Access Clarke County Genealogy Records

Clarke County genealogy records are held at the probate court in Grove Hill and through the county health department. The county was formed in 1812 and has marriage records going back to 1814, making it one of the best sources for early Alabama family history.

What Records Are Available

Clarke County has a rich collection of genealogy records for family history research. The probate court holds records from the very start of the county. Marriage records date to 1814. Probate and estate files also start in 1814. Land records begin in 1820. These are some of the oldest county records in Alabama.

Birth and death records from the state start in 1908. Before that date, you will need to check church records, cemetery logs, or family bibles. The county also has divorce records from 1813 held at the circuit court. Census records exist for every federal census from 1820 onward.

Types of genealogy records you can find:

• Birth records from 1908 to present
• Death records from 1908 to present
• Marriage records from 1814 to present
• Divorce records from 1813 to present
• Probate and estate files from 1814
• Land and deed records from 1820
• Census records from 1820 to 1940
• Slave schedules for 1850 and 1860
• Confederate pension records (partial)

The probate office has a restored copy of the 1880 Clarke County census. This is useful since many census records were lost in fires over the years. Note that military records from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Creek Wars, and Civil War are not at the courthouse, except for some pension files. You will need to check the state archives or National Archives for those.

Clarke County Probate Court

The Clarke County Probate Court is the main source for genealogy records in the county. The probate judge keeps marriage licenses, will files, and estate records. The office also handles adoptions, name changes, and corporate charters. Judge Valerie B. Davis currently serves as probate judge.

Marriage records are among the most useful for genealogy work. Clarke County has marriage records going back to 1814, just two years after the county was formed. These early records can show names, dates, and sometimes ages and birthplaces. The court also has indexes to help you search.

Probate records reveal family links across generations. When someone died, their estate went through the probate court. These files may list heirs, family members, and property. Even if your ancestor left no will, there may be estate records if they owned land or had debts to settle.

The courthouse is in downtown Grove Hill. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Staff can help you search the index books and pull files for viewing. They work with family history researchers often and know where to look for records. Call ahead if you plan to visit, so they can have time to help you.

County Health Department

The Clarke County Health Department issues certified copies of vital records. Through the ViSION network, they can pull any Alabama birth, death, marriage, or divorce record. You do not have to visit the county where the event took place. Any county health office in Alabama can access records from the state system.

Birth records date from 1908. Death records also start in 1908. Marriage records at the health department go back to August 1936. Divorce records are available from 1950 to the present. For older records, you will need to check the probate court or circuit court.

There are access rules for vital records. Birth records less than 125 years old have limits. Only the person named, a parent, or a legal guardian can get a copy. Others must show just cause. Death records less than 25 years old also have some limits. After these time periods pass, the records become open to all for genealogy use.

Walk-in service is often same day. Staff search the state database and print your record while you wait. Bring a valid ID and know the details of the record you need. Mail requests take about 7 to 10 days. The office also takes phone requests for information about their services.

How to Search Records

You have several ways to search genealogy records in Clarke County. Online searches work for basic lookups. In-person visits let you see full documents. Mail requests work when you know what you need. Each method has pros and cons.

Start with online resources to get a sense of what is out there. FamilySearch has free indexes for Alabama records. The Alabama Department of Archives has digitized many older records. These tools can help you find names and dates before you make a trip to Grove Hill.

For vital records, you have three main options:

• Visit the county health department in person
• Mail a request to the health department
• Order online through VitalChek

VitalChek is the state's online ordering partner. You can order birth, death, marriage, and divorce records at their website. They charge a service fee on top of the state fee. Go to vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888 to place an order. This is a fast way to get records if you cannot visit in person.

For probate court records, contact the court directly. Call ahead to ask about their search process. Staff can tell you what records they have and how to request copies. Some old records may be in storage and need time to pull. Patience helps when working with records from the 1800s.

Online Access Options

Clarke County has some online records available through state and national databases. The court system has put some records online. National genealogy sites have indexed many Clarke County records over the years.

Online resources for Clarke County genealogy:

• AlacourtAccess for court records at pa.alacourt.com
• Alabama Department of Archives digital collection at digital.archives.alabama.gov
• FamilySearch free records at familysearch.org
• Ancestry subscription database at ancestry.com

FamilySearch has free records with no subscription needed. They have indexed Alabama vital records, census data, and church records. Their Clarke County collection includes Index to Notes from the Records of Clarke County and Clarke County Loose Papers. Create a free account to access all their tools.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History has free digital records. Their collection includes old newspapers, photos, and government files. Many Clarke County records from the 1800s are in their holdings. Historical maps of the county are also available through the University of Alabama map collection.

