Search Decatur Genealogy Records

Decatur genealogy records are kept at the Morgan County Archives and the Morgan County Probate Court. The city sits in the Tennessee Valley region of north Alabama along the Tennessee River. Morgan County was formed in 1818, which makes it one of the oldest counties in the state. The archives hold records dating back to 1819, including early land grants, marriage bonds, and probate files. Decatur is the county seat and the largest city in Morgan County with about 58,000 people. Researchers can find birth, death, marriage, and court records through county offices and the state vital records system.

Morgan County Archives

The Morgan County Archives is the main resource for genealogy research in Decatur. The archives hold records from 1819 to the present day. This is one of the best county archives in Alabama for family history work. The collection includes marriage bonds, probate records, land grants, and tax rolls. Many records predate the Civil War, which makes this a valuable source for early Alabama research.

The archives staff can help you search the collection. They know the local records and can point you to sources you might miss on your own. The reading room has microfilm readers and finding aids. You can take notes or order copies of records you find. Some indexes are online, but most of the collection requires an in-person visit or mail request.

Records available at the Morgan County Archives:

• Marriage bonds and licenses from 1819
• Probate and estate records
• Land grants and deed indexes
• Tax assessment rolls
• Voter registration lists
• Old newspapers on microfilm
• Cemetery records and indexes
• Family history files

Morgan County Probate Court

The Morgan County Probate Court handles marriage licenses, wills, and estate matters for Decatur residents. The probate judge is also the head of county government in Alabama. Marriage records at this office go back to 1818. The court building is in downtown Decatur near the archives.

Marriage records are public in Alabama. Anyone can request a copy. You do not need to show a family connection. This makes marriage records one of the easiest types of genealogy records to get in Decatur. The court has old marriage bonds and more recent licenses. Bond records show the names of both parties and the bondsman who vouched for the groom.

Probate files can tell you a lot about your family. When someone died, the court handled their estate. Files may include wills, inventories of property, lists of heirs, and guardianship papers. These records are especially useful when vital records are missing. Many Alabama probate files name family members who would not appear in other sources.

How to Search Decatur Records

You can search genealogy records in Decatur using several methods. Online searches work for some record types. In-person visits give you access to the full collection. Mail requests are an option if you cannot travel to Decatur. Each method has its benefits.

Start your search online at the Alabama Department of Archives and History website. Their digital collection at digital.archives.alabama.gov has free records including old newspapers, photos, and government files. Some Morgan County records from the 1800s are in their collection. FamilySearch at familysearch.org also has indexed Alabama records at no cost.

For court records, use AlacourtAccess at pa.alacourt.com. This system covers all 67 Alabama counties including Morgan County. You can search by name or case number. The system shows case information and some documents. There is a small fee for detailed searches and document images.

An in-person visit to the Morgan County Archives is the best way to do deep research. Staff can help you find records that are not indexed online. Bring a notebook and a list of names and dates you are looking for. The archives have microfilm readers and copiers. Plan to spend at least a few hours if you have a long list of people to research.

Vital Records in Decatur

Birth and death records for Decatur are handled through the state vital records system. The Alabama Department of Public Health has records from 1908 to the present. You can get these records at the Morgan County Health Department in Decatur. The ViSION network links all county health offices to the state database.

There are access rules for vital records. Birth records less than 125 years old are restricted. Only the person named, a parent, or a legal guardian can get a copy. Death records less than 25 years old have similar limits. After these time periods pass, the records become public and anyone can request them for genealogy use.

For older births and deaths before 1908, check other sources. The state did not keep vital records back then. Church records, cemetery logs, and probate files may have the information you need. The Morgan County Archives has some early death records from local sources. Family bibles were often the main record of births in rural Alabama.

Record Fees in Decatur

Fees for genealogy records vary by office. The health department charges $15 for a vital record search and one certified copy. Each extra copy in the same order costs $6. This fee covers birth, death, marriage, and divorce records through the state system.

Probate court fees are set by state law. A plain copy of a marriage license costs about $5. Certified copies cost more. Fees for probate file copies depend on the page count. Call ahead to ask about current fees before you visit. The archives may charge a small fee for copies and research help.

VitalChek is the state's online ordering partner. You can order vital records at vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888. They add a service fee on top of the state fee. This is a good option if you cannot visit in person, but it does cost more than going to the health department yourself.

Decatur Genealogy Resources

The Decatur Public Library has a local history section that may help your research. The library holds old city directories, newspaper files, and some local history books. Staff can help you find materials related to Decatur and Morgan County families. The library also provides free access to Ancestry and other online databases.

The Morgan County Genealogical Society is active in the area. Members share research tips and work together on projects. The group has compiled indexes and record abstracts that can speed up your search. Joining a local society connects you with people who know the records and the families of the region.

The Tennessee Valley Genealogical Society covers the broader region including Decatur. Their publications include record transcripts from several counties. The group meets in Huntsville but draws members from across north Alabama. Check their website for publications that may cover your research area.

Research Tips for Decatur

Decatur has a unique history that affects genealogy research. The city was burned during the Civil War. Federal troops destroyed much of the town in 1864. Some records from that era were lost. If you are looking for records from the 1860s, check the archives for what survived and look for other sources like church records.

The Tennessee River shaped life in Decatur. Many early settlers came by boat. Shipping and trade were key parts of the local economy. If your ancestors worked on the river, check steamboat records and shipping logs. Some of these are at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery.

Morgan County borders Limestone and Lawrence counties. If your family lived near the county line, check records in all three counties. Boundaries shifted over time. An ancestor may appear in a different county than you expect. The same person might have land in one county and be married in another.

African American genealogy in Decatur often requires checking Freedmen's Bureau records. The Alabama Archives has many of these files. Churches were central to Black community life, and their records can fill gaps. The Decatur area had both free Black families before the war and large numbers of formerly enslaved people after it.

Morgan County Genealogy Records

Decatur is in Morgan County, and all vital records, marriage licenses, and probate matters go through county offices. Morgan County was formed in 1818, just one year before Alabama became a state. The county has excellent records going back over 200 years. For more about the county court system, archives, and other resources, visit the Morgan County genealogy records page.

View Morgan County Genealogy Records

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Decatur. If your family moved around north Alabama, check records in these places too. People often crossed county lines for work, marriage, or land. Huntsville is about 25 miles northeast and has its own strong archives.