Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Genealogy
Guide to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.
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Contents
- 1 County Information
- 2 Resources
- 2.1 Bible Records
- 2.2 Biographies
- 2.3 Business, Commerce, and Occupations
- 2.4 Cemeteries
- 2.5 Census Records
- 2.6 Church Records
- 2.7 Court Records
- 2.8 Directories
- 2.9 Emigration and Immigration
- 2.10 Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups
- 2.11 Funeral Homes
- 2.12 Genealogies
- 2.13 Guardianship
- 2.14 Land and Property Records
- 2.15 Local Histories
- 2.16 Maps and Gazetteers
- 2.17 Migration
- 2.18 Military Records
- 2.19 Naturalization and Citizenship
- 2.20 Newspapers
- 2.21 Obituaries
- 2.22 Other Records
- 2.23 Periodicals
- 2.24 Probate Records
- 2.25 School Records
- 2.26 Tax Records
- 2.27 Vital Records
- 3 Research Facilities
- 4 Societies
- 5 Websites
- 6 Research Guides
- 7 References
County Information[edit | edit source]
Description[edit | edit source]
It's county is located in the east-central area of the state.[2]
County Courthouse[edit | edit source]
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 N. River St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: 570-825-1500 option 7
Clerk of Courts: Phone: 570–825-1585
Prothonotary: Phone: 570–825-1745
Orphan's Court/Register of Wills: Phone: 570-825-1668
Recorder of Deeds: Phone: 570-825-1641
Luzerne County Website
Register of Wills has birth, death, and burial records 1893-1906, marriage records from 1885, and probate records from 1786
Prothonotary Office has divorce and court records
Recorder of Deeds has land records[3]
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Record Dates[edit | edit source]
Information for this chart was taken from various sources, often containing conflicting dates. This information should be taken as a guide and should be verified by contacting the county and/or the state government agency.
| Birth* | Marriage | Death* | Court | Land | Probate | Census |
| 1893 | 1885 | 1893 | 1787 | 1787 | 1786 | 1790 |
Record Loss[edit | edit source]
|
Some Luzerne County probate records were destroyed in the flood following Hurricane Agnes in 1972. According to sources in the county offices, of the county's earliest probate records, the estate files were destroyed but bound books generally survived. |
Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]
For animated maps illustrating Pennsylvania county boundary changes, "Rotating Formation Pennsylvania County Boundary Maps" (1673-1878) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website. |
Populated Places[edit | edit source]
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit HomeTown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[7]
| Cities | ||
| Boroughs | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Census-designated places | ||
| Townships | ||
| Historic communities | ||
History Timeline[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
Bible Records[edit | edit source]
Biographies[edit | edit source]
- Selected Biographies:History of Luzerne County, by H.D. Bradsby, 1893. Courtesy USGenWeb Archives
Business, Commerce, and Occupations[edit | edit source]
Cemeteries[edit | edit source]
- Cemetery records often reveal birth, marriage, death, relationship, military, and religious information.
Additional Cemetery Resources
- ca.1700-ca.1950 - Pennsylvania Cemetery Records, ca. 1700-ca. 1950 at FamilySearch — index and images
- PA-Roots
- Names in Stone
- Ancestry($)
Census Records[edit | edit source]
| Historical populations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± |
| 1790 | 4,892 | — |
| 1800 | 12,839 | 162.4% |
| 1810 | 18,109 | 41.0% |
| 1820 | 20,027 | 10.6% |
| 1830 | 27,379 | 36.7% |
| 1840 | 44,006 | 60.7% |
| 1850 | 56,072 | 27.4% |
| 1860 | 90,244 | 60.9% |
| 1870 | 160,915 | 78.3% |
| 1880 | 133,065 | −17.3% |
| 1890 | 201,203 | 51.2% |
| 1900 | 257,121 | 27.8% |
| 1910 | 343,186 | 33.5% |
| 1920 | 390,991 | 13.9% |
| 1930 | 445,109 | 13.8% |
| 1940 | 441,518 | −0.8% |
| 1950 | 392,241 | −11.2% |
| 1960 | 346,972 | −11.5% |
| 1970 | 342,301 | −1.3% |
| 1980 | 343,079 | 0.2% |
| 1990 | 328,149 | −4.4% |
| 2000 | 319,255 | −2.7% |
| 2010 | 320,918 | 0.5% |
| Source: "Wikipedia.org". | ||
Church Records[edit | edit source]
Church records and the information they provide vary significantly depending on the denomination and the record keeper. For members, they may contain: age, date of baptism, christening, or birth; marriage date and maiden name; death/burial date. For general information about Pennsylvania denominations, see Pennsylvania Church Records.
