Baker County AL

Baker County AL, established in Alabama, has a unique history, notably for its short-lived existence and subsequent re-designation. It was formed on December 30, 1868, during the Reconstruction era, but its name was changed to Chilton County on December 17, 1874, in honor of William Parish Chilton, Sr., a Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. This county’s genealogical records from the Baker County period would be sparse due to its brief existence but are integrated into the records of Chilton County, which are maintained from 1870 onwards. This includes vital records, land deeds, and court cases, essential for genealogical research. Situated in the geographic center of Alabama, Chilton County (formerly Baker) is characterized by its varied landscape, including both the Coosa River, which forms its eastern boundary, and part of the Alabama Black Belt region, known for its fertile soil. Early European-American settlers were attracted to the area for its agricultural potential, significantly impacting the county’s demographic and development patterns. This region was originally inhabited by Creek Native American tribes, contributing to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the area that genealogists might explore.

Chilton County, Alabama Census Records

Chilton County was formed in 1868 as Baker County. It was renamed in 1874 as Chilton County. The 1870 census then appears as Baker County. 1870 Baker County, Alabama Census Free 1870 Census Form for your Research Hosted at Ancestry.com – Ancestry Free Trial  1870 Baker County, Census (images and index) $ 1810-1890 Accelerated Indexing Systems $ Hosted at Census Guide 1870 U.S. Census Guide 1880 Chilton County, Alabama Census Free 1880 Census Form for your Research Hosted at Ancestry.com – Ancestry Free Trial  1880 Chilton County, Census (images and index) 1810-1890 Accelerated Indexing Systems $ Hosted at Chilton County, … Read more

Alabama Mortality Census Records

1850 Madison County Alabama Mortality Schedule optimized

The 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, and 1885 censuses included inquiries about persons who had died in the twelve months immediately preceding the enumeration. The 1850, 1960, 1870, and 1880 mortality census for Alabama all survived. Mortality schedules list deaths from 1 June through 31 May of 1849–50, 1859–60, 1869–70, 1879–80, and 1884–85. They provide nationwide, state-by-state death registers that predate the recording of vital statistics in most states. While deaths are under-reported, the mortality schedules remain an invaluable source of information.