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Shawnee County, Kansas
Genealogy, History & Facts

Shawnee County, Kansas Facts

When was Shawnee County, KS Created?
Shawnee County was established on August 25, 1855 as one of the original 36 counties. The county was named for the Shawnee Native Americans, who lived in the area.

What is the County Seat of Shawnee County, KS?
The County Seat is located in Topeka and the county government website is http://www.snco.us

What counties are adjacent to Shawnee County, KS?
Bordering Counties are Jackson CountyJefferson County (north and east), Douglas CountyOsage CountyWabaunsee CountyPottawatomie County.

What cities and towns are in Shawnee County, KS?
Cities and towns located in the County include Topeka, Silver Lake, Auburn, Rossville, Willard.

Shawnee County, KS Vital Records

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

Shawnee County, KS Census Records


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

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

Shawnee County, KS Courthouse and Government Records

Shawnee County Courthouse

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

  • Shawnee County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted) is located at 200 SE Seventh, Topeka, KS 66603; Phone: (785)233-8200.
  • Shawnee County Clerks Office has Birth Records from 1894-1910Marriage Records from 1856 and Death Records from 1894-1910. 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.
  • Shawnee 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.
  • Shawnee County Clerk of District Court has Probate Records from 1855 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

Shawnee County, KS Societies and Family History Resources

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

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

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

Shawnee Co. KS Books, Newspapers & Publications

Shawnee Co. KS Cemeteries & Church Records

Shawnee Co. KS Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Shawnee Co. KS General and History Websites

Shawnee Co. KS Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Shawnee Co. KS Military Records