Kent County, Michigan Genealogy

∣ Societies and Family History Resources ∣ Government Records ∣ Genealogy Links ∣ Publications ∣ Census Records ∣
∣ Court, Probate, Land and Tax Records ∣ Birth Records, Marriage Records, Divorce Records and Death Records ∣
∣ Cemeteries & Graveyards ∣ Church & Bible Records ∣ County History ∣ Military Records ∣ Schools & Directories ∣

Kent County, Michigan ancestry and genealogy research page. Uncover links to record collections, history, and genealogy resources to help you you trace your Kent Co., ancestors. Learn how to start by creating a Free Family Tree.

Kent County Quick Facts

Kent County
  • Government Website: www.accesskent.com/
  • Created Date / Origin:  March 2, 1831 (Organized on April 4, 1836) from Michilimackinac County  and unorganized territory
  • County Seat:  Grand Rapids
  • Named After: New York jurist James Kent, who represented the Michigan Territory in its dispute with Ohio over the Toledo Strip.
  • Bordering Counties: Newaygo County (north), Montcalm County (northeast), Muskegon County (northwest), Ionia County (east), Ottawa County (west), Allegan County (southwest), Barry County (southeast)
  • Incorporated Cities & Villages: Cedar Springs, East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Lowell, Rockford, Walker, Wyoming, Caledonia, Casnovia, Kent City, Sand Lake, Sparta
  • Townships: Ada, Algoma, Alpine, Bowne, Byron, Caledonia, Cannon, Cascade, Courtland, Gaines, Grand Rapids, Grattan, Lowell, Nelson, Oakfield, Plainfield, Solon, Sparta, Spencer, Tyrone, Vergennes
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Kent County Genealogical & Historical Societies and Family History Resources

A list of Kent County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Forums, Message Boards, Libraries, Archives. See Also Michigan Archives, Genealogical and Historical Societies for statewide Addresses and links.

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Kent County Courthouse and Government Records

Genealogist often overlook the importance of Kent 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 Kent 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 Kent County. The dates pointed out below are considered the first known records with this county.

  • Kent County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: 300 Monroe N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Kent 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. Kent County Clerk Information for Genealogists
    • Phone: 616-632-7640
    • Births & Deaths: 1867
    • Marriage Records: 1845
  • Kent 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: (616) 632.7610
    • Land Records: 1860
  • Kent 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.
    • Address: 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    • Phone: (616) 632-5440
    • Probate Records: 1898 
  • Kent 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.
    • Address: 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    • Phone: (616) 632-5220
    • Court Records: 1854 
  • 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.
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Kent County Genealogy Links

The following are links to Genealogy and family history, Records and Resources related to Kent 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 Kent County genealogy or family history associated sites.

Kent Co. MI Books, Newspapers & Publications

Kent Co. MI Birth, Marriage & Death Records

Kent Co. MI Court, Probate Land and Tax Records

Kent Co. MI Census Records

Kent Co. MI Cemeteries & Graveyards

Kent Co. MI Church & Bible Records

Kent Co. MI Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Kent Co. MI General and History Websites

Kent Co. MI Immigration & Naturalization

Kent Co. MI Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Kent Co. MI Military Records

Kent Co. MI Schools & Directories

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