Local History
A digital archive that holds school, church, and business records, including:
- Castlewood—School photos collected by Mary Hall, 1950-2000
- Cleveland—Records of Pvt. Calvin Hawkins, KIA, 1950
- Honaker—Lockhart business records, 1905-1925 (local dentist)
- Lebanon—Lebanon Parent-Teacher Association minutes, 1928-1950; RCPL Scrapbook, 1989
- Minutes of the Union Association of Old Regular Baptists of Jesus Christ, 1963-1972
- Russell County Women’s Club scrapbook, 1968-1970
- Russell County Bicentennial scrapbook and records, 1986
- Newspaper obituaries collected by Carl Ray, 1990-2000
- Russell County local history lesson plans, 1992
Collection of digitized yearbooks from Russell County schools past and present from 1939-1977
The Lebanon News on Virginia ChronicleDigitized, searchable collection of Lebanon News issues from 1935-2000
Russell County GenWebContains lots of census records, vital records, military records, photographs, and much mor
Census Records
The public library has available federal census records for Russell County in most decades 1790-1930, except in 1890. Some records are available in print while others may be available on CD or microfilm. Census records can also be searched online through Ancestry, which is available in the library.
Dickenson Diary
Thomas T. Dickenson, a prominent Castlewood farmer, began keeping a diary in 1861 until 1912. He recorded the events of his life, but also the major historical events of his day. The entire diary can be viewed on microfilm. The first few years have been transcribed.
Family Photo Archive
RCPL has a small collection of family photos (taken by family members) that have been donated to us for preservation. We are pleased to receive new additions, but we will ask for written permission to copy them. We cannot accept photos by professional photographers without the permission of the copyright holder.
Photo Archive
There is an indexed digital photo archive housed at the main library in Lebanon, containing photos from Russell County communities from throughout the 20th century to the present. Ask staff for assistance to view the index or browse the photos. Photos can be printed and the library welcomes donations of photos to add to the archive, with permission of the copyright holder.
Vital Records
Birth records
Russell County Public Library has a microfilm copy of the Russell County Birth Registers from 1853-1889. It is somewhat difficult to read, so plan on setting aside an hour or two to search it. Also: Some records are available from the years 1900 to 1927 at the Russell County Courthouse. Between 1896 and June 14, 1912, there was no law for the registration of births. Estimates are that it was 1920 before records were even 90% complete.
Obtain a copy of birth certificates held by the state by writing:
VDH, Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000 Richmond, Virginia
23218-1000
You can also call 804-662-6200 or visit the Office of Vital Records’ website.
Death records
A microfilm copy of the Russell County Death Register 1853-1896 is held by Russell County Public Library. (Missing: 1863-1864, 1895.) A few death certificates from the early 1900s in Russell County are available.
The Social Security Death Index can be searched online through Ancestry inside the library.
Some records have been sent to Richmond. Copies held by the state can be obtained by writing:
VDH, Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000 Richmond, Virginia
23218-1000
You can also call 804-662-6200 or visit the Office of Vital Records’ website.
Marriage records
Copies of marriage licenses or permissions 1849-1911 are available in digital format at the public library. Marriage records earlier than 1849 are believed to have been lost in a courthouse fire in 1872. Some marriage certificates from 1936-1951 are also now available in digital format. Indexes by bride and groom are available for the licenses and certificates. A marriage register for the years 1853-1935 is available on microfilm but is not indexed.
Russell County Clerk’s Office
Monday – Friday
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
276-889-8023
A chancery case is a case that could not be decided based on the existing written laws at the time. Instead, it was usually decided on by a judge instead of a jury. Chancery cases may have involved land disputes, estate disputes, business disputes, debts, and divorces.
Chancery records from 1948 to the present are in the Russell County courthouse. Earlier records are held at the Library of Virginia.
Chancery records can be found online at Virginia Memory. Check Augusta County records for Russell County chancery records prior to 1872 when the Russell County courthouse burned.
DeedsProperty deeds are available from 1787 in the Russell County Courthouse. One deed book was lost in an 1872 fire. The library has transcribed deed books covering the years 1787-1814. These early deed books have also been transcribed and put on the Russell County GenWeb site.
MilitaryMilitary 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. The library has some military books that contain the names of some of Russell County’s soldiers in various conflicts. The library also has a memorial wall with names of Russell County soldiers who died while serving. Some military records can be found through Ancestry which is available inside the library.
OtherOther records in the courthouse include common law and order books, criminal law & order books, civil common law, and General District Court records (misdemeanor records are kept only 10 years as required by law)
Law and order book abstracts for 1786-1808 can also be found on the Russell Count GenWeb site.
We sponsor an annual essay contest where writers identify and sing the praises of women who they think should be included in the Hall of Fame.
The Russell County Women’s Hall of Fame was inaugurated in 2008 by the Russell County Public Library. The Library sponsors an essay contest where writers identify and sing the praises of women who they think should be included in the Hall of Fame. A panel of judges recommends women that should be honored with a place in the Hall of Fame. Judges may also award first or second place, or honorable mention for essays submitted.
2008
Dollie M. Compton
Carolyn F. Puckett
Ruth B. Whitt
2009
Nell Potter Jordan
2010
Gaynelle Lockhart Albert
Adda Leah Davis
Kathleen Robinson Taylor
2011
Paula Sharon Compton Cook
Dr. Michelle Anne Meister
Doris Musick
Dr. Margaret Jones Rucker
If you’d like an answer to a straightforward, factual question just fill in the form below. A volunteer will provide you with an answer (and relevant sources) via e-mail or phone as soon as possible.