County-wide Database – Multi-denominational
- 1708-1985 Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 at Historical Society of Pennsylvania – $, free to members of the society; Also available at Ancestry $
- Contains the church records of:
- Jonathan Worrall, J.P./Misc. Licenses, 1890-1915
- Avoca: Langcliffe Presbyterian Church
- Forty Fort: Presbyterian Church
- Freeland: Slovak Lutheran Church; St. John's United Church of Christ; St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Hazleton: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church; Trinity Lutheran Church
- Nanticoke: Primitive Methodist Church Nanticoke
- Pleasant Valley: United Methodist Church
- Shickshinny: United Methodist Church
- Sweet Valley: Pleasant Valley Sunday School
- West Hazleton: Christ United Church of Christ; St. Paul's United Church of Christ; Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
- West Pittston: First United Methodist Church; First United Presbyterian Church
- White Haven: St. Paul's Lutheran Church
- Wilkes-Barre: Central United Methodist Church; First Presbyterian Church; Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Cathedral; St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
- Wyoming: Presbyterian Church
African Methodist Episcopal
The African Methodist Episcopal and the African Methodist Episcopaln Zion congregations were established in Wilkes-Barre in 1842.
Baptist
The first Baptist services were held in Wilkes-Barre in 1842. The Kingston congregation was eventually absorbed in the Wilkes-Barre and Pittston churches. The Centennial Baptist was organized in 1874.
Catholic
The Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society, Inc. located in Wilkes-Barré, Luzerne County, in partnership with the Diocese of Scranton, has digitized the Sacramental & Burial records of all Catholic churches within the Diocese eleven county area, including Luzerne County. The digitized parish records can be viewed at NEPGS in Wilkes-Barré. The oldest Catholic church in Luzerne County is Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Wilkes-Barre.
Episcopal
The first Episcopalian services were held in 1814 in Wilkes-Barre. The church was chartered in 1817, as St. Stephen's Church. In 1869, St. Clement's was established.
Greek Orthodox
The Greek community purchased the Lutheran Church on 32 East Ross Street in Wilkes-Barre on May 29, 1924.
Lutheran
Lutheran congregations were primarily German until 1857. St Pauls and St. Johns were the early congregations.
- 1813-1876 Wapwallopen Union Reformed & Lutheran Church (Old River Church) Baptismal Records 1813 to 1876 Luzerne County, Pennsylvania at The USGenWeb Project
- St. John's Lutheran Church Records, Butler Township, courtesy USGenWeb Archives
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Ward and Branch Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Nanticoke
- Plymouth
Methodist Episcopal
Methodism was first preached by Anning Owen in 1788 in Luzerne County. Congregations were in Wilkes-Barre, Hanover, Newport, and the Plains. The Methodists purchased the old building on the square in Wilkes-Barre from the Presbyterians in 1831. This church was called the First Methodist Episcopal. A new building was completed in 1847. The Ross Street Methodist Episcopal was formed and built in 1855. Lists of leading members are found in Munsell's history.[8]
Moravian
The Moravians were in the area very early, before 1763. The outbreak of the French War forced the missionaries from the county.[9]
Presbyterian
The Presbyterian congregation was first served by Jacob Johnson from Groton, Connecticut in 1773. He helped begin the construction of the First Presbyterian Church in Wilkes Barre. It was finally completed in 1812 and was called "The Old Ship Zion". Other Connecticut ministers who served were Jabez Chadwick and James W. Woodworth. The congregation was partially Congregationalist until about 1829 when it became fully Presbyterian. Other early congregations were found in Nanicoke, Pittston and Ashley. Some lists of members are found in the Munsell history of Luzerne County.[10]
Hazleton Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church, Conyngham
- 1842-1875 Presbyterian Church, Conyngham, Baptism Index 1842-1875 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C524241.[11]
- 1846-1886 Presbyterian Church, Conyngham, Baptism Index 1846-1886 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M524241.[11]
Snowden Memorial Presbyterian Church, Larksville
- 1870-1881 Snowden Memorial Presbyterian Church, Larksville, Marriage Index 1870-1881 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M534981.[11]
- 1871-1875 Snowden Memorial Presbyterian Church, Larksville, Baptism Index 1871-1875 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C534981.[11]
List of Churches and Church Parishes
Court Records[edit | edit source]
For information about records kept in the Orphan's court, Prothonotary Court, Court of Common Pleas, and other courts in counties of Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Court Records Wiki page.
