Catholic Baptisms in Western Pennsylvania 1799-1828

This is a record of baptisms performed by Father Helbron in his missionary travels in the seven Western Pennsylvania counties of Westmoreland Fayette Washington Greene Allegheny Butler and Armstrong. The Helbron register is apparently the first written record of sacramental ministrations in these outlying areas of Pennsylvania and it is important not only because of its priority but because it comprises in many cases the only extant records of the Irish and German Catholics who settled this region. Over 1500 baptisms are recorded each entry typically giving the child's name the dates of birth and baptism and the parents' and sponsors' names. In all the complete body of baptisms references some 6000 persons.