Search St. Clair County Genealogy Records

St. Clair County genealogy records are split between two courthouses, which is rare in Alabama. The county has two county seats: Ashville in the north and Pell City in the south. This split has existed since 1907 and affects how you search for family records. The Northern Division courthouse in Ashville handles records from the northern part of the county. The Southern Division courthouse in Pell City serves the southern area, which is part of the Birmingham metro. Both offices maintain their own records, so you may need to check both locations when researching your family tree. The county was formed in 1818 and has records going back to the early territorial period of Alabama.

Two Courthouse System

St. Clair County is one of only five Alabama counties with two county seats. This system dates back to 1907 when the state split the county into Northern and Southern Divisions. The split happened because of travel problems. Residents in the southern part of the county had a hard time getting to Ashville, the original county seat. Roads were poor, and the trip took hours by horse or wagon.

The divide still matters for genealogy research. Each courthouse keeps its own set of records. If your ancestors lived in the northern part of the county, their records are likely in Ashville. If they lived near Pell City, Leeds, or Moody, check the Southern Division first. Some records overlap, and a few were moved over the years. When in doubt, contact both offices.

The boundary line runs roughly along Highway 11. Areas north of this line fall under Ashville. Areas south fall under Pell City. The boundary has shifted slightly over time, so check old maps if your family lived near the dividing line. A family could have moved from one division to the other without changing their address.

St. Clair County Probate Courts

The probate courts in St. Clair County handle marriage licenses, wills, estate files, and adoptions. Each division has its own probate judge and staff. Marriage records are a key source for genealogy work. The county has marriage records going back to the early 1800s, though some early records were lost or damaged.

The probate court system in Alabama places the probate judge at the head of county government. This role combines judicial and administrative duties. The judge handles estate matters, issues licenses, and oversees county business. In St. Clair County, both probate judges share these duties for their divisions.

Both offices can help with genealogy requests. Call ahead to check what records they have. Staff can search indexes and let you know if the record you need is there. This saves a trip if the record is at the other courthouse. Both offices are closed on state holidays and may close early some days, so call to confirm hours.

What Records Are Available

St. Clair County has many types of genealogy records. The county predates Alabama statehood, so records go back to the territorial era. Some early records were lost, but many survive from the 1820s onward. Here is what you can find:

• Marriage records from 1818 to present
• Birth records from 1908 to present
• Death records from 1908 to present
• Divorce records from Circuit Court
• Probate and estate files
• Wills and intestate proceedings
• Land deeds and property records
• Tax lists and voter rolls
• Court case files

Birth and death records before 1908 are harder to find. Alabama did not require statewide registration until then. For earlier vital records, look at church records, cemetery logs, and family bibles. Census records from the 1800s also help fill in gaps. The federal census listed household members with ages, birthplaces, and sometimes birth months.

Probate records are a gold mine for genealogy. These files show family relationships, property holdings, and often list the names of heirs. An estate file might name a widow, children, and even grandchildren. Wills often mention each child and sometimes explain why one received more than another. These details paint a picture of family life.

County Health Department

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

Access rules apply to 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. Death records less than 25 years old also have limits. Once these time periods pass, the records open to all researchers.

Both health offices offer the same services. Pick the one closer to you. Walk-in service is often same day. Staff search the state database and print your record while you wait. Bring a valid ID. If you are not on the record, bring proof of your right to access it. The offices also take mail requests, though these take longer to process.

How to Search Records

Start by figuring out which division your ancestors lived in. Look at maps from the time period you are researching. Note which cities and towns were in each division. This step saves time and frustration later.

For probate records, contact the appropriate courthouse. Ask if they have online access or an index you can search. Some records may be available through third-party sites like FamilySearch. If not, plan a visit or send a mail request. Include all the details you know: names, approximate dates, and type of record.

For vital records, you have three options:

• Visit either county health department in person
• Mail a request with the required forms and fees
• 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 add 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 option if you cannot visit in person.

The 30th Judicial Circuit Court handles civil and criminal cases for St. Clair County. Court records can show lawsuits, divorce filings, and criminal matters. The circuit clerk maintains these files. Contact the clerk to ask about access. Some older court records may be at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery.