Directories[edit | edit source]
Emigration and Immigration[edit | edit source]
For online resources, passenger lists, and specific groups coming to Pennsylvania, see Pennsylvania Emigration and Immigration.
Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups[edit | edit source]
For groups that came, see People section of the Pennsylvania Emigration page.
Funeral Homes[edit | edit source]
Genealogies[edit | edit source]
Guardianship[edit | edit source]
The Orphan's Court ensures the best interests of those not capable of handling their own affairs: minors, incapacitated persons, decedents' estates, and more.[12]
- 1787 -1866 Orphans Court Dockets (Index 1787–1874) FHL film 959114 (first of 5 films)
Land and Property Records[edit | edit source]
Land and property records can place an ancestor in a specific location and reveal family relationships. Records include: deeds, abstracts, indexes, mortgages, leases, grants, sheriff sales, land patents, maps and more. For more information, see Pennsylvania Land and Property.
Land records in Luzerne County began in 1786. These records are filed with the Recorder of Deeds office in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.
Online Land Indexes and Records
- 1780 -1907 Deeds, 1787-1901; Indexes to Deeds, 1780-1907 FHL film 959165 (first of 222 films) The earlier indexes for what would become Luzerne County are for the most part in Northumberland County.
- 1788 -1924 Mortgage Indexes. FHL film 955110 (first of 23 films) - images only; click on the camera icon to view images
- 1968–present Images are available online using the Landex system. There is a fee to view the images.
Local Histories[edit | edit source]
- History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania: with Biographical Selections. 1893. Ed. by H. C. Bradsby. Chicago, Illinois : S.B. Nelson. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library, Hathitrust, Internet Archive; At various libraries (WorldCat).
- History of Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties, PA. 1880. By W.W. Munsell & Co. New York, New York : Munsell. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library, Hathitrust, Internet Archive, Google Books; At various libraries (WorldCat).
Maps and Gazetteers[edit | edit source]
Migration[edit | edit source]
Military Records[edit | edit source]
Civil War
- 1861-1865 - Pennsylvania, Register of Military Volunteers, 1861-1865 at FamilySearch — index
World War II
Naturalization and Citizenship[edit | edit source]
Naturalization records can contain information about immigration and nativity. Prior to 1906, it is rare to find the town of origin in naturalization records. For more information, see Pennsylvania Naturalization
Online Naturalization Indexes and Records
- 1795-1951 Some Naturalization Records, East PA 1795-1951 at PAGenWeb
- 1830-1906 Naturalization records, 1830-1906. FHL film 178658 item 3 (first of 30). - images only; click on the camera icon to view images; Includes index .
- 1850-1894 Declarations of intention, 1812-1906. FHL film 11728658 item 2 (first of 10). - images only; click on the camera icon to view images; Index 1850-1906.
- 1850-1906 Admissions, 1850-1906. FHL film 1728658 item 1 (first of 24). - images only; click on the camera icon to view images; Index 1850-1997.
- 1897-1906 Naturalization dockets and index, 1897-1906. FHL film 1728660 items 1-2. - images only; click on the camera icon to view images
- 1901-1930 Naturalization Petitions of the U.S. Circuit and District Courts for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, 1906-1930; and 1901-1906 on Fold3.com
- 1901-1930 Middle District, US Circuit and District Courts: Naturalization petitions, 1906-1930 located in U.S. Naturalization Records - Original Documents, 1795-1972 (World Archives Project) database on Ancestry $
- 1912-1942 Naturalization petitions, 1912-1942. FHL film 1728657 (first of 85). - images only; click on the camera icon to view images; Index 1912-1944.