Ancestry has a larger collection but requires a paid subscription. They have census records, military records, and immigration files. Many libraries offer free access to Ancestry from their computers. Check your local library before paying for a subscription.

Early History and Native American Records

Clarke County has a rich history that affects genealogy research. The area was claimed by both the Creek and Choctaw Indians before white settlers arrived. The Creek War of 1813 to 1814 brought many conflicts to this region. Clarke County had more fortifications than any other county in Alabama during that war.

Some scholars believe the Battle of Mauvilla in 1540 took place in what is now Clarke County. Explorer Hernando DeSoto's men fought Native Americans in that battle. While this is ancient history, it shows how long this land has been home to people.

For genealogy research into Native American ancestry, check these sources:

• Dawes Rolls for Cherokee, Choctaw, and Creek enrollees
• Indian Removal records at the National Archives
• Bureau of Indian Affairs records
• Church mission records from early missionaries

After the Creek War ended in 1814, settlers moved in quickly. Land grants from that era are at the probate court. These early records can help trace families who came to Clarke County in its first years. The first county seat was in Clarksville, a now-defunct town. In 1831, the seat moved to Grove Hill where it remains today.

African American Genealogy Research

Clarke County was a major cotton-growing area before the Civil War. Many enslaved people lived and worked here. Records from that era are uneven, but some sources can help trace African American ancestors.

The federal slave schedules for 1850 and 1860 list enslaved people by age and gender, but usually not by name. These schedules are linked to their enslavers, so you need to know who owned your ancestors to use them. The schedules are available on FamilySearch and Ancestry.

After the Civil War, Freedmen's Bureau records help fill in gaps. These records document newly freed people as they set up new lives. They may show family links, former enslavers, and places of origin. Freedmen's Bureau records are at the National Archives and on FamilySearch.

Other sources for African American genealogy in Clarke County:

• Church records from Black congregations
• Marriage records after 1865
• 1870 census (first to list all people by name)
• Oral history and family tradition

Some plantation records survive in private hands or at archives. The Alabama Department of Archives may have some Clarke County plantation records. Contact them to ask about their holdings. These records can name enslaved people and show family groups.

Local Genealogy Tips

Clarke County has some quirks that affect research. The county is large and rural. Records were kept at the county seat, but families lived spread out along the rivers and in small towns. Some records may refer to places that no longer exist.

Cemetery records are useful here. Clarke County has many old cemeteries, both church graveyards and family plots on old farm land. Tombstones can give dates and family links not found elsewhere. The Find A Grave website has many Clarke County cemeteries indexed.

Land records tell family stories too. The county has deed books going back to 1820. These show who owned land and when it changed hands. Farm families often stayed on the same land for generations. Tracing land can help trace family lines. Land records also show neighbors, which can reveal other family connections.

The 1st Judicial Circuit covers Clarke County along with Choctaw and Washington Counties. Some court records may be indexed under the circuit rather than the county. Ask staff at the courthouse if you are having trouble finding a court case. They can explain how records are organized.

Bible records are another source. Many families kept birth, death, and marriage records in their family bibles. Some Clarke County bible records have been transcribed and are available online through Access Genealogy and the USGenWeb Archives Project. These can fill in gaps from before state record keeping began.

In-Person Research Tips

Visiting in person is the best way to see full records. Staff can help you search and explain what is available. You may find things that do not show up in online indexes. Plan your trip in advance to make the most of your time.

The Clarke County Courthouse in Grove Hill is the main stop. Go to the probate office and ask for help with genealogy records. Staff can search the index and pull files for you to view. You can take notes or order copies. Bring cash or check for any fees.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery is worth the trip. Their research room has the best collection of old Alabama records. The drive from Grove Hill takes about two hours. Staff can help you find what you need. They have microfilm, original documents, and digital resources all in one place.

Local libraries may have genealogy collections too. Ask about local history materials, old newspapers on microfilm, and any genealogy files. Librarians often know about resources that are not widely advertised. They may also know local genealogy groups that can help.

Cities in Clarke County

Clarke County has several cities and towns. All of them use the Clarke County Probate Court for marriage and estate records. The county health department handles vital records for all communities.

Grove Hill is the county seat with a population of about 1,500 people. Thomasville is the largest city with around 4,000 residents. Other towns include Jackson, Coffeeville, and Fulton. None of these cities have populations over 50,000, so all records requests go through the county offices in Grove Hill.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Clarke County. If your family lived near the county line, check records in both places. The rivers that form the county borders meant that families sometimes had ties on both sides. County borders have also changed over time, so an ancestor may appear in a different county than you expect.