Section 16.39 Family and Religious Records

• Library: Evidence 2017

D. (§16.39) Family and Religious Records

Statements in family records, such as the family Bible, concerning births, deaths, baptisms, marriage, and the like are admissible to prove that these events occurred on the dates stated. The judicial declaration of the exemption is discussed in State v. Bruton, 161 S.W. 751, 755 (Mo. 1913) (a copy of the family Bible). Likewise, statements of fact in religious records are admissible when it is shown that the church keeps these records in the ordinary course and that it is the duty of the clergy to keep these records. Collins v. German-Am. Mut. Life Ass’n of Burlington, Iowa, 86 S.W. 891 (Mo. App. E.D. 1905); see alsoArnold v. Bhd. of Locomotive Firemen & Enginemen, 101 S.W.2d 729 (Mo. App. W.D...