Arkansas Counties
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Discover information about Arkansas and her counties. Find dates of creation, boundary records, and facts about the counties in Arkansas.
Parent County: - Original County.
Progeny Counties: Chicot 1823, Clark 1818, Drew 1846, Hempstead 1818, Desha 1838, Lincoln 1871, Independence 1820, Monroe 1829, Phillips 1820, Jefferson 1829, Pulaski 1818.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Phillips annexed 23 October 1821; line with Pulaski changed by Act of 30 October 1823, Quapaw Purchase divided between Arkansas and Pulaski Counties by Act of 13 October 1827, line with Phillips defined by Act of 21 November 1829, boundaries defined Act of 7 November 1836, line with Jefferson changed by Act of 25 February 1889, line changed with Lincoln by Act of 25 March 1895.
County Records: In 1906, W.H. HalliBurton declared the records of Arkansas County "rich and well-preserved."
Genealogy: Arkansas County
Parent Counties: Chicot, Drew and Union.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Chicot changed by Act of 19 January 1861, part annexed from Bradley by Act of 21 January 1859.
County Records: A courthouse fire in 1921 destroyed most of the county's records.
Parent Counties: Fulton, Izard, Marion and Searcy.
County Boundary Changes: Line between Izard and Fulton defined 16 October 1875, line with Marion changed 9 March 1881.
County Records: According to Z.M. Horton in 1906, the courthouse burned 24 Feb. 1890; "court records, five deed records and marriage records except one" were saved; "all records not totally destroyed have been transcribed and rebound."
Parent County: Washington.
County Records: S.J. Bloucher in 1906 makes no mention of record loss; however, Arkansas History Commission sources say an "1865 courthouse fire destroyed many early records." D.Y. Thomas mentiones a log courthouse built in 1837, a brick structure in 1840, and another brick courthouse built in 1873, but does not mention a fire.
Parent Counties: Carroll and Madison.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Marion defined by Act of 9 December 1875.
County Records: J.R. Newman in 1906 said the county records were complete but were not housed in fire-proof vaults.
Parent County: Union.
Progeny Counties: Cleveland 1873, Dallas 1845, Drew 1846, Lincoln 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Calhoun attached 19 October 1862, part restored to Ashley 21 January 1859.
Parent Counties: Dallas, Ouachita, Union.
County Boundary Changes: Part added to Union and Bradley by Act of 19 November 1862.
County Records: In 1906, J.H. Rowland said the county records were complete but kept in a frame courthouse.
Parent County: Izard.
Progeny Counties: Boone 1869, Madison 1836, Newton 1842.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 14 December 1838, line defined with Madison 11 January 1843, 29 December 1854 and 16 January 1857; Marion defined 18 December 1846; part of Madison attached 8 April 1869.
County Records: According to N.C. Charles in 1906, a fire in December, 1869, destroyed all the county records. Arkansas History Commission information says there was a courthouse fire in 1870.
Parent County: Arkansas.
Progeny Counties: Ashley 1848, Desha 1838.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 2 November 1835, part attached to Drew 21 December 1846, line with Ashley changed 18 January 1861, line with Drew changed 30 November 1875, and with Desha 10 February 1879.
County Records: R.D. Chotard, in 1906, declared the records complete from 1824, through not kept in fire-proof vaults.
Parent County: Arkansas.
Progeny Counties: Dallas 1845, Hot Spring 1829, Pike 1833, Union 1829
County Boundary Changes: Line with Pulaski changed 30 October 1823, line with Hot Spring and Dallas changed 3 April 1868, part added to Pike 22 April 1873 and line changed 8 March 1877, line with Montgomery changed 24 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, Dougald McMillan declared the county records complete.
Note: created as Clayton County, name changed December 1875.
Parent Counties: Randolph, Greene.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Greene changed 5 March 1885.
County Records: In 1906, J.M. Pickens reported "the will and deed records begin in April, 1881, and are complete to date except deed record E from March 1, 1891, to January 31, 1892. This record was burned. The following records are missing: Book E named above, the entire records of Clayton County, and the records of Clay County from December 1875, to February 29 [sic], 1893. The latter records were burned at Piggott when the courthouse was destroyed by fire."
Parent Counties: Independence, Van Buren, White.
County Records: In 1906, Wm. T. Hammock reported the records complete and kept in a fire-proof vault.
Note: created as Dorsey County; changed to Cleveland in 1885.
Parent Counties: Bradley, Dallas, Jefferson, Lincoln.
County Records: In 1906, J.M. McMurtrey reported, "the records are incomplete and some are not in good condition. Several tax books, one marriage record, and one or more court records are missing."
Parent Counties: Hempstead, Lafayette, Ouachita, Union.
Progeny County: Nevada 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Union annexed 21 December 1858, line with Nevada defined 19 April 1873, part annexed to Lafayette 29 April 1901.
County Records: In 1906, W.H. Askew reported the records complete and in good condition with a new courthouse under construction.
Parent County: Pulaski.
Progeny Counties: Faulkner 1873, Perry 1840, Van Buren 1833.
County Boundary Changes: NW boundary defined 27 October 1827, line with Pulaski defined 20 October 1828, part of Indian purchase annexed 22 October 1828, line with Pulaski and Independence defined 5 November 1831, part annexed to Pope 6 January 1853, part annexed to White 11 January 1853, line with Pope defined 28 May 1874.
County Records: Lewisburg, situated on the Arkansas River, was subject to periodic floods - some records were lost; a fire about 1899 destroyed and damaged some records; loose probate packets date from 1899.
Parent Counties: Greene, Mississippi, Poinsett.
County Records: In 1906, J.C. Hawthorne reported, "All records were destroyed by a fire in 1869 and again in 1878. The records are therefore incomplete. Since 1886, the records have been kept in a fire-proof vault and no records have been injured or lost since March 28, 1878."
Parent County: Pulaski.
Progeny Counties: Franklin 1837, Lovely 1827, Pope 1829, Scott 1833, Sebastian 1851, Washington 1828.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 24 October 1821 and 30 October 1823, part of Cherokee Country attached 22 October 1828, boundaries defined 18 December 1837, line with Scott and Washington defined 24 November 1846, line with Franklin defined 4 March 1875, line with Washington changed 9 March 1881, line with Franklin changed 28 March 1895.
County Records: In 1906, Miss Clara B. Eno reported, "The records from 1818 to 1820 are on file at Little Rock. On March 23, 1877, the courthouse was destroyed by fire and all records were destroyed except those of the treasurer and a few deeds and mortgages. Since that date, however, the records are complete and are kept in fire-proof vaults."
Parent County: Phillips.
Progeny Counties: Cross 1862, Lee 1873, Mississippi 1833.
County Boundary Changes: St. Francis River declared boundary with St. Francis 3 November 1831, part annexed to Mississippi 18 January 1861.
County Records: In 1906, Frank Smith reported, "The records of this county are intact except that during the reconstruction period, a few pages of the deed records and of the chancery court records were mutilated, and the taxbooks for the year 1878 are missing. There are deed records much older than the county and the original deed records, A and B, are now hardly legible. Many of these early deeds are in Spanish. The records are in good state of preservation with the exceptions named above. The records have been kept in an old brick building, standing apart from the courthouse, but there is now being constructed a modern fire-proof vault for them."
Parent Counties: Crittenden, Poinsett, St. Francis.
County Records: In 1906, O.N. Killough reported the records intact from 1862 and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Parent Counties: Bradley, Clark.
Progeny Counties: Calhoun 1850, Cleveland 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Hot Spring & Clark line changed 3 April 1869.
County Records: In 1906, L.E. Purdy reported the records complete except for a few tax books which were torn and faded.
Parent County: Arkansas.
Progeny County: Lincoln 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Drew 21 January 1861, part of Chicot attached 10 February 1879, part of Lincoln attached 10 March 1879, line with Lincoln changed 27 March 1925.
County Records: Information from the Arkansas History Commission indicates record loss from a courthouse fire in the 1860s.
Parent County: Bradley.
Progeny Counties: Ashley 1848, Lincoln 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Chicot annexed 21 December 1846, part of Desha annexed 21 January 1861, line with
Chicot changed 30 November 1875.
County Records: In 1906, W.A. Brown reported the records complete and well-preserved.
Parent Counties: Conway, Pulaski.
County Boundary Changes: Boundary defined 7 December 1875.
