Ashland County Genealogy Search

Ashland County genealogy records begin in 1846 when the county was formed from parts of Wayne, Richland, Huron, and Lorain Counties. The county seat is Ashland, and the courthouse at 142 W. 2nd Street is the central hub for local records. Marriage, probate, land, and court files all start from 1846, while birth and death records begin in 1867. Ashland County offers several research options between the courthouse offices, the historical society, and the public library. This page covers where to look and what you can find.

Ashland County Record Sources

The Ashland County Courthouse is at 142 W. 2nd Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805. Phone is 419-282-4242. Several offices in the building keep different types of genealogy records. The FamilySearch Wiki for Ashland County has a detailed breakdown of available records and dates.

The Ashland County Probate Court holds birth and death records from 1867 to 1908, marriage records from 1846, and probate files from 1846. Call 419-281-1750 for the Probate Court. They provide certified copies of marriage licenses and probate records. Some records are available online through the court's website. The court also handles estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions.

The Clerk of Courts keeps divorce records and civil court files from 1846. Court records are open to the public in Ohio. If you need a copy of a divorce decree or any civil case document from Ashland County, the Clerk's office is where you go.

Land Records in Ashland County

The Ashland County Recorder's Office is at 110 Cottage Street, Ashland, OH 44805. Phone is 419-282-4234. The office holds land records from 1846 including deeds, mortgages, and plat maps. Military discharge records for veterans are also on file. The Recorder provides online access to land records through the Ashland County Records Search system, so you can start looking before you make a trip to the courthouse.

The Recorder's online search tool covers property transfers, plats, and other recorded documents for Ashland County.

Since Ashland County was carved from four other counties in 1846, records for families living in the area before that date might be filed in Wayne, Richland, Huron, or Lorain County. Check those counties if you hit a wall at 1846. Under Title 37 of the Ohio Revised Code, most land and court records are public and open for research.

Ashland County Historical Society

The Ashland County Historical Society is at 427 Center Street in Ashland. Call 419-289-3111 for info. They run the Noonan House museum and a research library packed with genealogy materials. The collection includes family histories, census records, cemetery transcriptions, and local newspapers.

The society keeps photographs, manuscripts, and business records tied to Ashland County history.

Research help is available by appointment. The society's archives can fill in gaps that official courthouse records might not cover. Old photographs and business records sometimes give you details about family members that you would never find in a birth certificate or deed.

Ashland Public Library Genealogy

The Ashland Public Library has a local history and genealogy collection in the Reference Department. They carry Ashland County histories, city directories, census records, and local newspapers on microfilm. The library also gives in-library access to Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest Online.

Library staff can help with research questions. The genealogy collection includes family histories, cemetery records, and Ohio reference materials. If you are just starting out with Ashland County research, the library is a good first stop before heading to the courthouse. City directories in particular can help you track where an ancestor lived and what they did for work.

Vital Records for Ashland County

Birth and death records before 1908 sit at the Ashland County Probate Court. After December 20, 1908, the Ohio Department of Health took over statewide registration. Death records from 1908 to 1953 are at the Ohio History Connection in Columbus. Under ORC Chapter 3705, birth certificates must be filed within ten days of birth.

For online searches, FamilySearch offers free Ohio databases. The Ohio Genealogical Society has the Ohio Records Index. And the Ohio History Connection Vital Records Guide tells you which office holds which records by year.

Getting Copies of Ashland County Records

For state-level certificates, the Ohio Department of Health charges $21.50 per search as of 2025. That fee applies whether a record is found or not, per ORC 3705.24. You can order online with a credit card, by mail with a check, or in person at the Columbus office. Online orders take roughly three weeks. Mail orders run four to six weeks.

Local Ashland County records are available at the courthouse. The Probate Court provides same-day certified copies of marriage licenses and probate files in most cases. The Recorder's office handles copy requests for deeds and land documents. If you live far from Ashland, call the office first. Some departments accept mail-in requests. The Clerk of Courts can provide copies of divorce decrees and civil case files on request.

Researchers working on Ashland County genealogy should also check Ohio Memory for digitized newspapers and primary source materials. The site pulls together content from libraries, museums, and archives across the state. You may find Ashland County items that have been scanned and uploaded there. It is free to use and searchable by keyword.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Ashland County. Records for families who lived near county boundaries may be filed next door.