The Republican

478 BIRTHS: 221 DEATHS ARE RECORDED IN COUNTY
Male Births Outnumber Female Births by Twenty-Four Sets of Twins Are Registered
MORE CHILDREN'S DEATHS

There were 478 births in Garrett county during 1930, an increase of 47 over 1929, and 221 deaths recorded, an increase of 13 over 1929, according to a report made by Miss Julia Rowan, county statistician.

Of the deaths, 127 were adults and 94 were children, a decrease of 17 adults over 1929, and an increase of 30 children. Of the 478 births 229 were females and 249 were males.

There were four sets of twins, the report stated.

When compared with other counties in the state of Maryland during 1930 Garrett county had the fourth highest birth rate, 24.0 per 1,000 population; and the third lowest death rate, 9.9 per 1,000 population.

Importance of Registration

"There is hardly a relation of life— social, legal or economic—in which the evidence furnished by an accurate registration of birth and death may not prove to be of the greatest value," Miss Rowan said.

"Following are some of the reasons: "As evidence to prove the age and legitimacy of heirs; as proof of age to determine the validity of a contract entered into by an alleged minor; to establish age and proof of citizenship and descent in order to vote; the right of admission to professions and many public offices; legal age to marry; claims of widows and orphans under the widows' and orphans' pension law; settlement of insurance and pension.

"To prove irresponsibility of children for crime and misdemeanors, and various other matters in the criminal code; to determine relationship of guardians and wards as proof of citizenship in order to travel abroad; in claims for exemption from or the right to serve on juries or in the military service.

"Birth or death certificates for all the above reasons must be certified. It is therefore wise for the informant to be quite sure the statements are true. A great many times the information as given on the death certificate of a deceased is incorrect. It is wise for some member of each family to gather the history of his mother's and his father's families, so that in case of a deceased member, the certificate given by the undertaker or doctor can be filled out correctly, not guessing at the birthplace, name and age of the father, or the maiden name of the mother, etc. If in doubt consult an older relative or the family Bible, because when death certificates are certified they are to be true, otherwise the information is false and not valid.

"It is a well established fact by years of experience that an accurate record in all cases cannot or will not be made unless the law requires it. Certificates of birth and death are constantly required in court and elsewhere to establish necessary facts. Pension or life insurance may depend on proper evidence of the cause of death. Title and right to inheritance may be jeopardized by failure to send in such records," Miss Rowan concluded.

All births and deaths are first recorded in the County Register, then in the State register and from there they are recorded in the Census Bureau, of Washington, D. C.