Find Livingston County Genealogy

Livingston County genealogy records go back to 1821, when the county was formed from Genesee and Ontario counties in western New York. The county clerk in Geneseo maintains land records, court filings, marriage records, and naturalization papers. A county historian keeps family files and cemetery records that round out the official documents. Probate files are at the Surrogate's Court. For researchers tracing roots through the Genesee Valley, Livingston County genealogy resources offer a solid collection of records spanning more than two centuries of local history.

Livingston County Clerk Records

The Livingston County Clerk at 1 Court Street in Geneseo is the primary office for genealogy research in the county. Land records begin in 1821 and run to the present. Court records from the same year include Supreme Court and County Court filings. Marriage records from 1908 to 1935 and naturalization records are also on file. The New York State Census records for Livingston County span 1825 to 1925.

Call (585) 243-7010 to ask about hours, fees, or what you need to bring. Deeds and mortgages tell you who owned land, when they bought it, and from whom. These transactions often name family members and can help you trace generations through the county. The state census records fill gaps between federal census years. Some state census rolls list birthplaces, occupations, and family relationships that add detail to your tree.

Naturalization records at the clerk's office show when immigrants became citizens. They often list the country of origin, date of arrival, and sometimes the ship name. This makes them a powerful tool for Livingston County genealogy researchers tracing immigrant ancestors who settled in the Genesee Valley.

The Livingston County Clerk's website has office details and contact information for research visits.

Copy fees and search costs apply for documents requested in person or by mail.

Livingston County Historian

The Livingston County Historian maintains family files, cemetery records, church records, and local history materials. This office is a strong second stop after the clerk's office for genealogy research. Cemetery records list names, dates, and sometimes family relationships that you won't find in court or land files.

The historian is at 1 Court Street in Geneseo. Phone is (585) 243-7011. Church records in the collection cover baptisms, marriages, and burials. These records often go back further than civil registration, which did not start in New York until 1880. For Livingston County genealogy, church records can be the only source for events in the early 1800s. Family files may include newspaper clippings, letters, and notes compiled by past researchers.

Note: The historian's office may have limited hours, so call ahead to schedule a visit.

Probate Records in Livingston County

The Livingston County Surrogate's Court holds probate records from 1821 onward. Wills, letters of administration, guardianship records, and estate papers are all filed here. Under the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act, each county surrogate's court proves wills and manages estate settlements.

To request probate records, send a written letter by U.S. mail with the name of the deceased and their date of death. Email requests are not accepted. The court is at 1 Court Street, Geneseo, NY 14454. The phone number is (585) 243-7012. Search and copy fees apply. Probate records are rich sources for Livingston County genealogy because they can name heirs, list property, and describe family relationships in detail.

The Estates, Powers and Trust Law governs wills and intestate succession across New York. When someone died without a will, the court appointed an administrator and distributed property to heirs under state law. These intestate cases often name more family members than a will would.

Livingston County Vital Records

Birth and death records for Livingston County are filed with the town clerk in each town. The New York State Department of Health also has copies. Statewide registration started in 1880 for deaths and 1881 for births and marriages. Compliance was not complete until 1913 or later, so gaps exist in the early records.

Under Public Health Law Sections 4173 and 4174, birth certificates are released after 75 years if the person is dead. Death certificates open after 50 years. Marriage certificates need 50 years and both spouses must be dead. Fees start at $22. Processing through the state can take eight months, so the local town clerk is usually a faster path for Livingston County vital records.

State Resources for Livingston County

The New York State Archives and New York State Library in Albany both support Livingston County genealogy. The Archives holds vital records indexes, colonial wills, military records, and land documents. The Library has family histories and reference works in its genealogy section. Materials must be used on-site.

New York residents can access digitized colonial wills for free through Ancestry.com New York. FamilySearch has microfilmed some Livingston County records. Check the FamilySearch catalog for probate records, church records, and town records that have been digitized. Under Arts and Cultural Affairs Law Section 57.05, the State Archives preserves official records and makes them available to the public.

Additional Livingston County Genealogy Resources

Livingston County was formed from Genesee and Ontario counties in 1821. For records before that year, check both parent counties. Families moved through the Genesee Valley as new counties were carved out, so the same family may show up in Ontario County records before 1821 and Livingston County records after.

The Reclaim The Records group won release of the full New York State Death Index from 1880 to 2017. This free download covers Livingston County deaths with names, dates, ages, and state file numbers. Use those numbers when ordering copies from the Department of Health or a local registrar. It saves you the broader search fee because you already know the record exists.