top of page
.png)
Research
Birth and Death Records
The Commonwealth mandated registration of birth and death records from 1852 to 1854, but widespread lack of participation ended that plan in only two years. In 1893, Pennsylvania again required all state residents to report births and deaths to their county courthouses. That practice lasted through December 31, 1905, so records in the 1893-1905 date range should be at the Butler County Courthouse. After January 1st, 1906, birth and death records were recorded at the State level. Many vital records are available online, with more being added every year. Please also check the online resources listed below!
+
-
Marriage Records
+
-
The Commonwealth mandated marriage records from 1852 to 1854, but due to a lack of participation, the practice was stopped. In 1885 the Commonwealth again mandated that all residents wishing to marry within the state apply for a Marriage License Application. These records are still maintained to the present day in each County Courthouse in PA. From the beginning, an application could be obtained in any PA County and the marriage could take place in any other county in the State. Additional information can be found on the Butler County website.
+
-
Estates and Wills
Complete estate records are now available online at FamilySearch. By making a free account, you can access the Butler County Orphans Court and Probate records files.
If there is a will available, it will be included in the estate papers. However, it is important to keep in mind that there can still be estate papers for people who left no will. Estate papers include appraisals of goods, personal property, and real estate owned by the deceased. A disbursement page is normally included in the estate and may name the heirs.
Butler County Poor Farm
+
-
People who were unable to care for themselves were accepted at the County Poor Farm after the doors opened on October 25, 1900. The Poor Farm was reorganized in 1963 and exists today as the privately-owned Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. County Poor Farm employees recorded admissions and kept a quarterly census of residents. Some of the information they recorded included name, age, sex, admission date, discharge or death date, immigration information, marital status, drinking habits, physical condition, and more. There are gaps in the records, so please call and make sure we have the dates you are seeking.
Standard
Steel Car Co. Employee Record Cards
+
-
The Historical Society has a digital index of Standard Steel Car Company employee record cards dating back to 1902. It is not a complete collection, but there are over 26,000 cards. If you are interested in learning more about the index, please contact us by calling (724) 283-8116 or by sending us an email.
Additional Online Resources
+
-
The following links may be of assistance to your genealogical research.
Planning a research visit?
We would be happy to assist you!
Please call the BCHS office at (724) 283-8116 at least one week before your trip to check availability of resources and staff. Most of our collections are housed in another building, so we do need time to access your materials.
Note: We hold no primary genealogical resources such as property records, marriage, birth, or death certificates. Please check Resources for more information.
bottom of page