Putnam County Florida genealogy records give you a clear path to trace your family roots in northeast Florida. The county began in 1849 along the St.
Johns River. Palatka serves as the county seat. Many families settled here in the 1800s. They came by steamboat, railroad, and wagon. You can find birth, death, marriage, land, court, church, and military records for your ancestors. Local offices and online sites hold these records. This page shows you where to look and how to search each type of record for Putnam County.
Putnam County History and Record Coverage
Putnam County formed on January 13, 1849 from parts of St. Johns, Alachua, and Marion counties. Early settlers arrived by riverboat before the railroad. The mild climate and river access drew farmers, fishermen, and tourists. Orange groves, timber, and citrus shaped the local economy. Knowing this history helps you set research goals. It also explains why some records exist at the county level and others at the state level.
What Records Exist by Time Period
Your search changes based on when your ancestor lived in Putnam County. Records before 1849 sit in the parent county files. Records from 1849 forward sit in Putnam County files. State records begin in 1917 for births and deaths and on June 6, 1927 for marriages. Older marriage and probate records remain at the county clerk office in Palatka.
- Pre-1849: Check St. Johns, Alachua, and Marion counties.
- 1849 to 1917: County clerk holds marriage, probate, and land records.
- 1917 to present: Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds birth and death records.
- June 6, 1927 to present: State holds marriage records.
- All time periods: Federal census, church records, newspapers, and cemeteries.
Boundary Changes That Affect Research
Putnam County lost small parts of land to Flagler County in 1917 and to other counties over time. Some families now listed in Flagler or Volusia once lived in Putnam. Check old maps before drawing a hard line around the current county border. The state library in Tallahassee holds plat maps and survey records for this work.
Putnam County Clerk of Court Records
The Putnam County Clerk of Court keeps the oldest official records for the county. You can visit the office in Palatka or use the online search system. Staff help you find marriage licenses, probate files, land deeds, and court cases. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes these records open to the public. Bring names and date ranges to speed up your search.
Marriage Records Before 1927
The state does not hold Putnam County marriages before June 6, 1927. You must order those from the county clerk. The clerk office has license books and certificate files from 1849 forward. Each entry lists the bride, groom, date, and officiant. Some books also list parents and witnesses. You can view most of these books on microfilm at the State Library in Tallahassee before you travel.
Probate and Estate Files
Probate files show how a person divided their property after death. They list heirs, debts, land holdings, and sometimes family letters. Putnam County probate cases from 1849 forward sit at the clerk office. Files from about 1950 forward are searchable online through the clerk’s website. Older files need a manual search. Staff can pull files by name and year.
Land Deeds and Homestead Records
Land deeds trace ownership of every piece of property in Putnam County. You can search the current owner back through time. Homestead records show who filed for land under the federal Homestead Acts. These records list family members and neighbors. The clerk office has a grantor-grantee index from 1849 to today. You can also check the Bureau of Land Management records for federal homestead claims.
Divorce and Adoption Records
Divorce decrees from the county circuit court sit at the clerk office. Adoption records are sealed under Florida law but older finalized adoptions may sit in court files. Access rules change based on the year of the record. Ask the clerk office for help with sealed files.
Office Location and Contact
The Putnam County Clerk of Court is at 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177. Call (386) 329-0361. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The website at putnamclerk.com has an online search portal for recent records.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Records
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds all statewide birth and death records from 1917 forward. Putnam County births and deaths from 1917 to today sit in this statewide system. You can order records online, by mail, or through VitalChek. State law keeps birth records private for 125 years. Death records are public without cause of death for 50 years.
Florida Birth Records From 1917
Birth records start on January 1, 1917 for all Florida counties. The state indexes births from 1880 forward but only holds certified copies from 1917 forward. Putnam County delayed birth records often cover the 1880 to 1916 period. These delayed filings were made when a person needed proof of age for work, school, or Social Security.
Florida Death Records From 1917
Death certificates from 1917 forward sit with the state. Putnam County funeral homes filed these records with the local registrar. The state holds the master file. You can order through the Bureau of Vital Statistics office in Jacksonville or through VitalChek.
Florida Marriage Index 1927 to 2000
Florida started keeping marriage records at the state level on June 6, 1927. The Florida Marriage Index covers 1927 to 2000 and lists Putnam County marriages. For certified copies, order from the county clerk for events after 1970 or from the state office for earlier years.
Office Address and Phone
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics office in Jacksonville sits at 1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Call 877-550-7330. Use VitalChek for online orders at vitalchek.com.
