Were duplicate copies of vital records being kept when that vital record was recorded? In some locations during some time periods, vital records may have been recorded at the local and state level. While they are supposed to be "the same thing," one may be more legible than another (especially if carbons were used), easier to access, cheaper to obtain, etc.
I often see duplication in marriage records for Massachusetts, where Brides and Grooms had to report their marriage to the clerk in the town of their residence. If they lived in different towns there should be a record in each place. Sometimes I find more information on the record in one location than the other or one is easier to read than the other.
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