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Franklin County, Kansas
Genealogy, History & Facts

Franklin County, Kansas Facts

When was Franklin County, KS Created?
Franklin County was established on August 25, 1855 as one of the original 36 counties. The county was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), orator, writer, scholar, and founding father of the U.S.

What is the County Seat of Franklin County, KS?
The County Seat is located in Ottawa and the county government website is http://www.franklincoks.org/

What counties are adjacent to Franklin County, KS?
Bordering Counties are Douglas CountyJohnson CountyMiami CountyLinn CountyAnderson CountyCoffey CountyOsage County.

What cities and towns are in Franklin County, KS?
Cities and towns located in the County include Lane, Ottawa, Pomona, Princeton, Rantoul, Richmond, Wellsville, Williamsburg.

Franklin County, KS Vital Records

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

Franklin County, KS Census Records


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

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

Franklin County, KS Courthouse and Government Records

Franklin County Courthouse

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

  • Franklin County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted) is located at 315 S Main, Ottawa, KS 66067-2331; Phone: (785) 229-3410.
  • Franklin County Clerks Office has Birth Records from 1892-1910Marriage Records from 1858 and Death Records from 1892-1911. 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.
  • Franklin 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.
  • Franklin County Clerk of District Court has Probate Records from 1856 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

Franklin County, KS Societies and Family History Resources

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

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

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

Franklin Co. KS Books, Newspapers & Publications

Franklin Co. KS Cemeteries & Church Records

Franklin Co. KS Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Franklin Co. KS General and History Websites

Franklin Co. KS Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Franklin Co. KS Military Records