Cass County, Michigan Genealogy
Cass County, Michigan ancestry and genealogy research page. Uncover links to record collections, history, and genealogy resources to help you you trace your Cass Co., ancestors. Learn how to start by creating a Free Family Tree.
Cass County Quick Facts
- Government Website: www.casscountymi.org/
- Created Date / Origin: October 29 1829 (Organized on October 29 1829) from unorganized territory
- County Seat: Cassopolis
- Named After: Lewis Cass (1782-1866): Secretary of War in the Jackson Administration
- Bordering Counties: Van Buren County (north), St. Joseph County (east), Berrien County (west) Elkhart County IN (southeast) St. Joseph County IN (southwest)
- Incorporated Cities & Villages: Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Edwardsburg, Marcellus, Vandalia
- Townships: Calvin, Howard, Jefferson, LaGrange, Marcellus, Mason, Milton, Newberg, Ontwa, Penn, Pokagon, Porter, Silver Creek, Volinia, Wayne
Cass County Genealogical & Historical Societies and Family History Resources
A list of Cass County Historical and Genealogical Societies, Forums, Message Boards, Libraries, Archives. See Also Michigan Archives, Genealogical and Historical Societies for statewide Addresses and links.
Cass County Courthouse and Government Records
Genealogist often overlook the importance of Cass County court, probate, and land records as a source of genealogy and family history information. Hidden away in Michigan courthouses and archives just about everywhere tend to be the hopes and dreams and worries of countless Michigan citizens.
The chances are very good that your potential ancestors and forefathers have left a in-depth document of at least several elements of their lives in the Cass County court records. Even if your ancestors and forefathers is not discussed in a Court case, consider all of the other procedures which may have lead to her or him showing up in court records.
You need to contact the clerk's office to verify hours, mailing address, fees and other details prior to visiting or seeking information because of in some cases changing contact info. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The records and documents are readily available to interested parties, barring private issues. Most staff will guide persons in locating the resources, but it's up to the man or women to carry out the researching.
The following specifics indicates exactly what birth, death, marriage, property, probate, and legal records are in Cass County. The dates pointed out below are considered the first known records with this county.
- Cass County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here unless otherwise noted)
- Address: 120 N Broadway Cassopolis MI 49031
- Cass County Clerk is responsible for keeping records of births, deaths, assumed names, co-partnerships, issuing and filing marriage licenses, gun permits, notary bonds and processing passports. The date listed for each category of record is the earliest record known to exist in that county. It does not indicate that there are numerous records for that year and certainly does not indicate that all such events that year were actually registered. Cass County Clerk Information for Genealogists
- Phone: 269-445-4464
- Births & Deaths: 1867
- Marriage Records: 1830
- Cass County Register of Deeds is the official recording officer for all legal documents pertaining to the transfers and encumbrances of all real estate property within the County. The Register also provides permanent storage for approved original subdivision plats, condominiums, land surveys and section corners.
- Phone: (269) 445-8621
- Land Records: 1829
- Cass County Clerk of the Probate Court responsibilities include adjudicating and disposes of cases involving property of persons who have died or become incompetent, interprets wills and trusts, commits the mentally ill when necessary and appoints guardians and conservators for minors, incapacitated individuals and individuals with developmental disability.
- Phone: (269) 445-4454
- Probate Records: 1829
- Cass County Clerk of the Circuit Court provides a variety of functions for the court such as, but not limited to: filing and maintaing the official record for all cases that come before the court; providing staff to assist in the operation of the court; working with the Jury Commission and notifying all potential jurors to appear for jury duty; and, processing felony criminal cases bound over from the District Court.
- Phone: (269) 445-4412
- Court Records: 1831
- Michigan Office of Vital Records has copies of birth, marriage, divorce and death records since 1867. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Michiganfor current fees and application process. Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information.
Cass County Genealogy Links
The following are links to Genealogy and family history, Records and Resources related to Cass County. Most of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Commercial Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some have to have a fee. This is just a list that has been compiled or submitted. I do not endorse or promote one genealogy site above another. Feel free to provide your own most liked Cass County genealogy or family history associated sites.
Cass Co. MI Books, Newspapers & Publications
Cass Co. MI Birth, Marriage & Death Records
Cass Co. MI Court, Probate Land and Tax Records
Cass Co. MI Census Records
Cass Co. MI Cemeteries & Graveyards
Cass Co. MI Church & Bible Records
Cass Co. MI Family Websites, Pictures & Histories
Cass Co. MI General and History Websites
Cass Co. MI Immigration & Naturalization
Cass Co. MI Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers
Cass Co. MI Military Records
Cass Co. MI Schools & Directories