Pulaski County, Missouri
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

Court Records | Vital Records | CENSUS Records | TAX Records | Military Records | Church & Cemetery |
Maps & Atlases | Genealogy Addresses | Genealogy Related Sites |
Pulaski County Missouri Map

Pulaski County was organized January 19, 1833, from Crawford County and named for Casmir Pulaski, Polish general of the American Revolution. The County Seat is Waynesville. Courthouse burned in 1903. See also County History or Courthouse History for more historical details.

Pulaski County has records of genealogical interest available: Recorder of Deeds: Index to marriage records, 1903-1918; Marriage records, 1903-1919. Clerk of the Circuit Court: Circuit court records, 1834-1859 and 1903-1915. Clerk of the Probate Court: Probate records, 1834-1889; Administra­tor’s/executor’s letters, bonds and records, 1833-1898; Inventories, appraisements and sale bills, 1855-1877; Proof of publication, notices and affidavits, 1872-1899; Settlement records, 1875-1889; Will records, 1833-1925. The Health Department has Birth & Death Records from 1910-Present. See Court Records for more details on whats available from the courthouse.

Counties adjacent to Pulaski County are Miller County (northwest), Maries County (northeast), Phelps County (east), Texas County (south), Laclede County (southwest), Camden County (west). Cities and Towns include Big Piney, Crocker, Devil's Elbow, Dixon, Gascozark, Hooker, Laquey, Richland, St. Robert, Swedeborg, Waynesville

  • Pulaski County, Missouri History Books at Amazon.com
  • Search Historical Newspapers from Missouri (1808 - 1922) - Quickly find names and keywords in over 450 million articles, obituaries, marriage notices, birth announcements and other items published in over 2,800 historical U.S. newspapers. New content added monthly!
  • Family History Library - The largest collection of free family history, family tree and genealogy records in the world.
  • Stories, Memories & Histories - Stories and histories compiled by others researching a person or area can be an amazing source of information about your ancestors. Not only do they generally contain dates and places of vital events like birth, marriage, and death, but they often relate stories and memories that help you really get to know the character of your ancestors.
  • Search Missouri Historical Records - Databases include Court, Land, Wills & Financial Records; Birth, Marriage & Death Records; Voter Lists & Census Records; Immigration & Emigration Records; Obituary Records; Military Records; Family Tree Records; Pictures; Stories, Memories & Histories; Directories & Member Lists and much more....

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Pulaski County Court Records

See Also Missouri Land Records, Marriage Records, Court & Probate Records

Researchers often overlook the importance of court records, probate records, and land records as a source of family history information.

All Departments below are in the Pulaski County Courthouse located at 301 Historic 66 E., Waynesville, MO 65583 , unless otherwise noted below. The Official County website is located at ? . See also Courthouse History.

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 record dates below are from the earliest date to present time. Courthouse Fire destroyed most Pulaski County Court records June 13, 1903.

Pulaski County Clerk of the Court has Birth & Death Records from N/A. In this office in each county is located an index to common pleas, records of all extant proceedings, chancery minute books, records of births and deaths, county court records, right-of-way and road records, as well as surveyor's records (including field notes and plats made by the county surveyor). This office usually holds the county treasurer's notes, bonds and commissions, records of marks and brands, wolf scalps, stray notices, real estate assessments, and tax books. In some counties, early terms for this court included “Chancery” or the “Court of Common Pleas.”

Pulaski Register of Deeds / Recorder has Marriage Records from 1903 and Land Records from 1903. The Office of Recorder of Deeds records and files instruments of writing affecting real property or personal property, subdivision plats, federal and state tax liens, and other instruments of writing. Also, the Recorder’s Office issues marriage licenses, and in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code files termination statements. All recorded instruments are available for public research.

Pulaski County Probate Court Clerk has Probate Records from 1833 . In the smaller counties, probate matters are handled in the same office as the associate circuit court office. (In larger counties, there will be a separate probate court clerk's office and separate probate judges/commissioners).

Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk has Court Records from 1834. This office holds the direct index to records such as divorces, debt, dissolution of partnerships, adoptions, judgment, and tax fee books including direct and indirect indexes. They also retain the index to criminal records and criminal files of the circuit court. Adoptions are under the jurisdiction of the circuit court. Naturalization records, including petitions, declarations of intention, certificates, and certificates of allegiance, and granting of citizenship are also located in the clerk's office, as well as an index to civil case files. Some naturalization records have been found with the deeds.

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

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Pulaski County Vital Records

See Also Vital Records in Missouri

Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102, Please allow up to approximately 6-8 weeks for processing of all type of certificates when ordered through the mail. They have the following records:

  • Birth & Death Certificates: Birth records maintained by Bureau of Vital Statistics, Dept. of Health since 1903 through the present. For births that occurred within the past 75 years, copies can be requested only by the immediate family of the person whose name is on the birth certificate.
    • Cost: The cost of a birth record is $15 per record, $15 for each additional copy. The cost of a death record is $13 per record, $10 for each additional copy. If no record is found or no copy is made, state law requires that we keep $22.00 for a searching fee. Please do not send cash in the mail.
    • Processing Time: 6-8 weeks when ordered by MAIL or 2-5 Days when you order ELECTRONICALLY
    • Click Here to Search the Social Security Death Index for FREEicon
  • Marriage & Divorce Certificates: To request a certified copy of a marriage license contact the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the license was obtained.To request a certified copy of a divorce decree contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the decree was granted.
  • Order Online: You can also order Order Electronically Online to obtain a certified copy of a birth, marriage, death or divorce record with a credit or debit card and get the certificates within 2-5 days by ordering from VitalChek Express Certificate Service.

Order In Person:To request a birth or death certificate from a local health department, you may download the application and submit it in person or by mail to the nearest local health department.

Order By Mail: Make check or money order payable to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Checks must be drawn on a United States bank. A money order must be drawn on a United States bank or issued by the United States Postal Service. Do not send cash. Mail to the following address:Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Please include return address on envelope and application form.

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

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Pulaski County Census Records

See Also Research In Census Records & Statewide Records that exist for Missouri

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 Pulaski County, Missouri are 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930. Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your family tree in Pulaski County, Missouri 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.There are free downloadable and printable Census forms to help with your research. These include U.S. Census Extraction Forms and U.K. Census Extraction Forms

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

  • Missouri Census, 1830-70: This collection contains the following indexes: 1830 Federal Census Index; 1830-39 Census Index; 1840 Federal Census Index; 1840 Pensioners List; 1850 Federal Census Index; 1850 Slave Schedules; 1860 Federal Census Index; 1860 Slave Schedules; 1870 Federal Census Index; Early Census Index.
  • Pulaski County, Missouri Census Books at Amazon.com
  • Census & Voter Lists - A census is an official list of the people in a particular area at a given time, while voter lists show those who were registered to vote in a certain area. The valuable information found on census records helps you to understand your family in their time and place. Voter Lists serve as a confirmation of residence in between the years that the census was taken.
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Pulaski County Maps & Atlases

See Also Research In State Map Collections

Genealogy Atlas has images of old American atlases during the years 1795, 1814, 1822, 1823, 1836, 1838, 1845, 1856, 1866, 1879 and 1897 for Missouri and other states.

You can view rotating animated maps for Missouri 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 Missouri showing all the county boundary changes for each year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries.

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

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Pulaski County Military Records

See Also Military Records in Missouri

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 Pulaski County Military Records. Email us with websites containing Pulaski County Military Records by clicking the link below:

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Pulaski County Tax Records

See Also Research In Tax Records

The Missouri Historical Society has some original tax records; others can be found in the Western Historical Manuscript Collection at the University of Missouri, but most extant records remain in the office of the clerk of the county court. The Missouri State Archives has microfilmed some tax records for the counties of Boone, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Chariton, Clay, Cooper, Franklin, Howard, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, St. Charles, St. Francois, and Ste. Genevieve.