State Archives of Florida Holdings
The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee holds unique records for Putnam County research. These materials come from state government, courts, and private donors. Holdings include Spanish land grants, Confederate pension files, voter rolls, and territorial papers. Staff help researchers plan a visit and pull records in advance.
Confederate Pension Applications
Florida paid pensions to Confederate veterans and their widows from 1885 into the 1940s. Putnam County veterans applied through the local court. Pension files list the veteran’s unit, service time, residence, health, and family members. Widows proved their marriage and that they had not remarried. These files often name children, parents, and siblings.
1867 Voter Registration Rolls
Florida registered voters in 1867 under Reconstruction. These rolls list Black and white male voters in Putnam County. The 1867 list covers the area before many African Americans left the county. You can search the rolls by name and precinct. They sit on microfilm at the State Archives and online through FamilySearch.
Spanish Land Grants
Spain granted land in Florida before 1821. Putnam County sits in a region with early Spanish settlement. The Archives holds the original grant files with surveys, witness statements, and family details. Use the online catalog to search by name and location.
Visiting the Archives
The State Archives of Florida is at 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Call (850) 245-6700. Open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Bring photo ID. You can order copies for a small fee.
Census Records for Putnam County
Federal census records list every household in Putnam County from 1850 forward. Florida took state and territorial censuses too. Census records show names, ages, birth places, and occupations. They also show neighbors who often shared family ties.
Federal Census 1830 to 1950
Federal census records for Florida begin in 1830 for limited counties. Putnam County first appears in 1850. You can view all federal census records free at FamilySearch.org. Ancestry.com and MyHeritage also hold these records. The 1890 census for Florida was destroyed in a 1921 fire. Use 1880 and 1900 census records as substitutes.
Florida State and Territorial Censuses
Florida took state censuses in 1885, 1935, 1945, and 1955. Putnam County families appear in each one. The 1885 census lists children born after the 1880 federal census. The 1935 and 1945 censuses cover the Depression and World War II years. The State Archives holds microfilm copies.
Agricultural and Manufacturing Schedules
Federal census takers wrote separate agricultural and manufacturing schedules in 1850, 1860, 1870, and 1880. These schedules list farm owners, crop production, livestock, and equipment. Putnam County farmers appear in these records. They help you trace rural ancestors who did not own land in their own name.
Mortality Schedules
Federal mortality schedules list people who died in the year before the census. Putnam County appears in 1850, 1860, 1870, and 1880 mortality schedules. These records show cause of death and often the named doctor.
Cemetery and Burial Records
Cemetery records help you find birth and death dates, family links, and military service. Putnam County has many small family plots and large public cemeteries. Records sit at the cemetery, local churches, and online databases.
Major Putnam County Cemeteries
Some of the largest cemeteries include Oak Hill Cemetery in Palatka, West View Cemetery, and Pinewood Cemetery. Oak Hill dates to the 1800s and holds graves of early settlers, Civil War veterans, and state leaders. Each cemetery keeps burial books with names, dates, and plot numbers.
Online Cemetery Databases
Find A Grave, BillionGraves, and Interment.net index Putnam County graves. You can search by name and date. Volunteers add new entries every week. The USGenWeb project also lists local cemetery surveys.
African American and Cracker Cemeteries
Putnam County holds historic Black cemeteries and Florida Cracker family plots. Many smaller sites lack formal burial books. Local churches hold records. The Putnam County Historical Society documents these sites through surveys and oral history projects.
Military Records for Putnam County Ancestors
Military records give full names, birth places, service dates, and family ties. Putnam County men served in every major U.S. war from the Seminole Wars to Vietnam.
Civil War Service and Confederate Pensions
Putnam County men served in both the Union and Confederate armies. Florida Confederate pension files sit at the State Archives. Union service records sit with the National Archives. The website fold3.com holds many Civil War records online.
Seminole Wars Records
Florida fought three Seminole Wars from 1817 to 1858. Soldiers and militia came from across the South. Putnam County men served in local militia units. Records sit at the State Archives and the National Archives.
World War I Draft Cards
Men born between 1872 and 1900 registered for the World War I draft. Draft cards list full name, birth date, address, and next of kin. Putnam County draft boards sat in Palatka and Crescent City. Cards sit on FamilySearch and Ancestry.
Land and Property Records
Land records trace Putnam County families from Spanish and British times to today. You can find original grants, federal patents, state patents, and county deeds.
