Northampton County Obituaries and Death Records

Northampton County obituary and death records are available through the Virginia Department of Health and the Northampton County Circuit Court in Eastville. Located on the southern end of Virginia's Eastern Shore peninsula, Northampton is one of Virginia's oldest counties, with court records going back to 1632. Death records from 1912 are in the state system, and older registers are at the Library of Virginia.

Death Certificates in Northampton County

Certified death certificates for Northampton County are available from the Virginia Department of Health. The Eastern Shore Health District serves Northampton County. You can also request records from the state Office of Vital Records in Richmond at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Phone: (804) 662-6200. Hours for walk-in service are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Each certified copy costs $12. Records from the past 25 years require immediate family access. After 25 years, records are public. Mail requests need a signed application, a copy of your photo ID, and payment by check, money order, or payment card. Because Northampton County is geographically isolated on the Eastern Shore, the online portal or mail request is usually the most practical approach for requesters who are not near the county.

The VDH vital records page has the online application system, fee details, and eligibility rules for requesting death certificates from Northampton County.

Northampton County Circuit Court

The Northampton County Circuit Court in Eastville holds one of the most remarkable record collections in Virginia. The courthouse in Eastville has records going back to 1632, making it the oldest continuous court record collection in the United States. These records were never burned or lost during wars or disasters that destroyed many other Virginia county records.

Probate records from Northampton County date to the 1630s. Will books, inventory records, and deed books provide death information spanning nearly four centuries. If you are researching a Northampton County family that goes back to colonial times, the courthouse in Eastville is one of the most valuable archives in the country for that purpose.

The Circuit Court clerk can search records and provide copies. Some of the older records have been microfilmed and are also available at the Library of Virginia. Marriage records from Northampton County date to 1706. The clerk's office can help you identify what is on file locally and direct you to the Library for any archived materials.

Historical Death Records on the Eastern Shore

Death registers for Northampton County from 1853 to 1896 are on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. These are available through Interlibrary Loan or in person at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond. The registers list each person's name, race, sex, date and place of death, cause of death, age, birthplace, occupation, and parents' names. For an Eastern Shore county with a seafaring tradition, the cause of death entries often reflect maritime occupations and related hazards.

From 1897 to 1911, Virginia had no statewide registration requirement. Some Northampton County records from those years may be missing. After June 14, 1912, records are complete through the state system.

The Henley Marriage and Obituary Index at the Library of Virginia covers Virginia newspapers from 1736 to 1982. Eastern Shore papers in this index may include Northampton County coverage. Search at lva-virginia.libguides.com/henley.

The Library of Virginia death records guide helps researchers navigate what records exist for each county and time period, including Eastern Shore counties like Northampton.

Online Resources for Northampton County Research

Virginia library cardholders can search death records for free at FindItVA.com. The service covers Virginia death records from 1912 to present using Ancestry.com. You need a valid public library card and a free Ancestry account. This is especially useful for Northampton County since the county is geographically isolated and in-person research trips can be difficult.

The Library of Virginia CRI database at lva.virginia.gov/collections/cri lists holdings for Northampton County. Given the county's extraordinary records history, the Library holds microfilm copies of many Northampton records. The Virginia Museum of History and Culture at virginiahistory.org also holds family papers that may include Eastern Shore families.

Death records are governed by Code of Virginia Title 32.1, Chapter 7. Records become public 25 years after death. Certified copies cost $12 each. For FOIA questions, contact (804) 698-1810 or visit virginiaresources.gov.

Communities in Northampton County

Northampton County has no independent qualifying cities. All death records for county residents are handled through the Virginia Department of Health and the Circuit Court in Eastville.

Communities in Northampton County include Cape Charles, Exmore, and Cheriton. These towns and unincorporated areas use the county Health Department and Circuit Court for death records.

Nearby Counties

Northampton County shares the Eastern Shore peninsula with Accomack County to the north.