Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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{{Locality
''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Arkansas|Arkansas]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Polk_County,_Arkansas|Polk County]]''
|Name=Polk County
|ID=395546
|Level=2
|Country=United States
|CountryID=1
|Locality1=Arkansas
|Locality1id=367
|Locality2=Polk County
|Locality2id=395546
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2= [[Arkansas, United States Genealogy|Arkansas]]
| link3=
| link4=
| link5=[[Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy|Polk County]]
}} 


Guide to '''Polk County, Arkansas ancestry, genealogy and family history''', birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, and military records.
Guide to '''Polk County Arkansas genealogy.''' Birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.  


{| style="width:18%; float:right"
{{DCARbutton}}
|-
 
|
{{Infobox U.S. County
<center><div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Arkansas Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div></center>
 
|-
| county = Polk County
|
 
{{Infobox U.S. County 2016
| county_map = Ar-polk.png
 
| state = Arkansas
 
| state_map = Arkansas.png
 
| founded year = 1844
 
| founded date = November 30
 
| seat wl = Mena


|organized=  November 30,  1844
| building image =  
|county seat= Mena
|parent county= [[Sevier County, Arkansas Genealogy|Sevier]]<ref>''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'',10th ed. (Draper, UT: Everton Publishers, 2002).</ref>
|variant spellings=
|county1= [[Howard County, Arkansas Genealogy|Howard]]
|county2= [[LeFlore County, Oklahoma Genealogy|LeFlore (OK)]]
|county3= [[McCurtain County, Oklahoma Genealogy|McCurtain (OK)]]
|county4= [[Montgomery County, Arkansas Genealogy|Montgomery]]
|county5= [[Scott County, Arkansas Genealogy|Scott]]
|county6= [[Sevier County, Arkansas Genealogy|Sevier]]</br><center>[[Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy#Maps and Gazetteers|See County Maps]]</center>
|county7=
|county8=
|county9=
|county10=
|county courthouse= [[Image:ArkansasPolkCourthouse.jpg|245x245px]]
|county location in state= [[Image: Ar-polk.png|185x185px]]
|adoption=
}}
|}
<div style="width:17%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__</div>
== County Information ==


=== Description ===
| building address = [http://publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/AR_Polk.htm Polk County Courthouse]<br>507 Church Avenue; <br>Mena, AR 71953<br>Phone: 501.394.8123 <br>
Polk County was created 30 November 1844<ref>Individual County Chronologies, https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/AR_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm</ref> and was named for President James K. Polk.<ref>Genealogy Trails History Group, “Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy and History”, http://genealogytrails.com/ark/polk/</ref> Its county seat is Mena.<ref>''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'',10th ed. (Draper, UT: Everton Publishers, 2002).</ref> It is located in the west-central area of the state.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Polk County, Arkansas," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Polk_County,_Arkansas&oldid=1166319368 (accessed September 14, 2023).</ref>
}} <br>  


=== County Courthouse ===
== County Courthouse ==
{{AR Courthouse Intro|Polk}}


'''Polk County Courthouse'''<br>507 Church Avenue <br>Mena, AR 71953<br>Phone: 501-394-8123<br>[https://www.courtreference.com/Polk-County-Arkansas-Courts.htm Polk County Website]<br><br>County Clerk has marriage records from 1885, probate records from 1900 and cemetery records.<br>Clerk Circuit Court has divorce, land and court records from 1885 and military records.<ref>''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'',10th ed. (Draper, UT: Everton Publishers, 2002).</ref>
[http://publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/AR_Polk.htm Polk County Courthouse]<br>507 Church Avenue; <br>Mena, AR 71953<br>Phone: 501.394.8123 <br><br>County Clerk has marriage records from 1885, probate records from 1900 and cemetery records; Clerk Circuit Court has divorce, land and court records from 1885 and military records.<ref name="HB">''The Handybook for Genealogists : United States of America'', 10th ed., (Draper, UT: Everton Publishers, 2002), p. 70.</ref>  


