Clinton County Genealogy

Clinton County genealogy research taps into records that reach back to 1788, making it one of the original counties formed in New York. Sitting on the Canadian border near Lake Champlain, the county has a strong French-Canadian heritage that shapes its genealogy collections. The county seat of Plattsburgh holds the clerk's office, historical association, and surrogate's court. A regional genealogy society focused on American-Canadian research adds another layer of resources not found in most New York counties. If your family crossed the border or settled along the lake, Clinton County records are worth a close look.

Clinton County Clerk Genealogy Records

The Clinton County Clerk at 137 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 keeps land records from 1788 to the present. Court records from the same year cover Supreme Court and County Court cases. The office holds marriage records from 1908 to 1935, naturalization records, and New York State Census records for 1825 through 1925.

Land records are indexed by grantor and grantee. An online search tool is available. Copy fees are $0.65 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 each. The office takes cash, check, or money order. Call (518) 565-4701 for questions. Under County Law Section 525, the clerk is the official keeper of land and court records. In-person research is available during business hours and mail requests are accepted.

Naturalization records here are especially valuable for Clinton County genealogy. Many families crossed the Canadian border during the 1800s and early 1900s to settle in the Plattsburgh area. These records show when immigrants arrived, where they came from in Canada, and when they took their citizenship oath. They often name spouses and children too.

Clinton County Historical Association

The Clinton County Historical Association at 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh, NY 12903 keeps extensive collections for genealogy. The association has family papers, photographs, maps, military records, and a research library. They also run the Clinton County Museum.

The Clinton County Historical Association's site provides details about their research services and collections.

Research fees apply and membership gives you added benefits. Call (518) 561-0340 to schedule a visit or ask about their holdings for a specific family name.

Military records here deserve special mention. The Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814 was a major War of 1812 engagement, and the association keeps records related to soldiers who fought in that battle and lived in the area. Civil War records and other military documents are also part of the collection. If your ancestor served while living in Clinton County, this office may have muster rolls, pension papers, or personal accounts.

Probate Records in Clinton County

The Clinton County Surrogate's Court at 135 Margaret Street in Plattsburgh holds probate records from 1788 to the present. Wills, estate administrations, and guardianship records are indexed by decedent name. Send a written request with the name and date of death. Call (518) 565-4702 for fees.

Under the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act, each county surrogate's court in New York proves wills and handles estate settlements. Probate records from Clinton County can be especially revealing because they sometimes list property in both New York and Quebec, showing cross-border family ties. For colonial-era probate records before 1787, check the New York State Archives in Albany.

Cross-Border Genealogy Resources

The Northern New York American-Canadian Genealogical Society in the Plattsburgh area serves Clinton County and the wider northern New York region. The society keeps cemetery records, census records, and family histories for the border region. This is a unique resource for Clinton County genealogy because so many local families have roots on both sides of the Canadian border.

French-Canadian parish records are a major source for genealogy in this area. Catholic churches in Quebec kept detailed baptism, marriage, and burial records going back centuries. The society can help you connect your Clinton County research to Canadian records. If your ancestor came from Quebec, the society's collection may bridge the gap between what you find in New York and what exists in Canadian archives.

Clinton County Vital Records

The NYS Department of Health holds vital records from 1881 onward. Coverage was poor until about 1913. Birth certificates open after 75 years if the person is dead. Death records need 50 years. Marriage records need 50 years and proof both spouses are dead.

Fees start at $22 for a three-year search. Processing takes eight months or more. For faster service, contact the local registrar in the town where the event happened. Under Public Health Law Sections 4173 and 4174, direct descendants can request genealogy copies with proof of relationship and proof of death. The county clerk holds marriage records from 1908 to 1935 as a separate collection.

Note: The New York State Archives in Albany has vital records indexes on microfiche covering all of New York outside New York City.

FamilySearch and Ancestry for Clinton County Genealogy

FamilySearch has microfilmed many Clinton County records including probate files and church records. Check the catalog under "New York, Clinton" for what is available. Federal census records from 1790 to 1950 are indexed and free to search. New York residents can access colonial wills and state census records free through Ancestry.com New York.

Reclaim The Records won the release of the full New York State Death Index from 1880 to 2017 in a 2025 court case. The free download covers Clinton County deaths and gives names, dates, ages, and state file numbers. Use those numbers to order copies from the state or a local registrar. It saves the broad search fee.

Nearby Counties

Counties near Clinton County with genealogy resources.