Newspapers[edit | edit source]
Newspapers may contain obituaries, births, marriages, deaths, anniversaries, family gatherings, family travel, achievements, business notices, engagement information, and probate court proceedings. Newspapers are often found in local or university libraries, historical or genealogical societies, or state archives in the area where the newspaper was published. See Pennsylvania Newspapers for more information.
Newspapers of Luzerne County
- Pennsylvania Newspapers
- Chronicling America US Newspaper Directory
- The Luzerne also holds many local newspapers on microfilm. List of county newspaper holdings. Scroll to the bottom of the linked online page.
Online Newspapers
To learn if there are newspapers online for a specific town or city in Pennsylvania, see news.google.com/newspapers and search for the town or the name of a newspaper.
Online Newspaper Extracts
- 1947-2010 Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Collection, 1947-2010 at FamilySearch
- PA-Roots Newspaper Articles of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
- Luzerne County PAGenWeb Newspaper Extracts
- World War II Newspaper Clippings, Par 1-3, courtesy USGenWeb Archives
Obituaries[edit | edit source]
Obituaries are generally found in local newspapers where the person died or where family members lived. Local libraries or societies may have indexes or other sources.
Online Obituary Extracts
- PA-Roots Obituaries for Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
- Obits of Luzerne County at PAGenWeb.org
Other Records[edit | edit source]
Periodicals[edit | edit source]
Probate Records[edit | edit source]
Probate matters in Luzerne County are handled by the Orphans' Court and start when the county was created.
In addition to wills and administrations, the Orphans' Court also handles: audits of accounts of executors, administrators, trustees, and guardians; distribution of estates; appointments of guardians; adoptions; appeals from the Register of Wills; inheritance tax appeals, and various petitions and motions.
Some Luzerne County probate records were destroyed in the flood following Hurricane Agnes in 1972. According to sources in the county offices, of the county's earliest probate records, the estate files were destroyed but bound books generally survived.
Online Probate Indexes and Records
- 1683-1993 Pennsylvania Wills and Probate Records 1683-1993 at Ancestry $
- Will Index 1, 1787-1918, located on PAGenWeb - also includes year will was probated and residence of deceased.
- 1683-1994 Pennsylvania, Probate Records, 1683-1994 at FamilySearch - Complete Collection
- 1787-1916 Luzerne County Probate Records - Luzerne County Only
- 1787-1894 Will Records of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania FHL film 383431 (first of 6 films) - Index included: 1787-1894; images only; click on the camera icon to view images
School Records[edit | edit source]
Tax Records[edit | edit source]
- 1796, 1799 Taxables in Luzerne County. courtesy USGenWeb Archives
- 1798 Pennsylvania, U.S. Direct Tax Lists, 1798 at Ancestry ($).
Vital Records[edit | edit source]
Vital records are handled by the County Orphans' Court. Between the years 1852-1855 Pennsylvania made a failed attempt to record birth, marriage and death events at the county level. County marriage records were kept in earnest in 1885. Births and deaths, at the county level, were begun in 1893 and kept through 1905. For the most complete set of records, contact the County Orphans' Court.
Birth[edit | edit source]
Early births 1893–1905 are located at the County Orphans' Court. For more information, see Pennsylvania Vital Records.
- 1852-1854 Pennsylvania Births Ancestry $
Marriage[edit | edit source]
Pennsylvania marriages were created by county officals. Contact Luzerne County Courthouse.
- 1626-2016 Pennsylvania, United States Marriages at FindMyPast ($)
- 1677-1950 Pennsylvania Civil Marriages, 1677-1950 at FamilySearch
- 1700-1821 Pennsylvania Marriage Records Ancestry $
- 1725-1976 Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1709-1940 index. Not complete for all years. This index is an electronic database of information. The entries are primarily from the International Genealogical Index (IGI) along with some entries derived from compiled and original records such as: Family Records, Church Records, Civil Registration. It may also include indexes generated by the internet indexing project sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Pre-1810 Pennsylvania Marriages Ancestry $
- 1852-1854 Pennsylvania Marriages Ancestry $
- 1885-1950 Pennsylvania County Marriage, 1885-1950 Extracted marriage records – free. Most of the records consist of marriage licenses, certificates, applications, docket books, and affidavits. This database is incomplete for all counties. May also contain marriage records earlier than 1885.