Online Access Options

St. Clair County has some records available online. The amount is growing as offices digitize old files. Here are the main online resources for genealogy research:

• 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. The collection grows all the time as volunteers add new data. Create a free account to access all their tools. They also have microfilm that you can order to view at a local family history center.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History offers free digital records. Their online collection includes old newspapers, photos, and government files. Some St. Clair County records from the 1800s and early 1900s are in their collection. This is a good starting point for older research.

Ancestry requires a paid subscription for most records. However, many public libraries offer free access to Ancestry from library computers. Check with your local library to see if they have this perk. The Pell City Public Library is a good option in St. Clair County.

In-Person Access

Visiting in person is the best way to see full records. Staff can help you search and explain what is there. You may find things that do not show up in online indexes. Bring a notebook and a valid ID with you.

The Ashville courthouse is in the heart of the small town. Parking is usually easy. The probate office is on the main floor. Staff are used to genealogy requests and can guide you through the indexes. They have marriage books, probate files, and deed records on site. Some older records may be in storage, so call ahead if you need something specific.

The Pell City courthouse is larger and busier. It serves the more populated southern division. The probate office handles a higher volume of requests. Plan for a bit more wait time here. The staff are helpful, but they may have other duties that pull them away. Bringing your own research notes and specific requests makes the visit go smoother.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery is worth the drive. Their research room holds the best collection of old Alabama records. They have microfilm of many St. Clair County records. Staff can help you navigate the finding aids. The drive from Pell City takes about an hour and a half.

Birmingham Metro Connection

The southern part of St. Clair County is part of the Birmingham metro area. Pell City sits along Interstate 20, about 30 miles east of downtown Birmingham. This connection means that St. Clair County families often have ties to Jefferson County and other nearby areas.

When researching St. Clair County ancestors, also check records in Jefferson County. Many people worked in Birmingham but lived in St. Clair County. Church records, newspaper obituaries, and cemetery records may be in Jefferson County even if the person lived in St. Clair. The Birmingham Public Library has a good genealogy room that covers the whole region.

Leeds is a city that straddles the county line. Part is in St. Clair County, part in Jefferson County. If your ancestors lived in Leeds, check both counties. The same applies to areas near Moody and Trussville. County lines do not always match where people lived their daily lives.

Local Genealogy Resources

Several local resources can help with St. Clair County research. The St. Clair Historical Society collects local history materials. They have family files, old photos, and newspaper clippings. Their collection focuses on items not found in official records. Contact them about their holdings.

The Pell City Public Library has a local history section. They collect books on St. Clair County families and places. The library also provides internet access for online research. Staff can point you to resources specific to the area.

Cemetery records are vital for genealogy. St. Clair County has dozens of cemeteries, from large public ones to small family plots. Many are documented online at findagrave.com. Volunteers have photographed headstones and transcribed inscriptions. This site is free to use and can help you find where ancestors are buried.

Church records often predate government records. Many churches in St. Clair County kept registers of baptisms, marriages, and burials. The Alabama Department of Archives has microfilm of some church records. Local churches may still have their old books. Call ahead and ask if you can view their historical records.

Research Tips for St. Clair County

Always check both courthouse locations. Your ancestors may have moved within the county or lived near the dividing line. Records could be at either office depending on where the family lived at the time.

Use census records to track your family. The federal census was taken every ten years starting in 1790. Alabama appears in the census from 1820 onward. Census records list family members, ages, birthplaces, and occupations. They help you figure out where to look for other records.

Look for land records. St. Clair County has deed books going back to its founding. Land records show who bought and sold property, and often name family members. A deed might mention a wife, heirs, or neighbors. These records can break through brick walls in your research.

Join online forums and groups. Other researchers may have already worked on your family lines. They can share what they found and point you to sources you missed. The St. Clair County Alabama Genealogy group on Facebook is one option. USGenWeb has a page for St. Clair County with volunteer lookup helpers.

Cities in St. Clair County

St. Clair County has several cities and towns. None have a population over 50,000. All residents use the probate courts in Ashville or Pell City for marriage records. Vital records come from the county health department offices.

Major communities include Pell City, Ashville, Ragland, Springville, Moody, and Odenville. The southern division near Pell City has more people due to its connection to the Birmingham metro. The northern division around Ashville is more rural. Both areas have deep roots and long-standing families.

Nearby Counties

These counties border St. Clair County. If your family lived near the county line, check records in both places. County borders have changed over time, so an ancestor may appear in a different county than you expect.