=== Polk County, Arkansas ===
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
{{AR Records Intro}}
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" colspan="7" | <center>'''Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Polk County, Arkansas. Page 70 {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 67.</ref></center>
| width="100%" bgcolor="#ffcc99" align="center" colspan="6" | <center>'''Beginning years for {{PAGENAME}} government records'''<ref>Alice Eichholz, ''Red Book: American State, County and Town Sources'', 3rd ed. (Salt Lake City: Ancestry Pub., 2004), 65-67. {{WorldCat|55947869|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1185723|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27rb 2004}}.</ref></center>
|-
|-
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
| width="16.6%" align="center" | '''[[{{PAGENAME}}#Vital_Records|Birth]]'''  
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy#Marriage|Marriage]]'''
| width="16.6%" align="center" | '''[[{{PAGENAME}}#Vital_Records|Marriage]]'''  
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy#Death|Death*]]'''
| width="16.6%" align="center" | '''[[{{PAGENAME}}#Vital_Records|Death]]'''  
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy#Court Records|Court]]'''
| width="16.6%" align="center" | '''[[{{PAGENAME}}#Court|Court]]'''  
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy#Land and Property Records|Land]]'''
| width="16.6%" align="center" | '''[[{{PAGENAME}}#Land_and_Property|Land]]'''  
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy#Probate Records|Probate]]'''
| width="16.6%" align="center" | '''[[{{PAGENAME}}#Probate_Records|Probate]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy#Census Records|Census]]'''
|-
|-
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1914
| width="16.6%" align="center" | 1914*
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1885
| width="16.6%" align="center" | 1881
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1914
| width="16.6%" align="center" | 1914*
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1885
| width="16.6%" align="center" | 1885  
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1885
| width="16.6%" align="center" | 1885  
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1900
| width="16.6%" align="center" | 1900
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1830
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | <center>*State birth and death records began in 1914. Limited compliance until the 1920s</center>
| colspan="6" | <center>*State birth and death records began in 1914. Limited compliance until 1920's</center>
|}
|}


=== Record Loss ===
== History  ==
{|
|-
|
'''1883'''  A courthouse fire destroyed all records prior to 1883, except one probate record dating from September 1876, one county court record dating from July 1876, and one circuit court record dating from February 1877.<br><br>
{{Fire+}}
|}


=== Boundary Changes ===
==== Parent County ====
{{AR Boundary Changes Intro|Polk}}
{|
|-
|
*'''1844--'''Polk County was created 30 November 1844 from [[Sevier County, Arkansas Genealogy|Sevier]] County.
*'''County seat:''' Mena<ref>''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'',10th ed. (Draper, UT: Everton Publishers, 2002).</ref> <br>
*[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/AR_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#Individual_County_Chronologies Arkansas Individual County Chronologies] - Newberry Library list of all boundary changes by county
*[https://publications.newberry.org/ahcb/map/map.html#AR Arkansas Historical Borders - Map] at Newberry Library Atlas of Historical County Boundaries; ''Also at:'' [http://www.mapofus.org/arkansas/ mapofus.org] - animated maps illustrating Arkansas county boundary changes
 
|}
 
=== Populated Places ===
 
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit [https://arkansas.hometownlocator.com/counties/cities,cfips,113,c,polk.cfm Hometown Locator].
The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Polk County, Arkansas," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polk_County,_Arkansas, accessed 13 September 2018.</ref>
 
{{populated places
| cities-col1=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mena,_Arkansas Mena (county seat)]</div>
| cities-col2=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wickes,_Arkansas Wickes]</div>
| cities-col3=
| towns-col1=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cove,_Arkansas Cove]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grannis,_Arkansas Grannis]</div>
| towns-col2=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatfield,_Arkansas Hatfield]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandervoort,_Arkansas Vandervoort]</div>
| towns-col3=
| villages-col1=
| villages-col2=
| villages-col3=
| unincorp-col1=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ink,_Arkansas Ink]</div>
| unincorp-col2=
| unincorp-col3=
| census-col1=
| census-col2=
| census-col3=
| townships-col1=<div>
*Acorn (smallpart of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mena,_Arkansas Mena])
*Big Fork
*Cedar
*Center (most of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mena,_Arkansas Mena])
*Cove ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatfield,_Arkansas Hatfield])
*Eagle</div>
| townships-col2=<div>
*Faulkner
*Freedom
*Fulton
*Gap Springs
*Mill Creek
*Mountain</div>
| townships-col3=<div>
*Ouachita
*Ozark ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grannis,_Arkansas Grannis], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wickes,_Arkansas Wickes])
*Potter (small part of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mena,_Arkansas Mena])
*Rich Mountain
*White ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cove,_Arkansas Cove], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandervoort,_Arkansas Vandervoort])</div>
| defunct-townships-col1=
| defunct-townships-col2=
| defunct-townships-col3=
| hist-townships-col1=
| hist-townships-col2=
| hist-townships-col3=
| unorgan-col1=
| unorgan-col2=
| unorgan-col3=
| ghost-col1=
| ghost-col2=
| ghost-col3=
| uncategorized-col1=
| uncategorized-col2=
| uncategorized-col3=
}}
 
