Find Genealogy in Sullivan County

Sullivan County genealogy records date back to 1809 when the county was carved out of Ulster County in the Catskill Mountains region. The county clerk in Monticello keeps land records, court files, and military discharge papers. The surrogate's court holds probate files from 1811 onward. The Sullivan County Historical Society in Hurleyville maintains local history archives and genealogical materials. If your family roots run through the Catskills, Sullivan County has records worth searching for tracing your ancestors back through more than two centuries of history.

Sullivan County Clerk Records

The Sullivan County Clerk at 100 North Street, PO Box 5012, Monticello, NY 12701 is the main record office for genealogy in the county. The clerk maintains land records, court records, business certificates, military discharges (DD-214), DBA certificates, and notary public licenses. An online records search is available through the clerk's website. Call (845) 807-0411 for office hours and fees.

Sullivan County was formed from Ulster County in 1809. Land records and court records date from that year forward. For records before 1809, check with the Ulster County Clerk, since all of what is now Sullivan County was part of Ulster at that time. The clerk's land records use a grantor and grantee index. Military discharge records can help confirm a veteran's service, residence, and birth details.

The online search tool is useful for getting started from home before making a trip to Monticello. However, not all records are digitized, and many older documents require an in-person visit.

Sullivan County Historian

The Sullivan County Historian focuses on general county history, the evolution of the Catskills resort industry in the 19th and 20th centuries, and Revolutionary War history. Contact the historian by email at jconway52@hotmail.com. Mailing address is P.O. Box 185, Barryville, NY 12719.

An important note for genealogy researchers: the Sullivan County Historian does not perform genealogical research and does not possess genealogy records. The historian can answer general history questions about the county but cannot help trace specific family lines. For genealogical records, use the county clerk, surrogate's court, or the Sullivan County Historical Society instead.

The historian's knowledge of local history can still be helpful for context. Understanding the settlement patterns and community history of Sullivan County can guide your research even if the historian's office does not hold family files directly.

Probate Records in Sullivan County

The Sullivan County Surrogate's Court at 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701 holds probate records from 1811 to the present. These include wills, letters testamentary, letters of administration, estate inventories, and guardianship papers. Call (845) 807-0690 for fees and record availability.

Under the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act, the surrogate's court in each county proves wills and handles estate matters. Send a written request by mail with the name of the person who died and an approximate date of death. The court does not take email requests. Probate records can reveal family relationships that other records miss. Wills name heirs. Estate inventories list property. Letters of administration show who the court trusted to handle the estate, often a spouse or child.

For probate records from the area before 1809, check with the Ulster County Surrogate's Court, since Sullivan County was part of Ulster until that year. Colonial-era probate records from 1665 to 1815 are also at the New York State Archives.

Sullivan County Historical Society

The Sullivan County Historical Society at 265 Main Street, PO Box 247, Hurleyville, NY 12747 maintains local history archives, genealogical resources, yearbooks, and local publications. Phone is (845) 434-8044. This is the primary genealogy-focused historical organization in Sullivan County.

The society's collection includes materials on families, communities, and organizations throughout Sullivan County's history. Yearbooks and local publications can contain obituaries, marriage announcements, and community news that fill in gaps left by official records. If you are researching Sullivan County genealogy, this should be on your list of stops alongside the clerk and surrogate's court.

Vital Records for Sullivan County Genealogy

The NYS Department of Health holds vital records for Sullivan County starting in 1880-81. Birth records open after 75 years if the person is dead. Death records open after 50 years. Marriage records need 50 years and proof both spouses died. Fees start at $22 for a three-year search, and processing takes eight months or longer.

Under Public Health Law Sections 4173 and 4174, direct descendants can request copies with proof of their relationship and proof of death. Local town registrars in Sullivan County often process requests faster than the state office. The vital records indexes at the New York State Archives in Albany let you look up certificate numbers on microfiche before ordering copies.

Note: Early vital records coverage for Sullivan County is incomplete before 1913, so some events from the 1880s through early 1900s may not be on file.

Sullivan County Land Records

Land records at the Sullivan County Clerk date from 1809. Deeds, mortgages, and liens are all on file. The grantor and grantee indexes help you find specific transactions. Land records are valuable for genealogy because they often name family members, neighbors, and heirs. Under the Estates, Powers and Trust Law, property transfers at death follow rules that can help you trace inheritance patterns.

The New York State Archives holds colonial patents, Indian treaties, and state land sales that may cover the area that became Sullivan County. For records before 1809, the Ulster County Clerk would have the relevant land files since Sullivan was part of Ulster until its formation.

Nearby Counties

Counties near Sullivan County with their own genealogy record collections.