Spanish and British Land Grants
Spain and Britain issued land grants in Florida before 1821. The State Archives holds the original files. Use the online catalog to search by name or location. Many Putnam County families trace back to these early grants.
Federal Homestead Records
The federal Homestead Act of 1862 gave land to settlers who farmed it for five years. Putnam County had many successful homestead claims. Records sit at the Bureau of Land Management website and on Ancestry. Files include the original application, witness statements, and final patent.
County Deed Books
The county clerk keeps deed books from 1849 to today. You can search the grantor-grantee index by name. Each deed shows the price, location, and date of sale. Neighbors and family members often signed as witnesses.
Church and Bible Records
Church records show baptisms, marriages, burials, and confirmations. Bible records show family births, deaths, and marriages. Putnam County churches include Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, and African Methodist Episcopal congregations.
Methodist and Baptist Church Records
The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church holds early circuit records. Many Putnam County Baptisms sit in local church archives. Contact the individual church or the Florida Baptist Historical Society.
Catholic Diocese Records
The Diocese of St. Augustine covers Putnam County Catholic records. The diocese holds baptism, marriage, and burial records from the mid-1800s forward. Contact the diocese archive in St. Augustine for research help.
African American Church Records
African American churches in Palatka and Crescent City hold records for Black families. The State Archives has microfilm copies of some of these records. The Genealogical Society of Florida can help locate specific churches.
Bible Records Collection
Family Bibles often list births, deaths, and marriages across many generations. The State Archives and the Daughters of the American Revolution hold collections of transcribed Bible records.
Newspaper and Obituary Archives
Newspapers list births, deaths, marriages, and local news. Putnam County had several papers in the 1800s and 1900s. Many sit on microfilm at the State Library and online at newspapers.com and Chronicling America.
Palatka Daily News and Other Local Papers
The Palatka Daily News started in the 1880s. Earlier papers include the Palatka Herald and the East Florida Banner. These papers printed obituaries with family details. They also printed wedding stories, court reports, and visitor lists.
Chronicling America and Florida Digital Newspapers
The Library of Congress hosts Chronicling America, a free archive of historical U.S. newspapers. Florida titles include Palatka papers from 1887 to 1922. The Florida Digital Newspaper Library at the University of Florida also holds scanned Florida papers.
Searching Obituaries Online
Newspapers.com indexes obituaries by name and date. Ancestry and MyHeritage link obituaries to census and family tree records. The Putnam County Public Library has microfilm of local papers.
Immigration and Naturalization Records
Putnam County had fewer immigrants than coastal Florida cities. Still, German, British, and Bahamian families settled here. Records sit at the National Archives and the county clerk office.
Naturalization Records
Federal courts handled naturalization. The Putnam County circuit court sat in Palatka. Naturalization files include declarations of intention, petitions, and final papers. Files from 1906 forward sit at the National Archives. Earlier files sit at the county clerk office.
Passenger Lists and Ship Records
Most Putnam County immigrants entered through Jacksonville, Tampa, or Pensacola. Passenger lists sit on Ancestry and FamilySearch. Look for ships that called at Florida ports between 1820 and 1960.
Bahamian and Cracker Settlers
Bahamian families settled in the St. Johns River area in the 1800s. Florida Cracker families came from Georgia and the Carolinas. These settlers often appear in church, land, and census records before formal immigration papers.
Online Genealogy Databases
You can search many Putnam County records from home. Some sites are free. Others charge a fee. Knowing which site holds which records saves time.
FamilySearch Free Records
FamilySearch.org holds Florida birth, marriage, death, census, and probate records for free. The Florida collection grows every month. Create a free account to save your tree and record links.
Ancestry and MyHeritage Records
Ancestry.com holds census, military, immigration, and newspaper records for Putnam County. MyHeritage holds similar collections with strong European records. Both sites charge a monthly fee. Many public libraries offer free library access to Ancestry and MyHeritage at the library.
USGenWeb and RootsWeb
The USGenWeb project and RootsWeb host free Putnam County pages. Volunteer researchers post transcriptions, photos, and queries. These pages help you find local contacts and printed records.
Cyndi’s List Florida Page
Cyndi’s List links thousands of genealogy sites. The Florida page points you to county-level resources, church archives, and society pages. Use it as a starting point for new searches.
Local Libraries and Research Centers
Local libraries hold microfilm, books, and local history files. Library staff often know the area and can guide your search. Many libraries offer free access to paid genealogy sites.
Putnam County Public Library System
The main branch sits in Palatka at 601 College Road. It holds local history books, cemetery surveys, and newspaper microfilm. The genealogy section includes published family histories of Putnam County families.
