Rappahannock County, Virginia Genealogy
Guide to Rappahannock County Virginia ancestry, family history, and genealogy. Birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, immigration records, and military records. This article is about a Virginia county formed in 1833. For other uses, see Rappahannock.
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
County Information
Description
Rappahannock County is located in the Piedmont Region of the Commonwealth of Virginia and named for the Rappahannock River.[2]
County Courthouse
Rappahannock County Courthouse
238 Gay Street
PO Box 517
Washington, VA 22747-0517
Phone: 540-675-5350
Rappahannock County Website
Clerk Circuit Court has marriage, divorce, probate and court records from 1833, land records from 1838 and some personal property records from 1834[3]
Rappahannock County, Virginia Record Dates
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 |
| 1853 | 1833 | 1853 | 1833 | 1838 | 1833 | 1810 |
General compliance year is unknown. | ||||||
Record Loss
|
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.
For suggestions about research in places that suffered historic record losses, see:
|
Boundary Changes
|
Populated Places
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]
| Towns | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Census-designated places | ||
History Timeline
Resources
Bible Records
For databases and indexes, see Virginia Bible Records.
- 1607-2007 Virginia, Historical Society Papers, 1607-2007 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Biographies
Business, Commerce, and Occupations
Cemeteries
- 1800-1986 Virginia, Jewish Cemetery Records Index, ca. 1800-1986 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Census Records
For databases, indexes, and information online, see Virginia Census.
| Historical populations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± |
| 1840 | 9,257 | — |
| 1850 | 9,782 | 5.7% |
| 1860 | 8,850 | −9.5% |
| 1870 | 8,261 | −6.7% |
| 1880 | 9,291 | 12.5% |
| 1890 | 8,678 | −6.6% |
| 1900 | 8,843 | 1.9% |
| 1910 | 8,044 | −9.0% |
| 1920 | 8,070 | 0.3% |
| 1930 | 7,717 | −4.4% |
| 1940 | 7,208 | −6.6% |
| 1950 | 6,112 | −15.2% |
| 1960 | 5,368 | −12.2% |
| 1970 | 5,199 | −3.1% |
| 1980 | 6,093 | 17.2% |
| 1990 | 6,622 | 8.7% |
| 2000 | 6,983 | 5.5% |
| 2010 | 7,373 | 5.6% |
| Source: "Wikipedia.org" | ||
1890 Union Veterans
- Virginia's Union Veterans: Eleventh Census of the United States 1890. By Ronald Ray Turner. FS Catalog book 975.5 X2t 1890; film 1425065, item 14. Includes residents of this county.
- 1890 Veterans Schedules of the U.S. Federal Census. Online at: Ancestry ($). Includes this county.
Church Records
List of Churches and Church Parishes
Baptist
- 1807-1850 Shiloh Baptist Association Minute Book 1807-1850 at Library of Virginia on microfilm (not online)
- 1827-1875 Battle Run Church (1773). Ben Venue Rural Historic District, near Flint Hill, VA. Minute books and membership lists, 1827-1875. FS Library film 30928 - images; also at Library of Virginia.
- 1805-1855 F. T. Church (1778). Sperryville, VA. Originally Raggedy Mountain Church. Minute books, 1805-1855 at Library of Virginia — images
- 1824-1922 Mount Salem Church (1824). Southeast of Washington, Va. on Rt. 626. Minute books, 1824-1922, at Library of Virginia — images
- Thornton Gap Church (1787). Sperryville, Va. online at Rappahannock Historical Society — index
Church of England
Quaker
Early monthly meetings (with years of existence):
- Culpeper Monthly Meeting (1777-1797)[9]
Court Records
Online Court Indexes and Records
- 1833-1846 Minute Book 1833-1846 at FamilySearch Catalog- images
- 1833-1916 Order Books 1833-1856, 1874-1916(+++) at FamilySearch Catalog - images
- 1834-1863 Register of Free Negroes 1834-1863 at FamilySearch Catalog - images
- 1851-1920 Accounts of Fiduciaries 1851-1920 at FamilySearch Catalog - images
- Chancery Court Records at Library of Virginia - index & images
Directories
- 1970-2024 United States, Residence Database, 1970-2024 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index, coverage may vary
Emigration and Immigration
For databases and immigrant groups, see Virginia Emigration and Immigration
Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups
African American
- 1865-1872 Virginia, Freedmen's Bureau Field Office Records, 1865-1872 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1935-2009 Virginia, African-American Funeral Programs, 1935-2009 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- Rappahannock County, Virginia Colored Marriage Register - free.
