Tyler County History and Information
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Tyler County Facts


See D.O.T. Maps for a Detailed County Map

Tyler County was created by an act of the Virginia General Assembly on December 16, 1814 from parts of Ohio County. The county was named in honor of John Tyler (1747-1813).

John Tyler was born in James City County, Virginia on February 28, 1747. A graduate of William and Mary College, he studied law and was appointed a judge of the admiralty in 1776. He was a member of the Virginia General Assembly (1778-1788), serving as Speaker in 1781 and in 1783. He was elected a judge of the Virginia general court (1789-1808) and later served as the Governor of Virginia (1808 to 1811). After his term had expired, he was appointed by President James Madison Judge of the U.S. District Court for Virginia in 1811. Judge Tyler served in that position until his death on January 6, 1813. His son, John Tyler, was the 10th President of the United States.

The French explorer Rene-Robert Cavalier Sieur de la Salle did not keep very good notes during his exploration of the Ohio River in 1669, but it is very likely that he was the first European to set foot on the present site of Tyler County. The second was probably Anthony Sadowski, an Indian trader and interpreter who traveled along the Ohio River in the early 1700s. In 1749, Louis Bienville de Celeron sailed down the Ohio River and may have set foot in the county. He claimed all of the lands drained by the Ohio River for King Louis XV of France. During his travels, he met several English fur traders and ordered them off of French soil. He also wrote letters of reprimand to the colonial governors protesting the English's presence on French soil.

Charles Wells was the first English settler in the area, building a cabin near the present site of Sistersville in 1776. He was married twice and fathered 22 children, many of whom stayed in the county, helped clear the land, and make it a thriving community. The first meeting of the county court took place at Charles Wells' house on January 9, 1815. After Charles Wells died, his estate was passed onto his daughters, Sarah and Delilah, and Sistersville, built on the Wells' property, was named their honor. One of the most important dates in the town's history was January 28, 1818. On that day, a ferry service was established. It helped the town's economy to prosper and was instrumental in ensuring the town's survival as a viable community. Sistersville was incorporated on February 2, 1839.

Middlebourne, the current county seat, replaced Sistersville as the county seat in 1815, primarily because it was more centrally located and had a larger population (then around 100). It had been established as a town by legislative enactment on January 27, 1813 on the lands of Robert Gorrell. He had settled in the area in 1798. The town was named Middlebourne because it was about halfway between Pennsylvania and the old Salt Wells on the Kanawha River above Charleston. The county court met at various residences throughout Middlebourne until 1854 when a court house was finally built. The town was incorporated on February 3, 1871.

Tyler County is the site of the world's largest gas well, "Big Moses." It produces approximately 100 million cubic feet of gas each day, and was drilled in 1894.

See also Extended History for more historical details.

Areas adjacent to Tyler County are Wetzel County (northeast), Doddridge County (southeast), Ritchie County (southwest), Pleasants County and Washington County, Ohio (west), Monroe County, Ohio (northwest). Tyler County Cities and Towns Include Alma, Bens Run, Friendly, Middlebourne, Paden City, Shirley, Sistersville, Wick, Wilbur

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Tyler County Court Records

See Also West Virginia Land Records, Marriage Records, Court & Probate Records

PLEASE READ!! 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.

   Tyler County Clerk has Land Records from 1813, Marriage Records from 1815, Probate Records from 1815 and Birth & Death Records from 1853 -Present and is located at the Courthouse, P. O. Box 66, Middlebourne, WV  26149; 304-758-2102, Fax: 304-758-2126 .
   The County Clerk's many duties include some of the following: the issuance of marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, record births, marriages and deaths in the county, serve as the recorder of all documents, prepare and send to all heirs a Notice to Redeem and take care of publications, redemptions or recording deeds with regard to delinquent property, issue military service discharge records and probate wills and assist in administration of estates.

  Tyler County Clerk of Circuit Court has Court Records from 1815 and is located at the Courthouse, P. O. Box 8, Middlebourne, WV  26149-0008; 304-758-4811, Fax: 304-758-4008 .
   The County Clerk of the Circuit Court's many duties include some of the following: Serve as the Clerk to the Circuit and Family Court, Issue mesne (during the progress of a case) process, Issue final process to enforce and execute judgements, Appoint guardian ad litem where required, Responsible for all papers filed in the office; serve as registrar, recorder and custodian for all pleadings, documents and funds pertaining to cases filed in circuit court and family court, Responsible for the administration and management of the petit and grand jury systems in the county

Since West Virginia was part of Virginia prior to 1863, see Virginia Databases for all records before that date.

