ROANE COUNTY, WV HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

*None Listed

Roane County, West Virginia: A Genealogical Overview

Situated in the central part of the state, Roane County is a landscape of rolling hills and narrow valleys that tells a story of Appalachian self-reliance and the transformative power of natural resources. Established in the decade before the Civil War, its early history was defined by subsistence farming and divided loyalties. However, the discovery of oil and gas in the late 19th century forever altered its destiny, ushering in a boom era that brought new people and prosperity. For genealogists, Roane County’s records document this transition from a quiet agricultural community to a bustling center of the energy industry.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Roane County was formed from three older, larger counties, making it essential for researchers to look to those parent jurisdictions for records created before 1856.

  • 1856: County Formed: Roane County was created by an act of the Virginia General Assembly on March 11, 1856.
  • Parent Counties: The county was formed from territory taken from Kanawha, Jackson, and Gilmer counties. Any genealogical research for ancestors living within the modern boundaries of Roane County prior to 1856 must be conducted in the records of these parent counties.
  • Subsequent Formations: The county’s boundaries have remained generally stable since its creation.
  • Name Origin: The county was named in honor of Spencer Roane, a distinguished judge from the Virginia Court of Appeals.
  • County Seat History: The town of Spencer, also named for Judge Roane, was established as the county seat in 1858 and has remained the center of county government.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: The area was primarily used as a hunting ground by the Shawnee and was not home to major permanent Native American settlements at the time of European exploration.
  • Pioneer Settlement: The first permanent settlers of European descent arrived in the early 1800s, with a more significant influx beginning after the War of 1812. These pioneers were predominantly of Scots-Irish, English, and German heritage, migrating from more settled parts of Virginia to establish small, self-sufficient farms.
  • Key Historical Events:
    • The Civil War and Statehood: As a newly formed county, Roane’s loyalties were deeply divided during the Civil War. While no major battles occurred within its borders, the county experienced significant guerrilla warfare and local conflict between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The county was included in the 50 counties that broke away from Virginia to form the new state of West Virginia in 1863.
    • Oil and Gas Boom: The late 1890s and early 1900s saw a massive oil and gas boom that completely reshaped the county’s economy and demographics. Roane County became a leading producer in the state, and the population swelled as drillers, toolmakers, and speculators arrived. The city of Spencer grew rapidly during this period, with the construction of many of its landmark buildings.
    • Agricultural Base: Before, during, and after the boom, the county’s underlying economy was agricultural, with an emphasis on livestock, particularly cattle, and subsistence farming.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

The county seat of Spencer is the central location for nearly all records created since the county’s formation.

  • County Courthouse: The Roane County Courthouse, 200 Main St, Spencer, WV 25276, is the primary repository for historical records.
    • County Clerk: This office is the most important destination for genealogists. It holds all land records (deeds), vital records (births, deaths, and marriages), and probate records (wills and estate settlements) from 1856 onward.
    • Circuit Court Clerk: This office maintains the records of the circuit court, which include law and chancery court cases, and all divorce records.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Record-keeping began under Virginia law around the time of the county’s formation in 1856. These early registers, held by the County Clerk, are invaluable but can be sporadic. Statewide registration became more systematic after 1917.
    • Marriage Records: The County Clerk holds marriage records from 1856 to the present. For marriages that occurred in the area before 1856, researchers must consult the records of Kanawha, Jackson, or Gilmer counties.
  • Libraries and Societies:
    • Roane County Public Library: Located in Spencer, the library houses a local history and genealogy room with resources such as published family histories, county histories, and newspapers on microfilm.
    • Roane County Historical Society: An active society that publishes historical and genealogical material and is an excellent resource for researchers seeking information on local families and history.
    • West Virginia & Regional History Center: Located at West Virginia University in Morgantown, this state-level archive holds microfilm copies of Roane County’s courthouse records, newspapers, and other manuscript collections relevant to the area.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Kanawha County (south)
    • Jackson County (west)
    • Wirt County (north)
    • Calhoun County (east)
    • Clay County (southeast)

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks