MEIGS COUNTY, OH HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

*None Listed

Meigs County, Ohio: A Genealogical Overview

Nestled in the rolling hills of Appalachian Ohio along a significant bend in the Ohio River, Meigs County is a region whose history was carved by the river and the rich mineral resources beneath its surface. Settled by a mix of New Englanders and migrants from Virginia and Pennsylvania, its identity was forged in the early salt works, the sprawling coal mines that tunneled into its hillsides, and a dramatic Civil War battle on its shores. For genealogists, the county’s records tell the story of a hardy people tied to the rhythms of river commerce and the demanding life of the coal industry.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Meigs County was created in the early 19th century during a period of rapid settlement in southeastern Ohio. Its parentage is split between two older counties, making research prior to 1819 a two-pronged effort.

  • 1819: County Formed: Meigs County was officially organized on April 1, 1819.
  • Parent Counties: It was formed from territory taken from southern Athens County and eastern Gallia County. All family and land research prior to 1819 must be conducted in the records of these two parent counties, depending on the specific location of the ancestor’s residence.
  • Subsequent Formations: The county’s boundaries have remained generally consistent since its formation.
  • Name Origin: The county was named in honor of Return Jonathan Meigs Jr., a hero of the American Revolution who served as the fourth Governor of Ohio (1810-1814) and was the U.S. Postmaster General at the time the county was established.
  • County Seat History: After its formation, the temporary county seat was located at the home of Salisbury Seaman. After a contentious political process, Pomeroy, a town uniquely situated on a narrow strip of land between the Ohio River and a steep cliff, was designated the permanent county seat in 1841.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: In the 18th century, the land that became Meigs County was primarily used as hunting grounds by the Shawnee.
  • Pioneer Settlement and Economy: The first permanent American settlers began arriving in the late 1790s. The county’s development was driven by its natural resources. The discovery of high-salinity brine wells led to a booming salt production industry in the early 1800s. Soon after, the discovery of thick, accessible coal seams transformed the county. From the 1830s onward, coal mining became the dominant economic force, with mines built directly into the hillsides above the Ohio River, allowing coal to be loaded directly onto barges. This industry defined the county’s culture and economy for more than a century.
  • Key Historical Events:
    • The Ohio River: The river was the county’s highway to the rest of the nation, transporting its salt, coal, and agricultural products to markets in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and beyond. Pomeroy became a bustling and important river port.
    • The Civil War & Morgan’s Raid: Meigs County was the site of the most significant military engagement fought on Ohio soil during the Civil War. In July 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan, nearing the end of his long raid through Indiana and Ohio, attempted to cross the Ohio River to safety in West Virginia. Union forces cornered him, leading to the Battle of Buffington Island (near Portland). The battle was a decisive Union victory, resulting in the capture of a large portion of Morgan’s cavalry and contributing to Morgan’s own capture a few days later.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

Records for Meigs County are centralized in the county seat of Pomeroy. Ohio’s record-keeping system places several key genealogical resources within the Probate Court.

  • County Courthouse: The Meigs County Courthouse, 100 E 2nd St, Pomeroy, OH 45769, is the primary repository for historical records.
    • Recorder’s Office: Holds all land transaction records, including deeds and mortgages, from 1819 to the present.
    • Clerk of Courts: Maintains the records of the Court of Common Pleas, including civil and criminal cases and divorce proceedings.
    • Probate Court: This is a vital office for genealogists. It holds wills, estate administration files, and guardianship records from 1819. Crucially, it is also the repository for marriage records from 1819 and birth and death records from 1867 to 1908.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: From 1867 to December 20, 1908, official registers were kept and are now held by the Meigs County Probate Court. After that date, statewide registration began, and all birth and death certificates must be requested from the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
    • Marriage Records: The Meigs County Probate Court holds a complete set of marriage records from the county’s formation in 1819 to the present day.
  • Libraries and Societies:
    • Meigs County District Public Library: The main library in Pomeroy has a dedicated local history and genealogy room with books, microfilm, and other research materials.
    • Meigs County Historical Society: Operates a museum and archives that are essential for researchers seeking information about local families, businesses, and communities.
    • Meigs County Chapter, Ohio Genealogical Society: An active society that serves as a resource for local and visiting researchers.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Athens County, OH (north)
    • Vinton County, OH (west)
    • Gallia County, OH (south)
    • Mason County, WV (across the Ohio River, southeast)
    • Jackson County, WV (across the Ohio River, east)
    • Wood County, WV (across the Ohio River, northeast)

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