court judges. The Archives also preserves the records of death from the City of Cleveland, 1840-1908; and both sets of records should be consulted when searching for a death record prior to 1909. Keep in mind that it was not until 1908 that statewide registration of births and deaths became a reality in Ohio, when a law passed in May of that year established a bureau of vital statistics and provided for the "prompt and permanent registration of all births and deaths occurring within the state of Ohio."

The index to deaths, as alluded to above, is organized alphabetically by surname, and also includes the person's first name, and middle name, if given, the date of death and age at date of death; and also identifies the volume number and page number where information about the death is recorded. The death records contain additional documentation that may record place of death, marital status, place of birth, occupation, names of parents (although rarely is that information provided), disease, direct or indirect cause of death, and last place of residence. If an entry is located in the index the researcher should include in his or her request to the Archives the person's name, date of death, and the appropriate volume and page reference. Persons can communicate with the Archives by mail, or visit in person, at 2905 Franklin Blvd. N.W. Cleveland, Ohio 44113; or they can make a request by telephone (216) 443-7250, fax communication (216) 443-3636, or by e-mail, countyarchives@nls.net.