Erie County, New York
Genealogy, History & Facts

When was Erie County, NY Created?
Erie County was created on April 2, 1821 and formed from Niagara County.

What is the County Seat of Erie County, NY?
The County Seat is located in Buffalo and in addition the county government website is www.erie.gov/

Erie County, NY Vital Records

Where can find Erie County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Erie County vital records can be found at the New York Department of Health which has copies of birth records after 1881 and death records after 1880, copies of marriage since 1881 and a Divorce records since 1847 . There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in New York for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Erie County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for New York Birth and Death Certificate, Marriage and Divorce Certificate Application to mail.

Erie County, NY Census Records

What Erie County, NY census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Erie County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 (free index), 1890 (fragment), 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940.

Erie Co. Mortality Schedules can be obtained for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Erie Co. Industry and Agriculture is available for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Erie Co. Union Veterans Schedules can be obtained for 1890.

There are New York State censuses from 1880, 1892, 1905, 1855, 1865, 1875, 1892, 1905, 1915, 1925. You can get free downloadable and also printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also New York Census Records Research Guide

Erie County, NY Courthouse and Government Records

Erie County Courthouse

What genealogical records can I find in the Erie County Courthouse?
Researchers frequently overlook the great importance of Erie County court, probate, and land records data as a useful resource of ancestry and genealogy information. Buried away in New York courthouses and archives everywhere are the ambitions and frustrations of countless New York residents. The possibilities are excellent that your forefathers have left a comprehensive document of at least a number of facets of their lives in the Erie County court records. Even if your forebears is not referred to in a Court case, contemplate all of the other procedures that could have lead to him or her to appear in court records. See Also New York Courthouse Records Research Guide.

PLEASE READ FIRST. Please call the clerk’s department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The files are available to interested parties, barring private issues. Many staff will guide individuals in locating the materials, however it’s up to the person to carry out the research. In 1813 the British burned the courthouse in Buffalo, then the seat of Niagara County, destroying records that also included Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.