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Clay County, Kansas
Genealogy, History & Facts

Clay County, Kansas Facts

When was Clay County, KS Created?
Clay County was established on February 20, 1857 (organized in 1866) as one of the original 36 counties. The county was named in honor of Henry Clay (1777-1852), influential U.S. Senator from Kentucky

What is the County Seat of Clay County, KS?
The County Seat is located in Clay Center and the county government website is http://www.claycountykansas.org

What counties are adjacent to Clay County, KS?
Bordering Counties are Washington CountyRiley CountyGeary CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyCloud County.

What cities and towns are in Clay County, KS?
Cities and towns located in the County include Clay Center, Green, Longford, Morganville, Oakhill, Wakefield.

Clay County, KS Vital Records

Where can find Clay County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Clay County vital records can be found at the Kansas Office of Vital Records has copies of birth and death records from July 1, 1911; marriage records from May 1913 and divorce records from July 1951. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Kansas for current fees and application process. Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events.

You can search online for Clay County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Kansas Birth CertificateMarriage CertificateDivorce CertificateDeath Certificate Applications to mail.

Clay County, KS Census Records


What Clay County, KS census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Clay County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 18701880 (free index)1890 (fragment)19001910192019301940.

Clay Co. Mortality Schedules is available for 1870 and 1880. Clay Co. Industry and Agriculture Schedules can be acquired for 1870 and 1880. Clay Co. Union Veterans Schedules can be acquired for 1890.

Another census resource is the Kansas State Census Collection from 1855-1925. You’ll find free down-loadable not to mention printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also Kansas Census Records Research Guide

Clay County, KS Courthouse and Government Records

Clay County Courthouse

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

  • Clay County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted) is located at P.O. Box 98, Clay Center, KS 67432-0098; Phone: (785) 632-2552.
  • Clay County Clerks Office has Birth Records from 1885-1900; 1906-11Marriage Records from 1864 and Death Records from 1885-1911. The Register of Deeds shall have custody of and safely keep and preserve all the books, records, deeds, maps, papers and microphotographs deposited or kept in the office of the Register of Deeds. The Register of Deeds shall also record or cause to be recorded all deeds, mortgages, maps, instruments and writings authorized by law to be recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds and shall perform all other duties as are required by law.
  • Clay County Register of Deeds Office has Land Records from 1866. Phone 785-632-3811 The Register of Deeds shall have custody of and safely keep and preserve all the books, records, deeds, maps, papers and microphotographs deposited or kept in the office of the Register of Deeds. The Register of Deeds shall also record or cause to be recorded all deeds, mortgages, maps, instruments and writings authorized by law to be recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds and shall perform all other duties as are required by law.
  • Clay County Clerk of District Court has Probate Records from 1866 and Court Records from 1868. The Clerk of Court is part of the Judicial Branch of local government and as such is required to maintain a record of all documents filed with the courts, keep a record of all court proceedings, and collect various fines and forfeitures ordered by the court and specified by statute.
  • BLM Land Records

Clay County, KS Societies and Family History Resources

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

Where can I connect with other Clay County, KS Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Clay County, KS?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Clay County. A majority of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Commercial Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some call for a fee. This is simply a directory which has been gathered or submitted. I do not recommend or promote one genealogy site over another.

Clay Co. KS Books, Newspapers & Publications

Clay Co. KS Cemeteries & Church Records

Clay Co. KS Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Clay Co. KS General and History Websites

Clay Co. KS Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Clay Co. KS Military Records