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Decatur County, Kansas
Genealogy, History & Facts

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

Decatur County, Kansas Facts

When was Decatur County, KS Created?
Decatur County was established on March 6, 1873 (organized on December 15, 1879) from unorganized territory. The county was named in honor of Commodore Stephen Decatur (1779-1820), a U.S. navy hero during the Tripolitanian Wars and the War of 1812.

What is the County Seat of Decatur County, KS?
The County Seat is located in Oberlin and the county government website is unknown

What counties are adjacent to Decatur County, KS?
Bordering Counties are Red Willow County, Nebraska, Furnas County, Nebraska, Norton County, Sheridan County, Thomas County, Rawlins County.

What cities and towns are in Decatur County, KS?
Cities and towns located in the County include Dresden, Jennings, Norcatur, Oberlin.

Decatur County, KS Vital Records

Where can find Decatur County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Decatur 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 Decatur County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Kansas Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Certificate, Death Certificate Applications to mail.

Decatur County, KS Census Records


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

Decatur Co. Mortality Schedules is available for 1880. Decatur Co. Industry and Agriculture Schedules can be acquired for 1880. Decatur 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

Decatur County, KS Courthouse and Government Records

Decatur County Courthouse

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

  • Decatur County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted) is located at 120 E Hall St, Oberlin, KS 67749; Phone Number: (785) 475-8102
  • Decatur County Clerks Office has Birth Records from 1889-1910, Marriage Records from 1880 and Death Records from 1889-1910. 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.
  • Decatur County Register of Deeds Office has Land Records from 1879. 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.
  • Decatur County Clerk of District Court has Probate Records from 1900 and Court Records from 1880. 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

Decatur County, KS Societies and Family History Resources

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

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

What other genealogical resources are available in Decatur County, KS?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Decatur 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.

Decatur Co. KS Books, Newspapers & Publications

Decatur Co. KS Cemeteries & Church Records

Decatur Co. KS Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Decatur Co. KS General and History Websites

Decatur Co. KS Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Decatur Co. KS Military Records