County Records: In 1906, J.H. Hartje reported the records complete despite a courthouse fire; the records were stored in a fire-proof vault. Note: I, Desmond Walls Allen, personally climbed into the courthouse Dumpster in the mid-1980s and fished out many of the loose probate packets that had been dumped in with the Kentucky Fried Chicken boxes, etc., from the sheriff's department's lunch. Three of us dried the records in my momma's microwave oven, arranged them in folders, took them to be microfilmed at the Arkansas History Commission, then placed the records in the University of Central Arkansas' Archives in Torreyson Library in Conway. Some of the records are now stored in what used to be the old jail.
Parent County: Crawford.
Progeny County: Logan 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Johnson defined 14 December 1833, line with Crawford defined 4 March 1875, line with Crawford changed 28 March 1895.
County Records: In 1906, T.A. Pettigrew reported, "The records of the county, common pleas, probate, and circuit courts are complete from the date of the first court in 1839. The deed and mortgage records are incomplete; the courthouse was burned in 1863, but G.H. Ross, the clerk, saved from the fire all except the deed records. Since that date the deed records are complete. The records of the Charleston district are complete from 1891, they having been burned in that year. For the most part however, they have been rewritten."
Parent County: Izard.
Progeny County: Baxter 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Marion and part of Lawrence attached 18 January 1855, lines with Baxter and Izard defined 16 February 1875.
County Records: Material from the Arkansas History Commission indicates a fire in 1870 destroyed most county records.
Parent Counties: Hot Spring, Montgomery, Saline.
County Boundary Changes: Boundary with Montgomery changed 23 February 1917.
County Records: In 1906, C.D. Greaves reported the records "were complete until Feb. 25, 1905, when fire and heat charred, damaged, or destroyed everything except tax books of 1904 then in the hands of the collector. The deed and mortgage records, except two, have been recopied or reproduced as they were left after the fire, edges being badly burned and only portions legible. As records will have considerable value, these consist of books designated by alphabet (26) and about 39 by number, 1 to 39. Circuit court records were totally destroyed, 10 books; chancery records practically destroyed, book I has been recopied, 8 (A to H) being burned. Probate records all except last one destroyed; so also the county court records, the marriage license records were partially destroyed, one will record burned, one partially restored, mechanic's lien judgement record destroyed, probate docket partially restored, pending cases in chancery court partially saved, all law and probate papers destroyed. The county never had vaults. New courthouse just completed... has complete set of vaults." Garland County apparently had another serious fire in 1913.
Parent Counties: Hot Spring, Jefferson, Saline.
County Records: In 1906, Dan J. Taylor reported all the records destroyed through Mar. 13, 1877, but complete thereafter and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Parent County: Lawrence.
Progeny Counties: Clay 1873, Craighead 1859, Poinsett 1838.
County Boundary Changes: Boundary with Clay changed 20 April 1895.
County Records: A courthouse fire in 1876 destroyed most records.
Parent County: Arkansas.
Progeny Counties: Columbia 1852, Howard 1873, Lafayette 1827, Little River 1867, Nevada 1871, Old Miller 1820, Pike 1833, Saline 1835, Sevier 1828, Union 1829.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Pike defined 14 December 1838, and with Pike and Sevier 17 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, A.H. Carrigan reported the circuit court records complete from March 15, 1824; deed records complete since Oct. 9, 1820; records prior lost through "carelessness of officials"; first record of county court dated 1837.
Parent County: Clark.
Progeny Counties: Garland 1873, Grant 1869, Montgomery 1842.
County Boundary Changes: Lands annexed from Saline 22 March 1838, line with Saline defined 23 December 1846, line with Montgomery changed 27 December 1848, line with Saline changed 18 February 1859 and 19 January 1861, line with Clark and Dallas changed 3 April 1869, line with Clark, Saline and Montgomery changed 5 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, W.H. Cooper pronounced the records complete since the formation of the county and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Parent Counties: Hempstead, Pike, Polk and Sevier.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Sevier changed 15 March 1895.
County Records: In 1906, Charles Hughes reported the county records complete and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Parent County: Lawrence.
Progeny Counties: Cleburne 1883, Izard 1825, Jackson 1829, Sharp 1873, Stone 1873, Van Buren 1833, White 1835.
County Boundary Changes: Part of E boundary defined 30 October 1823, part annexed to Izard 22 October 1828, line with Izard and Conway defined 4 November 1831, line with Jackson defined 8 November 1836, line with Izard defined 21 February and 14 December 1838 and 26 December 1840, line with Sharp defined 11 February 1875.
County Records: In 1906, R. Neill reported, "The following records are complete from the dates named: records of common pleas court, first held by two justices of the peace begin Nov. 19, 1821; records of deeds and mortgages begin with Dec. 14, 1820; all court records and records of the recorder's office are complete from these dates. No records are missing. The state of preservation is good; a number of the records have been rebound, but the writing is legible. They are kept in fire-proof vaults." This probably kept my (Desmond Walls Allen) Dunavion relatives from burning the courthouse to get rid of the dozens of indictment records they generated in connection with their gambling.
Parent County: Independence.
Progeny Counties: Baxter 1873, Carroll 1833, Fulton 1842, Marion 1836, Stone 1873, Van Buren 1833.
County Boundary Changes: W boundary extended 3 October 1827, part of Indian purchase added 22 October 1828, line with Independence defined 5 November 1831, S boundary defined 11 November 1833, line with Independence defined 21 February and 14 December 1838 and 21 December 1840, W boundary defined 24 December 1840, line with Baxter and Fulton defined 17 February 1875 and with Sharp 9 March 1877.
County Records: In 1906, W.K. Estes reported the loss of all records before April 11, 1869; information from the Arkansas History Commission indicates another fire in 1889 destroyed all county records. My (Desmond Walls Allen) relatives lived here, too, and were apparently more successful in getting rid of their indictment records.
Parent County: Independence County.
Progeny Counties: White 1835, Woodruff 1862.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Independence defined 8 November 1836, part of St. Francis attached 10 January 1851.
County Records: In 1906, George A. Lockhard reported that none of the records had ever been destroyed and were kept in fire-proof vaults.
Parent Counties: Arkansas, Pulaski.
Progeny Counties: Cleveland 1873, Grant 1869, Lincoln 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 3 November 1831 and 29 October 1836, lines changed with Lincoln and Desha 20 March 1879 and with Arkansas 25 February 1889.
County Records: Most records are extant from 1830.
Parent County: Pope County.
Progeny County: Logan 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Franklin defined 14 December 1833, S boundary defined 2 November 1835, E boundary defined 5 October 1836. Line with Pope defined 19 February 1859, 25 March 1871, 16 March 1875, and 9 March 1877.
County Records: In 1906, J.W. Sallis reported the records extant from 1838 and in good condition.
Parent County: Hempstead.
Progeny Counties: Columbia 1852, Miller 1874.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Union defined 26 November 1846, part of Columbia annexed 29 April 1901.
County Records: In 1906, M.D. Harrell reported "no misfortune has ever befallen the records."
Parent County: New Madrid Co., Missouri.
Progeny Counties: Greene 1833, Independence 1820, Randolph 1835, Sharp 1868.
County Boundary Changes: E boundary defined 30 October 1823, line with Independence changed 26 December 1840, part annexed to Fulton 18 January 1855, part to Randolph 18 January 1861, part annexed from Sharp 21 March 1917 and part annexed to Sharp 24 March 1917.
County Records: Records are mostly extant from county formation.
Parent Counties: Crittenden, Monroe, Phillips, St. Francis.
County Records: In 1906, E.E. King reported no records missing. My (Desmond Walls Allen) cousin, Willa Dean Spath is the Circuit Clerk in Lee County and has been for a very long time and she's doing a wonderful job of managing the records.
Parent Counties: Arkansas, Bradley, Desha, Drew, Jefferson.
Progeny County: Cleveland 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Desha 10 March 1879, line with Arkansas changed 25 March 1895, and with Desha 27 March 1925.
County Records: In 1906, H.H. Palmer reported all records intact.
Parent Counties: Hempstead, Sevier
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Miller 30 March 1915.
County Records: In 1906, A.D. DuLaney reported the following records missing: county court records from 1867 to Jan. 1876, destroyed by fire in 1882; marriage record from 1867 to Dec. 1880, cause of destruction unknown; real estate tax books from 1867 to 1882, destroyed by fire in 1882. At that time records were kept in "a temporary courthouse, an unsafe frame building."
