Fayette County Family History Records
Fayette County genealogy records reach back to the county's founding in 1783. The county seat is Uniontown in southwestern Pennsylvania. Wills, deeds, and marriage records have been filed here since the late 1700s. Birth and death records at the county level cover 1893 to 1905, and records from 1906 onward are held by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Coal mining heritage adds a unique layer to Fayette County family history. Whether you are tracing immigrant miners or early frontier families, the courthouse offices in Uniontown are the place to start your Fayette County genealogy search.
Fayette County Quick Facts
Fayette County Genealogy Records
Fayette County holds some of the oldest records in southwestern Pennsylvania. Wills date from 1783, and deeds from the same year document early land transfers across the county. Marriage licenses go back to 1885 at the county level. Birth and death records from 1893 to 1905 are available at the Fayette County courthouse. For records after 1906, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Naturalization records are available through the Prothonotary for those researching immigrant ancestors who settled in Fayette County.
Coal mining records represent a special category of Fayette County genealogy sources. Many families who lived in the county worked in the mines during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Mine payroll records, accident reports, and union membership lists can help identify workers and their families. The Uniontown Public Library has a local history collection that includes some of these materials. Researchers should check there as a supplement to courthouse records when working on Fayette County family history.
The Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg holds microfilm copies of many older Fayette County records. Tax lists, early census records, and Revolutionary War-era documents are available for researchers who cannot visit Uniontown in person. The archives are open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and can be reached at (717) 783-3281.
State archive records include death certificates from 1906 to 1974, county marriage records from 1845 to 1963, and land warrant registers from 1733 to 1957. These collections help fill gaps in local Fayette County records and extend the research timeline for many families.
Fayette County Register of Wills and Recorder
The Fayette County courthouse is located at 61 East Main Street in Uniontown, PA 15401. The official Fayette County government website is fayettecounty.org. The Register of Wills handles probate matters, including the filing and review of wills and the administration of estates. Estate records from 1783 include inventories, accounts, and letters of administration that list heirs and property, all of which are useful for genealogy research.
The Recorder of Deeds maintains land transfer documents going back to 1783. Deeds often name family members, describe property boundaries, and help trace property through generations. Researchers can use deed indexes to locate specific parcels and identify owners over time. This is especially useful when tracing families who moved land between family members before formal estate proceedings.
The Prothonotary office handles civil court records, including naturalization papers for immigrants who became citizens through the Fayette County courts. These records often include name, country of origin, date of arrival, and age, making them valuable for anyone tracing immigrant ancestors in Fayette County. Contact the courthouse directly to request copies or to learn more about what is available.
Note: Always call ahead to confirm hours and any appointment requirements before visiting Fayette County courthouse offices.
Vital Records in Fayette County
Births and deaths that occurred in Fayette County from 1906 onward are registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health under 35 P.S. §450.801. Certified copies can be ordered through VitalChek, by mail, or in person. The fee is $20 per certified copy. When ordering for genealogical purposes, note this on the application form. For records before 1906, contact the Fayette County courthouse or the Pennsylvania State Archives.
County-level birth records from 1893 to 1905 and death records from the same period are held at the courthouse. Marriage licenses have been issued in Fayette County since 1885 and are available through the Register of Wills office. Fayette County also has church records from many denominations that predate civil registration. Local genealogical societies may have transcribed or indexed some of these church records, making them easier to search.
Fayette County Research Resources
The Fayette County Genealogical Society assists researchers working on family history in the area. Researchers can also contact the society through the county historical society for guidance on local records and collections. Volunteers with local knowledge can point you toward sources you might not find on your own.
The Uniontown Public Library holds a local history and genealogy collection that supports Fayette County research. City directories, newspaper files, and local histories are available for in-person use. The library is a good starting point if you are new to researching in Fayette County and want an overview of what sources exist before visiting courthouse offices.
The Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society in Pittsburgh serves the broader region and holds materials relevant to Fayette County family history. Their collections include published county histories, family files, and research guides for southwestern Pennsylvania counties. Membership provides access to additional resources and research assistance. The Detre Library and Archives at the Heinz History Center also holds regional genealogy materials that may include Fayette County families.
Under 65 P.S. §§ 67.101, most government records in Pennsylvania are public records. You can request copies of Fayette County genealogy records without providing a reason. Fees for copies vary by office, so check with the specific courthouse department before submitting a request.
Fayette County Land and Probate Records
Land records in Fayette County start from 1783 and document the transfer of property across the county from its earliest days. Deed books, mortgage records, and grantor/grantee indexes help researchers trace land ownership through generations. These records are held at the Recorder of Deeds office in the courthouse on East Main Street in Uniontown. Many families in Fayette County held land for multiple generations, and deed records can reveal family relationships not captured in vital records.
Probate records from the Register of Wills include wills, inventories, and accounts dating to 1783. These documents list the names of heirs, executors, and witnesses, and often describe property in detail. For early Fayette County families, probate records may be the only surviving source that names all children and their spouses. The Orphans' Court records in Fayette County also include guardianship papers, which name children by name and can help confirm family relationships.
The Pennsylvania State Archives holds older Fayette County records on microfilm and in bound volumes that are worth checking for records that may have been lost or damaged locally. Their land record collections include land warrant applications and warrant maps that help place families on the landscape of early Fayette County.
Note: Under 37 Pa.C.S. § 305.3, county historical records of permanent value must be preserved and made accessible to the public.
Nearby Counties
Fayette County borders several other southwestern Pennsylvania counties. Families often moved between these counties, so checking records in neighboring areas is part of thorough Fayette County genealogy research.