Ohio was the first state formed from the Northwest Territory. It is a state rich in records and heritage. People from all backgrounds sought a better life in Ohio. Some stayed for life, while others passed through - making Ohio an early "gateway to the West."

A Look at the Records
Researchers with an interest in Ohio are fortunate that Ohio has one of the most generous open records policies in the country. Anyone can obtain copies of birth and death records (as well as most other types of records). The exception to this rule is the original birth records of children adopted 1964 and later.

• Vital Records
  Ohio started requiring counties to record births and deaths in 1867. These records are found in the county Probate Court. Beginning in December 1908, converted from the ledger type of records to more modern certificates. At this time, two copies were filed - one with the state and one with the local (city or county) health department.
  
  The modern (December 1908 to present) birth records can be found in the local/county health department and with the Ohio Department of Health.

  Modern death certificates can be found in the local/county health department. The state's copy can be found at the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus (December 1908 through 1944) or at the Ohio Department of Health (1945 to present).

  The Ohio Historical Society has the index of the death certificates from 1913 through 1937 at http://www.ohiohistory.org/dindex/search.cfm.

  Marriage records are filed in the county Probate Court from the creation of the county. The Ohio Department of Health has a statewide index of marriages from September 1949 to present.
  
  
  

• Land Records
  Deeds, mortgages, etc. are filed in the County Recorder's Office. We will discuss the various land surveys in Ohio later.
  
  
  

• Tax Records
  Filed in the County Auditor's Office. The LDS Family History Library has microfilmed many of the early lists (especially 1838 and earlier). Check their catalog for the years available for the county you are interested in.
  
  
  

• Probate Records
  Wills and estates are filed in the county Probate Court. Prior to 1851, probate matters were handled in the county Common Pleas Court. For estates in that time period, you should examine the records of the Common Pleas Court as not all of the early records (especially intestate cases) were transferred over to the Probate Court. Guardianship records are also in the probate court.

Next page > More Ohio Records & Resources > Page 1, 2, 3, 4

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