Search For Your Ancestors

STATE QUICKLINKS

SPONSORS

Ford County, Kansas
Genealogy, History & Facts

Ford County, Kansas Facts

When was Ford County, KS Created?
Ford County was established on February 26, 1867 (Organized on April 05, 1873) from Peketon Territory. The county was named in honor of James H. Ford (died 1867), Union general in the Civil War who mainly fought in Kansas and Missouri.

What is the County Seat of Ford County, KS?
The County Seat is located in Dodge City and the county government website is http://www.fordcounty.net

What counties are adjacent to Ford County, KS?
Bordering Counties are Hodgeman CountyEdwards CountyKiowa CountyClark CountyMeade CountyGray County.

What cities and towns are in Ford County, KS?
Cities and towns located in the County include Bucklin, Dodge City, Ford, Fort Dodge, Kingsdown, Spearville, Wright.

Ford County, KS Vital Records

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

Ford County, KS Census Records


What Ford County, KS census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Ford County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1880 (free index)1890 (fragment)19001910192019301940.

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

Ford County, KS Courthouse and Government Records

Ford County Courthouse

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

  • Ford County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted) is located at 100 Gunsmoke Street, Dodge City, KS 67801-4456; Phone: (620) 227-4550.
  • Ford County Clerks Office has Birth Records from 1892-1904; 1905-11Marriage Records from 1874 and Death Records from 1892-1904; 1905-11 (Incomplete. Records extant for 1892—1904 and 1905—11 only. Records for 1905—11 at KSHS.). 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.
  • Ford County Register of Deeds Office has Land Records from 1873. 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.
  • Ford County Clerk of District Court has Probate Records from 1873 and Court Records from 1874. 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

Ford County, KS Societies and Family History Resources

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

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

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

Ford Co. KS Books, Newspapers & Publications

Ford Co. KS Cemeteries & Church Records

Ford Co. KS Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Ford Co. KS General and History Websites

Ford Co. KS Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Ford Co. KS Military Records