Prior to 1850, purchasers of the federal lands in Missouri were exempt from land taxes for five years after purchase. If one finds an ancestor on a Missouri tax list with livestock, etc., but no land being taxed, the individual may have purchased his land from the government within the preceding five years.

Some early delinquent tax lists were sent to the state auditor's office and are now located in the Capitol Fire Documents held by the Missouri State Archives

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

  • Pulaski County, Missouri Tax Books at Amazon.com
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Pulaski County Genealogical Addresses

See Also Other Missouri 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 Pulaski County Genealogical Addresses. Email us with websites containing Pulaski County Genealogical Addresses by clicking the link below:

  • Genealogy Society of Pulaski County Missouri, P.O. Box 144, Waynesville, MO 65583; Ph (573) 744-6883
  • Pulaski County Museum and Historical Society, P.O. Box 144, Waynesville, MO 65583
  • U.S. Army Engineer Museum, Attention: ATZT-PTM-OM, Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473; Ph: (573) 596-0780
  • Old Stagecoach Stop Foundation, P.O. Box 585, 106 Lynn Street, Waynesville, MO 65583 ; Ph: (573) 435-6766 [EMAIL]
  • Ozarks Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 3945, 534 West Catalpa, Springfield, MO 65808; Phone: (417) 831-2773 [EMAIL]
  • Missouri State Archives, Missouri State Information Center, [EMAIL]
    P.O. Box 1747, 600 West Main Str, Jefferson City, MO 65102; Phone:(573) 751-3280, Fax: (573) 526-7333
  • State Historical Society of Missouri, 1020 Lowry Str., Columbia, MO 65201-7298; (573) 882-7083, [EMAIL]
  • Missouri State Genealogical Association, P.O. Box 833, Columbia, MO 65205-0833
  • Newspapers & Periodicals - The Newspapers & Periodicals Collection lets you discover a wealth of information about your ancestors from many historical newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals. These types of sources can often supplement public records and provide information that is not recorded anywhere else. Here, you can learn more about your ancestor's possible daily activities by placing them in the context of their time.
  • Directories & Member Lists - Directories and member lists are typically compilations of information about people who belonged to various associations and groups or lived within city boundaries. They can be thought of as the predecessors to the modern-day phone book and usually list names, addresses, and sometimes the occupations of your ancestors.
  • See the Society page for more statewide Societies and archives
  • Missouri Genealogical Society Books at Amazon.com
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Pulaski County Church & Cemeteries

See Also Church & Cemetery Records in Missouri

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 Pulaski County. Some transcriptions are online. A great site is the Pulaski County Tombstone Transcription Project.

The Missouri State Archives has published A Brief Guide to Church Records on Microfilm which is a county by county listing, but it is currently out of print. The available church records can be located by using the Archives' Manuscript Register. Church microfilm rolls are not available for purchase, without written consent of the individual church, and must otherwise be used at the Missouri State Archives. The Western Historical Manuscript Collection on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus holds some church records. These can be located by using their descriptive catalogue or microfiche guide. Most church records in Missouri are scattered and remain in private hands

There is no central registry for cemeteries located in Missouri. The following national cemeteries are located in Missouri:

  • Springfield National Cemetery, 1702 E. Seminole Street, Springfield, Missouri 65804. All known soldiers buried there, including those transferred from towns throughout southwest Missouri were published in Ozar'kin
  • Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 101 Memorial Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63125. There is a card file reference to persons interred there. Inquiries may be made by phone or mail.
  • Jefferson City National Cemetery, 1024 E. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. The researcher may phone or write the Jefferson Barracks for information.

