Find Genealogy Records in Marion County

Marion County genealogy records date back to 1818, when the county was formed from land acquired through the Treaty of 1816 with the Chickasaw Indians. The county seat moved from Pikeville to Hamilton in 1882. A courthouse fire on March 30, 1887 destroyed most early records, so marriage and land records begin in that year. The Marion County Probate Court in Hamilton holds surviving documents. Federal census records from 1820 through 1940 help fill gaps left by the fire. State vital records started in 1908, though the probate court has some birth and death records from 1909 to 1919. Researchers tracing ancestors in northwest Alabama will find the probate court and county health department to be the main sources for local records.

The 1887 Courthouse Fire

The courthouse fire of March 30, 1887 is the key fact for Marion County genealogy. The blaze destroyed all records stored at the building. Marriage bonds, probate files, deed books, court cases, and tax rolls from 1818 to 1887 were lost. That amounts to nearly 70 years of county records gone in a single day.

A second courthouse was built on the same spot. It also burned down at a later date. The current stone courthouse opened in 1901 and still stands today. Officials chose stone construction to prevent another fire loss. The building now houses the probate court and other county offices.

Many Alabama counties lost records to fire. Over 40 percent of the state's counties had courthouse fires during the 1800s. Marion County is one of the worst cases. The loss was total for the first 69 years of county history. But records do exist elsewhere. Federal census data, church rolls, and military files can help fill the gaps.

If your ancestor lived in Marion County before 1887, you must use other sources. The 1850, 1860, 1870, and 1880 federal census records list every person by name. Earlier census rolls list only heads of household. Church records, cemetery logs, and family bibles can prove birth and death dates. Military pension files sometimes name spouses and children. These sources become vital when local records are gone.

What Records Exist Today

The Marion County Probate Court in Hamilton holds records from 1887 forward. This is the starting point for any local search. After the fire, the county rebuilt its record-keeping system from scratch.

Records at the probate court include:

• Marriage records from 1887 to present
• Probate and estate files from 1887 to present
• Land deeds and property records from 1887 to present
• Wills and administrations from 1887 to present
• Birth records from 1909 to 1919
• Death records from 1909 to 1919
• Military discharge records from 1920 to present
• Guardianship records

The birth and death records from 1909 to 1919 are unique. For one decade, the probate court kept these files. This was during the early years of state vital records. After 1919, the state took over all birth and death registration. The probate court copies from this period can help when state records are hard to get.

State vital records start in 1908. Birth and death certificates from that year forward are in the statewide system. You can order them from the Marion County Health Department or any Alabama county office through the ViSION network. Marriage records are at the probate court. Divorce records are at the circuit court.

Marion County Probate Court

The probate court is the main source for Marion County genealogy records. The office is inside the historic stone courthouse in downtown Hamilton. Staff can help you search indexes and order copies of records.

Marriage records at the probate court are public. Anyone can request a copy without proving a family link. The court has an index going back to 1887. Marriage licenses often list the bride's maiden name, both parties' ages, and where they lived. These details help tie families together.

Probate files are rich in detail. When someone died owning property, their estate went through the probate court. Files include wills, inventories, heir lists, and sale bills. An estate file might name a widow, all children, and in-laws. These documents show how families connected and how property passed down.

The probate court also has online services. You can look up some marriage records and land records through their website. This is helpful for initial searches before you visit in person. The online system has an index, but full document images may require a visit or written request.

Marion County Health Department

The Marion County Health Department issues vital records. Through the Alabama ViSION system, staff can pull birth, death, marriage, and divorce records from anywhere in the state. You do not have to visit the county where the event took place.

Birth records from 1908 to present are in the state database. Death records also start in 1908. For births and deaths before that year, county and state records do not exist. You must look to church records, cemetery logs, or family papers.

Access rules apply to vital records. Birth certificates less than 125 years old are restricted. Only the person named, a parent, or a legal guardian can get a certified copy. Death records less than 25 years old have some limits too. After these time periods, records open to the public for genealogy research.

Walk-in service is fast. Same-day requests are common. Bring a valid photo ID and details about the record you need. Staff will search the database and print your certificate while you wait. If you cannot visit, you can order online through VitalChek at 1-888-279-9888. There is a service fee on top of the state fee for online orders.

Alternative Sources for Pre-1887 Research

Since the 1887 fire destroyed early county records, you must use other sources. Many records about Marion County residents survive in state, federal, and private collections. Here is where to look.

Federal Census Records

Federal census records are the backbone of pre-fire research. The census was taken every ten years. Marion County appears in the 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 schedules. Note that the 1820 federal returns for some Alabama counties were lost, but state census copies for 1820 may survive.

The 1850 and later census records list each person by name. Earlier years list only heads of household with tick marks for others. The 1850 census was the first to show birthplace by state. This helps trace where a family came from before they moved to Alabama. Census records are free at FamilySearch and at the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Church Records

Church records are gold when civil records are missing. Many Marion County churches kept their own books. Baptist and Methodist churches were common in the area. Records might include baptism dates, marriage notes, death records, and membership lists.

Some church records have been copied and indexed. The Alabama Department of Archives has a collection of church record transcripts. The Alabama Baptist Historical Society holds records from Baptist congregations. Contact local churches directly to ask about their old record books. Some congregations still have ledgers going back to the 1800s.