Note: created as Sarber Co., name changed to Logan 14 December 1875.
Parent Counties: Franklin, Johnson, Scott, Yell.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Scott changed 21 March 1881 and 2 March 1903.
County Records: In 1906, Henry Stroup reported all records from county formation to 1878 destroyed by fire.
Parent Counties: Prairie, Pulaski.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Prairie defined 30 November and 7 December 1875.
County Records: Records from county's formation appear to be extant.
Parent Counties: Crawford and Lovely Purchase.
Progeny County: Washington County
County Boundary Changes: According to D.Y. Thomas, "In 1816, William and Peter Lovely purchased a tract of land from the Osage Indians, which was included within the western boundary of Arkansas, as laid down in 1824, and was a large part of the county of Lovely, created in 1827. Unfortunately, this same region had been granted to the Cherokee Indians in 1818, creating difficulties which were not settled until 1828, when the present boundary of the State was established, and the most of Lovely County made a part of the Indian Territory. Such land as was left by this decision was included in Washington County, October 27, 1828, and the county officials were directed to take over the affiars and moneys of Lovely County." [D. Y. Thomas. Arkansas and Its People: A History, 1541-1930. Volume II, "Historical Directory by Counties." New York: The American Historical Society, Inc., 1930, p. 784.]
County Records: No county records available.
Parent Counties: Washington, Carroll.
County Boundary Changes: W boundary changed 30 November 1838, line with Carroll defined 1 January and 20 January 1843, line with Newton defined 21 December 1848, line with Carroll defined 29 December 1854 and 15 January 1857, part annexed to Carroll 8 April 1869.
County Records: In 1906, James R. Stotts reported the probate records complete from 1860; county court records complete from 1873; will records complete from 1880; deed records complete from 1843. A fire in 1902 destroyed deed record A and all will records except those recorded on court records.
Note: Created as Searcy County, name changed to Marion 29 September 1836.
Parent County: Izard County.
Progeny Counties: Baxter 1873, Searcy 1838.
County Boundary Changes: W boundary defined 18 November 1837, line with Carroll defined 18 December 1846, part annexed from Fulton 18 January 1855, line with Van Buren defined 29 January 1855, line with Boone defined 9 December 1875, line changed with Baxter 9 March 1881.
County Records: Arkansas History Commission sources say a courthouse fire in 1888 destroyed many of the records.
Note: See also Miller County below.
Parent County: Hempstead County.
County Boundary Changes: Abolished in 1838.
County Records: There was a courthouse fire in 1828. Available records for Old Miller County are in the George T. Wright Collection, Miller County Records, Territory of Arkansas, July 20, 1835 - March 17, 1838, University of Texas, Austin. Probate records have been published - see Old Miller County under books for sale www.ArkansasResearch.com
Note: See also Miller County (Old) above.
Parent County: Lafayette County.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Little River annexed 30 March 1915.
County Records: In 1906, A.H. Sevier reported the records complete, in good condition, and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Parent County: Crittenden County.
Progeny County: Craighead 1859.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Crittenden annexed 18 January 1861.
County Records: Arkansas History Commission information shows record loss from a courthouse fire in 1865.
Parent Counties: Arkansas, Phillips.
Progeny County: Lee 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 25 December 1840, line with Prairie changed 7 December 1850, 12 April 1869, 26 April 1873 and 27 May 1874.
County Records: Most county records appear to be extant.
Parent County: Hot Spring.
Progeny County: Garland 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Lines following counties defined - Yell 2 January 1845, Perry 23 December 1846 and 21 December 1848, Hot Spring 27 December 1848, Polk 7 February 1859, Clark 24 April 1873, Pike 16 December 1874, Garland 23 February 1917, Scott 21 February 1915.
County Records: In 1906, Gibson Witt reported the county court records complete from July 1845; "tax books for 1845 consist of 10 sheets of fooscap paper sewn together"; the records are complete from county organization to the present.
Parent Counties: Columbia, Hempstead, Ouachita.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Columbia defined 19 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, Thomas C. McRae reported the records complete from the organization of the county, but "for want of adequate vault space the records are only in a fair state of preservation."
Parent County: Carroll.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Madison defined 21 December 1841, line with Pope defined 10 January 1853.
County Records: In 1906, J.F. Carlton reported all records destroyed by a fire in 1866 but complete from that time.
Parent County: Union County.
Progeny Counties: Calhoun 1850, Columbia 1852, Nevada 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Union changed 6 January 1853.
County Records: In 1906, J.W. Livingston reported all records destroyed by a fire, Dec. 19, 1875; but complete since that time.
Parent County: Conway.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Pulaski, Saline, and Montgomery defined 23 December 1846, old line with Montgomery re-established 21 December 1848, line with Yell defined 8 April 1891.
County Records: In 1906, P.L. Burrow reported one small chancery volume saved in the 1881 fire and the records complete from that time.
Parent County: Arkansas.
Progeny Counties: Crittenden 1825, Lee 1873, Monroe 1829, St. Francis 1827.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Arkansas 23 October 1821, W boundary defined 30 October 1823, line with Arkansas defined 21 November 1829.
County Records: In 1906, Greenfield Quarles reported most of the records intact though some were "slightly damaged by being moth-eaten"; records were removed during the War but returned in good condition; entries kept in "Irregular D" volume while records were gone.
Parent Counties: Clark and Hempstead.
Progeny County: Howard 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Sevier defined 15 November 1833, with Hempstead 14 December 1838, with Clark 22 April 1873 and 8 March 1877, with Montgomery 16 December 1874.
County Records: Arkansas History Commission sources report destruction of most records in an 1895 courthouse fire; an abstract book was saved.
Parent Counties: Greene, St. Francis.
Progeny Counties: Craighead 1858, Cross 1862.
County Records: In 1906, J.J. Mardis reported loss of all records in a courthouse fire Sept. 1873, but complete since that time.
Parent County: Sevier.
Progeny Counties: Howard 1873, Sebastian 1851.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Montgomery changed 7 February 1859, part of Sebastian annexed 1 June 1861, line with Pike defined 7 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, H.L. Norwood reported all records prior to 1883 destroyed in a courthouse fire except one probate record dating from Sept. 1876, one county court record dating from July 1876, and one circuit court record dating from Feb. 1877.
Parent County: Crawford.
Progeny Counties: Johnson 1833, Logan 1871, Scott 1833, Van Buren 1833, Yell 1844.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Yell 5 January 1853, part annexed from Conway 6 January 1853, line with Newton defined 17 February 1859, with Johnson 19 October 1859 and 27 March 1871, with Conway 28 May 1874, with Johnson re-established 6 March 1875, changed with Johnson 9 March 1877.
County Records: In 1906, A.B. Shinn reported the records complete and in "a fairly good state of preservation."
Parent County: Pulaski County.
Progeny County: Lonoke County 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Boundary with Pulaski changed 30 December 1848, with Monroe 7 December 1850, boundaries redefined 12 April 1869, line with White defined 17 April 1873, boundaries redefined 26 April 1873 and 27 May 1874, line with Lonoke changed 30 November 1875, divided into two districts 1885.
County Records: In 1906, Eugene Lankford reported the records destroyed by an 1853 fire at Brownsville but complete from 1855 and kept in fire-proof vaults. (Faye Hempstead reports the fire as Sept. 16, 1854.)
Parent County: Arkansas County.
Progeny Counties: Conway 1825, Crawford 1820, Faulkner 1873, Jefferson 1829, Lonoke 1873, Prairie 1846, Scott 1833, White 1835, Saline 1835.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Arkansas changed 30 October 1823, line with Clark changed 30 October 1823, Quapaw Purchase added 13 October 1827, NW boundary defined 20 October 1828. Lines defined: Conway 20 October 1828, Saline 25 February 1838 and 14 December 1838, White 3 February 1843, Saline 21 December 1846, Perry 23 December 1846, Prairie 30 December 1848, Saline 12 April 1873 and 7 December 1875.
County Records: In 1906, E.W. Winfield reported the records complete from May 24, 1819, and in "excellent state of preservation." At some point Book A of the marriages went missing and were reconstructed by James Logan Morgan from newspaper sources.
Parent County: Lawrence County.
Progeny County: Clay County 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Lawrence attached 18 January 1861.
County Records: In 1906, J.W. Campbell reported the records complete from the formation of the county.
Parent County: Phillips.
Progeny Counties: Cross 1862, Lee 1873, Poinsett 1838, Woodruff 1862.
