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Clay 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

Clay County, Indiana Facts

When was Clay County, IN Created?
Clay County was established on April 1, 1825 from Owen County, Putnam County, Vigo County and Sullivan County. This county was named for U.S. Speaker of the House Henry Clay.

What is the County Seat of Clay County, IN?
The County Seat is located in Brazil also, the county government website is www.claycountyin.gov/ .

What counties are adjacent to Clay County, IN?
Bordering Counties are  Parke County, Putnam County, Owen County, Greene County, Sullivan County, Vigo County.

What cities and towns are in Clay County, IN?
Cities and towns located in the County include  Brazil, Carbon, Center Point, Clay City, Harmony, Knightsville, Staunton.

What Townships are in Clay County, IN?
Townships located in the County include  Brazil, Cass, Dick Johnson, Harrison, Jackson, Lewis, Perry, Posey, Sugar Ridge, Van Buren, Washington.

Clay County, IN Vital Records

Where can find Clay County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Clay 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 Clay 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 Clay County Department of Health, 1214 E. National Ave., Suite B110, Brazil, IN 47834; Phone: (812) 448- 9021; maintains and provides Certified Birth and Death Records. They have Birth & Death Records from 1881.

Clay County, IN Census Records


What Clay 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 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 (free index), 1890 (fragment), 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940.

Clay Co. Mortality Schedules can be found for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Clay Co. Industry and Agriculture can be obtained for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Clay 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

Clay County, IN 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 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. Courthouse destroyed by Fire in Nov. 1851, All records lost except Recorder’s records.

  • Clay County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: 609 E. National Avenue, Brazil, IN 47834
  • Clay 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: 812-448-9025
    • Marriage Records: 1851
    • Probate Records: 1873
    • Court Records: ?
  • Clay 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: 812-448-9005
    • Land Records: 1825
  • Clay 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

Clay County, IN Societies and Family History Resources

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

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

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

Clay Co. IN Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Clay Co. IN Books, Newspapers & Publications

Clay Co. IN Cemeteries & Church Records

Clay Co. IN Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Clay Co. IN General and History Websites

Clay Co. IN Military Records