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Jay County, Indiana
Genealogy, History & Facts

County Vital Records ∣ County Census Records ∣ County Courthouse and Government Records ∣
County Societies, Family History Resources and County Genealogy Links

Jay County, Indiana Facts

When was Jay County, IN Created?
Jay County was established on March 1, 1836 from Adams New Purchase. This county was named for John Jay, first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

What is the County Seat of Jay County, IN?
The County Seat is located in Portland also, the county government website is www.co.jay.in.us/ .

What counties are adjacent to Jay County, IN?
Bordering Counties are  Adams County, Mercer County, Ohio, Darke County, Ohio, Randolph County, Delaware County, Blackford County, Wells County.

What cities and towns are in Jay County, IN?
Cities and towns located in the County include  Bryant, Pennville, Portland, Redkey, Salamonia, Dunkirk.

What Townships are in Jay County, IN?
Townships located in the County include  Bearcreek, Greene, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Noble, Penn, Pike, Richland, Wabash, Wayne.

Jay County, IN Vital Records

Where can find Jay County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Jay County vital records can be found at the Indiana Office of Vital Records which has copies of birth and death records. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Indiana for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Jay County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Indiana Birth Certificate or Death Certificate Applications to mail.

Vital Records can also be found in the Jay County Department of Health, 504 W. Arch St., Portland, IN 47371 ; Phone: 260-726-8080 ; maintains and provides Certified Birth and Death Records. They have Birth & Death Records from 1882.

Jay County, IN Census Records


What Jay County, IN census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Adams County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 (free index), 1890 (fragment), 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940.

Jay Co. Mortality Schedules can be found for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Jay Co. Industry and Agriculture can be obtained for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Jay Co. Union Veterans Schedules is available for 1890. One can find free online and printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also Indiana Census Records Research Guide

Jay County, IN Courthouse and Government Records

Jay County Courthouse

What genealogical records can I find in the Jay County Courthouse?
The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in Jay County. The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also Indiana Corthouse Records Research Guide.

PLEASE READ FIRST!!! Please call the clerk’s department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The files are available to interested parties, barring private issues. Many staff will guide individuals in locating the materials, however it’s up to the person to carry out the research.

  • Jay County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: 120 Court St.  , Portland, IN 47371
  • Jay County Clerk responsiblities include administering Court Records of all Court Cases, prepares the Court’s permanent historical record, performs marriage ceremonies, process marriage applications and issue marriage licenses, processes and distributes documents for court cases, and keeps a record of all wills and matters of trust in probate proceedings. The County Clerk’s Office DOES NOT DO RESEARCH.  The documents are available to interested parties, barring confidential issues.  The staff will assist people in finding the materials, but it is up to the individual to do the research.
    • Phone: 260-726-4951
    • Marriage Records: 1837
    • Probate Records: 1837
    • Court Records: 1837
  • Jay County Recorder maintains, preserves and Records Deeds, Mortgages, Assignments, Releases, Powers of Attorney, Real Estate Contracts, Annexations, Trustee Elections, Affidavits, Final Decrees, Surveys, Federal Tax Liens, Mechanics Liens, Military Discharges, Articles of Incorporation, Cemetery Deeds, Bonds, Plats, Condominiums, Firms Doing Business Under Assumed Names, Delinquent Sewer Liens, and Miscellaneous Instruments.
    • Phone: 260-726-6940
    • Land Records: 1836
  • Jay County Treasurer’s Office is responsible for collecting taxes. The treasurer also receives distributions of local income and other taxes that are collected by the state such as real estate tax, personal property tax, mobile home tax, state assessed tax, and the following miscellaneous taxes: auto excise tax, inheritance tax, and innkeeper’s tax.
  • BLM Land Records

Jay County, IN Societies and Family History Resources

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Jay County, IN?
A list of Jay County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Statewide Indiana Archives, Historical & Genealogical Societies.

Where can I connect with other Jay County, IN Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Jay County, IN?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Jay County. These genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Commercial Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some require a cost. This is simply a collection that has been gathered or submitted. I do not recommend or promote one genealogy site over another.

Jay Co. IN Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Jay Co. IN Books, Newspapers & Publications

Jay Co. IN Cemeteries & Church Records

Jay Co. IN Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Jay Co. IN General and History Websites

Jay Co. IN Military Records

Jay Co. IN Schools & Directories