=== History Timeline ===
{{AR Historical Timeline Intro|Polk}}


Emphasis for this timeline is on events that affected migration, records, or record-keeping. Unless otherwise mentioned, the events below were taken from the Polk County page on the website, [http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/ The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture]. <ref>Roy Vail, ''The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture,'' (http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=800&type=Category&item=Counties&parent=Counties%2c+Cities%2c+and+Towns&grandparent=+%3a+accessed+January+6%2c+2016)%2c : accessed January 15, 2016), “Polk County.”</ref>
*'''1844--'''Polk County was created 30 November 1844&nbsp;from [[Sevier County, Arkansas|Sevier]] County.&nbsp; '''County seat: '''Mena <ref name="Handybook">''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'',10th ed. (Draper, UT:Everton Publishers, 2002).</ref>


== Resources ==
==== Boundary Changes  ====
{{AR Resources Intro|Polk}}


=== Bible Records ===
For animated maps illustrating Arkansas county boundary changes, [http://www.mapofus.org/arkansas/ "Rotating Formation Arkansas County Boundary Maps"] (1813-1925) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.
{{AR Bible Intro|Polk}}
==== Variant Spellings  ====
* [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ar/polk/polk.htm Polk County Bible Records] at Arkansas USGenWeb Project Archives


=== Biographies ===
==== Record Loss ====
{{AR Biographies Intro|Polk}}
For a list of record loss in Arkansas counties see: [http://www.genealogyinc.com/arkansas/ar-counties.html#courthouse Arkansas Counties with Burned Courthouses]


=== Business, Commerce, and Occupations ===
== Places/Localities  ==
{{AR Business Records Intro|Polk}}


=== Cemeteries ===
==== Populated Places ====
{| style = "border:1px solid black; width:70%;"
|-
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>'''Cemeteries of Polk, Arkansas''' online and in print</center>
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''</center>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" valign="top" style="border:1px solid black" |
*[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/search?firstname=&middlename=&lastname=&birthyear=&birthyearfilter=&deathyear=&deathyearfilter=&location=Polk+County%2C+Arkansas%2C+United+States+of+America&locationId=county_149&memorialid=&mcid=&linkedToName=&datefilter=&orderby=r Find a Grave]
*[https://billiongraves.com/search/results?cemetery_country=United%20States&cemetery_state=Arkansas&cemetery_county=Polk&year_range=5&size=15 BillionGraves]
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/ar/polk/polk.htm USGW Tombstone Transcription Project]
*[http://www.interment.net/us/ar/index.htm Interment.net]
*[https://arkansasgravestones.org/cemeteries.php?selected_cid=45 Arkansas Gravestones]
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions in Print''' ([[The Value of Cemetery Records in Print |Often more complete]])</center>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
* {{FSC|United States, Arkansas, Polk - Cemeteries|subject|subject-id=383726720|disp=FamilySearch Catalog}}
* [https://www.worldcat.org/search?qt=worldcat_org_all&q=polk%2C+Arkansas+cemeteries+ WorldCat.org]
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" |<center>'''List of Cemeteries in the County'''</center>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
*[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/search?cemetery-name=&cemetery-loc=Polk+County%2C+Arkansas%2C+United+States+of+America&only-with-cemeteries=cemOnly&locationId=county_149 Find a Grave]
*[https://billiongraves.com/search/cemetery BillionGraves]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?includeIsParent=true&primaryText=Polk,%20Arkansas,%20United%20States&reqParents=395546&reqParentsLabel=County&reqParentsType=209&searchTypeaheadInputText=Search%20Within:Polk,%20Arkansas,%20United%20States&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
|-
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>See '''[[Arkansas Cemeteries]]''' for more information</center>
|}


=== Census Records ===
==== Neighboring Counties  ====
{{AR Census Intro|Polk}}
[[Howard County, Arkansas|Howard]] {{•}}
{{Historical populations
[[LeFlore County, Oklahoma|LeFlore County, Oklahoma]] {{•}}
|type = USA
[[McCurtain County, Oklahoma|McCurtain County, Oklahoma]] {{•}}
|heading = Census
[[Montgomery County, Arkansas|Montgomery]] {{•}}
|footnote = Source: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polk_County,_Arkansas#Demographics "Wikipedia.org".]  
[[Scott County, Arkansas|Scott]] {{•}}
|1850 |1263
[[Sevier County, Arkansas|Sevier]] {{•}}
|1860 |4262
<center>{{ARPolk County, Arkansas Clickable Neighbors}}</center>
|1870 |3376
|1880 |5857
|1890 |9283
|1900 |18352
|1910 |17216
|1920 |16412
|1930 |14857
|1940 |15832
|1950 |14182
|1960 |11981
|1970 |13297
|1980 |17007
|1990 |17347
|2000 |20229
|2010 |20662
}}


=== Church Records ===
== Genealogy Resources  ==
{{AR Church Intro|Polk}}<br>
'''List of Churches and Church Parishes'''
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=395546&reqParentsLabel=Polk%2C%20Arkansas%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]'''
*'''1875-1899''' {{RecordSearch|2790263|Nebraska, Church Records, 1875-1899}} at FamilySearch — index - [[Nebraska, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]


