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Genesee County, New York

Genesee County was created in 1802 and formed from Ontario County. Genesee County was named for a Seneca phrase meaning "good valley and the County Seat is Batavia.

The Genesee County Courthouse is located at Old Courthouse, 7 Main Street, Batavia , NY 14020; 585-344-2550 and the Official County Website is located at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/.

Genesee County Borders Orleans County (North), Monroe County (East), Livingston County, Wyoming County (South), Erie County (West), Niagara County (Northwest) .

Genesee County Municipalities: Cities include Batavia. Towns include Alabama, Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Bethany, Byron, Darien, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield, Pavilion, Pembroke, Stafford. Villages include Alexander, Attica, Bergen, Corfu, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield . Town Clerks are responsible for vast amounts of local information from deeds, property transfers, and genealogical materials. Research on place and road names, the history of property transfers and much more are available through your Town Clerk. They are a tremendous resources.

• Submit a Website or Report Incorrect Information
• Historical Newspapers from New York (1719 - 1992) - Quickly find names and keywords in over 450 million articles, obituaries, marriage notices, birth announcements and other items published in over 2,800 historical U.S. newspapers. New content added monthly!
• New York Genealogy Network - Facebook.com
• Family History Library
• New York Historical Records
• Genesee County, New York History Books at Amazon.com

County Court, Probate and Tax Records

See Also New York Court, Land, Tax & Probate Records and Marriage Records

Genesee County Clerk has Land & Court Records from 1803 and is located at 15 Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020; (585) 344-2550 ext 2242, Fax: (585) 344-8521, [EMAIL] .

The county clerk is the keeper of most civil and criminal trial court records for Supreme Court and County Court, naturalizations, marriages (1908–35), censuses (Some county clerks' offices hold duplicate copies of some of the State censuses taken periodically between 1825 and 1925 and copies of the federal census), as well as deeds and mortgages.

Land conveyances (deeds and mortgages) are recorded in the county clerks' offices or in the New York City Register's Office. Recording of deeds became mandatory statewide in 1840. Before that many deeds were not recorded.

Marriages Prior to 1784 couples intending to marry were required to obtain licenses from and file bonds with the provincial secretary, if the impending marriage was not announced in a church. These Marriage Bonds were mostly destroyed in the 1911 Capitol fire. Published abstracts are available in Names of persons for whom marriage licenses were issued by the secretary of the province of New York, previous to 1784. (Albany: 1860; repr. with supplements 1984); and in New York Marriage Bonds, 1753-1783, comp. Kenneth Scott (New York: 1972).

Naturalization records are created by the Federal and State courts. State court naturalization records generally remain in custody of the county clerks. Older Federal court naturalization records have been transferred to the National Archives. Photocopies of naturalization documents and indexes for New York City for the period 1792-1906 (both Federal and State courts) are held by the National Archives--Northeast Region, 201 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014.

Genesee County Surrogate Court Clerk has Probate Records from 1805 and is located at Courts Facility Building, 1 West Main St., Batavia, NY 14020; phone:(585) 344-2550, fax: (585) 344-8517 .

The Surrogate's Court in each county generally has records dating back to the establishment of the county or 1787, whichever was later. Record keeping was systematized by an 1830 statute. Surrogate's Courts maintain records of wills, letters testamentary, letters of administration, orders and decrees, and appointments of guardians; and filed papers, including original wills, petitions for probate (gives date of death and lists next of kin), performance bonds, property inventories (seldom found after ca. 1900), administrator's or executor's accountings, etc. Surrogate's Courts create comprehensive indexes to records and files.

In recent decades many courts have ceased recording documents in books and substituted microfilm recording. Some courts have disposed of old property inventories, which have no continuing legal value. Most Surrogate's Court records are retained permanently because they may document title to real property or the legal status of individuals. Surrogate's Court records statewide occupy over 200,000 cubic feet, with over half a million record retrievals yearly. The court is authorized to charge substantial fees for records searches conducted by court staff. Prior to that time most estates were handled in New York City, the capital until 1797. Before 1787, some wills were recorded in the counties and occasionally in town records.

Genesee County Historian is located at 3 W. Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 .In New York State, every municipality (town, city, village, county) must have an appointed historian. Most of the towns have their own historians as well and each can be contacted. A county historian may be appointed for each county, check for availability.

