Genealogy Research
The records vault is located in the Clerk’s Office. Research hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Appointments for genealogy researchers may be requested by email (countyclerk@eatoncounty.org) or by calling 517-543-2280. Access to in-person searching may be limited.
For your and our staff’s safety a mask or facial covering must be properly worn while in the enclosed public areas and social-distancing practiced.
Guidelines & Rules
We ask that you sign-in and follow our policies and be able to provide identification (government issued photo identification) Space allows for four genealogists at one time. We prefer children do not attend.
Our staff may be able to provide some assistance in researching or moving books (some are heavy) as their availability allows. You may also send us research requests ahead of time to shorten the time required in office.
View the general rules and policies (PDF) for more information.
Copy Fees
Certified copies of all records are $15 and $8 for each additional copy of the same record. Certified copies are the only type of copies we can provide.
A certified copy of a record on file is printed on special security paper and contains a raised, embossed seal. (Older copies that do not meet current standards may not be acceptable for legal purposes.)
Birth Records – 1867 to Present
Recorded in the county where the birth took place. Birth indexes are not available for review. Staff will assist in birth record searches as time permits. Birth records are public record if more than 100 years old, otherwise a private record. If the desired record is less than 100 years old and the individual is deceased, an heir may obtain it by providing a copy of the death certificate.
Death Records – 1867 to Present
Recorded in the county where the death took place. Death records are public record. Use the following resources for more information:
- Deaths outside of the U.S. (National Archives)
- Medical Examiner Autopsy reports
- Social Security Death Index - Find a person's year of death
Marriage Records – 1838 to Present
Recorded in the county of application (usually county of residence of bride or groom at the time). They are public record. Marriages without publicity (PDF) are not public record (restricted in who can get them) and would have to be requested from Probate Court by an eligible person.
Adoption Records
Adoptions that took place in Eaton County can be found by contacting:
Juvenile Court
822 Courthouse Drive
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: 517-543-6003
If the adoption took place in another county you would have to contact that county. View the State of Michigan's records.
Divorce Records – 1847 to Present
Divorce Records are available through the:
56th Circuit Court Clerk’s Office (2nd Floor)
1045 Independence Boulevard
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: 517-543-4335
Naturalization/Citizenship Records - 1836 to 1959
The State Archives of Michigan has the naturalization/citizenship records of Eaton County for the years 1836 to 1959. Eaton County has an index of these records in the Clerk’s Office. After 1959 these records were filed with the Federal Government. For more information, contact:
State Archives of Michigan
702 W Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Phone: 517-373-1408
Fax: 517-241-1658
State Archives of Michigan
Hours
Monday through Friday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In Eaton County the local city or township clerks manage the cemetery plots and information for their jurisdiction (unless it is privately owned)—you will need to contact them directly. To find a clerk look in the Eaton County Directory (PDF).
You can also view the following for more information:
For research assistance, you may contact the Eaton County Historical Commission at:
The Genealogy Room/Historical Room
Old Courthouse/Museum (Downtown Charlotte)
100 W Lawrence Avenue
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: 517-543-8792
Send a Request
Eaton County Historical Commission Website
Hours
Tuesday through Thursday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
They house copies of Eaton County marriage (1838 to 1924) and death (1867 to 1954) indexes on microfilm.