=== Court Records ===
==== Research Guides  ====
{{AR Court Intro|Polk}}
* '''1876-1883''' {{FSC|399527|item|disp=Court Record, 1876-1883}}(*); County Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1877-1882''' {{FSC|423533|item|disp=Circuit Court Record, vol. G, 1877-1882}}(*); Circuit Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1879-1904''' {{FSC|423490|item|disp=Justice of the Peace Docket, 1879-1904}}(*); Justice of the Peace Court at FamilySearch Catalog — images
* '''1885-1951''' {{FSC|672707|item|disp=Court Records, 1885-1951}}(*); Chancery Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images


=== Directories ===
==== African Americans  ====
{{AR Directories Intro|Polk}}
*'''1970-2024''' {{RecordSearch|5000290|United States, Residence Database, 1970-2024}} at FamilySearch — [[United States, Residence Database - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index, coverage may vary<br>


=== Emigration and Immigration ===
==== Bible Records ====
{{AR Emigration Intro|Polk}}


=== Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups ===
==== Cemeteries  ====
{{AR Ethnic Groups Intro|Polk}}


=== Funeral Homes ===
==== Census ====
{{AR Funeral Homes Intro|Polk}}


*[https://www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com Beasley Wood Funeral Home] in Mena
==== Church Records  ====
*[https://www.bowserffh.com Bowser Family Funeral Home] in Mena


=== Genealogies  ===
{{AR Church Intro}}  
{{AR Genealogies Intro|Polk}}


=== Guardianship ===
==== Court  ====
{{AR Guardianship Intro|Polk}}


*[https://familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch.org%2Frecapi%2Fsord%2Fwaypoint%2FM7Q8-SNL%3A353277801%3Fcc%3D2061549 Probate Records 1883-1957] Polk County portion of the collection: {{RecordSearch|2061549|''Arkansas Probate Records, 1817-1979''|access=browse}}: ''Arkansas Probate Records, 1817-1979'' FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
==== Genealogy ====
**Includes Administration bonds 1883-1919; Guardian bonds 1883-1921; Probate records 1876-1888; Wills 1901-1957. - [[Arkansas Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]


=== Land and Property Records ===
==== Land and Property ====
{{AR Land Intro|Polk}}


''Online Land Indexes and Records''<br>
{{AR Land Intro}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Land Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


==== Local Histories  ====


=== Local Histories ===
{{AR History Intro}}
{{AR Histories Intro|Polk}}


*''Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas.'' Chicago : Southern Publishing Co., 1891. '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/300562-biographical-and-historical-memoirs-of-western-arkansas-comprising-a-condensed-history-of-the-state-a-number-of-biographies-of-distinguished-citizens-of-the-same-a-brief-descriptive-history-of-each-of-the-counties-mentioned-and-numerous-bi?offset=9 FamilySearch Digital Library], [https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/009570646 HathiTrust], [https://archive.org/details/biographicalhist00pres Internet Archive]; {{WorldCat|875428806|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}.
==== History Timeline ====


=== Maps and Gazetteers ===
Emphasis for this timeline is on events that affected migration, records, or record-keeping. Unless otherwise mentioned, the events below were gleaned from Arkansas County - The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History &amp; Culture [http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=745]
{{AR Maps Intro|Polk}}
{{AR Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{AR Polk County}}}}


==== Maps  ====
*[http://www.mapofus.org/arkansas/ Maps of Arkansas (1813-1925)]
*[http://www.mapofus.org/arkansas/ Maps of Arkansas (1813-1925)]
*[http://www.historygeo.com/v3/search/ Family Maps of Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy] (land patent maps) at HistoryGeo.com ($). Free surname search.
*[http://www.historygeo.com/search/ Family Maps of {{PAGENAME}}] (land patent maps) at HistoryGeo.com ($). Free surname search.
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=395546&reqParentsLabel=Polk%2C%20Arkansas%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=8&reqTypeLabel=Cities%20and%20Towns FamilySearch Places]: Map of cities and towns in this county - [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]]
*[https://digitalheritage.arkansas.gov/maps/ Arkansas State Archives State Maps Collection] at [https://digitalheritage.arkansas.gov/ Arkansas Digital Archives]