- Search the Library of Virginia's Virginia Untold collection for digitized records related to African Americans of Rappahannock County.
Funeral Homes
- 1935-2009 Virginia, African-American Funeral Programs, 1935-2009 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Genealogies
Compiled Genealogies by Surname
- See Rappahannock County, Virginia Compiled Genealogies for a list of published books and articles.
Guardianship
- 1833-1850 Guardian, administrator, and executor bonds, 1988-1850 at FamilySearch - images
Land and Property Records
For land indexes, records, and databases, see Virginia Land and Property, including Colonial and State Land Grants.
Online Land Indexes and Records
- Full-Text Search - Land Records at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; How to Search
Deeds
- 1833-1905 Deeds, 1833-1905. FS Library film 33660 (first of 10)(*) - images (deed books A-W); also FS Library film 2056961 (first of 6) - images (deed books A-L).
- 1833-1952 General index, 1833-1952. FS Library films 33657-33659(+++).
Local Histories
Maps and Gazetteers
County and state maps, historical and more current, are valuable research tools. For map collections, online and in libraries, see Virginia Maps.
for more resources
- FamilySearch Places: Cities and Towns in this county - How to Use FS Places
Migration
Military Records
Revolutionary War
- A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services: With their Names, Ages, and Places of Residence, as Returned by the Marshals of the Several Judicial Districts, Under the Act for Taking the Sixth Census. 1841. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library, Internet Archive, Ancestry ($). 1967 reprint: FS Catalog Collection 973 X2pc 1840. See Virginia, Eastern District, Rappahannock County on page 133.
War of 1812
- List of Pensioners on the Roll, January 1, 1883; Giving the Name of Each Pensioner, the Cause for Why Pensioned, the Post-Office Address, the Rate of Pension Per Month, and the Date of Original Allowance... Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1883. FS Catalog Collection 973 M2Lp v. 5; online at: Internet Archive, Ancestry ($). See Vol. 5, Virginia, Rappahannock County, p. 100. Identifies War of 1812 veterans living in this county in 1883.
Civil War
- 1861-1865 Virginia, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1861-1865 Virginia, Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers, 1861-1865 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1861-1865 U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865 at Ancestry — index (free)
- 1861-1865 U.S., Union Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865 at Ancestry — index (free)
Regiments. Civil War service men in Rappahannock County served in various regiments. Men often joined a company (within a regiment) that originated in their county. Listed below are companies that were specifically formed here:
- - 6th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry (Confederate). Company B (Rappahannock Cavalry) and Company C (Rockingham Cavalry, River Rangers).[10]
- - 7th Battalion, Virginia Infantry, Local Defense (1st Nitre Battalion) (Confederate). Company B (Rappahannock Guard) and Company G (Sperryville Sharpshooters).[11]
- - 12th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry (Confederate). Company G.[12]
- - 49th Regiment, Virginia Infantry (Confederate). Company D (Sperryville Sharpshooters) and Company I (Rappahannock Rifles).[13]
World War II
- 1940-1945 Virginia, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Naturalization and Citizenship
Newspapers
For online newspaper resources, see the Virginia Newspapers page.
- 1800s-Current Virginia, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-Current at Ancestry — index & images ($)
Obituaries
Other Records
Private Papers
- 1607-2007 Virginia, Historical Society Papers, 1607-2007 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- [Gibson] Davis, Bruce G. "Gibson Family Bible, Rappahannock County, Virginia," The Virginia Genealogist, Vol. 14, No. 4 (Oct.-Dec. 1970):163-164. Available at FS Library; digital version at American Ancestors by NEHGS ($).
Periodicals
Probate Records
For statewide probate records, indexes, and databases, see Virginia Probate Records.
Online Probate Indexes and Records
- 1652-1900 Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1900 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- 1600s-1800s Rappahannock County Wills, Estates, Indexes to Probate Records at Virginia Pioneers ($)
- Full-Text Search - Wills and Probate Records at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; How to Search
School Records
Social Security Records
- 1935-2014 United States Social Security Death Index at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index. Also at Ancestry, findmypast, Fold3, GenealogyBank, MyHeritage, and Steve Morse. Click here for more information.