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

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Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

 

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 Pulaski County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information. Email us with websites containing Pulaski County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information by clicking the link below:

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Extended History

 

The first settlement in the territory now embraced in Pulaski County was made by three men, Johnson, Cullen, and Dulle. They immigrated from Mississippi with their families and located near the Gasconade River, at the noted "Nitre Cave', which was about five miles west of Waynesville. After they discovered a superior quality saltpeter there, they commenced to manufacture gun powder, for which they quickly found a ready market among the trappers and hunters of the area.

One morning during the year of 1817, Mr. Cullen started out with a load of gun powder, loaded on his wagon. He was never heard from again. It was never known whether he was ambushed by hostile Indians, or what, because there was never a trace of him or his wagon found. Being concerned for their safety, Mr. Johnson and Dulle, decided to pull up camp and move to another part of the county, up river from where they were located. They found a large spring running into the Gasconade River, about 2 miles up river from where Waynesville later was located. Here they built a large mill, used to grind wheat and other grains. This mill was later sold to Solomon Bartlett, my great great uncle, and it was named the Bartlett Springs Mill.

Also during 1817, James Ballew, William Gillapsy, and Henry Anderson, of North Carolina, accompanied by their families, settled on the Gasconade River about twelve miles southwest of the site of Waynesville, near the Laclede County line. Josiah Turpin, of Kentucky, also located there the same year. Soon after, Elijah and Elisha Christeson settled on the land in the vicinity of the site where Waynesville is now located. Cyrus Colley, settled in a "hollow", which was later named after him. Later that year, Jeptha West, Jesse A. Rayl, Sr. and Thomas Starke settled near the Christesons.

The Territorial Legislature, December 15, 1818, created a county, to be named Pulaski, in honor of Count Pulaski. Its boundaries were never specifically defined though it included much of the territory that two years later became Gasconade County. In 1859, the boundaries of Pulaski County were defined as they are now. The first county court met at the home of Jesse Ballew. In 1843, the Legislature passed an act to locate the county seat, which was Waynesville. Josiah Christeson and William Moore donated the land, which is now where Waynesville is located. Early in 1844, a crude courthouse was built. It was used until 1873, despite being damaged during the Civil War, when a brick courthouse was built.

The Old Stagecoach Stop

Waynesville, in the scenic Roubidoux Creek Valley, was named for the Revolutionary War General, "Mad" Anthony Wayne. The town was a stage stop on the "St. Louis to Springfield Road." This road was also called the "Old Wire Road," because it was the same route the telegraph line traveled, strung by the Union Army. The Cherokee Indians also camped here on their 1837, "Trail of Tears" as they were removed to Oklahoma. During the Civil War, the Confederate flag was raised at the courthouse in the spring of 1861, however in June of 1862, the Union Army, under the command of Col. Albert Sigel, built a fort overlooking the Waynesville Courthouse.

The small garrison of troops were responsible for protection of the settlers and wagon trains on their way westward. The first railroad to be started in Pulaski County was surveyed by the Southern Pacific in 1861. It run through south central Pulaski County, but was abandoned because of rough terrain. Another route was later surveyed and the route of the present railroad was complete in 1869. This railroad opened up a new way of life for Pulaski Countians. The towns of Dixon, Hancock, Crocker, Swedeborg and Richland, came into existence.

The California House

The California House, built ca 1856 and operated by Bennett and Sarah Musgrave The Civil War brought about fierce division among people of Pulaski County. Neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother and even members of the same household disagreed. In 1861, the Confederate flag flew above the court yard. In May 1861, the Union soldiers came to town, and on June 7, 1862 the flag bearing the stars and bars were cut down. The end of the Civil War found our county in chaos. Bushwackers were running rampant.

Prejudices and hatred was laid aside and reconstruction began. After the Civil War, immigrants began to come to this part of the state, and most of those that settled were from Southeast Kentucky, Tennessee, and east and West Virginia. Some of the pioneer families settling in Pulaski County during that time were Rayl, Routh, Brittain, Colley, Tilley, Bartlett, Morgan, Mitchell, Christeson, York, Hammock, Layman, Laughlin, Turpin, Dodd, Trower, Storie, Bailey, and many more.