=== Migration ===
==== Military  ====
{{AR Migration Intro|Polk}}


=== Military Records ===
===== Civil War  =====
{{AR Military Intro|Polk}}


==== Civil War ====
{{VAciv}}  
{{AR Civil War Intro|Polk}}


{{AR Civil War Regiments|Polk}}
:- [[19th Regiment, Arkansas Infantry (Dawson's) (Confederate)|19th Regiment, Arkansas Infantry (Dawson's)&nbsp;(Confederate)]]  
:- [[19th Regiment, Arkansas Infantry (Dawson's) (Confederate)|19th Regiment, Arkansas Infantry (Dawson's) (Confederate)]]
:- [[33rd Regiment, Arkansas Infantry (Confederate)|33rd Regiment, Arkansas Infantry&nbsp;(Confederate)]]  
:- [[33rd Regiment, Arkansas Infantry (Confederate)|33rd Regiment, Arkansas Infantry (Confederate)]]
:- [[3rd Regiment, Arkansas Cavalry (Union)|3rd Regiment, Arkansas Cavalry (Union)]] <ref>Desmond Walls Allen, ''Third Arkansas Union Cavalry,'' (Conway, Arkansas: Arkansas Research, c1987), p. 33-92. {{FHL|664007|item|disp=FHL book 976.7 M28dc}}</ref> Company E <br>
:- [[3rd Regiment, Arkansas Cavalry (Union)|3rd Regiment, Arkansas Cavalry (Union)]] <ref>Desmond Walls Allen, ''Third Arkansas Union Cavalry,'' (Conway, Arkansas: Arkansas Research, c1987), p. 33-92. {{FSC|664007|item|disp=FS Catalog book 976.7 M28dc}}</ref> Company E


'''Online Records
==== Naturalization  ====


*'''1861-1865''' {{RecordSearch|1932392|Arkansas Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers, 1861-1865}} at FamilySearch — index - [[Arkansas Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
==== Newspapers  ====
*'''1890-1963''' {{RecordSearch|2126715|Arkansas Confederate Soldier Home,1890-1963}} at FamilySearch — index & images - [[Arkansas, Confederate Soldier Home Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1891-1939''' {{RecordSearch|1921864|Arkansas Ex-Confederate Pension Records, 1891-1939}} at FamilySearch — index & images - [[Arkansas Ex-Confederate Pension Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1901-1929''' {{RecordSearch|1837922|Arkansas Confederate Pensions, 1901-1929}} at FamilySearch — index & images - [[Arkansas Confederate Pensions - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]


=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
{{AR Newspapers|Polk}}  
{{AR Naturalization Intro|Polk}}


=== Newspapers ===
==== Occupations  ====
{{AR Newspapers Intro|Polk}}
*'''1800s-Current''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/50028/ Arkansas, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-Current] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1800s-1999''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62116/ U.S., Newspapers.com Marriage Index, 1800s-1999] at Ancestry - index ($)
{{AR Newspapers|Polk}}


=== Obituaries ===
==== Probate Records  ====
{{AR Obituaries Intro|Polk}}


=== Other Records ===
{{AR Probate Intro}}  
{{AR Other Records Intro|Polk}}


=== Periodicals ===
*[https://familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch.org%2Frecords%2Fwaypoint%2FM99B-VPM%3A1370350933%3Fcc%3D2061549 Probate Records 1883-1957] Part of: ''Arkansas Probate Records, 1817-1979'' FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
{{AR Periodicals Intro|Polk}}
**Includes Administration bonds 1883-1919; Guardian bonds 1883-1921; Probate records 1876-1888; Wills 1901-1957.


=== Probate Records ===
==== Taxation  ====
{{AR Probate Intro|Polk}}
''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br>
* '''1783-1998''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8638 Arkansas Wills and Probate Records 1783-1998] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
* '''1817-1979''' {{RecordSearch|2061549|Arkansas Probate Records, 1817-1979}}(*) at FamilySearch — [[Arkansas Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images
* '''1876-1957''' {{FSC|471346|item|disp=Probate Court Records, 1876-1957}}(*); Probate Court at FamilySearch Catalog — images
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Wills and Probate Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


{{AR Tax Intro}}


=== School Records ===
==== Vital Records ====
{{AR Schools Intro|Polk}}
===Social Security Records===
*'''1935-2014''' {{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}} at FamilySearch - [[United States Social Security Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index. ''Also at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3693/ Ancestry], [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/social-security-death-index findmypast], [https://www.fold3.com/title/830/ Fold3], [https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/ssdi/all GenealogyBank], [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10002/us-social-security-death-index-ssdi?s=270606331 MyHeritage], and [https://stevemorse.org/ssdi/ssdi.html Steve Morse].'' [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|Click here for more information]].
*'''1936-2007''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007] at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/ Ancestry ($)] — index, [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Applications and Claims Index|click here for more information]].
*'''1936-2007''' {{RecordSearch|5000016|United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007}} at FamilySearch - [[United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT) - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


=== Tax Records ===
{{AR Vital Intro}}  
{{AR Tax Intro|Polk}}
See also [http://www.genealogyinc.com/arkansas/ar-vital-records/ How to order Arkansas Vital Records]