- 1936-2007 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 at Ancestry ($) — index, click here for more information.
- 1936-2007 United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index
Tax Records
For additional online collections and the value and use of Virginia's tax lists in your research, see Virginia Taxation.
Vital Records
For additional indexes, databases, and details, see Virginia Vital Records.
Birth
- 1584-1917 Virginia Births and Christenings, 1584-1917 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1715-1901 Virginia, Vital Records, 1715-1901 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1853-1866 Virginia, Slave Birth Index, 1853-1866 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1853-1896 Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Birth Records, 1853-1896 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images, coverage may vary
- 1912-1913 Virginia, Birth Certificates, 1912-1913 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Marriage
- 1660-1959 Virginia, United States Marriages at at Findmypast — index($) — index $
- 1715-1901 Virginia, Vital Records, 1715-1901 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1740-1850 Virginia Marriages 1740-1850 at Ancestry — index ($)
- 1771-1989 Virginia, County Marriage Records, 1771-1989 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1785-1940 Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; Index; Also at: MyHeritage ($)
- 1785-1940 Virginia, Select Marriages, 1785-1940 at Ancestry — index ($)
- 1853-1935 Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Marriage Registers, 1853-1935 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images; Also at: Ancestry ($)
- 1854-1930 Rappahannock County, Virginia, Marriages 1854-1930 at Archive.org
- 1936-1988 Virginia, Marriage Certificates, 1936-1988 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Death
- 1715-1901 Virginia, Vital Records, 1715-1901 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1853-1911 Virginia, U.S., Death Registers, 1853-1911 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- 1853-1912 Virginia Deaths and Burials, 1853-1912 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1912-1987 Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Divorce
- 1918-1988 Virginia, Divorce Records, 1918-1988 at FamilySearch — index & images
Research Facilities
Archives
Listed below are archives in Rappahannock County. For state-wide facilities, see Virginia Archives and Libraries.
FamilySearch Centers
FamilySearch Center and Affiliate Library Locator map - search for local FamilySearch Centers or Affiliate Libraries
- FamilySearch 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 FamilySearch center.
Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries
- Culpeper Virginia FamilySearch Center
- Royal Virginia FamilySearch Center
- Harrisonburg Virginia FamilySearch Center
- Warrenton Virginia FamilySearch Center
- Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County 'AHHA' - an affiliate library
- Shenandoah County Library - an affiliate library
Libraries
Listed below are libraries in Rappahannock County. For state-wide library facilities, see Virginia Archives and Libraries.
Museums
Societies
Listed below are societies in Rappahannock County. For state-wide genealogical and historical societies, see Virginia Societies.
Rappahannock Historical Society
P.O. Box 261
328 Gay Street
Washington, VA 22747
Phone: 540-675-1163
Email: rapphistsoc@comcast.net
Website
Websites
- Rappahannock County, Virginia USGenWeb project
- 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
- "A Guide to the Counties of Virginia: Rappahannock County," The Virginia Genealogist, Vol. 21, No. 3 (Jul.-Sep. 1977):220-222. Available at FS Library; digital version at American Ancestors by NEHGS ($).
References
- ↑ Newberry
- ↑ https://www.rappahannock.com/about-rappahannock-county
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Iowa.At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Iowa.At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Newberry
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Iowa.At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Rappahannock County,_Virginia," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rappahannock_County,_Virginia#Communities accessed 25 February 2020.
- ↑ William Meade, Old Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia, 2 vols. (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott and Co., 1861). Digital versions at Internet Archive: Vol. I and Vol. II.
- ↑ Jay Worrall, The Friendly Virginians: America's First Quakers (Athens, Ga.: Iberian Publishing Company, 1994), 537-539. FS Library Book 975.5 K2wj.
- ↑ Michael P. Musick, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Lynchburg, Va.: H.E. Howard, c1990). FS Library Book 975.5 M2vr v. 66.
- ↑ David F. Riggs, 7th Virginia Infantry (Lynchburg, Va.: H.E. Howard, 1982). FS Library Book 975.5 M2vr v. 3.
- ↑ Dennis E. Frye, 12th Virginia Cavalry (Lynchburg, Va.: H.E. Howard, c1988). FS Library Book 975.5 M2vr v. 42.
- ↑ Richard B. Kleese, 49th Virginia Infantry (Appomattox, Va.: H.E. Howard, 2002). FS Library Book 975.5 M2vr v. 138.
