Local
History & Genealogy
This page was last
updated March 27, 2003
The Local History Room at the
Lebanon Library has an extensive collection containing local
history and authors as well as extensive genealogical material.
Most of the collection cannot be found through the online catalog.
The information below may assist you in conducting
genealogical research; you should also consult the library's list
of genealogy
websites. In addition to the material described below, the
library's collection holds family histories, as well as church,
military and county histories. General local history topics are
housed in a vertical file.
For further information, refer to the Russell
County Genealogy Group, sponsored by the Russell County
Historical Society and the Russell County Public Library.
Researching
Family History
in Russell County, VA
Birth Records
A microfilm copy of the Russell County Birth
Registers from 1853-1889 is held by Russell County Public Library.
Some records are available from the years 1900 to 1927 at the
Russell County Courthouse. Virginia law required registration of
births but it was 1920 before records were even 90% complete; a
copy of birth certificates held by the state can be obtained by
writing the Virginia Dept. of Vital Records in Richmond.
Census Records
The
public library has available federal census records for Russell
County 1820-1930, excepting 1890. Some records are available in
print while others may be available on CD or microfilm. Census
records from 1790, 1800, 1810, & 1890 were lost or destroyed;
some of these have been reconstructed through tax lists and other
records.
Marriage
Records
Copies of marriage licenses 1849-1899 are available at the public
library. Indexes by bride and groom are also available. Additional
years are being copied and will be made available as they are
indexed. After May 2000, records are electronic; no paper licenses
are held at the Courthouse for the ensuing years.
Death
Records
Death records are kept by the Russell County Health Dept. Records
from 1961 to the present are available. Records from earlier years
have been sent to Richmond. Copies may be obtained by contacting
the Virginia Dept. of Vital Records in Richmond. (Russell County
Health Dept. will release death records only to immediate family.)
Deeds
Property deeds are available from 1787 in the Courthouse.
Military
Records
Military discharge records are available from World War I and
forward in the Courthouse. These records are not complete as it
was left up to the individual to file the discharge in his or her
county of residence.
Other
Court Records available in the Courthouse
Chancery Records from 1948 to present are in the Courthouse.
Earlier records are held at the Library of Virginia in preparation
for microfilming. Other records include Common law order books,
Criminal law order books, Civil common law, and General District
Court (misdemeanor records are kept only 10 years as required by
law.)
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