=== Vital Records ===
===== Birth  =====
{{AR Vital Intro|Polk}}


==== Birth ====
===== Marriage  =====
{{AR Birth Intro|Polk}}


==== Marriage ====
*'''1881-1952''' - Polk County Marriage Books A-W Index 1881-1952 in {{RecordSearch|1417439|Arkansas, County Marriages, 1837-1957}} at FamilySearch - free.<ref name="hc">FamilySearch Wiki contributors, "[[Arkansas_County_Marriages_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)|Arkansas County Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]," in ''FamilySearch Wiki,'' accessed 18 April 2013.</ref>
{{AR Marriage Intro|Polk}}
*'''1881-1923''' - Polk County Marriage Books A-N Index 1881-1923 in [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/igi International Genealogical Index] at FamilySearch - free.<ref name="vr">Genealogical Society of Utah, ''Parish and Vital Records List'' (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/images/d/d7/Arkansasnz.pdf.</ref>
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3434 Polk county Marriages, 1901-05] at Ancestry.com ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3439 Polk county Marriages, 1906-10] at Ancestry.com ($)


*'''1779-1966''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=ar%2carkansas Arkansas, United States Marriages] at Findmypast — index $
===== Death =====
*'''1800-Onward''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20638/arkansas-marriages?s=275764761 Arkansas Marriages] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
*'''1860-1976''' {{RecordSearch|2546158|Arkansas Church Marriages, 1860-1976}} at FamilySearch — index & images - [[Arkansas Church Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1881-1923''' Polk County Marriage Books A-N Index 1881-1923 in [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/igi International Genealogical Index] at FamilySearch.<ref>Genealogical Society of Utah, ''Parish and Vital Records List'' (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at [[Media:Arkansasnz.pdf|https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/images/d/d7/Arkansasnz.pdf]].</ref>
*'''1881-1952'''  Polk County Marriage Books A-W Index 1881-1952 in {{RecordSearch|1417439|Arkansas, County Marriages, 1837-1957}} at FamilySearch - [[Arkansas County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1901-1905''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3434 Polk county Marriages, 1901-05] at Ancestry ($)
*'''1906-1910''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3439 Polk county Marriages, 1906-10] at Ancestry ($)
*'''1917-1969''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61775/ Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1969] at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/ Ancestry.com] - index & images ($)


==== Death ====
===== Vital Record Substitutes  =====
{{AR Death Intro|Polk}}
*'''1812-Onward''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20537/arkansas-deaths?s=275764761 Arkansas Deaths] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1914-1969''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61777/ Arkansas, Death Certificates, 1914-1969] at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/ Ancestry.com] - index & images ($)
*'''1935-1961''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10923/arkansas-death-index-1935-1961 Arkansas, Death Index, 1935-1961] at [https://www.myheritage.com/research MyHeritage] - index & images ($)


==== Divorce ====
== Genealogy Societies and Libraries  ==
{{AR Divorce Intro|Polk}}
*[http://www.genealogyinc.com/arkansas/ar-society-archive/ List of Arkansas Archives, Libraries, Publications, Historical & Genealogical Societies]
*'''1923-1969''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61776/ Arkansas, Divorces, 1923-1969] at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/ Ancestry.com] - index ($)


=== Voting Records ===
==== Family History Centers  ====
*'''1700-Onward''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20353/arkansas-voter-registrations?s=275764761 Arkansas Voter Registrations] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
*'''1868-1910''' {{RecordSearch|3499874|Arkansas, County Voter Registration Records, 1868-1910}} at FamilySearch — index & images - [[Arkansas, County Voter Registration Records - FamilySearch Historical Record|How to Use this Collection]]


== Research Facilities ==
*[[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers]]
{{AR Research Facilities Intro|Polk}}
*[[Mena Arkansas Family History Center]] 2590 Hwy 88 E. Mena AR 71953-4509


=== Archives ===
United States
{{AR Archives Intro|Polk}}


=== FamilySearch Centers ===
==== Websites  ====
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}


*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/ar/mena/2590-highway-88-east Mena Arkansas FamilySearch Center]
{{WA Websites Intro}}


=== Libraries ===
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
{{AR Libraries Intro|Polk}}
|-
| width="100%" bgcolor="#ADFF85" colspan="3" | <center>'''Sites with online indexes or images of records''' </center>
|-
| width="30%" | [http://argenweb.net/polk/ ARGenWeb]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ar/polk/polk.htm USGenWeb Archives]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
|}


=== Museums ===
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
{{AR Museums Intro|Polk}}
|-
== Societies ==
| width="100%" bgcolor="#94FFFF" colspan="3" | <center>'''Sites that search for links pertaining to {{PAGENAME}}''' </center>
{{AR Societies Intro|Polk}}
|-
| width="30%" | [http://resources.rootsweb.ancestry.com/USA/AR/Polk/ RootsWeb resources]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/AR/Polk/ Linkpendium]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.cyndislist.com/us/ar/counties/polk/ CyndisList]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.genealogyinc.com/arkansas/polk-county/ StateofUS]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | family history resources and government records
|}


'''Polk County, Arkansas History and Genealogy'''<br>P.O. Box 1525<br>Mena, AR 71953<br>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/604567923819555 Facebook]<br><br>
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
== Websites ==
|-
{{AR Websites Intro|Polk}}
| width="100%" bgcolor="#FFFF66" colspan="2" | <center>'''Major catalogs for ''hard copy'' collections of {{PAGENAME}}''' <br>Books, microfilm, or manuscripts of genealogical records</center>
|-
| width="30%" | [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=194622&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Arkansas%2C%20Polk%22 FamilySearch catalog]
| width="70%" | Select topics. To select towns, add a comma to the search box.
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=polk+county%2C+arkansas&qt=results_page WorldCat]
| width="70%" | To find nearby libraries that have specific items, see [[WorldCat Online Catalog]].
|-
| width="30%" | [http://smartcat.acpl.lib.in.us/?q=polk+county%2C+arkansas&image.x=0&image.y=0 Allen County Public Library]
| width="70%" | located in Indiana They are heavily involved in digitizing.
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.ark-ives.com/documenting/county_records.aspx Arkansas History Commission]  
| width="70%" | AR state agency involved in organizing and maintaining state and local history of AR
|-
| width="100%" colspan="2" | <center>'''See also''' [[{{PAGENAME}}#Genealogy_Societies_and_Libraries|local libraries]] and [[Arkansas Archives and Libraries]]</center>
|}
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
|-
| width="100%" bgcolor="#FAEBD7" colspan="3" | <center>'''Social networking sites pertaining to {{PAGENAME}}''' </center>
|-
|width="30%"|[http://geneabloggers.com/genealogy-blogs/ GeneaBloggers]
|width=""70%"| enter "arkansas" in the search box to see a list and links to Arkansas Blogs
|-
| width="30%" | [https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!search/arkansas$20genealogy$20|sort:relevance|spell:false Google+]
| width="70%" |list of groups from "arkansas genealogy" search
|-
| width="30" | [https://www.facebook.com/search/str/arkansas%2520genealogy/groups-named Facebook]
| width="70%" | list of groups from "Arkansas Genealogy" search
|-
|width="30%" | [http://genforum.genealogy.com/ar/polk/ genealogy.com]
|width="70%" | Polk County, AR Genealogy Forum
|-
|width="30%" | [http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.northam.usa.states.arkansas.counties.polk/mb.ashx ancestry.com]
|width="70%" | Polk County Message Board
|}


* [http://argenweb.net/polk/ ARGenWeb]
== References  ==
* [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ar/polk/polk.htm USGenWeb Archives]
* [http://www.linkpendium.com/polk-ar-genealogy/ Linkpendium]
* [http://www.cyndislist.com/us/ar/counties/polk/ Cyndi's List]
*{{FSC Place IDNum|2342|Arkansas|Polk}}- The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection.  Use [https://familysearch.org/search/ Historical Records] to search for specific individuals in genealogical records


== Research Guides ==
<references />
{{AR Research Guides Intro|Polk}}


== References ==
{{Arkansas|Arkansas}}
<references />


{{Arkansas|Arkansas}}
[[Category:IGIcheck]] [[Category:Polk_County,_Arkansas]]
[[Category:IGIcheck]]  
[[Category:Polk_County,_Arkansas]]
[[Category:Arkansas_Counties]]
[[Category:Arkansas, United States]]

Revision as of 07:41, 8 July 2014

United States Gotoarrow.png Arkansas Gotoarrow.png Polk County

Guide to Polk County Arkansas genealogy. Birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.


Polk County, Arkansas
Map
Map of Arkansas highlighting Polk County
Location in the state of Arkansas
Map of the U.S. highlighting Arkansas
Location of Arkansas in the U.S.
Facts
Founded November 30, 1844
County Seat Mena
Courthouse
Address Polk County Courthouse
507 Church Avenue;
Mena, AR 71953
Phone: 501.394.8123

County Courthouse[edit | edit source]

Polk County Courthouse
507 Church Avenue;
Mena, AR 71953
Phone: 501.394.8123

County Clerk has marriage records from 1885, probate records from 1900 and cemetery records; Clerk Circuit Court has divorce, land and court records from 1885 and military records.[1]

Beginning years for Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy government records[2]
Birth Marriage Death Court Land Probate
1914* 1881 1914* 1885 1885 1900
*State birth and death records began in 1914. Limited compliance until 1920's

History[edit | edit source]

Parent County[edit | edit source]

  • 1844--Polk County was created 30 November 1844 from Sevier County.  County seat: Mena [3]

Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]

For animated maps illustrating Arkansas county boundary changes, "Rotating Formation Arkansas County Boundary Maps" (1813-1925) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.