County Boundary Changes: St. Francis River declared boundary with Crittenden 3 November 1831, part annexed to Jackson 1 January 1851.
County Records: In 1906, T.C. Merwin reported a fire in the latter part of 1874 destroyed many of the county records, but many of the deed records were only partially burned. They have since been recopied as far as possible. All the records were destroyed by fire during the War. They are therefore complete since 1874, and almost complete since 1865.
Parent County: Pulaski County.
Progeny Counties: Garland 1873, Grant 1869.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 5 October 1836, line with Pulaski defined 25 February and 14 December 1838 and 21 December 1846, line with Hot Spring defined 23 December 1846, 19 February 1859, and 19 January 1861, line with Pulaski defined 12 April 1873 and 17 December 1875.
County Records: In 1906, M.H. Holleman reported the records complete and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Note: Name changed to Logan County 14 December 1875.
Parent Counties: Crawford, Pope.
Progeny Counties: Logan 1871, Sebastian 1851, Yell 1840.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 24 October 1835, line with Crawford defined 16 December 1838, part of Sebastian annexed 1 June 1861, line with Logan changed 21 March 1873, part annexed to Logan 2 March 1903, line with Montgomery changed 21 February 1925.
County Records: Arkansas History Commission sources show a courthouse fire in 1882 destroyed all records.
Note: Marion county was originally named Searcy 1835-1836.
Parent County: Marion County.
Progeny Counties: Baxter 1873, Stone 1873, Van Buren 1833.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Van Buren defined 2 October 1853, lines with Van Buren and Marion defined 20 October 1855.
County Records: In 1906, Ed Mayes reported destruction of the records in Jan. 1864, partial destruction in March 1877, and destruction again in Aug. 1885. "All records prior to 1881 are missing except deed record A, one chancery court record, one probate court record, one circuit court record."
Parent Counties: Crawford, Scott and Polk.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Scott and Polk 1 June 1861.
County Records: In 1906, John H. Holland reported the courthouse at Greenwood burned in 1881 and again in 1882, "but few records being saved. All records since 1882 are in good condition and those prior to that date have been recopied as far as possible."
Parent Counties: Hempstead, Miller (Old).
Progeny Counties: Howard 1873, Little River 1867, Polk 1844.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 8 November 1833, line with Pike defined 15 November 1833, SE boundary defined 29 October 1836, line with Howard defined 17 April 1873, and changed with Howard 15 March 1895.
County Records: Records appear to be extant.
Parent County: Lawrence.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Independence annexed 21 April 1873, line with Independence defined 11 February 1875, line with Izard changed 9 March 1877, part annexed to Lawrence 21 March 1917, part of Lawrence annexed to Sharp 24 March 1917.
County Records: In 1906, C.W. Shaver reported a fire of Jan. 20, 1880, destroyed all the county records, but they are complete from that time, housed in fire-proof vaults at Evening Shade and Hardy. The newspaper editor of the Sharp County Record published marriages prior to the fire. See the books by this publisher.
Parent Counties: Izard, Independence, Van Buren, Searcy.
County Records: In 1906, William H.H. Oyler reported "Records A, B, C, D, and E of deeds and mortgages are complete; A, B, and C of deeds only are complete; A and B of mortgages only are complete; A and B of probate court, A and B of circuit court, and A of chancery court are nearly complete; A of marriage records is complete. No records are missing. All records are in good condition and are kept in fire-proof safe." But it sure as hell wasn't termite-proof, so forget about the loose papers (DWA).
Parent Counties: Hempstead, Clark.
Progeny Counties: Ashley 1848, Bradley 1840, Calhoun 1850, Columbia 1852, Ouachita 1842.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 5 November 1836, line with Lafayette defined 26 November 1846, line with Ouachita changed 6 January 1853, part annexed to Columbia 21 December 1851, and part annexed to Calhoun 19 October 1862.
County Records: In 1906, Albert F. Riley reported, "All records except tax books are complete from 1868. The new government coming into power at the last named date destroyed the taxbooks. Records are in excellent state of preservation and are kept in fire-proof vaults at the courthouse."
Parent Counties: Conway, Izard, Independence.
Progeny Counties: Cleburne 1883, Stone 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 14 November 1836, part annexed to Pope on 12 January 1853, lines with Searcy and Marion defined 20 January 1855, line with Pope defined 17 February 1859.
County Records: In 1906, Garner Fraser reported "Nearly all county records were destroyed by fire in 1863. A few of the old books were hidden by the clerk in a cliff and were thus saved. Records are complete since 1863 and are in a fair state of preservation. There are no fire-proof vaults for protection." And no life boats, either.
Parent Counties: Crawford, Lovely.
Progeny Counties: Benton 1836, Madison 1836.
County Boundary Changes: Certain lands declared to be in Washington 26 October 1831, line with Crawford defined 24 November 1846 and changed 8 March 1833.
County Records: In 1906, Ben F. Greer reported, "County court records are complete from Aug. 3, 1835; probate records from Oct. 9, 1837; marriage records from 1845, except the record of the period between 1861 and 1864. Probate and will records, A and B, were stolen. During the War, Presley R. Smith, clerk, hid the county records in a dry case in the mountains south of Fayetteville to prevent their falling into the hands of the Federals. Only one record was thus lost. The records are in good condition and are kept in fire-proof vaults."
Parent Counties: Independence, Jackson, Pulaski.
Progeny County: Cleburne 1883.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Pulaski changed 3 February 1843, part of Conway annexed 11 January 1853, line with Prairie defined 17 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, Jesse N. Cypert reported the records complete from 1836 and in a good state of preservation.
Parent Counties: Jackson, St. Francis.
County Boundary Changes: Boundary defined 26 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, V.E. Simpson reported the records complete.
Parent Counties: Pope, Scott.
Progeny County: Logan 1871.
County Records: In 1906, J.E. Chambers reported records complete since 1865. "In addition for the period prior to 1865, the county has the probate records from May 7, 1858, to Feb. 10, 1862; the marriage records from July 23, 1841, to Mar. 24, 1849; and the deed records from Mar. 2, 1841, to Dec. 4, 1848. The missing records were destroyed by fire during the War."
Arkansas County, Arkansas
Created: 13 December 1813.Parent County: - Original County.
Progeny Counties: Chicot 1823, Clark 1818, Drew 1846, Hempstead 1818, Desha 1838, Lincoln 1871, Independence 1820, Monroe 1829, Phillips 1820, Jefferson 1829, Pulaski 1818.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Phillips annexed 23 October 1821; line with Pulaski changed by Act of 30 October 1823, Quapaw Purchase divided between Arkansas and Pulaski Counties by Act of 13 October 1827, line with Phillips defined by Act of 21 November 1829, boundaries defined Act of 7 November 1836, line with Jefferson changed by Act of 25 February 1889, line changed with Lincoln by Act of 25 March 1895.
County Records: In 1906, W.H. HalliBurton declared the records of Arkansas County "rich and well-preserved."
Genealogy: Arkansas County
Ashley County, Arkansas
Created: 30 November 1848.Parent Counties: Chicot, Drew and Union.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Chicot changed by Act of 19 January 1861, part annexed from Bradley by Act of 21 January 1859.
County Records: A courthouse fire in 1921 destroyed most of the county's records.
Baxter County, Arkansas
Created: 24 March 1873.Parent Counties: Fulton, Izard, Marion and Searcy.
County Boundary Changes: Line between Izard and Fulton defined 16 October 1875, line with Marion changed 9 March 1881.
County Records: According to Z.M. Horton in 1906, the courthouse burned 24 Feb. 1890; "court records, five deed records and marriage records except one" were saved; "all records not totally destroyed have been transcribed and rebound."
Benton County, Arkansas
Created: 30 September 1836.Parent County: Washington.
County Records: S.J. Bloucher in 1906 makes no mention of record loss; however, Arkansas History Commission sources say an "1865 courthouse fire destroyed many early records." D.Y. Thomas mentiones a log courthouse built in 1837, a brick structure in 1840, and another brick courthouse built in 1873, but does not mention a fire.
Boone County, Arkansas
Created: 9 April 1869.Parent Counties: Carroll and Madison.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Marion defined by Act of 9 December 1875.
County Records: J.R. Newman in 1906 said the county records were complete but were not housed in fire-proof vaults.
Bradley County, Arkansas
Created: 18 December 1840.Parent County: Union.