Below is a list of online resources resources for Genesee County Court Records. Email us with websites containing Genesee County Court Records by clicking the link below:

• Submit a website for Genesee Co. Court Records
• Order County Court, Civil or Criminal Records Online
• Order County Court, Civil or Criminal Records Online
• New York Wills, 1626-1836: This database is a collection of New York citizens' wills from 1626 to 1836 that were recorded in the office of the clerk of the court of appeals, of the county clerk of Albany and of the secretary of state.
• Soundex Index to Petitions for Naturalizations Filed in Federal, State, and Local Courts in New York City, 1792-1906: NARA M1674. The Soundex index to naturalization petitions filed in federal, state, and local courts in New York City, including New York, Kings, Queens and Richmond counties, 1792-1906.
• Index to the Naturalization Petitions of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Jul 1865-Sep 1906: NARA M1164. A card index to naturalization petitions filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York from July 1865 through September 1906
• Index to the Naturalization Petitions of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, 1906-Nov 1925: NARA M1164. A card index to naturalization petitions filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York from October 1907 through November 1925.
• Index to the Naturalization Petitions of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, 1865-1957: NARA M1164. A card index to naturalization petitions filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York from November 1925 through December 1957.
• Alphabetical Index to Declarations of Intention of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, 1917-1950: NARA M1675. Alphabetical Index to Declarations of Intention of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, 1917-1950
• Alphabetical Index to Petitions for Naturalization of the US District Court [and Circuit Court] for the Southern District of New York, 1824-1941: NARA M1676. Alphabetical Index to Petitions for Naturalization of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, 1824-1941.
• Alphabetical Index to Petitions for Naturalizations of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, 1907-1966: NARA M1677. Alphabetical Index to Petitions for Naturalizations of the US District Court for the Western District of New York, 1907-1966
• Genesee County, New York Court Books at Amazon.com

County Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records

See Also Research In Vital Records or Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records in New York

Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information.

PLEASE READ FIRST!!!! The New York State Department of Health does not file records of births and deaths that occurred in New York City and marriage licenses that were obtained in New York City. To obtain information about genealogy services available for New York City records, please visit the New York City Municipal Archivesweb page.

New York State Dept of Health, Vital Records Section, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237; (518) 474-3077, (518) 474-3038 Information, Fax: (518) 432-6286, Vital records registration started in New York State outside of New York City in 1881. Please allow up to approximately 7-8 weeks for processing of all type of certificates when ordered through the mail. Generally, the New York State Department of Health provides uncertified copies of the following types of records for genealogy research purposes:

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• Birth, Marriage & Death Certificates: Birth, Marriage & Death records maintained by New York State Dept of Health, since 1881 through the present. Genealogy copies are available for Birth records if on file for at least 75 years and the person whose name is on the certificate is known to be deceased. Genealogy copies are available for Marriage & Death records if on file for at least 50 years and the person whose name is on the certificate is known to be deceased. Click Here to Search the Social Security Death Index
• Divorce Certificates: Divorce Certificates from Jan 1963. If the records are not available at the State office, they should be available from the County Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Since 1847 divorce actions in New York have been handled in the supreme court for the county in which the divorce was heard. New York divorce files, however, are sealed for one hundred years. In colonialtimes, petitions for divorce had to be made to the governor or legislature, and only a few were granted. The court of chancery granted divorces from 1787 to 1847. These older records are in the State Archives. Divorce records dating prior to July 1, 1847, are filed either at the New York State Archives (upstate counties) or the New York County Clerk's Office, 31 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007; phone (212) 374-4376 (downstate counties).
• Cost: The cost of a birth, marriage or death record is $22.00, Divorce Certificates are $30 - Fee is for verification only. If no record is found or no copy is made, state law requires that we keep $22.00 for a searching fee. Please do not send cash in the mail.
• Processing Time: 7-8 weeks when ordered by MAIL or 2-5 days by ordering from Vital Records from Archives.com: Order Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records Online!
• Exceptions: The New York State Department of Health does not file records of birth, death and marriage from the Cities of Albany, Buffalo and Yonkers prior to January 1, 1914. To obtain records from these municipalities contact the Local Registrar for birth and death record requests or the City Clerk for marriage record requests. The addresses follow:
  • For birth and death record requests Order Online or submit request to the Local Registrar of the appropriate city:
    City of Albany, Room 254M, City Hall, Albany, NY 12207
    City of Buffalo, Room 1308, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202
    City of Yonkers, Room 107, City Hall, Yonkers, NY 10701
  • For marriage record requests Order Online or submit request to the City Clerk of the appropriate city:
    City Clerk, City of Albany, Room 202, City Hall, Albany, NY 12207
    City Clerk, City of Buffalo, Room 1308, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202
    City Clerk, City of Yonkers, Room 107, City Hall, Yonkers, NY 10701
• Ordering Vital Records - You can also order
• Order Electronically Online or You can download an application for Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Certificates to mail.
• Order In Person:  The Vital Records Office provides eligible applicants with copies of birth and death certificates for births and deaths in New York State outside of New York City (1881-present), marriage licenses obtained in New York State outside of New York City (1880-present) and dissolution of marriage certificates for all of New York State (1963-present). The certificates may be ordered by coming into this office at 800 North Pearl Street, 2nd Floor - Room 200, Menands, NY 12204. The Vital Records customer service lobby is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, excluding holidays.
• Order By Mail: Mail a check or money order (no cash) payable to the "New York Vital Records " along with the necessary information to the following address: New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section, Genealogy Unit, P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602. Please include return address on envelope and application form (Birth Certificate, Death Certificate, Marriage Certificate or Divorce Certificate.

