Apache County Arizona Genealogy

Apache County genealogy records help you trace family roots in northeastern Arizona. This rural county sits along the New Mexico border and includes parts of the Navajo Nation. The county seat of St. Johns holds vital records, property deeds, and court documents that span well over a century. You can find marriage licenses dating back to territorial days, land records from early settlers, and probate files that reveal family connections. County offices provide both in person and online access to many genealogy resources for Apache County research.

Apache County Recorder Office

The Apache County Recorder maintains property records, land deeds, and other official documents vital to genealogy research. This office sits at 75 West Cleveland in St. Johns. You can reach them by phone at (928) 337-7515. Office hours run from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The office stays closed on Fridays. Mailing address is PO Box 425, St. Johns, AZ 85936.

Online records through the Apache County Recorder go back to December 31, 1878. This is remarkable access for genealogy researchers. You can search property transfers, mining claims, and other recorded documents from Arizona's territorial period. The standard recording fee is $30.00 for documents. Many researchers find land records helpful when vital records are missing or incomplete. Property deeds often list family members, neighbors, and witnesses who can help build your family tree.

The recorder page shown above provides access to Apache County land records and property documents for genealogy research.

Land records reveal more than property ownership. They show when families arrived in Apache County, who their neighbors were, and how land passed between generations. Deeds sometimes include the birthplace of grantors and grantees. Mining claims in Apache County can identify where ancestors worked. These documents fill gaps when birth and death certificates are not available.

Apache County Court Records

The Clerk of the Superior Court handles marriage licenses, divorce records, probate files, and civil cases in Apache County. The office address is 70 W. 3rd South Street in St. Johns, with a mailing address of PO Box 365, St. Johns, AZ 85936. You can call (928) 337-7550 for help with genealogy requests.

Marriage licenses cost $98 in Apache County. A certified copy of an existing marriage record runs $30 plus $7 for mailing. The Apache County Clerk of Court maintains marriage records that predate Arizona statehood. These records are goldmines for genealogy. They list full names of both parties, ages, residences, and often the names of parents or witnesses. Marriage records help connect generations and confirm family relationships.

This page from the Apache County Clerk of Court outlines services for genealogy researchers seeking marriage and court records.

Probate files at the clerk office are another key resource. When ancestors died with property, probate records list heirs and their relationships. You might find wills, estate inventories, guardian appointments, and distribution records. These documents name children, spouses, and sometimes grandchildren. Civil court records can also contain family details in lawsuits involving property disputes, debts, or other matters.

Marriage Licenses in Apache County

Apache County issues marriage licenses through the Clerk of the Superior Court. Under ARS 25-121, couples must apply in person. Both parties need valid identification. The license fee is $98. No blood test or waiting period is required in Arizona. Licenses are valid for one year from the date of issue.

The Apache County marriage license page has details about the application process. For genealogy research, you can request copies of historical marriage records. Certified copies cost $30 plus $7 for mailing. Non-certified copies may be available for genealogy purposes if you can prove family relationship. Marriage records in Apache County date back to the late 1800s when this area was still Arizona Territory.

The marriage license page above explains how to apply for new licenses or request copies of existing records in Apache County.

Apache County Vital Records

The Apache County Vital Records office issues birth and death certificates for Arizona events. This office is on the 2nd floor at 75 W. Cleveland Street in St. Johns. Phone number is (928) 337-7525. Each record costs $20. Payment by debit or credit card or money order is accepted. The office does not take cash or personal checks.

Arizona is a closed record state. Only eligible persons can obtain certified copies of vital records under ARS 36-302. For genealogy purposes, family members may request non-certified copies if they document their relationship. The Apache County Vital Records page lists requirements and forms needed to request records.

This vital records page shows fees and procedures for obtaining birth and death certificates in Apache County.

Historical vital records become available through the Arizona State Archives. Birth records from more than 75 years ago are open for research. Death records from more than 50 years ago are also accessible. You can search the free genealogy.az.gov database for historical Apache County birth and death certificates. The database includes actual images of certificates that predate the access restrictions.

State Genealogy Resources for Apache County

The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records holds additional genealogy materials for Apache County. Located in Phoenix at the Polly Rosenbaum Archives and History Building, the archives contain court records, naturalization papers, and other historical documents. You can reach them at 602-926-3720. The Arizona State Archives genealogy guide explains available collections and how to access them.

Arizona residents get free access to Ancestry records from the state archives. This benefit helps Apache County researchers find census records, military documents, and other family history materials. The Arizona Memory Project also has photographs and historical documents that may include Apache County materials.

Note: Call ahead before traveling to any office since hours may change due to staffing or holidays.

Nearby Arizona Counties

Families in Apache County often had connections to neighboring areas. If you cannot find records in Apache County, try searching in adjacent counties where relatives may have lived, married, or owned property.

Cities in Apache County

Apache County is one of the most rural counties in Arizona. The county seat is St. Johns, with other communities including Springerville, Eagar, and Sanders. None of these cities have populations over 50,000. All genealogy records for Apache County residents are handled through the county offices in St. Johns described above. The Navajo Nation covers much of northern Apache County, and tribal records may be relevant for families with Native American ancestry.