Death[edit | edit source]
Early deaths 1893–1905 are located at the County Orphans' Court. For indexes and records, 1906 and later, see Pennsylvania Vital Records.
- 1720-1999 Pennsylvania Deaths and Burials, 1720-1999 at FamilySearch — index, some images
- 1850-1880 Pennsylvania Mortality Schedules, 1850-1880 at FamilySearch — index and images
- 1852-1854 Pennsylvania Deaths Ancestry $
- 1886-1905 Luzerne County Death Index 1886-1905 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
Divorce[edit | edit source]
Divorce records are available through the office of the Prothonotary, Luzerne County Courthouse.
Research Facilities[edit | edit source]
Archives[edit | edit source]
Listed below are archives in Luzerne County. For state-wide archival repositories, see Pennsylvania Archives and Libraries.
- National Archives at Philadelphia
14700 Townsend Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154-1096
Phone: 215-305-2044
Fax: 215-305-2052
website
Family History Centers[edit | edit source]
Family History Centers provide one-on-one assistance, free access to center-only databases, and to premium genealogical websites.
FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases, but may not always have full services normally provided by a family history center.
Local Centers and Libraries
- The Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society NEPGS Family History Research Library affiliated with Salt Lake Library
Libraries[edit | edit source]
Listed below are libraries in Luzerne County. For state-wide library facilities, see Pennsylvania Archives and Libraries.
- Osterhout Free Library
71 South Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-823-0156
Email: tlukashefski@osterhout.lib.pa.us
Website
- The library collection includes local newspapers, city directories, newspapers clippings file, a local history collection, and county census records for Luzerne and some neighboring counties. The library will do limited research for a fee. Online obituary and article request form.
- The library collection includes local newspapers, city directories, newspapers clippings file, a local history collection, and county census records for Luzerne and some neighboring counties. The library will do limited research for a fee. Online obituary and article request form.
Museums[edit | edit source]
Societies[edit | edit source]
Listed below are societies in Luzerne County. For state-wide genealogical societies, see Pennsylvania Societies.
- Luzerne County Historical Society
49 South Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barré, PA 18701
Phone: 570–823–6244
Website
- The society collection includes: Surname files, city directories, Wilkes–Barre Record Almanac Newspaper 1886 -1962 (contains death record for anyone over 10 who died in the county during this time period), microfilm of births and deaths (1893 -1905), delayed births (1877–1905), index to marriages (1885–1950), deed indexes, index to Orphans' Courts records
- The society collection includes: Surname files, city directories, Wilkes–Barre Record Almanac Newspaper 1886 -1962 (contains death record for anyone over 10 who died in the county during this time period), microfilm of births and deaths (1893 -1905), delayed births (1877–1905), index to marriages (1885–1950), deed indexes, index to Orphans' Courts records
- Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society, Inc. (NEPGS)
57 North Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barré, PA 18701
Phone (570) 829-1765
Website
mailto:nepgsmail@gmail.com
- The NEPGS Digital Collection includes the eleven county Diocese of Scranton church records.
Websites[edit | edit source]
- USGenWeb
- Luzerne County PA Genealogy
- FamilySearch Catalog – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection. Use Historical Records to search for specific individuals in genealogical records.
Research Guides[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Pennsylvania.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luzerne_County,_Pennsylvania accessed 2/12/2017
- ↑ The Handybook for Genealogists : United States of America, 10th ed., (Draper, UT: Everton Publishers, 2002) Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, p.591
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Pennsylvania.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Pennsylvania.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Pennsylvania.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Luzerne County, Pennsylvania," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luzerne_County%2C_Pennsylvania, accessed 26 January 2020.
- ↑ W.W. Munsell, History of Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties, Pa. (New York: Munsell, 1880). Online at: Hathitrust, Internet Archive, Google Books.
- ↑ W.W. Munsell, History of Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties, Pa. (New York: Munsell, 1880). Online at: Hathitrust, Internet Archive, Google Books.
- ↑ W.W. Munsell, History of Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties, Pa. (New York: Munsell, 1880). Online at: Hathitrust, Internet Archive, Google Books.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Genealogical Society of Utah, Parish and Vital Records List (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/images/1/10/Igipennsylvaniall.pdf.
- ↑ The Philadelphia Courts at Common Pleas accessed 10 July 2012
