Genealogy

Stafford is a “burned record” county: about two-thirds of its court records were lost during the Civil War, complicating genealogical research.

Union vandals raided the courthouse and clerk’s office at least twice and stole or destroyed the records. They dumped thousands of records out into the yard between the courthouse and clerk’s office. Essentially, they destroyed nearly every loose paper that had been generated between 1664 and 1862, as well as some of the bound volumes. They also stole records and carried them home. After the war, the court sent men out to retrieve a couple of volumes for which they learned of their location. Over the last 15 years or so, two stolen volumes of early court records have been returned.

The term “burned record” throws many people. It actually refers to the loss of court records by any means, not strictly by fire.

The Stafford County Historical Society is happy to help you with your queries pertaining to the people and places of Stafford County. Please use the form to the right to submit questions, and please be as specific as possible. If researching people who lived in Stafford County, birth dates and/or death dates are very helpful.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that our researchers are volunteers, not paid employees, and all research is done in their spare time.  They love to help and enjoy doing the research for you, but cannot respond to requests to be called.   All responses are done via EMAIL.   Please be patient and we will do our best to accommodate you.