Union County Genealogy Search

Union County genealogy records start in 1820 when the county was formed from parts of Delaware, Franklin, Logan, and Madison Counties. The county seat is Marysville. The Probate Court at 128 South Main Street holds more than 30,000 records available for public viewing. Birth and death files cover 1867 through 1909, while marriage and probate records go back to 1820. Land records at the Recorder's office start from 1819. This guide covers the key offices, online indexes, and local resources for genealogy research in Union County, Ohio.

Union County Genealogy Record Sources

The Union County Probate Court at 128 South Main Street in Marysville is the main hub for genealogy records. Over 30,000 records are available for public viewing at the Probate Clerk's office. All records have been microfilmed and digitally indexed, and a computer terminal is set up for public use. The computerized index covers every probate matter from 1820 to the present. Birth and death records span 1867 to 1909, and marriage records go from 1820 forward. Exceptions are adoptions and mental illness cases, which stay confidential.

The Union County Recorder holds land records from 1819. Deeds, mortgages, plats, and military discharge papers are filed there. Property transfers in Union County can trace back over two centuries, making land records a strong tool for genealogy work.

The Union County Probate Court building in Marysville is where most vital record and estate searches begin.

Union County Birth Records Online

Union County has one of the better online indexes for early birth records. The Union County Record Indexes website lets you search birth records from 1867 through 1908 for free. Each entry shows the child's full name, date of birth, place, gender, race, and parents' names. The first birth recorded in the system is from July 1, 1867. The last entry is December 31, 1908.

Early records from 1867 and 1868 often lack the child's name or mother's maiden name. Terms like "babe" or "infant" appear in place of names. The original records sit at the Union County Probate Court. Microfilm copies are available at the Marysville Public Library, the Ohio History Connection, and LDS Family History Centers. Birth records from 1909 to the present are at the Union County Health Department.

For statewide birth records after December 20, 1908, contact the Ohio Department of Health.

Vital Records in Union County

Marriage records at the Union County Probate Court go back to 1820. Records from May 28, 1996 forward are on the computer system. Older marriage files are available on microfilm and in the original books at the courthouse. Delayed registration and correction of birth records from 1941 onward are also at the Probate Court. Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3705, vital records follow state guidelines for filing and access.

Death records from 1908 through 1953 are at the Ohio History Connection in Columbus. The state health department has death files from 1954 forward. Probate records from 1820, including wills, estate files, and guardianship papers, are all at the Probate Court in Marysville.

The Union County Recorder's office handles deeds, mortgages, and other property filings for the county.

Union County Genealogy Libraries

The Marysville Public Library has a strong genealogy and local history collection. Holdings include county histories, compiled family histories, and cemetery books. The library maintains a family surname file through the Union County Genealogical Society. Call 937-642-1876 for help. Newspapers on microfilm cover the Marysville Tribune from 1849 through 1938, the Evening Tribune from 1919 to 1951, and the Journal-Tribune from 1951 to the present. Local records on microfilm include probate birth records from 1867 to 1909, will records from 1852 to 1919, marriage records from 1854 to 1904, naturalization records from 1860 to 1906, and soldiers' discharge papers from 1861 to 1899.

The Union County Historical Society keeps local history collections and research materials in Marysville. Their files can fill in details that official records miss.

The Union County Historical Society in Marysville holds photographs, documents, and community records.

Ohio Resources for Union County

The Ohio Genealogical Society in Bellville has over 50,000 volumes covering census, tax, court, and vital records for counties across the state. OGS membership gives you access to their research library and index tools. The FamilySearch website offers free Ohio databases. The Ohio History Connection Vital Records Guide helps you figure out which office holds specific record types by time period.

Union County is not in the Ohio History Connection's indexed records collection for probate court births. You need to go directly to the county Probate Court or use the Union County Record Indexes website for pre-1908 birth records.

The state charges $21.50 per search for birth or death records through the Ohio Department of Health as of January 2025, per ORC 3705.24. That fee applies whether a record is found or not. Online orders through the state take about three weeks. Mail-in orders can take four to six weeks. The OhioGenealogy.org website links to county-level resources and can help you find additional Union County materials. Union County sits close to Columbus, so the Ohio History Connection Archives and Library in the capital city is also within easy driving distance for in-person research.

Nearby Counties

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