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Lyon 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

Lyon County, Kansas Facts

When was Breckinridge County, KS Created?
Breckinridge County was established on August 25, 1855 (organized on 1859) as one of the original 36 counties. The County was named for John C. Breckinridge (1821-1875), congressman from Kentucky and subsequently vice-president of the United States under James Buchanan from 1857 to 1861.

The County’s name changed to Lyon County, on February 05, 1862, In honor of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon (1818-1861), who became the first Union general to die in battle in the Civil War when he was killed in action at Wilson’s Creek, Missouri, on 10 Aug 1861.

What is the County Seat of Lyon County, KS?
The County Seat is located in Emporia and the county government website is http://lyoncounty.org

What counties are adjacent to Lyon County, KS?
Bordering Counties are Wabaunsee County, Osage County, Coffey County, Greenwood County, Chase County, Morris County.

What cities and towns are in Lyon County, KS?
Cities and towns located in the County include Emporia, Americus, Olpe, Hartford, Neosho Rapids, Reading, Allen, Admire, Bushong.

Lyon County, KS Vital Records

Where can find Lyon County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Lyon 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 Lyon 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.

Lyon County, KS Census Records


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

Lyon Co. Mortality Schedules is available for 1860, 1870 and 1880. Lyon Co. Industry and Agriculture Schedules can be acquired for 1860, 1870 and 1880. Lyon 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

Lyon County, KS Courthouse and Government Records

Lyon County Courthouse

What genealogical records can I find in the Lyon County Courthouse?
The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in Lyon 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.

  • Lyon County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted) is located at 430 Commercial Street, Emporia, KS 66801-4000; Phone: (620) 342-4950.
  • Lyon County Clerks Office has Birth Records from 1886-1911, Marriage Records from 1856 and Death Records from 1886-1911. 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.
  • Lyon County Register of Deeds Office has Land Records from 1859. 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.
  • Lyon County Clerk of District Court has Probate Records from 1859 and Court Records from 1858. 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

Lyon County, KS Societies and Family History Resources

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

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

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

Lyon Co. KS Books, Newspapers & Publications

Lyon Co. KS Cemeteries & Church Records

Lyon Co. KS Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Lyon Co. KS General and History Websites

Lyon Co. KS Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Lyon Co. KS Military Records