Sullivan County Death Records
Sullivan County death records are accessible through both county and state sources in north-central Pennsylvania. The county seat is Laporte. Sullivan County was formed on March 15, 1847 from part of Lycoming County. It was named for Charles C. Sullivan, a Pennsylvania state senator. Sullivan County is the smallest county in Pennsylvania by population. It is located in the Pennsylvania Wilds region, a remote area of forests and state lands. State death indices from 1906 to 1975 are free to search online through the PA State Archives.
Sullivan County Quick Facts
Sullivan County Death Records Overview
Sullivan County is the least populous county in Pennsylvania. Its small population reflects the remote, mountainous character of the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Laporte is the county seat, a very small borough that serves as the administrative center for the county. Despite its small size, Sullivan County maintains official records through its county offices. The Register of Wills office handles estate records and early vital records. Historical records are maintained at the county level going back to the county's founding in 1847.
Sullivan County death records are included in the state death index from 1906 to 1975. These records are free to search online at the PA State Archives. Pre-1906 death records are at the county courthouse in Laporte. The Register of Wills holds these records. Formal death registration in Sullivan County began in 1893. Death records from 1893 to 1905 are at the county level. Death certificates from 1906 onward are available through the PA Division of Vital Records. The PA State Archives also holds original certificates from 1906 to 1974.
Visit the PA State Archives death indices page to search Sullivan County death records online. For deaths after 1974, use the PA Department of Health vital records page.
Note: Sullivan County's very small population means the total number of death records in any given year is low. Individual searches are generally straightforward once the correct time period is identified.
Sullivan County Formation and History
Sullivan County was formed on March 15, 1847 from the northern portion of Lycoming County. It was named for Charles C. Sullivan, a state senator who played a role in the county's creation. The county covers a large area for its population size. Vast stretches of state forest land and state game lands make up much of the county's total area. This means that a significant portion of the land has never been privately settled, keeping the population small throughout the county's history.
The economy of Sullivan County has historically depended on lumber, tanning, and agriculture. The lumber industry was active in the nineteenth century, bringing workers and families to the region during the boom years. Many of these families settled permanently and became the foundation of the county's modern population. After the lumber boom ended, the county returned to its quieter agricultural character. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation now draw visitors from across the state.
Sullivan County was formed from Lycoming County, and families with roots in the area before 1847 may have records in Lycoming County. The Lycoming County courthouse in Williamsport holds records that predate Sullivan County's creation. Estate records, wills, and church records from Lycoming County can help trace Sullivan County ancestors before 1847. After the county was formed, all official records moved to Laporte. Probate records at the Sullivan County Courthouse reach back to 1847 and supplement formal death registration for the period before 1893.
Note: Sullivan County was formed from Lycoming County in 1847. Researchers tracing families before 1847 should check Lycoming County records in Williamsport.
Accessing Sullivan County Death Records
For deaths from 1893 to 1905, contact the Sullivan County Courthouse in Laporte. The Register of Wills is the right office. Have the full name of the deceased and an approximate year ready. Staff can search the registers and provide copies. Mail requests are also accepted. The PA State Archives holds microfilm copies of early Sullivan County vital records for researchers who cannot travel to Laporte.
For deaths from 1906 onward, the PA Division of Vital Records is the source for certified copies. The fee is $20 per certificate. Mail requests to PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. Phone: 724-656-3100 or 844-228-3516. Online orders go through VitalChek at mycertificates.health.pa.gov. Walk-in service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Harrisburg and Scranton offices are the closest walk-in locations for Sullivan County residents.
Digital images of death certificates from 1906 to 1972 are available on Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania residents can access Ancestry.com for free at many public libraries statewide. Death certificates become public records 50 years after the date of death under Pennsylvania law. For deaths after 1974, only immediate family members and legal representatives can request a certified copy.
Note: The PA Division of Vital Records Scranton office is a walk-in option for Sullivan County residents, as Scranton is within a reasonable driving distance of Laporte.
Research Tips for Sullivan County Deaths
Sullivan County's small size makes individual record searches manageable. Start with the free PA State Archives death index for any post-1906 death. For pre-1906 deaths, the county courthouse in Laporte holds the registers. Sullivan County church records are an important supplement, especially for the period before 1893. Many rural churches in the Pennsylvania Wilds kept detailed burial and death records.
The PA State Archives death index uses the Russell Soundex method for deaths from 1920 to 1924 and from 1930 to 1951. All other years use alphabetical order. Soundex groups surnames by sound, which helps when spelling varies. Once you find the State File Number in the index, you can order the certificate from the State Archives or the Division of Vital Records. For deaths after 1974, the Division of Vital Records in New Castle is the only source.
Sullivan County neighbors Lycoming, Bradford, Columbia, and Wyoming counties. Each county has its own records. If your ancestor moved between counties or if records seem incomplete, check these neighboring counties. The PA State Archives death index covers all of them under the same online search interface, making cross-county research relatively straightforward for post-1906 deaths.
Note: Sullivan County's remote location in the Pennsylvania Wilds means that local libraries and historical societies may have unique genealogical resources not found in state archives. Contact the county historical society for local records.
Nearby Pennsylvania Counties
Sullivan County borders several counties in north-central Pennsylvania. Check neighboring county records for ancestors who lived near a county line.