Anderson County Genealogy Records
Anderson County genealogy research begins at the county Probate Court and Register of Deeds, where marriage records, estate files, and land documents are maintained. Formed in 1826 from the Pendleton District, Anderson County has a rich history as part of the South Carolina Upstate. Researchers tracing Anderson County ancestors can access records at county offices in Anderson, at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History in Columbia, and through several free online databases that cover genealogy records for Anderson County and the surrounding region.
Anderson County Quick Facts
Anderson County Probate Court and Marriage Records
The Anderson County Probate Court holds marriage licenses issued from July 1, 1911 through June 30, 1950. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-1-20, every marriage in South Carolina requires a written application filed with the Probate Court before a license is issued. The court maintains a permanent record of all licenses as required by § 20-1-270. The Probate Court is located at Anderson County Courthouse, 100 S Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624. Phone: (864) 260-4055.
Estate records at the Anderson County Probate Court include wills, inventories, administration papers, and guardianship files. These documents are central to Anderson County genealogy because they name heirs, list property, and define family relationships. Probate inventories from the 19th century detail household goods and personal property. Estate sales lists can reveal the names of neighbors and associates who bought items at auction, adding more context to the genealogy picture.
Anderson County was formed in 1826 from the Pendleton District. Researchers tracing Anderson County genealogy before 1826 must consult Pendleton District records. The Pendleton District was one of South Carolina's original judicial districts, and its records are held at SCDAH and through some microfilm collections. The Pendleton District Historical and Recreational Commission has preserved materials related to early settlers of the area that later became Anderson County.
Note: For Anderson County marriage records from July 1950 onward, contact the South Carolina Department of Public Health at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
How to Search Anderson County Genealogy Records
Anderson County genealogy records are searchable online and in person. The free South Carolina Archives Online Records Index is a name-based database covering SCDAH holdings including will transcripts, land grant plats, Confederate veteran records, and criminal court records. Start here to find indexed entries connected to Anderson County ancestors. The index covers a broad date range and is updated as more records are digitized.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org provides case-level access to court records. You can search Anderson County court cases by party name or case number. The system returns filing dates, case status, and party names. For full document copies, contact the Anderson County Clerk of Court at 100 S Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624. Phone: (864) 260-4053.
In-person research at the Anderson County Courthouse gives you direct access to the full range of genealogy records. The Probate Court and Register of Deeds share the courthouse address. Staff can assist with record searches and provide copies for a fee. Bring the ancestor's name, approximate dates, and any known case or document numbers to make the search more efficient.
Anderson County Vital Records for Genealogy
South Carolina began requiring birth and death registration on January 1, 1915. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-10, every birth in the state must be registered within five days. The SCDAH holds Anderson County birth records from 1915 to 1918 online and death records from 1915 to 1963 in their Research Room. The South Carolina Department of Public Health holds vital records from 1915 to the present. Their office is at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Phone: 803-898-3630.
Death certificates become public records 50 years after the date of death under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-84. The free South Carolina death index for genealogy covers Anderson County deaths from 1915 through 1967. The index is searchable by name and provides enough information to request the full certificate from SCDAH. For Anderson County genealogy research before 1915, the main sources are church records, census data, probate files, and county land records.
Once you find a death index entry for an Anderson County ancestor, you can request the full certificate from SCDAH or DPH depending on the year of death.
Anderson County Register of Deeds and Land Records
The Anderson County Register of Deeds maintains land records dating back to 1826. Deeds, mortgages, plats, and other instruments are filed here. The office is at 100 S Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624. Phone: (864) 260-4054. Land records are among the most genealogically valuable documents available because they establish residence, property ownership, and often identify family members through inheritance and sale transactions.
Some Anderson County land records may be available for online searching through the county website. Earlier deeds can be examined in person at the Register of Deeds office. Before Anderson County was formed from Pendleton District in 1826, land transactions were recorded at the district level. Pendleton District land records are held at SCDAH and are important for early Anderson County genealogy research. The SCDAH Online Records Index includes state land grant plats from 1784 to 1868 that may cover the Anderson area during the Pendleton District era.
Anderson County Library and Local History Collections
The Anderson County Library at 300 N McDuffie Street, Anderson, SC 29621 maintains a comprehensive local history and genealogy collection. Phone: (864) 260-4500. The library provides access to census records, newspapers, family histories, and Anderson County-specific resources. City directories, obituary files, and local publications are part of the collection and can help researchers piece together family histories in Anderson County.
The Anderson County Historical Society preserves local history and maintains genealogical collections specific to the county. Anderson University also maintains archives related to the university's history and the Anderson community, which can be relevant for researchers tracing families with connections to the institution.
The SCGenWeb project for Anderson County is a free resource that supplements official county and state genealogy records with volunteer-contributed materials.
South Carolina Archives Resources for Anderson County Genealogy
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History holds microfilm of Anderson County records including early court records and land documents. SCDAH is at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223. Phone: (803) 896-6100. The Research Room is open to the public and provides access to microfilm, indexes, and a research library covering all 46 counties.
The SCDAH Digital Collections include Confederate Pension Applications from 1919 to 1938, Will Transcripts from 1782 to 1855, and colonial plats. These are free to access online and are especially useful for Anderson County genealogy research from the Pendleton District era and the Civil War period. Militia Enrollments of 1869 and Grand Jury Presentments from 1783 to 1877 are also available digitally.
The South Carolina State Library genealogy guide explains which office holds each type of record based on date. This is a practical tool when you are not sure whether to contact the county Probate Court, SCDAH, or DPH for a specific Anderson County genealogy record. The library is at 1500 Senate Street, Columbia. Phone: (803) 734-8666.
Cities in Anderson County
Anderson city is the county seat of Anderson County. Genealogy records for Anderson residents are maintained at the Anderson County Probate Court and Register of Deeds.
Nearby Counties
Anderson County borders several Upstate South Carolina counties. Ancestors who lived near the county boundaries may have records in neighboring counties.