Progeny Counties: Cleveland 1873, Dallas 1845, Drew 1846, Lincoln 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Calhoun attached 19 October 1862, part restored to Ashley 21 January 1859.
Calhoun County, Arkansas
Created: 6 December 1850.Parent Counties: Dallas, Ouachita, Union.
County Boundary Changes: Part added to Union and Bradley by Act of 19 November 1862.
County Records: In 1906, J.H. Rowland said the county records were complete but kept in a frame courthouse.
Carroll County, Arkansas
Created: 1 November 1833.Parent County: Izard.
Progeny Counties: Boone 1869, Madison 1836, Newton 1842.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 14 December 1838, line defined with Madison 11 January 1843, 29 December 1854 and 16 January 1857; Marion defined 18 December 1846; part of Madison attached 8 April 1869.
County Records: According to N.C. Charles in 1906, a fire in December, 1869, destroyed all the county records. Arkansas History Commission information says there was a courthouse fire in 1870.
Chicot County, Arkansas
Created: 25 October 1823.Parent County: Arkansas.
Progeny Counties: Ashley 1848, Desha 1838.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 2 November 1835, part attached to Drew 21 December 1846, line with Ashley changed 18 January 1861, line with Drew changed 30 November 1875, and with Desha 10 February 1879.
County Records: R.D. Chotard, in 1906, declared the records complete from 1824, through not kept in fire-proof vaults.
Clark County, Arkansas
Created: 15 December 1818.Parent County: Arkansas.
Progeny Counties: Dallas 1845, Hot Spring 1829, Pike 1833, Union 1829
County Boundary Changes: Line with Pulaski changed 30 October 1823, line with Hot Spring and Dallas changed 3 April 1868, part added to Pike 22 April 1873 and line changed 8 March 1877, line with Montgomery changed 24 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, Dougald McMillan declared the county records complete.
Clay County, Arkansas
Created: 24 March 1873Note: created as Clayton County, name changed December 1875.
Parent Counties: Randolph, Greene.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Greene changed 5 March 1885.
County Records: In 1906, J.M. Pickens reported "the will and deed records begin in April, 1881, and are complete to date except deed record E from March 1, 1891, to January 31, 1892. This record was burned. The following records are missing: Book E named above, the entire records of Clayton County, and the records of Clay County from December 1875, to February 29 [sic], 1893. The latter records were burned at Piggott when the courthouse was destroyed by fire."
Cleburne County, Arkansas
Created: 20 February 1883.Parent Counties: Independence, Van Buren, White.
County Records: In 1906, Wm. T. Hammock reported the records complete and kept in a fire-proof vault.
Cleveland County, Arkansas
Created: 17 April 1873Note: created as Dorsey County; changed to Cleveland in 1885.
Parent Counties: Bradley, Dallas, Jefferson, Lincoln.
County Records: In 1906, J.M. McMurtrey reported, "the records are incomplete and some are not in good condition. Several tax books, one marriage record, and one or more court records are missing."
Columbia County, Arkansas
Created: 17 December 1852.Parent Counties: Hempstead, Lafayette, Ouachita, Union.
Progeny County: Nevada 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Union annexed 21 December 1858, line with Nevada defined 19 April 1873, part annexed to Lafayette 29 April 1901.
County Records: In 1906, W.H. Askew reported the records complete and in good condition with a new courthouse under construction.
Conway County, Arkansas
Created: 20 October 1825.Parent County: Pulaski.
Progeny Counties: Faulkner 1873, Perry 1840, Van Buren 1833.
County Boundary Changes: NW boundary defined 27 October 1827, line with Pulaski defined 20 October 1828, part of Indian purchase annexed 22 October 1828, line with Pulaski and Independence defined 5 November 1831, part annexed to Pope 6 January 1853, part annexed to White 11 January 1853, line with Pope defined 28 May 1874.
County Records: Lewisburg, situated on the Arkansas River, was subject to periodic floods - some records were lost; a fire about 1899 destroyed and damaged some records; loose probate packets date from 1899.
Craighead County, Arkansas
Created: 19 February 1859.Parent Counties: Greene, Mississippi, Poinsett.
County Records: In 1906, J.C. Hawthorne reported, "All records were destroyed by a fire in 1869 and again in 1878. The records are therefore incomplete. Since 1886, the records have been kept in a fire-proof vault and no records have been injured or lost since March 28, 1878."
Crawford County, Arkansas
Created: 18 October 1820.Parent County: Pulaski.
Progeny Counties: Franklin 1837, Lovely 1827, Pope 1829, Scott 1833, Sebastian 1851, Washington 1828.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 24 October 1821 and 30 October 1823, part of Cherokee Country attached 22 October 1828, boundaries defined 18 December 1837, line with Scott and Washington defined 24 November 1846, line with Franklin defined 4 March 1875, line with Washington changed 9 March 1881, line with Franklin changed 28 March 1895.
County Records: In 1906, Miss Clara B. Eno reported, "The records from 1818 to 1820 are on file at Little Rock. On March 23, 1877, the courthouse was destroyed by fire and all records were destroyed except those of the treasurer and a few deeds and mortgages. Since that date, however, the records are complete and are kept in fire-proof vaults."
Crittenden
Created: 22 October 1825.Parent County: Phillips.
Progeny Counties: Cross 1862, Lee 1873, Mississippi 1833.
County Boundary Changes: St. Francis River declared boundary with St. Francis 3 November 1831, part annexed to Mississippi 18 January 1861.
County Records: In 1906, Frank Smith reported, "The records of this county are intact except that during the reconstruction period, a few pages of the deed records and of the chancery court records were mutilated, and the taxbooks for the year 1878 are missing. There are deed records much older than the county and the original deed records, A and B, are now hardly legible. Many of these early deeds are in Spanish. The records are in good state of preservation with the exceptions named above. The records have been kept in an old brick building, standing apart from the courthouse, but there is now being constructed a modern fire-proof vault for them."
Cross County, Arkansas
Created: 15 November 1862.Parent Counties: Crittenden, Poinsett, St. Francis.
County Records: In 1906, O.N. Killough reported the records intact from 1862 and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Dallas County, Arkansas
Created: 1 January 1845.Parent Counties: Bradley, Clark.
Progeny Counties: Calhoun 1850, Cleveland 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Hot Spring & Clark line changed 3 April 1869.
County Records: In 1906, L.E. Purdy reported the records complete except for a few tax books which were torn and faded.
Desha County, Arkansas
Created: 12 December 1838.Parent County: Arkansas.
Progeny County: Lincoln 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Drew 21 January 1861, part of Chicot attached 10 February 1879, part of Lincoln attached 10 March 1879, line with Lincoln changed 27 March 1925.
County Records: Information from the Arkansas History Commission indicates record loss from a courthouse fire in the 1860s.
Drew County, Arkansas
Created: 26 November 1846.Parent County: Bradley.
Progeny Counties: Ashley 1848, Lincoln 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Chicot annexed 21 December 1846, part of Desha annexed 21 January 1861, line with
Chicot changed 30 November 1875.
County Records: In 1906, W.A. Brown reported the records complete and well-preserved.
Faulkner County, Arkansas
Created: 12 April 1873.Parent Counties: Conway, Pulaski.
County Boundary Changes: Boundary defined 7 December 1875.
County Records: In 1906, J.H. Hartje reported the records complete despite a courthouse fire; the records were stored in a fire-proof vault. Note: I, Desmond Walls Allen, personally climbed into the courthouse Dumpster in the mid-1980s and fished out many of the loose probate packets that had been dumped in with the Kentucky Fried Chicken boxes, etc., from the sheriff's department's lunch. Three of us dried the records in my momma's microwave oven, arranged them in folders, took them to be microfilmed at the Arkansas History Commission, then placed the records in the University of Central Arkansas' Archives in Torreyson Library in Conway. Some of the records are now stored in what used to be the old jail.
Franklin County, Arkansas
Created: 19 December 1837.Parent County: Crawford.
Progeny County: Logan 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Johnson defined 14 December 1833, line with Crawford defined 4 March 1875, line with Crawford changed 28 March 1895.
County Records: In 1906, T.A. Pettigrew reported, "The records of the county, common pleas, probate, and circuit courts are complete from the date of the first court in 1839. The deed and mortgage records are incomplete; the courthouse was burned in 1863, but G.H. Ross, the clerk, saved from the fire all except the deed records. Since that date the deed records are complete. The records of the Charleston district are complete from 1891, they having been burned in that year. For the most part however, they have been rewritten."
