Meade County Kentucky Genealogy Resources
Meade County offers unique genealogy research opportunities. The county seat is Brandenburg. This north central Kentucky county borders the Ohio River. Meade County was established in 1823. It was named for James Meade. He was a captain in the War of 1812. The Ohio River shaped settlement. River traffic brought commerce. Meade County genealogy records span nearly 200 years. Families came for river access. They built farms and towns.
Meade County Quick Facts
Meade County Clerk Genealogy Records
The Meade County Clerk maintains essential genealogy records. Susan Masterson serves as County Clerk. Her office preserves documents from 1823 onward. Staff help researchers find family history.
Marriage licenses are a key resource. They document unions across generations. Couples obtained licenses in Brandenburg. These show family connections. Parents names may appear.
Land records are also maintained. These document property ownership. Families passed land through generations. Deeds name spouses and heirs. This helps prove relationships.
| Office | Meade County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Susan Masterson |
| Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (First and last Saturday only) |
| Website | meadeky.gov |
Contact the Clerk's office before visiting. Confirm record availability. Saturday hours are limited. Staff can guide your Meade County genealogy research.
Meade County Genealogy Record Types
The Meade County Clerk preserves various genealogy records. Marriage licenses document family unions. These trace relationships through time. They name couples and witnesses. Ages and residences appear.
Land records are available. These document property transfers. Families bought and sold land. Deeds show economic status. Boundary descriptions add context.
Motor vehicle records are maintained. These include registration documents. They show vehicle ownership. This can place ancestors in time.
Voter registration records exist. These show who lived in the county. They indicate civic participation. Family members may appear together.
| Record Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Marriage Licenses | Historical and current records |
| Land Records | Property deeds and transfers |
| Motor Vehicle | Registration and licensing |
| Voter Registration | Civic participation records |
Ohio River and Meade County Genealogy
Meade County borders the Ohio River. This waterway shaped local history. River traffic brought commerce. Ferries crossed here. Trade moved up and down stream.
The river created connections. Indiana lies across the water. Families moved between states. Research should include both sides. Don't limit work to Kentucky.
River industries employed residents. Steamboats needed crew. Shipping required workers. These jobs appear in records. Employment documents help research.
Civil War History and Meade County Genealogy
Meade County had Civil War significance. The Battle of Brandenburg occurred here. Morgan's Raid crossed the river. This 1863 event made history. Local families were affected.
Both sides had supporters. Families divided. Brothers fought brothers. This shaped local society. Post-war records reflect tensions.
Military records are important. Service documents show allegiance. Pension files contain details. Widows applied for benefits. These records help research.
Meade County Genealogy Research Tips
Meade County research benefits from Saturday hours. The Clerk opens on select Saturdays. Plan your visit carefully. Call to confirm Saturday availability.
Steps for Meade County genealogy success:
- Contact Susan Masterson's office first
- Confirm Saturday hours if needed
- Search land records from 1823
- Review marriage licenses for unions
- Check voter registration lists
- Search census records 1830-1950
Don't forget neighboring counties. Meade County borders several others. Hardin County is to the east. Breckinridge County lies to the west. Harrison County is to the north in Indiana. Check these for related records.
Cities in Meade County
Meade County includes Brandenburg as the county seat. Ekron and Muldraugh are other communities. Several smaller areas exist. Research may span multiple locations.
Other communities include Guston and Payneville. All share Meade County genealogy resources. Check records for all locations.
Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research
Meade County connects to several Kentucky counties. It also borders Indiana. Research should extend to neighboring areas. Families moved between counties and states.