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Sumner County, Kansas
Genealogy, History & Facts
County Vital Records ∣ County Census Records ∣ County Courthouse and Government Records ∣
County Societies, Family History Resources and County Genealogy Links
Sumner County, Kansas Facts
When was Sumner County, KS Created?
Sumner County was established on February 26, 1867 (Organized on 1871) from Butler County and unorganized area. The county was named in honor of Charles Sumner (1811-1874), a U.S. senator from Massachusetts. The Senate’s leading opponent of slavery, he was beaten unconscious on the Senate floor by a South Carolina congressman after one speech Sumner made against pro-slavery groups in Kansas in 1856. During the Civil War, he became a leader of the Radical Republicans, arguing for black suffrage and urging an extensive programme of economic aid, land distribution and free education for freed slaves. He also lead the impeachment movement against President Andrew Johnson.
What is the County Seat of Sumner County, KS?
The County Seat is located in Wellington and the county government website is http://www.co.sumner.ks.us/
What counties are adjacent to Sumner County, KS?
Bordering Counties are Sedgwick County, Butler County, Cowley County, Kay County, Oklahoma, , Grant County, Oklahoma, Harper County, Kingman County.
What cities and towns are in Sumner County, KS?
Cities and towns located in the County include Wellington, Belle Plaine, Conway Springs, Caldwell, Oxford, Argonia, South Haven, Geuda Springs, Milan, Mayfield, Hunnewell.
Sumner County, KS Vital Records
Where can find Sumner County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Sumner 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 Sumner County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Kansas Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Certificate, Death Certificate Applications to mail.
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- Social Security Death Index
- USGenweb Archives Kansas Marriage Project
- Kansas, Births and Christenings, 1818-1936
- Kansas, Births and Christenings Index, 1885-1911
- Kansas, Marriages, 1840-1935
- Kansas Marriage Index, 1854-73
- Kansas, County Marriages, 1855-1911
- Kansas, Security Benefit Association, Death Index, 1902-1930
- Kansas, Deaths and Burials, Index, 1885-1930
- Kansas, Fraternal Order Death Index, 1873-1969
- Kansas, Deaths and Burials, 1885-1930
Sumner County, KS Census Records
What Sumner County, KS census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Sumner County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1880 (free index), 1890 (fragment), 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940.
Sumner Co. Mortality Schedules is available for 1880. Sumner Co. Industry and Agriculture Schedules can be acquired for 1880. Sumner 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
Sumner County, KS Courthouse and Government Records
What genealogical records can I find in the Sumner County Courthouse?
The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in Sumner County. The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also Kansas 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. Birth records extant for 1885—91 and 1910—11 only.
- Sumner County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted) is located at 500 North Washington, Wellington, KS 67152-4064; Phone: (620) 326-5121.
- Sumner County Clerks Office has Birth Records from 1885-91; 1910-11, Marriage Records from 1885-91 and Death Records from 1871. 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.
- Sumner County Register of Deeds Office has Land Records from 1871. 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.
- Sumner County Clerk of District Court has Probate Records from 1871 and Court Records from 1880. 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
Sumner County, KS Societies and Family History Resources
What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Sumner County, KS?
A list of Sumner County Historical and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Statewide Kansas Archives, Historical & Genealogical Societies.
- Sumner County Historical and Genealogical Society, PO Box 402, Wellington, KS 67152
- Search for Sumner Co. records at the Kansas State Archives (kshs.org)
- Kansas State Historical Society, 6425 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka KS 66615-1099
- Kansas Genealogical Society, PO Box 103, 700 Avenue G and Vine Street, Dodge City, KS 67801
Where can I connect with other Sumner County, KS Researchers through message boards and forums?
- Kansas State Genealogy Network (facebook.com)
- Kansas Genealogy Network Community (plus.google.com)
- Sumner County, Kansas Message Boards (boards.ancestry.com)
- Sumner County, Kansas Genealogy Forum (genforum.genealogy.com)
What other genealogical resources are available in Sumner County, KS?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Sumner 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.
Sumner Co. KS Books, Newspapers & Publications
- Kansas Newspapers Books & Publications Research Guide
- Kansas historical newspaper archives online (newspapers.com)
- Historical Newspapers from Kansas (1841–1981) (genealogybank.com)
- Sumner County, Kansas Books (amazon.com)
- Search Kansas Obituaries (1985 to current) (genealogybank.com)
- Sumner County Genealogy Books (books.google.com)
Sumner Co. KS Cemeteries & Church Records
- Kansas Cemetery Research Guide
- Sumner Co., Kansas Graves (findagrave.com)
- Sumner County Tombstone Transcription Project (usgwtombstones.org)
- Sumner Co., Kansas Cemeteries (Internment.net)
- Topographic Cemetery List and Map for Sumner County, Kansas
- Sumner Co., Kansas Cemetery Books (amazon.com)
- Kansas Church & Bible Research Guide
- Topographic Church List and Map for Sumner County, Kansas
- Sumner County, Kansas Church Books (amazon.com)
Sumner Co. KS Family Websites, Pictures & Histories
- Kansas Family Group Sheet Project (fgs-project.com)
Sumner Co. KS General and History Websites
- See Also State History for Kansas
- Sumner County, Kansas Wikipedia (wikipedia.org)
- Sumner County, Kansas Wiki (familysearch.org)
- Sumner Co. KS Genealogy (kindredtrails.com)
- Family History Library (familysearch.org)
- Sumner County, Kansas (linkpendium.com)
- Cyndi’s List – United States – Kansas – Counties – Sumner (cyndislist.com)
- Sumner County Kansas (genealogytrails.com)
- Sumner County – Kansas Historical Society Biography (kshs.org)
- Sumner Co. KSGenweb (skyways.lib.ks.us)
- Sumner County, Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history (skyways.lib.ks.us)
- Sumner County Genealogy Queries (cousinconnect.com)
- Sumner Co. Data Collections (search.ancestry.com)
Sumner Co. KS Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers
- See Also Map of Kansas Links and Information
- Sumner County D.O.T. MAP (ksdot.org)
- 1895 Sumner County Map (livgenmi.com)
Sumner Co. KS Military Records
- Kansas Military Records Research Guide
- 1883 List of Pensioners on the Roll (skyways.lib.ks.us) Veterans or widows of veterans living in Sumner Co. KS who have applied for a Pension
- Kansas Military Records (fold3.com) gives you access to military records, stories, photos, and personal documents belonging to the Kansas both males and females that served. Perfect for Sumner County genealogists, researchers, historians and more.