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Below is a list of online resources for Genesee County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing Genesee County Vital Records by clicking the link below:

• Submit a website for Genesee Co. Vital Records
• Vital Records from Archives.com: Order Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records Online!
• Click Here to Search the Social Security Death Index - Search over 82 million death records and get genealogical information crucial to your family research.
• Research Death records In The World's Largest Newspaper Archive at NewpaperArchive.com! - Find thousands of historical West Virginia newspaper articles about deaths. Search for local articles about an old family friend that died many years ago or a celebrity that committed suicide. Historical newspapers contain a wealth of information about the deceased.
• New York Marriages to 1784
• New York Marriages, 1600-1784
• New York, Death Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1890
• New York, Marriage Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1880
• Genesee County, New York Birth, Marriage & Death Books at Amazon.com

County Census Records

See Also Research In Census Records & Statewide Census Records for New York

Few, if any, records reveal as many details about individuals and families as do government census records. Substitute records can be used when the official census is unavailable

Countywide Records: Federal Population Schedules that exist for Genesee County, New York are 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1890 (fragment, see below), 1900, 1910, 1910, 1920 and 1940. Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your family tree in Genesee County, New York are Industry and Agriculture Schedules availible for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Slave Schedules exist for 1850 & 1860. The Mortality Schedules for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880.There are free downloadable and printable Census forms to help with your research. These include U.S. Census Extraction Forms and U.K. Census Extraction Forms

Below is a list of online resources for Genesee County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Genesee County Census Records by clicking the link below:

• Submit a website for Genesee Co. Census Records
• Census Records at Archives.com
• New York Census, 1790-1890: This collection contains the following indexes: 1790 Federal Census Index; 1800 Federal Census Index; 1810 Federal Census Index; 1815 Port Arrivals Index; 1820 Federal Census Index; 1830 Federal Census Index; 1840 Federal Census Index; 1840 Pensioners List; 1850 Federal Census Index; 1860 Federal Census Index; 1870 Federal Census Index; 1890 Veterans Schedule; 1890 Naval Veterans Schedule; Early Census Index.
• New York State Census Collection: This database is an index to, with corresponding images of, parts of the 1880, 1892, and 1905 censuses.
• Genesee County, New York Census Books at Amazon.com
• Census & Voter Lists

County Maps & Atlases

See Also Statewide Maps that exist for New York

Below is a list of online resources for Genesee County Maps. Email us with websites containing Genesee County Maps by clicking the link below:

• Submit a website for Genesee Co. Maps
• Atlases of New York city
• Genesee County, New York Map Books at Amazon.com
• Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers - Maps are an invaluable part of family history research, especially if you live far from where your ancestor lived. Because political boundaries often changed, historic maps are critical in helping you discover the precise location of your ancestor's hometown, what land they owned, who their neighbors were, and more.

County Military Records

See Also Research In Military Records or Military Records in New York

Military and civil service records provide unique facts and insights into the lives of men and women who have served their country at home and abroad.

Below is a list of online resources for Genesee County Military Records. Email us with websites containing Genesee County Military Records by clicking the link below:

• Submit a website for Genesee Co. Military Records
• New York Society of Daughters of the American Revolution
• National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution,
• New York Society of Sons of the American Revolution,
• National Society of Sons of the American Revolution, 1000 South Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40203; (502) 589-1776
• Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 from the State of New York (The National Archives): View, Print Copy & Save Original Documents in NARA publication M246 include muster rolls, payrolls, strength returns, and other miscellaneous personnel, pay, and supply records of American Army units, 1775-83.
• Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served in the American Army During the Revolutionary War from the State of New York (The National Archives): View, Print Copy & Save Original Documents in NARA publication M246 include muster rolls, payrolls, strength returns, and other miscellaneous personnel, pay, and supply records of American Army units, 1775-83.
• Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files from the State of New York (The National Archives): View, Print Copy & Save Original Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, from NARA publication M804.
• Southern Claims - Barred and Disallowed from the State of New York (The National Archives): View, Print Copy & Save Original Documents In the 1870s, southerners claimed compensation from the U.S. government for items used by the Union Army, ranging from corn and horses, to trees and church buildings.
• Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900 from the State of New York (The National Archives): View, Print Copy & Save Original Pension applications for service in the U.S. Army between 1861 and 1917, grouped according to the units in which the veterans served.
• New York Civil War Records (1861-65): This database gives records of Civil War infantrymen from southeastern New York (79th and 80th infantry units).
• New York Military Equipment Claims, War of 1812: This database is an index of claims presented to the State of New York for payment of expenses for military clothing and equipment provided by volunteers during the war.
• New York Military in the Revolution: This database is a collection of military records relating to the colonial militia during the war.
• Genesee County, New York Military Books at Amazon.com