Variant Spellings[edit | edit source]

Record Loss[edit | edit source]

For a list of record loss in Arkansas counties see: Arkansas Counties with Burned Courthouses

Places/Localities[edit | edit source]

Populated Places[edit | edit source]

Neighboring Counties[edit | edit source]

Howard • LeFlore County, Oklahoma • McCurtain County, Oklahoma • Montgomery • Scott • Sevier •

Template:ARPolk County, Arkansas Clickable Neighbors

Genealogy Resources[edit | edit source]

Research Guides[edit | edit source]

African Americans[edit | edit source]

Bible Records[edit | edit source]

Cemeteries[edit | edit source]

Census[edit | edit source]

Church Records[edit | edit source]

Court[edit | edit source]

Genealogy[edit | edit source]

Land and Property[edit | edit source]

Local Histories[edit | edit source]

History Timeline[edit | edit source]

Emphasis for this timeline is on events that affected migration, records, or record-keeping. Unless otherwise mentioned, the events below were gleaned from Arkansas County - The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture [1]

Maps[edit | edit source]

Military[edit | edit source]

Civil War[edit | edit source]

Regiments. Service men in Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy 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 in Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy:


- 19th Regiment, Arkansas Infantry (Dawson's) (Confederate)
- 33rd Regiment, Arkansas Infantry (Confederate)
- 3rd Regiment, Arkansas Cavalry (Union) [4] Company E

Naturalization[edit | edit source]

Newspapers[edit | edit source]

Finding More Arkansas Newspapers Additional newspapers abstracts can sometimes be found using search phrases such as Polk newspapers in online catalogs like:


Occupations[edit | edit source]

Probate Records[edit | edit source]

  • Probate Records 1883-1957 Part of: Arkansas Probate Records, 1817-1979 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
    • Includes Administration bonds 1883-1919; Guardian bonds 1883-1921; Probate records 1876-1888; Wills 1901-1957.

Taxation[edit | edit source]

Vital Records[edit | edit source]

See also How to order Arkansas Vital Records

Birth[edit | edit source]
Marriage[edit | edit source]
Death[edit | edit source]
Vital Record Substitutes[edit | edit source]

Genealogy Societies and Libraries[edit | edit source]

Family History Centers[edit | edit source]

United States

Websites[edit | edit source]

Check back often with websites. Local societies and libraries may know of other websites.

Sites with online indexes or images of records
ARGenWeb Free Data may be submitted by individuals or complete transcriptions
USGenWeb Archives Free Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
Sites that search for links pertaining to Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy
RootsWeb resources Free Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
Linkpendium Free Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
CyndisList Free Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
StateofUS Free family history resources and government records
Major catalogs for hard copy collections of Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy
Books, microfilm, or manuscripts of genealogical records
FamilySearch catalog Select topics. To select towns, add a comma to the search box.
WorldCat To find nearby libraries that have specific items, see WorldCat Online Catalog.
Allen County Public Library located in Indiana They are heavily involved in digitizing.
Arkansas History Commission AR state agency involved in organizing and maintaining state and local history of AR
See also local libraries and Arkansas Archives and Libraries
Social networking sites pertaining to Polk County, Arkansas Genealogy
GeneaBloggers enter "arkansas" in the search box to see a list and links to Arkansas Blogs
Google+ list of groups from "arkansas genealogy" search
Facebook list of groups from "Arkansas Genealogy" search
genealogy.com Polk County, AR Genealogy Forum
ancestry.com Polk County Message Board

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ The Handybook for Genealogists : United States of America, 10th ed., (Draper, UT: Everton Publishers, 2002), p. 70.
  2. ↑ Alice Eichholz, Red Book: American State, County and Town Sources, 3rd ed. (Salt Lake City: Ancestry Pub., 2004), 65-67. At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27rb 2004.
  3. ↑ The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America,10th ed. (Draper, UT:Everton Publishers, 2002).
  4. ↑ Desmond Walls Allen, Third Arkansas Union Cavalry, (Conway, Arkansas: Arkansas Research, c1987), p. 33-92. FHL book 976.7 M28dc
  5. ↑ FamilySearch Wiki contributors, "Arkansas County Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)," in FamilySearch Wiki, accessed 18 April 2013.
  6. ↑ Genealogical Society of Utah, Parish and Vital Records List (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/images/d/d7/Arkansasnz.pdf.
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