Florida State Library Genealogy Collection
The Florida State Library in Tallahassee holds the largest genealogy collection in the state. It includes the entire Florida microfilm collection. You can order copies online through the library website.
Jacksonville and Gainesville Libraries
The Jacksonville Public Library and the Alachua County Library in Gainesville also hold strong genealogy collections. Both libraries offer free access to Ancestry and Heritage Quest.
Florida Genealogical and Historical Societies
Genealogy societies publish books, hold meetings, and answer research questions. Joining a society gives you access to members-only databases and printed newsletters.
Florida Genealogical Society
The Florida Genealogical Society (FGS) holds meetings in Florida and publishes a quarterly journal. Members can post queries and search a surname database.
Putnam County Historical Society
The Putnam County Historical Society collects local photos, documents, and oral histories. Members publish books on early families and places. Contact the society through the county library.
Lineage Societies
Lineage societies include the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and the Mayflower Society. These groups hold application files that name ancestors, dates, and locations. Many Putnam County families appear in these files.
Research Tips and Step-by-Step Plan
A clear plan saves time and money. Start with home sources. Then move to county, state, and online records. Keep a research log with every search step and result.
Step 1: Gather Home Sources
Ask family members for names, dates, and places. Look at family Bibles, photo albums, birth certificates, obituaries, and funeral cards. Record every clue in a research log. Home sources give you the names you need to search official records.
Step 2: Search Federal Census Records
Start with the 1900 and 1910 census. These records show the most family details. Work back to 1880 and 1850 to extend each line. Note neighbors with the same surname. They often share family ties.
Step 3: Search County Records
Visit or call the Putnam County Clerk office for marriage, probate, and land records. Use the online search portal for recent records. Order older records by mail or in person.
Step 4: Search State Records
Order birth and death records from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Search the State Archives catalog for Confederate pensions, voter rolls, and Spanish land grants. Plan a research trip to Tallahassee.
Step 5: Search Online Databases
Search FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast for Florida records. Use newspapers.com for obituary searches. Check USGenWeb and Cyndi’s List for local resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover common Putnam County genealogy research issues. Each answer gives specific steps and resources to help you move past common roadblocks in your family history search.
Where do I find Putnam County birth records before 1917?
Florida did not require birth registration at the county level until 1917. For births before that date, check church baptism records, family Bibles, and delayed birth certificates. Many people filed delayed birth records between 1940 and 1960 to prove their age for Social Security. These files sit at the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Local church records sit at the individual church or the diocese archive. Bible records often sit with the family or at the State Archives Bible collection.
How do I find Putnam County marriage records before 1927?
Florida started state marriage registration on June 6, 1927. Marriages before that date sit at the county clerk office in Palatka. The clerk has license books from 1849 to today. You can view many books on microfilm at the State Library in Tallahassee. Church marriage records sit at the individual church. Marriage bonds often list parents, ages, and residence.
What Confederate pension records exist for Putnam County?
Florida paid Confederate pensions from 1885 into the 1940s. Putnam County veterans applied through the local court. The State Archives in Tallahassee holds the original files. Each file lists the veteran’s unit, service time, residence, and family. Widows and orphans also appear in the files. You can search the State Archives catalog online or visit in person.
How can I search Putnam County probate records online?
Putnam County probate records from about 1950 forward sit on the clerk’s online portal. You can search by name and year. Older files need a manual search at the clerk office or a microfilm search at the State Library. Probate files often list heirs, debts, and land holdings. They help you trace family ties and track property sales.
What is the best free genealogy site for Putnam County?
FamilySearch.org is the best free site for Putnam County records. It holds federal census, state census, birth, marriage, death, and probate indexes. The site is free but requires a free account. You can save records and family trees on your account. Other free sites include USGenWeb and Chronicling America for newspapers.
Can I visit the Putnam County Clerk office without an appointment?
Yes. The clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can walk in and ask for help. Bring names, dates, and any proof of identity you have. Staff will pull files for you. Some older files need a day or two to retrieve. Call ahead at (386) 329-0361 to confirm hours and file availability.
Where can I find Putnam County African American genealogy records?
Start with the 1867 voter registration rolls at the State Archives. These rolls list Black men registered after the Civil War. Next, search the 1870 federal census. Check Freedmen Bureau records for labor contracts and school records. African American church records sit at the local church or with the AME conference. The Genealogical Society of Florida has published guides to Black genealogy research.