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Thomas County, Kansas
Genealogy, History & Facts

Thomas County, Kansas Facts

When was Thomas County, KS Created?
Thomas County was established on March 20, 1873 (organized on October 08, 1885) from Unorganized Territory. The county was named in honor of Maj. Gen. George Henry Thomas (1816-1870), called the ‘Rock of Chickamauga’ for his defense of that Georgia city in 1863.

What is the County Seat of Thomas County, KS?
The County Seat is located in Colby and the county government website is http://www.thomascountyks.com/

What counties are adjacent to Thomas County, KS?
Bordering Counties are Rawlins CountyDecatur CountySheridan CountyGove CountyLogan CountySherman County.

What cities and towns are in Thomas County, KS?
Cities and towns located in the County include Colby, Brewster, Rexford, Gem, Menlo.

Thomas County, KS Vital Records

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

Thomas County, KS Census Records


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

Thomas 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

Thomas County, KS Courthouse and Government Records

Thomas County Courthouse

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

  • Thomas County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted) is located at 300 North Court Street, Colby, KS 67701-2421; Phone: (785) 460-4520.
  • Thomas County Clerks Office has Birth Records from 1889-1910Marriage Records from 1886 and Death Records from 1889-1910. 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.
  • Thomas County Register of Deeds Office has Land Records from 1885. 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.
  • Thomas County Clerk of District Court has Probate Records from 1885 and Court Records from 1885. 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

Thomas County, KS Societies and Family History Resources

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

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

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

Thomas Co. KS Books, Newspapers & Publications

Thomas Co. KS Cemeteries & Church Records

Thomas Co. KS Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Thomas Co. KS General and History Websites

Thomas Co. KS Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Thomas Co. KS Military Records