Cambria County Death Records
Cambria County obituary and death records are held by several offices in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. The Register of Wills maintains historical death records from 1893 to 1906 at the Cambria County Courthouse. For deaths after 1906, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is the right place to search. Whether you are tracing family history or need a certified copy of a death certificate, Cambria County has resources to help you find what you need. The Historical Society of Cambria County also holds obituary files and genealogical materials for the region.
Cambria County Quick Facts
Cambria County Register of Wills
The Cambria County Register of Wills is the first stop for death records and estate files in the county. The office holds historical birth and death records from 1893 through 1906. It also handles probate, estate administration, and serves as Clerk of Orphans' Court. Estate records go back to 1804, making this office a valuable source for deep family history research in Cambria County.
The office processes inheritance tax filings and maintains an index of marriage licenses searchable by staff. Naturalization records from 1835 to 1906 are kept at the Prothonotary office next door. All three county offices share the same address at 200 South Center Street. If you are researching a death in Cambria County, bring the full name of the person and an approximate date. Staff can search the index and provide copies of available records.
The Historical Society of Cambria County works alongside county offices to support genealogical research. Their collection includes family surname files, cemetery records, local newspaper archives, census records, and county histories. The society charges a small daily research fee to use their library in Ebensburg.
| Office |
Cambria County Register of Wills 200 South Center Street Ebensburg, PA 15931 Phone: (814) 472-1440 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Records | Death records 1893–1906; Estate records from 1804 |
The Historical Society of Cambria County is located at 615 N. Center Street, Ebensburg. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM. Phone: (814) 472-6674.
Getting a Cambria County Death Certificate
Death certificates for Cambria County residents who died after 1906 are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The state has kept these records since January 1, 1906. You can request a certified copy by mail, online, or in person. The fee is $20 per certified copy. Processing times vary, so check current wait times before you submit your request.
To request a Cambria County death certificate, you will need the full name of the deceased, the date of death, and the county where death occurred. Immediate family members and legal representatives can request a certified copy. Others may need to show a legal interest in the record. You can order through PA Vital Records or use VitalChek for online orders. Processing times are posted at pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/processing-times.
Note: For genealogy use, uncertified copies of older death records may be requested through the state genealogy program at pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/genealogy.
Historical Cambria County Obituary Records
Cambria County was created on March 26, 1804 from parts of Bedford, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties. The county takes its name from Cambria, the Latin word for Wales. Ebensburg has served as the county seat since 1805. Early death records from this region were not formally kept until the state began collecting vital statistics in 1893. Before that date, death information survives mainly in church records, cemetery registers, and newspaper obituaries.
The Historical Society of Cambria County holds some of the best pre-1893 death documentation in the region. Their collection includes cemetery transcription lists, church burial records, and local newspaper archives where obituaries were regularly published. Family surname files at the society often contain death dates, grave locations, and newspaper clippings. The society also holds census records that can help confirm when a person died. Estate records at the courthouse go back to 1804 and often name deceased individuals along with their heirs and property.
The Pennsylvania State Archives holds additional historical records for Cambria County, including some older vital statistics and church records on microfilm. For deaths between 1893 and 1906, the county's own records are the best primary source. The state archives and historical society both offer research assistance for those searching older Cambria County death records.
Note: Church records and cemetery registers often contain death information that predates the 1893 county records by decades.
Cambria County Genealogy and Death Research
Genealogy research in Cambria County benefits from several overlapping record sets. Estate files at the Register of Wills date to 1804 and name deceased individuals, their heirs, and administrators. Civil court records at the Prothonotary go back to 1804 as well. The Cambria County Register of Wills maintains a searchable index of marriage licenses from 1885 onward. Naturalization records from 1835 to 1906 can help trace immigrant ancestors who lived and died in Cambria County.
The Historical Society of Cambria County is the primary genealogical resource for pre-state death records in the area. Their library holds regional and county histories, family files, atlases, photographs, and census records. Local newspaper archives at the society preserve obituaries going back well into the 1800s. A small daily fee applies for research use of the library. Staff can assist with inquiries by phone or in person during open hours. Remote research requests are also possible through the society.
The PA State Archives vital statistics records page lists additional resources for Pennsylvania death research, including microfilmed county records and online databases that cover Cambria County families.
Related Cambria County Record Offices
Several other offices in Cambria County hold records that connect to death research. The Prothonotary at 200 South Center Street maintains civil court files from 1804 onward, including wrongful death cases and civil judgments. Phone: (814) 472-1638. The Recorder of Deeds holds property transfer records, which often list deceased owners when an estate transfers land. Phone: (814) 472-1473. Both offices share the courthouse address and the same Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM hours.
Property transfers from estates require a death certificate as part of the documentation process. The Recorder of Deeds maintains military discharge records for Cambria County veterans as well. Orphans' Court records at the Register of Wills handle estate cases involving minors and guardianships that often arise after a death in the family. For Orphans' Court matters, contact the Register of Wills at (814) 472-1440.
The Pennsylvania Courts Orphans' Court page lists statewide contact information and can help you understand which Cambria County office handles a specific type of record.
Note: All three county offices at 200 South Center Street share the same weekday hours, making it efficient to visit multiple offices in one trip.
Cambria County Historical Society Resources
The Historical Society of Cambria County in Ebensburg preserves records and artifacts related to the history of Cambria County, including genealogical materials and obituary collections.
The society's collection includes local newspaper archives, family surname files, cemetery transcriptions, and county histories that support obituary and death record research in Cambria County.
Cities in Cambria County
No cities from our directory are currently listed for this county.
Nearby Counties
Cambria County borders several Pennsylvania counties. If the person you are researching lived near a county line, records may be held in a neighboring county.