Fulton County, Arkansas
Created: 21 December 1842.Parent County: Izard.
Progeny County: Baxter 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Marion and part of Lawrence attached 18 January 1855, lines with Baxter and Izard defined 16 February 1875.
County Records: Material from the Arkansas History Commission indicates a fire in 1870 destroyed most county records.
Garland County, Arkansas
Created: 5 April 1873.Parent Counties: Hot Spring, Montgomery, Saline.
County Boundary Changes: Boundary with Montgomery changed 23 February 1917.
County Records: In 1906, C.D. Greaves reported the records "were complete until Feb. 25, 1905, when fire and heat charred, damaged, or destroyed everything except tax books of 1904 then in the hands of the collector. The deed and mortgage records, except two, have been recopied or reproduced as they were left after the fire, edges being badly burned and only portions legible. As records will have considerable value, these consist of books designated by alphabet (26) and about 39 by number, 1 to 39. Circuit court records were totally destroyed, 10 books; chancery records practically destroyed, book I has been recopied, 8 (A to H) being burned. Probate records all except last one destroyed; so also the county court records, the marriage license records were partially destroyed, one will record burned, one partially restored, mechanic's lien judgement record destroyed, probate docket partially restored, pending cases in chancery court partially saved, all law and probate papers destroyed. The county never had vaults. New courthouse just completed... has complete set of vaults." Garland County apparently had another serious fire in 1913.
Grant County, Arkansas
Created: 4 February 1869.Parent Counties: Hot Spring, Jefferson, Saline.
County Records: In 1906, Dan J. Taylor reported all the records destroyed through Mar. 13, 1877, but complete thereafter and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Greene County, Arkansas
Created: 5 November 1833.Parent County: Lawrence.
Progeny Counties: Clay 1873, Craighead 1859, Poinsett 1838.
County Boundary Changes: Boundary with Clay changed 20 April 1895.
County Records: A courthouse fire in 1876 destroyed most records.
Hempstead County, Arkansas
Created: 15 December 1818.Parent County: Arkansas.
Progeny Counties: Columbia 1852, Howard 1873, Lafayette 1827, Little River 1867, Nevada 1871, Old Miller 1820, Pike 1833, Saline 1835, Sevier 1828, Union 1829.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Pike defined 14 December 1838, and with Pike and Sevier 17 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, A.H. Carrigan reported the circuit court records complete from March 15, 1824; deed records complete since Oct. 9, 1820; records prior lost through "carelessness of officials"; first record of county court dated 1837.
Hot Spring County, Arkansas
Created: 2 November 1829.Parent County: Clark.
Progeny Counties: Garland 1873, Grant 1869, Montgomery 1842.
County Boundary Changes: Lands annexed from Saline 22 March 1838, line with Saline defined 23 December 1846, line with Montgomery changed 27 December 1848, line with Saline changed 18 February 1859 and 19 January 1861, line with Clark and Dallas changed 3 April 1869, line with Clark, Saline and Montgomery changed 5 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, W.H. Cooper pronounced the records complete since the formation of the county and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Howard County, Arkansas
Created: 17 April 1873.Parent Counties: Hempstead, Pike, Polk and Sevier.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Sevier changed 15 March 1895.
County Records: In 1906, Charles Hughes reported the county records complete and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Independence County, Arkansas
Created: 20 October 1820.Parent County: Lawrence.
Progeny Counties: Cleburne 1883, Izard 1825, Jackson 1829, Sharp 1873, Stone 1873, Van Buren 1833, White 1835.
County Boundary Changes: Part of E boundary defined 30 October 1823, part annexed to Izard 22 October 1828, line with Izard and Conway defined 4 November 1831, line with Jackson defined 8 November 1836, line with Izard defined 21 February and 14 December 1838 and 26 December 1840, line with Sharp defined 11 February 1875.
County Records: In 1906, R. Neill reported, "The following records are complete from the dates named: records of common pleas court, first held by two justices of the peace begin Nov. 19, 1821; records of deeds and mortgages begin with Dec. 14, 1820; all court records and records of the recorder's office are complete from these dates. No records are missing. The state of preservation is good; a number of the records have been rebound, but the writing is legible. They are kept in fire-proof vaults." This probably kept my (Desmond Walls Allen) Dunavion relatives from burning the courthouse to get rid of the dozens of indictment records they generated in connection with their gambling.
Izard County, Arkansas
Created: 27 October 1825.Parent County: Independence.
Progeny Counties: Baxter 1873, Carroll 1833, Fulton 1842, Marion 1836, Stone 1873, Van Buren 1833.
County Boundary Changes: W boundary extended 3 October 1827, part of Indian purchase added 22 October 1828, line with Independence defined 5 November 1831, S boundary defined 11 November 1833, line with Independence defined 21 February and 14 December 1838 and 21 December 1840, W boundary defined 24 December 1840, line with Baxter and Fulton defined 17 February 1875 and with Sharp 9 March 1877.
County Records: In 1906, W.K. Estes reported the loss of all records before April 11, 1869; information from the Arkansas History Commission indicates another fire in 1889 destroyed all county records. My (Desmond Walls Allen) relatives lived here, too, and were apparently more successful in getting rid of their indictment records.
Jackson County, Arkansas
Created: 5 November 1829.Parent County: Independence County.
Progeny Counties: White 1835, Woodruff 1862.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Independence defined 8 November 1836, part of St. Francis attached 10 January 1851.
County Records: In 1906, George A. Lockhard reported that none of the records had ever been destroyed and were kept in fire-proof vaults.
Jefferson County, Arkansas
Created: 2 November 1829.Parent Counties: Arkansas, Pulaski.
Progeny Counties: Cleveland 1873, Grant 1869, Lincoln 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 3 November 1831 and 29 October 1836, lines changed with Lincoln and Desha 20 March 1879 and with Arkansas 25 February 1889.
County Records: Most records are extant from 1830.
Johnson County, Arkansas
Created: 16 November 1833.Parent County: Pope County.
Progeny County: Logan 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Franklin defined 14 December 1833, S boundary defined 2 November 1835, E boundary defined 5 October 1836. Line with Pope defined 19 February 1859, 25 March 1871, 16 March 1875, and 9 March 1877.
County Records: In 1906, J.W. Sallis reported the records extant from 1838 and in good condition.
Lafayette County, Arkansas
Created: 15 October 1827.Parent County: Hempstead.
Progeny Counties: Columbia 1852, Miller 1874.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Union defined 26 November 1846, part of Columbia annexed 29 April 1901.
County Records: In 1906, M.D. Harrell reported "no misfortune has ever befallen the records."
Lawrence County, Arkansas
Created: 15 January 1815.Parent County: New Madrid Co., Missouri.
Progeny Counties: Greene 1833, Independence 1820, Randolph 1835, Sharp 1868.
County Boundary Changes: E boundary defined 30 October 1823, line with Independence changed 26 December 1840, part annexed to Fulton 18 January 1855, part to Randolph 18 January 1861, part annexed from Sharp 21 March 1917 and part annexed to Sharp 24 March 1917.
County Records: Records are mostly extant from county formation.
Lee County, Arkansas
Created: 17 April 1873.Parent Counties: Crittenden, Monroe, Phillips, St. Francis.
County Records: In 1906, E.E. King reported no records missing. My (Desmond Walls Allen) cousin, Willa Dean Spath is the Circuit Clerk in Lee County and has been for a very long time and she's doing a wonderful job of managing the records.
Lincoln
Created: 28 March 1871.Parent Counties: Arkansas, Bradley, Desha, Drew, Jefferson.
Progeny County: Cleveland 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Desha 10 March 1879, line with Arkansas changed 25 March 1895, and with Desha 27 March 1925.
County Records: In 1906, H.H. Palmer reported all records intact.
Little River County, Arkansas
Created: 5 March 1867.Parent Counties: Hempstead, Sevier
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Miller 30 March 1915.
County Records: In 1906, A.D. DuLaney reported the following records missing: county court records from 1867 to Jan. 1876, destroyed by fire in 1882; marriage record from 1867 to Dec. 1880, cause of destruction unknown; real estate tax books from 1867 to 1882, destroyed by fire in 1882. At that time records were kept in "a temporary courthouse, an unsafe frame building."
Logan County, Arkansas
Created: 22 March 1871.Note: created as Sarber Co., name changed to Logan 14 December 1875.
