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Brown County, Kansas
Genealogy, History & Facts

Brown County, Kansas Facts

Brown County (name was spelled Browne in the original statute, but the county seal omitted the ‘e’, as have all subsequent statutes) was established on August 25, 1855 as one of the original 36 counties. The county was named in honor of Albert Gallatin Brown, (1813-1880), United States senator from Mississippi at the time of the Kansas-Nebraska Act OR it was named for O. H. Browne, a member of that legislature.

What is the County Seat of Brown County, KS?
The County Seat is located in Hiawatha and the county government website is http://ks-brown.manatron.com/

What counties are adjacent to Brown County, KS?
Bordering Counties are Richardson County, Nebraska, Doniphan CountyAtchison CountyJackson CountyNemaha County.

What cities and towns are in Brown County, KS?
Cities and towns located in the County include Everest, Fairview, Hiawatha, Horton, Leona, Morrill, Powhattan, Reserve, Robinson, Willis

Brown County, KS Vital Records

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

Brown County, KS Census Records


What Brown County, KS census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Brown County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 186018701880 (free index)1890 (fragment)19001910192019301940.

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

Brown County, KS Courthouse and Government Records

Brown County Courthouse

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

  • Brown County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted) is located at 601 Oregon Street, Hiawatha, KS 66434-2241; Phone: (785) 742-2581.
  • Brown County Clerks Office has Birth Records from 1885-90; 1907-11Marriage Records from 1857 and Death Records from 1885-90; 1907-11. 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.
  • Brown County Register of Deeds Office has Land Records from 1857. 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.
  • Brown County Clerk of District Court has Probate Records from 1857 and Court Records from 1859. 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

Brown County, KS Societies and Family History Resources

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

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

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

Brown Co. KS Books, Newspapers & Publications

Brown Co. KS Cemeteries & Church Records

Brown Co. KS Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Brown Co. KS General and History Websites

Brown Co. KS Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Brown Co. KS Military Records