St. Francois County Genealogy Records

St. Francois County genealogy records are kept at the Recorder of Deeds and the Circuit Clerk in Farmington, Missouri. The county was organized in December 1821 from Ste. Genevieve, Jefferson, and Washington Counties and named for the St. Francois River. Marriage and land records begin from 1822, and court and probate files start the same year. The St. Francois County Historical Society in Farmington and the Farmington Public Library both support genealogy research for families who settled in this part of southeast Missouri.

St. Francois County Recorder of Deeds

The St. Francois County Recorder of Deeds at 1 W Liberty St. in Farmington, phone 573-756-5446, holds marriage and land records from 1822. Over 200 years of recorded documents are on file here. Marriage records from the early decades of the county are useful for confirming unions and sometimes carry details like parent names or witnesses that help researchers identify the families behind the names. Land records trace property ownership across generations and are particularly valuable when a deed names multiple heirs who confirm family relationships.

Standard recording fees are $24 for the first page and $3 per additional page. Copies cost $1.00 per page. Marriage licenses are $46.00 and valid for 30 days anywhere in Missouri. Military discharge records filed by St. Francois County veterans are also on file and available for research.

Note: Call 573-756-5446 ahead of your visit to confirm hours and document availability, especially for early 19th-century records that may require advance retrieval.

St. Francois County Court and Probate Records

The St. Francois County Circuit Clerk holds court records and probate files from 1822. Probate records from the 1820s through 1870s are among the most valuable genealogy sources in the courthouse. They list heirs by name, describe property distribution, and often confirm the full family structure of an ancestor who died in this county. Civil cases, divorce records, and naturalization documents are also maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Farmington.

Cases filed on or after November 12, 2003 are searchable free at Missouri Case.net. For older records, visit the courthouse in Farmington or submit a written request. Naturalization files from before 1906 may include the country of origin for immigrant ancestors who settled in this part of southeast Missouri.

"History of St. Francois County, Missouri" from 1935 is a published county history available through the Farmington Public Library and the State Historical Society. It includes biographical sketches and family details for many 19th and early 20th-century residents of this county.

Vital Records in St. Francois County

The St. Francois County Health Department holds local birth certificates from 1920 and death certificates from 1980. Certified copies require a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility. Birth certificates cost $15.00 per copy. For older records, the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City handles requests at (573) 751-6387. Certified copies cost $15.00 each. The Bureau website provides mail-order forms for out-of-state requesters.

The St. Francois County Clerk kept some birth and death records from 1883 through 1894. Death records from 1910 through 1969 are free to search by name at Missouri Digital Heritage. With over 9 million records statewide, this free database is usually the fastest way to find a St. Francois County death in that period. Before statewide registration, church records and cemetery transcriptions are the best alternative sources for birth and death information.

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records page provides forms and instructions for ordering certified vital records by mail.

The State Historical Society of Missouri holds digitized newspapers, county histories, and genealogy records relevant to southeast Missouri counties including St. Francois.

St. Francois County Genealogy Resources

The St. Francois County Historical Society at P.O. Box 565 in Farmington, phone 573-756-3676, is the main local genealogy repository. The Society holds family files, donated records, cemetery transcriptions, and local history materials. They can sometimes assist with research by mail for people who cannot visit Farmington in person. Their focus on the county's history since 1822 makes them especially useful for tracing families from the mid-1800s onward.

The Farmington Public Library at 101 N. A St. in Farmington, phone 573-756-5779, holds genealogy reference materials, local newspaper files, and access to major genealogy databases. Old newspapers from the Farmington area carry obituaries, marriage announcements, and local family news that fills in gaps between census years. In-library access to Ancestry Library Edition is one of the most valuable tools the library provides for genealogy researchers.

Federal census records for St. Francois County run from 1830 forward. FamilySearch at familysearch.org has indexed those records for free. The 1880 census is particularly useful because it named household member relationships for the first time. The Missouri State Archives holds microfilm of St. Francois County records, and the State Historical Society of Missouri has digitized newspapers and county history books relevant to southeast Missouri.

Online St. Francois County Records

Missouri Digital Heritage and FamilySearch are the primary free online tools for St. Francois County genealogy. Missouri Digital Heritage covers death certificates from 1910 to 1969, pre-1910 records, and some land documents. FamilySearch adds census records from 1830 through 1940 and some indexed probate files. Together these two free platforms cover a broad range of record types for this county.

The Missouri MOGenWeb network has a St. Francois County page with transcribed records, obituary indexes, and family history links contributed by local volunteers. The Missouri State Genealogical Association publishes guides and connects researchers with local societies. For courthouse records before 2003, in-person access or written requests to the Farmington courthouse remain the best approach.