Parent Counties: Franklin, Johnson, Scott, Yell.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Scott changed 21 March 1881 and 2 March 1903.
County Records: In 1906, Henry Stroup reported all records from county formation to 1878 destroyed by fire.
Lonoke County, Arkansas
Created: 16 April 1873.Parent Counties: Prairie, Pulaski.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Prairie defined 30 November and 7 December 1875.
County Records: Records from county's formation appear to be extant.
Lovely County, Arkansas
Created: 13 October 1827.Parent Counties: Crawford and Lovely Purchase.
Progeny County: Washington County
County Boundary Changes: According to D.Y. Thomas, "In 1816, William and Peter Lovely purchased a tract of land from the Osage Indians, which was included within the western boundary of Arkansas, as laid down in 1824, and was a large part of the county of Lovely, created in 1827. Unfortunately, this same region had been granted to the Cherokee Indians in 1818, creating difficulties which were not settled until 1828, when the present boundary of the State was established, and the most of Lovely County made a part of the Indian Territory. Such land as was left by this decision was included in Washington County, October 27, 1828, and the county officials were directed to take over the affiars and moneys of Lovely County." [D. Y. Thomas. Arkansas and Its People: A History, 1541-1930. Volume II, "Historical Directory by Counties." New York: The American Historical Society, Inc., 1930, p. 784.]
County Records: No county records available.
Madison County, Arkansas
Created: 30 September 1836.Parent Counties: Washington, Carroll.
County Boundary Changes: W boundary changed 30 November 1838, line with Carroll defined 1 January and 20 January 1843, line with Newton defined 21 December 1848, line with Carroll defined 29 December 1854 and 15 January 1857, part annexed to Carroll 8 April 1869.
County Records: In 1906, James R. Stotts reported the probate records complete from 1860; county court records complete from 1873; will records complete from 1880; deed records complete from 1843. A fire in 1902 destroyed deed record A and all will records except those recorded on court records.
Marion County, Arkansas
Created: 3 November 1835.Note: Created as Searcy County, name changed to Marion 29 September 1836.
Parent County: Izard County.
Progeny Counties: Baxter 1873, Searcy 1838.
County Boundary Changes: W boundary defined 18 November 1837, line with Carroll defined 18 December 1846, part annexed from Fulton 18 January 1855, line with Van Buren defined 29 January 1855, line with Boone defined 9 December 1875, line changed with Baxter 9 March 1881.
County Records: Arkansas History Commission sources say a courthouse fire in 1888 destroyed many of the records.
Miller County, Arkansas (Old)
Created: 1 April 1820.Note: See also Miller County below.
Parent County: Hempstead County.
County Boundary Changes: Abolished in 1838.
County Records: There was a courthouse fire in 1828. Available records for Old Miller County are in the George T. Wright Collection, Miller County Records, Territory of Arkansas, July 20, 1835 - March 17, 1838, University of Texas, Austin. Probate records have been published - see Old Miller County under books for sale www.ArkansasResearch.com
Miller County, Arkansas
Created: 22 December 1874.Note: See also Miller County (Old) above.
Parent County: Lafayette County.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Little River annexed 30 March 1915.
County Records: In 1906, A.H. Sevier reported the records complete, in good condition, and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Mississippi County, Arkansas
Created: 1 November 1833.Parent County: Crittenden County.
Progeny County: Craighead 1859.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Crittenden annexed 18 January 1861.
County Records: Arkansas History Commission information shows record loss from a courthouse fire in 1865.
Monroe County, Arkansas
Created: 2 November 1829.Parent Counties: Arkansas, Phillips.
Progeny County: Lee 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 25 December 1840, line with Prairie changed 7 December 1850, 12 April 1869, 26 April 1873 and 27 May 1874.
County Records: Most county records appear to be extant.
Montgomery County, Arkansas
Created: 9 December 1842.Parent County: Hot Spring.
Progeny County: Garland 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Lines following counties defined - Yell 2 January 1845, Perry 23 December 1846 and 21 December 1848, Hot Spring 27 December 1848, Polk 7 February 1859, Clark 24 April 1873, Pike 16 December 1874, Garland 23 February 1917, Scott 21 February 1915.
County Records: In 1906, Gibson Witt reported the county court records complete from July 1845; "tax books for 1845 consist of 10 sheets of fooscap paper sewn together"; the records are complete from county organization to the present.
Nevada County, Arkansas
Created: 20 March 1871.Parent Counties: Columbia, Hempstead, Ouachita.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Columbia defined 19 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, Thomas C. McRae reported the records complete from the organization of the county, but "for want of adequate vault space the records are only in a fair state of preservation."
Newton County, Arkansas
Created: 14 December 1842.Parent County: Carroll.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Madison defined 21 December 1841, line with Pope defined 10 January 1853.
County Records: In 1906, J.F. Carlton reported all records destroyed by a fire in 1866 but complete from that time.
Ouachita County, Arkansas
Created: 29 November 1842.Parent County: Union County.
Progeny Counties: Calhoun 1850, Columbia 1852, Nevada 1871.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Union changed 6 January 1853.
County Records: In 1906, J.W. Livingston reported all records destroyed by a fire, Dec. 19, 1875; but complete since that time.
Perry County, Arkansas
Created: 18 December 1840.Parent County: Conway.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Pulaski, Saline, and Montgomery defined 23 December 1846, old line with Montgomery re-established 21 December 1848, line with Yell defined 8 April 1891.
County Records: In 1906, P.L. Burrow reported one small chancery volume saved in the 1881 fire and the records complete from that time.
Phillips County, Arkansas
Created: 1 May 1820.Parent County: Arkansas.
Progeny Counties: Crittenden 1825, Lee 1873, Monroe 1829, St. Francis 1827.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Arkansas 23 October 1821, W boundary defined 30 October 1823, line with Arkansas defined 21 November 1829.
County Records: In 1906, Greenfield Quarles reported most of the records intact though some were "slightly damaged by being moth-eaten"; records were removed during the War but returned in good condition; entries kept in "Irregular D" volume while records were gone.
Pike County, Arkansas
Created: 1 November 1833.Parent Counties: Clark and Hempstead.
Progeny County: Howard 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Sevier defined 15 November 1833, with Hempstead 14 December 1838, with Clark 22 April 1873 and 8 March 1877, with Montgomery 16 December 1874.
County Records: Arkansas History Commission sources report destruction of most records in an 1895 courthouse fire; an abstract book was saved.
Poinsett County, Arkansas
Created: 28 February 1838.Parent Counties: Greene, St. Francis.
Progeny Counties: Craighead 1858, Cross 1862.
County Records: In 1906, J.J. Mardis reported loss of all records in a courthouse fire Sept. 1873, but complete since that time.
Polk County, Arkansas
Created: 30 November 1844.Parent County: Sevier.
Progeny Counties: Howard 1873, Sebastian 1851.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Montgomery changed 7 February 1859, part of Sebastian annexed 1 June 1861, line with Pike defined 7 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, H.L. Norwood reported all records prior to 1883 destroyed in a courthouse fire except one probate record dating from Sept. 1876, one county court record dating from July 1876, and one circuit court record dating from Feb. 1877.
Pope County, Arkansas
Created: 2 November 1829.Parent County: Crawford.
Progeny Counties: Johnson 1833, Logan 1871, Scott 1833, Van Buren 1833, Yell 1844.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Yell 5 January 1853, part annexed from Conway 6 January 1853, line with Newton defined 17 February 1859, with Johnson 19 October 1859 and 27 March 1871, with Conway 28 May 1874, with Johnson re-established 6 March 1875, changed with Johnson 9 March 1877.
County Records: In 1906, A.B. Shinn reported the records complete and in "a fairly good state of preservation."
Prairie County, Arkansas
Created: 25 November 1846.Parent County: Pulaski County.
Progeny County: Lonoke County 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Boundary with Pulaski changed 30 December 1848, with Monroe 7 December 1850, boundaries redefined 12 April 1869, line with White defined 17 April 1873, boundaries redefined 26 April 1873 and 27 May 1874, line with Lonoke changed 30 November 1875, divided into two districts 1885.
County Records: In 1906, Eugene Lankford reported the records destroyed by an 1853 fire at Brownsville but complete from 1855 and kept in fire-proof vaults. (Faye Hempstead reports the fire as Sept. 16, 1854.)
