Find Allen County Genealogy

Allen County genealogy records date back to 1831 when the county was formed from Shelby County. The county seat is Lima, and the courthouse at 301 North Main Street is the hub for most local records. Marriage and probate files start from 1831, with birth and death records beginning in 1867. Whether you are tracking down a marriage license or an old land deed, Allen County has solid record coverage for researchers. This guide covers the main offices, what they hold, and how to get what you need.

Allen County Genealogy Record Sources

The Allen County Courthouse is at 301 North Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45801. Phone is 419-223-8515. The FamilySearch Wiki for Allen County gives a good rundown of available records. The Probate Judge on the 2nd floor keeps birth and death records from 1867 to 1908, marriage records from 1831, and probate files from 1831. Call the Probate Court at 419-223-8531 if you need details on what they have.

The Clerk of Courts handles divorce records and court files going back to 1831. If you need a copy of a divorce decree or civil case file, that is the office to contact. Land records also start from 1831 and are held by the Allen County Recorder at the same address. Phone number is 419-223-8518. The Recorder keeps deeds, mortgages, plat maps, and military discharge records. Some records can be searched online through the Allen County Real Estate Search system.

Allen County Museum and Genealogy

The Allen County Museum and Historical Society is at 620 W. Market Street in Lima. Phone is 419-222-9426. This is a strong resource for Allen County genealogy research. The museum holds family histories, census records, cemetery transcriptions, and local newspapers. Their genealogy collection is extensive and well organized.

The museum's research library is open to visitors and staff can help you find what you are looking for in the archives.

The historical society publishes a quarterly journal and keeps archives of Allen County businesses and organizations. If your ancestors lived or worked in Lima, the business records alone might turn up leads you will not find in courthouse files. Research help is available in the museum's library during regular hours.

Vital Records for Allen County

Birth and death records before 1908 are at the Allen County Probate Court. These are ledger-style entries with basic data. After December 20, 1908, the state took over vital records registration. The Ohio Department of Health holds birth records from 1908 forward. Death records from 1908 to 1953 sit at the Ohio History Connection archives in Columbus. More recent death records are with the state health department.

Marriage records at the Allen County Probate Court go back to 1831. You can get certified copies at the courthouse. The Allen County Probate Court also handles estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions. Probate records from 1831 include wills, estate inventories, and guardianship papers. Some of these records are now available online through the court's website.

Under ORC Chapter 3705, vital records must be filed with local registrars and follow state rules for registration. Adoption records have restricted access under Section 3705.126.

Ohio Genealogy Resources for Allen County

The Ohio History Connection holds Allen County probate court birth records and other historical files in Columbus. Researchers can visit the archives in person. Finding aids are online to help you locate specific collections before your trip. Copy services are available for a fee.

For free online research, FamilySearch has Ohio databases covering births, deaths, marriages, and county records. The Ohio Genealogical Society publishes the Ohio Records Index for census, tax, court, and vital records. The Ohio History Connection Vital Records Guide helps you figure out which office holds what by time period.

Allen County Land and Court Files

Land records for Allen County date from 1831. The Recorder's office keeps deeds, mortgages, plat maps, and surveys. The office also has an aerial photography collection and GIS mapping system, which can be handy for pinpointing old property locations. If you are trying to trace where an ancestor's farm was, these tools make the job much simpler.

Court records also start from 1831. The Clerk of Courts holds civil and criminal case files. Ohio is a public records state, so most court documents are open. Under Title 37 of the Ohio Revised Code, the rules for vital records access are spelled out. Some records like adoptions are sealed, but court and land files are generally available for genealogy research.

Getting Copies of Allen County Records

If you need a certified copy of a birth or death certificate from after 1908, the Ohio Department of Health handles those requests. As of 2025, the state search fee is $21.50 per record under ORC 3705.24. You can order online, by mail, or in person at the state office in Columbus. Online orders take about three weeks. Mail orders run four to six weeks.

For Allen County records held at the local level, visit the courthouse in Lima. The Probate Court can provide certified copies of marriage licenses and estate files same day in most cases. The Recorder's office also fills copy requests for deeds and other land documents. If you cannot visit in person, call ahead to ask about mail-in options. Some offices accept written requests with a check or money order.

Death records older than 50 years and birth records older than 125 years may have been sent to the Ohio History Connection for archival storage. Check with the local health department for pre-1971 death records if the state office does not have what you need.

Cities in Allen County

Lima is the county seat and the largest city in Allen County. Residents use the Allen County offices listed above for vital records, court files, and property searches.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Allen County. Records for ancestors who lived near the county line may be filed in a neighboring county.