Originally constructed in 1854, the Tyler County Courthouse underwent a complete renovation in 1922 when West Virginia architects Holmboe and Pogue were contracted to design a modest but impressive courthouse that would reflect the tastes and needs of a small rural community. The resulting building is a vernacular interpretation of Neo Classical Revival, an architectural style that was popular during the early 20th century. The courthouse’s main entrance and clock tower express this return to classical architecture especially well. The symmetry of the main entrance, the limestone pilasters and balustrade on the entrance’s second story, the triangular pediment with the denticulated cornice and sculpted figures, and the frieze incised with the words “Tyler County Courthouse” echo the permanence and solidity typical of classical Roman architecture. The symmetry of the clock tower, which has a brick base with an arcaded rail and stone urns, a louvered belfry, and a copper-covered dome, also reflects aspects of classical architecture.

Below is a list of online resources for Tyler County Court Records. Email us with websites containing Tyler County Court Records by clicking the link below:

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Tyler County Vital Records

See Also Vital Records in West Virginia

Search Online Click Here to Search West Virginia Birth, Marriage & Death Records! - Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information. Look also for baptism, christening, and burial records in this collection.

PLEASE READ!! In terms of obtaining vital records from the State Vital Records Office, West Virginia is not an "open record" state. Access to certified copies of birth certificates is restricted to persons with a legal right to the certificate, i.e: The registrant, Mother or father, Legal guardian, Registrant's spouse, Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc., of the registrant, Brother or sister of the registrant, Mother-in-law / father-in-law of registrant, Son-in-law / daughter-in-law of registrant or Grandparents and great-grandparents of the registrant.

Vital Records, 350 Capitol St, Rm 165, Charleston, WV 25301-3701, Please allow up to approximately 2-3 weeks for processing of all type of certificates when ordered through the mail. They have the following records:

  • Birth & Death Certificates: Birth & Death records are maintained by West Virginia State Vital Records Office since Jan 1917 through the present. For earlier records, write to the Clerk of County Court in the county where the birth occurred. Fees vary.
    • Cost: There is a non refundable $10.00 search fee, which entitles the applicant to one certified copy of the birth certificate. The search fee covers a three year search that consists of the year specified, the year before, and the year after the year specified. Additional copies are also $10.00 each. If no record is found, a "No Record" letter will be mailed to the applicant informing them that no record is on file for the requested certificate. Please do not send cash in the mail.
    • Processing Time: 2-3 weeks when ordered by mail (Birth / Death) or 2-5 Days when you order ELECTRONICALLY
  • Marriage & Divorce Certificates: Marriage Verifications since 1921 and Divorce Verifications since 1968. Certified copies of marriage licenses or divorce decrees are only available from the county clerk in the county in which the event occurred.
    • Cost: Fees vary
  • Order Online: You can also order Order Electronically and get the certificates within 2-5 days by ordering below
    Birth Certificates
         		Death Certificates
         		Marriage Certificates
         		Divorce Records

Order In Person:  The certificates may be ordered by coming into this office.   If you want the copy the same day, our hours for same day service are Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00 Eastern Time except for official holidays. The West Virginia Vital Records Office is located at Room 165, 350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301-3701; Phone: 304-558-9100. Map 1, Map 2
Order By Mail:  Mail a check or money order (no cash) payable to the "Vital Registration " along with the necessary information to the following address: Vital Registration, Room 165, 350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301-3701. Please include return address on envelope and application form.

Since West Virginia was part of Virginia prior to 1863, see Virginia Databases for all records before that date.

Below is a list of online resources for Tyler County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing Tyler County Vital Records by clicking the link below:

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Tyler County Census Records

See Also Research In Census Records

Search Online Click Here to Search West Virginia Voter Lists & Census Records! - Few, if any, records reveal as many details about individuals and families as do government census records. Substitute records can be used when the official census is unavailable.

  Countywide Records: Federal Population Schedules that exist for Tyler County, West Virginia are (See Virginia Censuses 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860) 1870, 1880, 1890 (fragment, see below), 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930. There are free downloadable and printable Census forms to help with your research. These include U.S. Census Extraction Forms

Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your family tree in Tyler County, West Virginia are Industry and Agriculture Schedules availible for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Slave Schedules exist for 1850 & 1860. The Mortality Schedules for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. (NOTE: For the years 1850 & 1860, Tyler County was located in Virginia)

See Also Statewide Records that exist for West Virginia

Below is a list of online resources for Tyler County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Tyler County Census Records by clicking the link below:

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Tyler County Maps & Atlases

   Genealogy Atlas has images of old American atlases during the years 1795, 1814, 1822, 1823, 1836, 1838, 1845, 1856, 1866, 1879 and 1897 for West Virginia and other states.
   You can view rotating animated maps for West Virginia showing all the county boundaries for each census year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries. You can view a list of maps for other states at Census Maps
   You can view rotating animated maps for West Virginia showing all the county boundary changes for each year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries . You can view a list of maps for other states and State Department of Transportation Maps at County Maps. The West Virginia Department of Transportation has county maps the show the locations of churches, cemeteries, roads, ect... free for viewing or download here

Below is a list of online resources for Tyler County Maps. Email us with websites containing Tyler County Maps by clicking the link below:

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Tyler County Military Records

See Also Military Records in West Virginia

Search Online Click Here to Search West Virginia Military Records! - Military and civil service records provide unique facts and insights into the lives of men and women who have served their country at home and abroad.

   The uses and value of military records in genealogical research for ancestors who were veterans are obvious, but military records can also be important to re-searchers whose direct ancestors were not soldiers in any war. The fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and other close relatives of an ancestor may have served in a war, and their service or pension records could contain information that will assist in further identifying the family of primary interest. Due to the amount of genealogical information contained in some military pension files, they should never be overlooked during the research process. Those records not containing specific genealogical information are of historic value and should be included in any overall research design.

Below is a list of online resources for Tyler County Military Records. Email us with websites containing Tyler County Military Records by clicking the link below:

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Tyler County Tax Records

See Also Research In Tax Records

   While people were taxed in Virginia prior to 1782, not many tax lists for that early period have survived, and the originals that have survived are at the Virginia State Library. Colonial period taxes were imposed on the personal property of males who were twenty-one and older, and called "tithables." While there is no comprehensive list or collection of early tax lists, many fragments are printed throughout Virginia genealogical literature

West Virginia has one of the most complete sets of old tax records in existence. Land tax records dating from 1782 to 1936 for all counties, with some through 1959, are available at the Archives and History Library in Charleston. Most county clerks have duplicate copies in their offices. As noted in the section on Virginia, the Virginia State Library has the original unindexed personal property tax records from 1782 to 1863.

Below is a list of online resources for Tyler County Tax Records. Email us with websites containing Tyler County Tax Records by clicking the link below:

  • Tyler County, West Virginia Tax Books at Amazon.com

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Tyler County Genealogical Addresses

See Also Other West Virginia Genealogical Addresses

   The Repositories in this section are Archives, Libraries, Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies. Many County Historical and Genealogical Societies publish magazines and/or news letters on a monthly, quarterly, bi-annual or annual basis. Contacting the local societies should not be over looked. State Archives and Societies are usually much larger and better organized with much larger archived materials than their smaller county cousins but they can be more generalized and over look the smaller details that local societies tend to have. Libraries can also be a good place to look for local information. Some libraries have a genealogy section and may have some resources that are not located at archives or societies. Also, take a special look at any museums in the area. They sometimes have photos and items from years gone by as well as information of a genealogical interest. All these places are vitally important to the family genealogist and must not be passed over.

Below is a list of online resources for Tyler County Genealogical Addresses. Email us with websites containing Tyler County Genealogical Addresses by clicking the link below:

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Tyler County Church & Cemeteries

See Also Church & Cemetery Records in West Virginia

Search Online Click Here to Search West Virginia Obituary Records! - This database is a compilation of obituaries published in U.S. newspapers, collected from various online sources. Obituaries can vary in the amount of information they contain, but many of them are genealogical goldmines, including information such as names, dates, places of birth and death, marriage information, and family relationships.

   There are many churches and cemeteries in Tyler County. Some transcriptions are online. A great site is the Tyler County Tombstone Transcription Project.

Many religious groups have deposited their records at the West Virginia and Regional History Collection. Church record inventories compiled as part of the Historical Records Survey are available there and at the FHL. For a complete discussion of early church records, see Virginia-Church Records.

The most extensive collection of West Virginia tombstone inscriptions was compiled by the Historical Records Survey. Available at the West Virginia and Regional History Collection and on microfilm at the FHL, the collection includes inscriptions through 1939-40. The DAR and others have published volumes of cemetery records.

Below is a list of online resources for Tyler County Cemetery & Church Records. Email us with websites containing Tyler County Cemetery & Church Records by clicking the link below:

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Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

Search Online Click Here to Search West Virginia Family Tree Records! - The use of published genealogies, electronic files containing genealogical lineage, and other compiled sources can be of tremendous value to a researcher.

   When view family trees online or not, be sure to only take the info at face value and always follow up with your own sources or verify the ones they provide. Below is a list of online resources for Tyler County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information. Email us with websites containing Tyler County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information by clicking the link below:

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County History

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