Fayette County Death and Obituary Records
Fayette County obituary and death records are maintained by the Register of Wills at the Fayette County Courthouse in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The office holds historical death records from 1893 to 1905 and probate and estate records going back to 1784. For deaths after 1906, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issues certified death certificates. Fayette County has a long history tied to coal mining and the National Road, and its records document families who have lived in southwestern Pennsylvania for generations.
Fayette County Quick Facts
Fayette County Register of Wills
The Fayette County Register of Wills office is at 61 East Main Street, Fayette County Courthouse, Uniontown, PA 15401. Jeffrey L. Redman serves as Register. Phone is 724-430-1206. The office requires appointments for all services. Call at least a week in advance to schedule. The latest appointment time is 2:30 p.m. The office is closed from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
This office maintains marriage license records from 1885 to present. Historical birth and death records from 1893 to 1905 are available at the county level. Probate and estate records go back to 1784. These older estate files can be a valuable source for genealogists looking for death information before formal state registration began. The estate files often name heirs, describe property, and confirm the date a person died in Fayette County.
Fayette County was formed from Westmoreland County on September 26, 1783. Uniontown was founded in 1776 and has been the county seat since 1784. The county is named after the Marquis de Lafayette, the French general who helped the American colonies win independence. Fayette County is located in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania and is known for its historic sites and coal mining heritage. Many families here have deep roots that go back to the frontier era.
| Office |
Fayette County Register of Wills 61 East Main Street Fayette County Courthouse Uniontown, PA 15401 Phone: 724-430-1206 |
|---|---|
| Appointments | Required for all services. Call at least one week ahead. Latest appointment: 2:30 PM. |
| Website | fayettecountypa.org |
Death Certificates for Fayette County
The Pennsylvania Department of Health issues certified death certificates for deaths in Fayette County after 1906. The fee is $20 per copy. You can apply online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at a state vital records walk-in office. The closest walk-in offices are in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Processing times for mail orders are about three weeks. For current wait times, see pa.gov processing times.
When ordering a Fayette County death certificate, you need the full name of the deceased, the year of death, and your relationship to the person. Valid photo ID is required. Certified copies are needed for legal and estate matters. Genealogy copies of older records are available with fewer restrictions. Full details on ordering are at pa.gov vital records.
Note: Genealogy copies are available for deaths more than 50 years ago and do not require the same proof of relationship as current certified copies.
Historical Fayette County Obituary Records
Fayette County's history stretches back to the early American frontier. Estate records from 1784 onward document many of the earliest families who settled in southwestern Pennsylvania. Before formal death registration began in 1893, the main sources for death research are Orphans' Court filings, church burial registers, and cemetery records. Many of Fayette County's early churches kept detailed burial registers, and some have been preserved by local historical societies.
The Fayette County Historical Society holds obituary clippings, family files, and local newspaper archives going back to the 1800s. The Uniontown area has had newspapers since the 19th century, and their archives contain thousands of death notices and obituaries. Local libraries in Uniontown and across the county hold microfilm and bound copies of these papers. The Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg holds statewide records and some early Fayette County vital records on microfilm.
You can search the state archives online index at pa.gov archives before making a visit. The Fayette County government portal provides links to all county offices and contact information for departments involved in death and estate record research.
Genealogy Resources in Fayette County
Fayette County has several strong genealogy resources. The Uniontown Public Library holds a local history collection with obituary files and newspaper archives. The Fayette County Historical Society in Uniontown can assist with death record and genealogy research. Many local cemeteries have been transcribed by volunteers and are searchable online through Find A Grave and similar databases. These cemetery records are often the best source for deaths before 1893 in Fayette County.
For state-level genealogy records, the Pennsylvania Department of Health offers a genealogy program that provides access to death certificates more than 50 years old. Visit pa.gov genealogy for details. The Pennsylvania State Archives also holds records from across the state, including early vital records from many southwestern Pennsylvania counties. These complement the local records held in Uniontown.
Related Fayette County Offices
The Fayette County Courthouse at 61 East Main Street in Uniontown houses several offices useful for death record research. The Prothonotary holds civil court records from 1784 to present, including any estate-related court matters. The Recorder of Deeds keeps land records from 1784 onward. Property deeds change hands after a death, and these records confirm transfers and name beneficiaries.
For marriage records, the Fayette County marriage licenses page explains what is required and what records are available. Marriage records from 1885 to present are on file at the Register of Wills. If a previous spouse died, a death certificate is required to obtain a new marriage license, which means death records and marriage records are closely linked in Fayette County.
The PA Orphans' Court Clerks page lists all county Orphans' Court offices, including Fayette County, for those needing help with guardianship or estate court matters.
Cities in Fayette County
No cities from our directory are currently listed for this county.
Nearby Counties
Fayette County borders several other Pennsylvania counties in the southwestern corner of the state. People who lived near a county line may have their death records in a neighboring county.