BUTLER COUNTY, PA HISTORY AND LOOKUP
Table of Contents
- In-Print County History Books
- Free Public Domain County History Books
- Related Books
- Concise County History
- Comments & Suggestion
In-Print County History Books
These titles are currently in print and selected for their relevance to local and county history. Click anywhere on the book listing below, each listing links directly to the book’s purchase page.
Book Title TBD
This book is still being located or processed. Details will be added once available.
Free County History Books
This section features a curated collection of county history books sourced from public domain archives. Each book provides valuable insights into local history and heritage. Click anywhere on the book listing below, each listing links directly to the book’s public domain resource.
20th Century History of Butler and Butler County, Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens by James Mckee, (1909) – 1482 Pages
This initial volume focuses on the foundational history and early territorial organization of Butler County, Pennsylvania. It outlines the geographic boundaries and early political structures of the region; acting as the essential cornerstone for local historiography.
History of Butler County, Pennsylvania by R.c. Brown & Co., (1895) – 1514 Pages
This extensive volume chronicles the development of Butler County, Pennsylvania, from its frontier origins through the late nineteenth century. It features detailed biographical sketches, military rolls, and records of the local oil and gas industries; providing a vital record for genealogical inquiry.
History of Butler County, Pennsylvania by Waterman, Watkins & Co., (1883) – 634 Pages
This foundational text explores the early settlement and civic organization of Butler County, focusing on the pioneers who established its townships. The narrative covers early land titles, political evolution, and the establishment of religious institutions, making it essential for understanding regional growth.
20th Century History of Butler and Butler County, Pa., and Representative Citizens by McKee, James A., (1909) – 1520 Pages
This initial volume focuses on the foundational history and early territorial organization of Butler County, Pennsylvania. It outlines the geographic boundaries and early political structures of the region; acting as the essential cornerstone for local historiography.
History of Butler County, Pennsylvania by Brown, Robert C, (1895) – 1512 Pages
This comprehensive county history traces Butler County’s early settlement, agricultural and industrial development, and civic evolution from its founding through the nineteenth century. The work also features detailed biographical profiles of pioneers and prominent citizens whose contributions helped shape the county’s communities and institutions.
Butler County, Pennsylvania, 1800-1950 by Butler County Sesqui-Centennial Association, (1950) – 212 Pages
This illustrated county history provides a descriptive account of Butler County’s towns, industries, and community growth, highlighting its economic and social development. It also includes portraits and biographical sketches of local leaders and notable residents who played significant roles in the county’s history.
Related Books
This section highlights additional county and local history titles that complement the main collection. These books are selected for their relevance, historical value, and research usefulness. Click anywhere on the book listing below, and each listing links directly to the corresponding resource or purchase page.
Book Title TBD
This book is still being located or processed. Details will be added once available.
Butler County, Pennsylvania: A Genealogical Overview
As one of western Pennsylvania’s historically significant counties, Butler County boasts a rich heritage rooted in pioneer settlement, agricultural growth, and industrial innovation. Its formation during the early 19th century and its role in the nation’s early oil boom provide a unique backdrop for genealogical research.
I. County Formation and Evolution
Understanding Butler County’s creation is crucial for locating the earliest records of its inhabitants.
- March 12, 1800: County Created: Butler County was officially created by an act of the Pennsylvania General Assembly from a portion of Allegheny County. The town of Butler was designated as the county seat.
- 1803: County Fully Organized: Although created in 1800, the county government was not fully organized until 1803. The first courthouse was constructed shortly thereafter.
- Original Townships: The county was initially divided into thirteen townships: Buffalo, Butler, Connoquenessing, Cranberry, Donegal, Middlesex, Muddy Creek, Parker, Slippery Rock, Mercer, Centre, Venango, and Clearfield. Many of these have since been subdivided into the county’s current townships and boroughs.
Summary for Genealogists:
- Before March 1800: Your ancestor lived in Allegheny County, PA. All land, court, and probate records from this period will be found there.
- After March 1800: Records were created and are held by Butler County, PA, with the government becoming fully functional in 1803.
II. Settlement and Early History
- Early Inhabitants: The region was originally the territory of various Native American groups, most notably the Seneca of the Iroquois Confederacy, as well as the Lenape (Delaware) and Shawnee.
- Pioneer Settlement and Agriculture: Following the American Revolution, the area was opened to settlement, with many veterans of the war receiving land grants. The earliest settlers were predominantly Scots-Irish, German, and English pioneers who cleared the dense forests to establish farms. The economy was overwhelmingly agricultural for much of the 19th century.
- Oil and Industrial Boom: The discovery of oil in the latter half of the 19th century transformed Butler County’s economy and landscape, bringing a new wave of migration and prosperity. The city of Butler became a major hub for manufacturing, home to the American Bantam Car Company, which created the prototype for the military “Jeep,” and Pullman-Standard, a major railroad car manufacturer. This industrial heritage defined the county for much of the 20th century.
III. Genealogical Records and Resources
This section provides the practical information needed to locate ancestral records specific to the county.
- Courthouse and Government Center: Records are maintained by various offices within the county government.
- Butler County Courthouse: Located at 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001. This building houses the key offices for genealogical research.
- Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court: Holds probate records (wills, administrations) and Orphans’ Court dockets. Also holds marriage records from 1885-present and birth and death records from 1893-1905.
- Prothonotary: Holds civil court records, including naturalization records prior to 1906.
- Recorder of Deeds: Holds all land records (deeds, mortgages) for the county from its formation.
- Vital Records:
- Birth and Death Records: Statewide civil registration of births and deaths began in Pennsylvania on January 1, 1906. Records from that date forward are held by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records in New Castle, PA. The county has scattered records for the period 1893-1905.
- Marriage Records: Official county-level marriage licenses began in 1885. Records from that date forward are held by the Clerk of Orphans’ Court at the county courthouse. Prior to 1885, marriages were recorded in church records, newspapers, or dockets of Justices of the Peace.
- Libraries and Historical Societies:
- Butler Area Public Library: Located at 218 North McKean Street, Butler, PA 16001. The library’s Genealogy Department is an excellent resource, holding a vast collection of local and family histories, cemetery records, census records, church records, city directories, and local newspapers on microfilm.
- Butler County Historical Society: Located at 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001. Manages a collection of historical artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the county’s history.
- Bordering Jurisdictions:
- Allegheny County (south)
- Armstrong County (east)
- Beaver County (west)
- Clarion County (northeast)
- Lawrence County (west)
- Mercer County (northwest)
- Venango County (north)