As the years passed many small communities sprung up all over the county. These communities were mainly made up of various families, that many times were the only neighbors for miles. The community of Big Piney, located at the southern edge of the county, was made up families by the name of Dye, Page, Welch, and others. Just north and west of Big Piney, a couple other small communities were started, Bloodland, and Tribune. Bloodland had the Laughlins, Yorks, Longs, Woods, and others. Tribune was a post office that served the communities, and was run by the Bailey family.

During the time when the railroad was being built, many of the farmers cut ties between the crop season, and that was mainly the source of income for many families. They were bought on sight by the tie buyers, and many times floated to an assembly point on the river, at Jerome, where they were loaded on railroad cars. On November 14, 1940, an announcement was made, that changed the lifestyle of Pulaski County forever.
The United States government announced that they would be building a military base in Pulaski County. As the Army acquired control over the proposed 65,000 acres, several small communities such as Bloodland, and Cookville were phased out of existence. The families settling in the small communities located on the land purchased, soon moved and relocated to other parts of the county. Now the only trace of the families on the original homesteads is the family cemeteries, that have been proctected by the goverment. Construction began soon thereafter and it was estimated that it would take some 15,000 construction workers to build the camp. The post was named Ft. Leonard Wood, and since now has become the largest engineer training center in United States. Pulaski County as we know it today, is a triving,growing community of people from all over the world.
The small communities of Bloodland, Moab, Bellefonte, Cookville, Pleasant Hope are long gone. However, the towns of Crocker, Richland, Dixon, Swedeborg, Devils Elbow, Hancock, St. Robert, and Waynesville, still continue to grow and prosper. In the last 150 years Pulaski County, has seen many changes and as we get ready to start a new century, we look forward to the future, however we never want to forget the ancestors that have brought us through, "Moments in Time."

Courthouse History

Fire destroyed most Pulaski County Court records June 13, 1903. The remaining records begin with book D, dated November 7, 1898. The only known reference to Pulaski County history prior to 1898 is Goodspeed's 1889 History.

In 1818 a Pulaski County was organized but did not survive. Its boundary included no part of present day Pulaski County. Another Pulaski County, organized in 1833, passed through many boundary changes before the present boundaries were set in 1859.

First courts met in homes. In 1839 commissioners were appointed to procure a site for building a courthouse. By August 1840 the court accepted a hewn-log courthouse, apparently intended to be temporary.

In February 1843 officials moved the county seat to Waynesville, and contractor Allen Hamor built on the present site a two-story, brick courthouse measuring 40 by 28 feet at the base and 22 feet high.

Three rooms and two halls filled the first floor, and two doors led to the outside. Although badly damaged in the civil War, the courthouse continued in use until 1872 when it was considered beyond repair and no longer safe for storing records or holding court.

The state appropriated $2,000 war damages and the county issued $6,000 in bonds for construction of a new courthouse in 1872-73. An additional appropriation of $1,500 brought the total to nearly $10,000. The two-story, brick courthouse, built on a part of the old courthouse foundation, was larger than the first, measuring 60 by 40 feet at the base and 22 feet high. W. C. Kerr superintended construction. Fire consumed the building June 13, 1903. The only known photograph of the building shows the walls that were left standing after the fiery destruction.

On July 3, 1903, less than a month after the fire, the Pulaski County Court ordered rebuilding and selected architect Henry H. Hohenschild to draw plans. The court was conservative and stayed within an austere budget. Ed Long, Rolla, Missouri, contracted the building for $10,240 in September 1903. He completed the brick, 60-by-40-foot building in March 1904, nine months later. The exposed elements in the ceiling construction are a notable feature. Insurance compensation and general funds covered the cost of construction.

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