Pulaski County, Arkansas
Created: 15 December 1818.Parent County: Arkansas County.
Progeny Counties: Conway 1825, Crawford 1820, Faulkner 1873, Jefferson 1829, Lonoke 1873, Prairie 1846, Scott 1833, White 1835, Saline 1835.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Arkansas changed 30 October 1823, line with Clark changed 30 October 1823, Quapaw Purchase added 13 October 1827, NW boundary defined 20 October 1828. Lines defined: Conway 20 October 1828, Saline 25 February 1838 and 14 December 1838, White 3 February 1843, Saline 21 December 1846, Perry 23 December 1846, Prairie 30 December 1848, Saline 12 April 1873 and 7 December 1875.
County Records: In 1906, E.W. Winfield reported the records complete from May 24, 1819, and in "excellent state of preservation." At some point Book A of the marriages went missing and were reconstructed by James Logan Morgan from newspaper sources.
Randolph County, Arkansas
Created: 29 October 1835.Parent County: Lawrence County.
Progeny County: Clay County 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Lawrence attached 18 January 1861.
County Records: In 1906, J.W. Campbell reported the records complete from the formation of the county.
St. Francis County, Arkansas
Created: 13 October 1827.Parent County: Phillips.
Progeny Counties: Cross 1862, Lee 1873, Poinsett 1838, Woodruff 1862.
County Boundary Changes: St. Francis River declared boundary with Crittenden 3 November 1831, part annexed to Jackson 1 January 1851.
County Records: In 1906, T.C. Merwin reported a fire in the latter part of 1874 destroyed many of the county records, but many of the deed records were only partially burned. They have since been recopied as far as possible. All the records were destroyed by fire during the War. They are therefore complete since 1874, and almost complete since 1865.
Saline County, Arkansas
Created: 2 November 1835.Parent County: Pulaski County.
Progeny Counties: Garland 1873, Grant 1869.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 5 October 1836, line with Pulaski defined 25 February and 14 December 1838 and 21 December 1846, line with Hot Spring defined 23 December 1846, 19 February 1859, and 19 January 1861, line with Pulaski defined 12 April 1873 and 17 December 1875.
County Records: In 1906, M.H. Holleman reported the records complete and kept in fire-proof vaults.
Sarber County, Arkansas
Created: 22 March 1871.Note: Name changed to Logan County 14 December 1875.
Scott County, Arkansas
Created: 5 November 1833.Parent Counties: Crawford, Pope.
Progeny Counties: Logan 1871, Sebastian 1851, Yell 1840.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 24 October 1835, line with Crawford defined 16 December 1838, part of Sebastian annexed 1 June 1861, line with Logan changed 21 March 1873, part annexed to Logan 2 March 1903, line with Montgomery changed 21 February 1925.
County Records: Arkansas History Commission sources show a courthouse fire in 1882 destroyed all records.
Searcy County, Arkansas
Created: 13 December 1838.Note: Marion county was originally named Searcy 1835-1836.
Parent County: Marion County.
Progeny Counties: Baxter 1873, Stone 1873, Van Buren 1833.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Van Buren defined 2 October 1853, lines with Van Buren and Marion defined 20 October 1855.
County Records: In 1906, Ed Mayes reported destruction of the records in Jan. 1864, partial destruction in March 1877, and destruction again in Aug. 1885. "All records prior to 1881 are missing except deed record A, one chancery court record, one probate court record, one circuit court record."
Sebastian County, Arkansas
Created: 6 January 1851.Parent Counties: Crawford, Scott and Polk.
County Boundary Changes: Part annexed to Scott and Polk 1 June 1861.
County Records: In 1906, John H. Holland reported the courthouse at Greenwood burned in 1881 and again in 1882, "but few records being saved. All records since 1882 are in good condition and those prior to that date have been recopied as far as possible."
Sevier County, Arkansas
Created: 17 October 1828.Parent Counties: Hempstead, Miller (Old).
Progeny Counties: Howard 1873, Little River 1867, Polk 1844.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 8 November 1833, line with Pike defined 15 November 1833, SE boundary defined 29 October 1836, line with Howard defined 17 April 1873, and changed with Howard 15 March 1895.
County Records: Records appear to be extant.
Sharp County, Arkansas
Created: 18 Jul 1868.Parent County: Lawrence.
County Boundary Changes: Part of Independence annexed 21 April 1873, line with Independence defined 11 February 1875, line with Izard changed 9 March 1877, part annexed to Lawrence 21 March 1917, part of Lawrence annexed to Sharp 24 March 1917.
County Records: In 1906, C.W. Shaver reported a fire of Jan. 20, 1880, destroyed all the county records, but they are complete from that time, housed in fire-proof vaults at Evening Shade and Hardy. The newspaper editor of the Sharp County Record published marriages prior to the fire. See the books by this publisher.
Stone County, Arkansas
Created: 21 April 1873.Parent Counties: Izard, Independence, Van Buren, Searcy.
County Records: In 1906, William H.H. Oyler reported "Records A, B, C, D, and E of deeds and mortgages are complete; A, B, and C of deeds only are complete; A and B of mortgages only are complete; A and B of probate court, A and B of circuit court, and A of chancery court are nearly complete; A of marriage records is complete. No records are missing. All records are in good condition and are kept in fire-proof safe." But it sure as hell wasn't termite-proof, so forget about the loose papers (DWA).
Union County, Arkansas
Created: 2 November 1829.Parent Counties: Hempstead, Clark.
Progeny Counties: Ashley 1848, Bradley 1840, Calhoun 1850, Columbia 1852, Ouachita 1842.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 5 November 1836, line with Lafayette defined 26 November 1846, line with Ouachita changed 6 January 1853, part annexed to Columbia 21 December 1851, and part annexed to Calhoun 19 October 1862.
County Records: In 1906, Albert F. Riley reported, "All records except tax books are complete from 1868. The new government coming into power at the last named date destroyed the taxbooks. Records are in excellent state of preservation and are kept in fire-proof vaults at the courthouse."
Van Buren County, Arkansas
Created: 11 November 1833.Parent Counties: Conway, Izard, Independence.
Progeny Counties: Cleburne 1883, Stone 1873.
County Boundary Changes: Boundaries defined 14 November 1836, part annexed to Pope on 12 January 1853, lines with Searcy and Marion defined 20 January 1855, line with Pope defined 17 February 1859.
County Records: In 1906, Garner Fraser reported "Nearly all county records were destroyed by fire in 1863. A few of the old books were hidden by the clerk in a cliff and were thus saved. Records are complete since 1863 and are in a fair state of preservation. There are no fire-proof vaults for protection." And no life boats, either.
Washington County, Arkansas
Created: 17 October 1828.Parent Counties: Crawford, Lovely.
Progeny Counties: Benton 1836, Madison 1836.
County Boundary Changes: Certain lands declared to be in Washington 26 October 1831, line with Crawford defined 24 November 1846 and changed 8 March 1833.
County Records: In 1906, Ben F. Greer reported, "County court records are complete from Aug. 3, 1835; probate records from Oct. 9, 1837; marriage records from 1845, except the record of the period between 1861 and 1864. Probate and will records, A and B, were stolen. During the War, Presley R. Smith, clerk, hid the county records in a dry case in the mountains south of Fayetteville to prevent their falling into the hands of the Federals. Only one record was thus lost. The records are in good condition and are kept in fire-proof vaults."
White County, Arkansas
Created: 23 October 1835.Parent Counties: Independence, Jackson, Pulaski.
Progeny County: Cleburne 1883.
County Boundary Changes: Line with Pulaski changed 3 February 1843, part of Conway annexed 11 January 1853, line with Prairie defined 17 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, Jesse N. Cypert reported the records complete from 1836 and in a good state of preservation.
Woodruff County, Arkansas
Created: 26 November 1862.Parent Counties: Jackson, St. Francis.
County Boundary Changes: Boundary defined 26 April 1873.
County Records: In 1906, V.E. Simpson reported the records complete.
Yell County, Arkansas
Created: 5 December 1840.Parent Counties: Pope, Scott.
Progeny County: Logan 1871.
County Records: In 1906, J.E. Chambers reported records complete since 1865. "In addition for the period prior to 1865, the county has the probate records from May 7, 1858, to Feb. 10, 1862; the marriage records from July 23, 1841, to Mar. 24, 1849; and the deed records from Mar. 2, 1841, to Dec. 4, 1848. The missing records were destroyed by fire during the War."