Thank you for choosing The Lawrence Register as your genealogy and historical resource. We are proud that for over 25 years, it has remained the oldest and largest site in Lawrence County, Ohio. The Lawrence Register is a website exclusive to Lawrence County, Ohio’s history and genealogy. Our purpose is to educate and assist our visitors about our county, especially those who do not have the means to make a personal visit.
TOWNSHIPS
Lawrence County, Ohio, is divided into fourteen townships which helps researchers to determine where their ancestors settled. The entire southern part of our county lies parallel to the Ohio River and borders Kentucky and West Virginia. Do not overlook the importance of streams, creeks, and other waterways that flow inward from the Ohio River, as that was the early means of transportation.
VITAL RECORDS
If you are looking for early births, deaths, marriages, wills, deeds, or divorces, you will find those on our Vital Records link. These are only indexes and cover the years from 1817 to 1945, but you will find later dates in some cases. Even though these are indexes, they will greatly improve your chances of finding the original document, as we have added links and additional information on how to obtain a copy.
DISCOVER THE PLACES
Embark on a journey to explore the rich history of Lawrence County, Ohio. From the historic county seat of Burlington to the charming towns of Athalia, Proctorville, Bradrick, Chesapeake, South Point, Coal Grove, Ironton, and Hanging Rock, each place has its own unique story to tell. Situated along the Ohio River and neighboring Kentucky and early Virginia (now West Virginia), these locations hold a treasure trove of history waiting to be uncovered. Join us as we delve into the significance of these places and the surrounding counties and states.
CHURCHES & SCHOOLS
Churches and schools played a pivotal role in our community’s early history. Pioneers migrated from New England, Virginia, and other regions to establish places of worship, a defining moment. The departure from southern states like Virginia, the Carolinas, and Kentucky, driven by anti-slavery movements, led to the settlement of Lawrence County, Ohio. Our significance in the Underground Railroad during those tumultuous years cannot be overstated.
EARLY POST OFFICES
Early Post offices were established in nearly every small community, and, in turn, there had to be an appointed postmaster. These accounts are priceless when a genealogist tries to establish where one’s ancestor lived. This also helps us find those regions that no longer exist, which you can find on another page, “Early Places of Lawrence County, Ohio,” of The Lawrence Register.
PIONEERS & COMMUNITES
Along with all that, this website will provide helpful information about our history and the pioneers who first settled here. When we dig deeper into the townships and follow the waterways, we find early communities such as Scottown, Wilgus, Marion (now named Aid), Waterloo, etc. Also, Lawrence County, Ohio, is the birthplace of the Rome Beauty Apple.
GEOLOGY
As early discoveries in the geological makeup in Lawrence County, Ohio, were made, we will travel through the eyes of geologist Caleb Briggs and his essential discovery of rich iron ores. His findings opened up a new town called “Ironton,” which created new factories, lumber mills, blacksmiths, and much more because of its rich ground. It was said that at one time, 90% of supplies for building a home were found in the city of Ironton, Ohio.
BURLINGTON & IRONTON
We will then look back into the lives of the founders of Ironton, Ohio, and the process of moving our county seat from Burlington to Ironton in 1849-1850. We have researched the history of Lawrence County, Ohio, including the Children’s Home, Hospitals, Jails, Doctors, the Infirmary, the Courthouse, Judges and early deeds, and other court records.