Census Records
Federal census records for Ohio are available from 1820 through 1920 (the 1810 census for Ohio was destroyed). Researching these census records is made easier with published indexes through 1880, as well as Soundex or Miracode indexes for 1900, 1910 and 1920. Of course, the 1890 census was destroyed, though a few fragments of Hamilton County survived and are on microfilm.
There are no state censuses for Ohio. However, some counties took quadrennial enumerations - a census every four years of males over 21. Some counties enumerated only the white men over 21. Not all of these schedules have survived. Some can be found in records of the Common Pleas Court, county or regional archives or on microfilm.
Common Pleas Court Records
As mentioned earlier, probate matters prior to 1851 were in the jurisdiction of the county Common Pleas court. Some of these records remain in this court. Civil and criminal suits were filed in the Common Pleas court. Other records that researchers can find useful include naturalizations, divorces, partition suits (court actions resulting when a landowner died without a will), manumissions, and bastardy suits.
County Commissioner Records
The County Commissioners may have several types of useful records, including their journals and minutes. Researchers may also find records for the children's homes and relief of soldiers.
School Records
School records can be found with the Board of Education, County Commissioners or even the County Auditor. Many early students records were the property of the teacher and may no longer exist. Ohio opened one of the country's first schools for the Deaf in 1829 in Columbus. The Ohio State School for the Blind opened in 1837, also in Columbus. You can find records for both schools at the Ohio Historical Society.
State Hospital Records
Records from state hospitals are closed. If you are the closest living relative, you can request a copy of their admission record. These records are held at the Ohio Historical Society; contact them for further information.
Military Records
Military records are plentiful in Ohio. There are published rosters of soldiers of the War of 1812 (much of which was fought by Ohio militia), Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War I. Records of the Ohio Adjutant General are housed at the Ohio Historical Society; many are on microfilm available through the LDS Family History Centers.
Some military records can be found in the county courthouse. The County Recorder has Graves Registration cards that list the place of burial and military service information of veterans buried in the county. The County Auditor may have veterans enumeration lists, local militia rosters and commutation records. The County Commissioners or the County Veterans Affairs Board may have records pertaining to the burial of indigent veterans as well as benefits to indigent veterans and their families.