Land and Military Records

Federal land grant records survive even when county deed books are lost. The first settlers in Marion County bought land from the federal government. These patents are on file at the Bureau of Land Management. The book "First Land Settlers of Marion County, Alabama, Vol 1, 1820-1850" by James C. Lawler lists early landowners and is available through FamilySearch.

Military records can prove where a person lived. Many Marion County men served in the Civil War. Service records, pension files, and veterans rolls list names and home counties. Confederate records are at the Alabama Department of Archives. Union records are at the National Archives. Pension applications often include family details that can stand in for lost civil records.

Marion County Circuit Court

The Marion County Circuit Court handles civil and criminal cases. It is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit. The circuit clerk keeps divorce records, civil lawsuits, and criminal case files. Divorce records are often useful for genealogy because they list names, ages, and sometimes children.

You can search some court records online through Alacourt. Go to pa.alacourt.com and select Marion County. The system shows case index data. For full documents, contact the court or visit in person. There is a small fee for online access.

The circuit court also has the Just One Look database. This lets you search civil and criminal case records. You need a subscription to view full documents. The index is a good starting point to see if a case exists before you request copies.

Online Research Resources

Several websites help with Marion County genealogy. Free and paid options exist. Start with free sources before paying for subscriptions.

• FamilySearch has free census, church, and vital records
• Alabama Digital Archives has newspapers and government files
• AlacourtAccess lets you search court records online
• Ancestry has indexed records with a subscription
• Find A Grave has cemetery photos and burial info
• Marion County ALGenWeb has transcribed records and queries

FamilySearch is run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is free to use. They have indexed millions of records from Alabama. Census records, some church records, and state vital records are all there. Create a free account to save your research.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History has a digital collection online. Their site has old newspapers, photos, maps, and government records. Some Marion County records may be in collections from other agencies that kept copies. Search their catalog to see what is available.

The USGenWeb Archives Project has a Marion County page with transcribed records. Volunteers have typed up cemetery lists, census extracts, and family data. This is a free resource maintained by genealogy volunteers. The Marion County Genealogical Society also posts lookups and research tips online.

Cemetery Records

Cemetery records help when county records are missing. A tombstone may be the only proof of a birth or death date. Marion County has many old cemeteries. Some date back to before the 1887 fire.

Find A Grave and BillionGraves are two websites with cemetery data. Volunteers photograph tombstones and upload the info. Search these sites by name to find burial locations and dates. Many Marion County cemeteries have been documented this way.

The Marion County Genealogical Society has compiled cemetery records. Their work includes transcripts from family plots, church graveyards, and public cemeteries. This data helps when tombstones are too worn to read or have been lost over time. Contact the society at PO Box 1527, Winfield, AL 35594.

Some cemeteries keep their own burial records. Contact the cemetery office to ask about their files. Older cemeteries may have handwritten logs with dates and grave locations. These records sometimes include notes about family ties that you would not find on a headstone.

In-Person Research Tips

A visit to Hamilton can help your research. Staff at the probate court can guide you to records that are not online. You can view original documents and take notes. Bring a notebook, ID, and any information you already have about your family.

The Clyde Nix Public Library in Hamilton has a local history section. They hold books, maps, and files on Marion County families. The library has one partially burned timber from the old toll house on display. Staff may know about resources you would not find on your own. The library also offers free internet access for online research.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery is worth a trip if you are doing serious research. Their research room has the best collection of old Alabama records in the state. Staff can help you find census records, military files, and land grants. The drive from Hamilton takes about two and a half hours.

The Birmingham Public Library has a Southern History Department. This is closer, about an hour and a half from Hamilton. They have old newspapers on microfilm and a strong genealogy book collection. Staff there know Alabama records well and can help point you in the right direction.

Getting Research Help

The Marion County Genealogical Society helps researchers. Members share tips and knowledge about local families. The society is based in Winfield and welcomes visitors. Joining a local group can speed up your search when you hit a brick wall.

The Marion County Historical Society also works on local history. They are a nonprofit group focused on preserving county heritage. Members may have compiled family histories or local records that are not published anywhere else. Contact them to ask about their holdings.

If you get stuck, think about hiring a professional. Genealogists who know Alabama records can find sources you might miss. The Alabama Genealogical Society keeps a list of researchers. Some specialize in counties with record loss like Marion. A professional can save you time when the trail goes cold.

Online forums are another option. Sites like RootsWeb and GenForum have boards for Marion County. Post a question about your family and see if anyone has info to share. Other researchers may have already found the records you need. Someone might be a distant cousin working on the same family line.

Cities and Towns in Marion County

Marion County has several towns and cities. None have populations over 50,000. All use the Marion County Probate Court for marriage records and the county health department for vital records. Hamilton is the county seat and the largest city.

Towns in Marion County include Hamilton, Winfield, Guin, Hackleburg, Bear Creek, Brilliant, Twin, and Glen Allen. Winfield is the second largest city. All genealogy records are handled at the county level in Hamilton. Residents of every town file marriage licenses at the same probate court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Marion County. If your family lived near a county line, check records in both places. Early settlers often moved between counties. An ancestor may show up in a neighboring county before or after living in Marion.