Find Genealogy in Montgomery County

Montgomery County genealogy records reach back to 1772, when the area was still called Tryon County. The county was renamed in 1784 after the Revolutionary War. Fonda serves as the county seat. The county clerk, the Department of History and Archives, and the surrogate's court each hold different record sets that can help you piece together your family's past in this part of the Mohawk Valley. Colonial manuscripts and war-era papers make Montgomery County one of the more interesting places to research in all of New York State.

Montgomery County Clerk Records

The Montgomery County Clerk at 64 Broadway, Fonda, NY 12068 keeps land records from 1772 to the present. Court records from the same year cover both Supreme Court and County Court filings. The office also holds marriage records from 1908 to 1935, naturalization records, and New York State Census records for 1825 through 1925. Call (518) 853-8111 with questions about any of these collections.

Because the county started as Tryon County in 1772, the early records have a unique character. You can find documents from the colonial period and the Revolutionary War years. Many families in the Mohawk Valley can trace their roots through these records. Land deeds are indexed by grantor and grantee. Court records are searchable by party name. Staff will point you to the right index but will not conduct research on your behalf.

Copy fees apply for all documents. Most older records are on paper or microfilm, so plan an in-person visit for the best results. Bring a photo ID.

Montgomery County Genealogy Collections

The Montgomery County Clerk in Fonda manages land, court, and naturalization records dating to the colonial era.

Visiting the clerk's office in person gives you access to indexes and original documents that are not yet available online.

The Montgomery County Department of History and Archives at 9 Park Street, Fonda, NY 12068 is another key stop for genealogy. The department holds colonial manuscripts, Revolutionary War records, family papers, photographs, maps, and other genealogical resources. Call (518) 853-8112 for hours and access details.

These archives are especially useful for researchers tracing families that lived in the Mohawk Valley during the 1700s and early 1800s.

Montgomery County Vital Records

Birth, death, and marriage records in Montgomery County follow the standard New York pattern. Before 1914, vital records were kept by individual town and city clerks within the county. The NYS Department of Health has statewide indexes starting around 1880 to 1881, but compliance was not complete until 1913 or later. That means some early records may be missing from the state files.

Under Public Health Law Sections 4173 and 4174, genealogy copies of birth certificates are available if the record is at least 75 years old and the person is known to be dead. Death certificates open after 50 years. Marriage certificates need 50 years and proof that both spouses have died. The state search fee starts at $22 for a three-year window. Processing can take eight months or longer, so checking with the local town clerk first is usually faster.

Probate Records in Montgomery County

The Montgomery County Surrogate's Court at 64 Broadway, Fonda, NY 12068 has probate records from 1772 to the present. These files include wills, letters testamentary, letters of administration, and estate inventories. Adoption records are sealed.

Under the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act, each New York county has its own surrogate's court. Send a written request by mail with the name of the deceased and the date of death. Email requests are not accepted. Search and copy fees apply. Call (518) 853-8113 for fee details. For wills proved before 1787, the New York State Archives holds the colonial probate records. Many of those have been digitized through Ancestry.com and are free for New York residents.

Note: FamilySearch has microfilmed probate records from many New York counties, including Montgomery County originals from before the 1900s.

Land and Census Records for Montgomery County

Montgomery County land records go back to 1772. Deeds, mortgages, and liens are all at the county clerk. The grantor and grantee index lets you search by name. Land records are a strong secondary source for Montgomery County genealogy because they often name family members, neighbors, and witnesses. Under the Estates, Powers and Trust Law, property transfers at death follow specific rules, so deeds tied to estates can help confirm family links.

New York State Census records for Montgomery County are available for 1825, 1835, 1845, 1855, 1865, 1875, 1892, 1905, 1915, and 1925. These fill gaps between federal census years. From 1865 on, the state census includes names, ages, birthplaces, and occupations. You can find microfilm copies at the county clerk's office, the New York State Library in Albany, and through FamilySearch.

State Genealogy Resources for Montgomery County

The New York State Archives in Albany holds more than 200 million documents, many of which cover Montgomery County residents. Military records span the War of 1812 through World War I. Under Arts and Cultural Affairs Law Section 57.05, the State Archives collects official records from across the state.

The New York State Library has family histories, census records, and reference guides. The local history desk can help you plan your research. Call (518) 474-5161 ahead of your visit. Capital District Genealogical Society volunteers are often on hand at the library to help get you started for free.

Nearby Counties

Counties near Montgomery County with their own genealogy record collections.