Introduction
The Elaine Martin Local History Room at The Laurens County Library has an extensive collection of materials relating to this area's history and its people. These resources are available to all residents and visitors. Because of the valuable nature of these materials , all must be used in the library.
While the library cannot undertake individual research, the staff will gladly assist you with the use of these resources. 
The Martin Local History Room is open during all regular hours of the library. If you are coming from out of town it is suggested that you call the Laurens Library (864-681-7323) before your visit to make sure that the library will be open for your research. Holidays and staff work days may cause a schedule change.
Specialized Library Resources For Genealogy
Census Records on Microfilm
  • SC for 1790 - 1930 (no 1890);
  • Some NC, VA, GA, TN, & KY Federal Census;
  • Some special census schedules.
  • Other census records can be rented through the library
Military Records American Revolution, Civil War & WW I and II
NOTE: There are no official marriage records prior to 1911, nor birth/death records for SC until 1915. We do have various compiled information from minister, church and newspaper accounts.
SC Death Certificate Index on Microfiche
  • 1915-1924, 1925-1934, 1935-1949. (Index only);
  • Death records less than 50 years old are closed to the public.
  • Actual death certificates are available through the local health department or through the SC Archives in Columbia, SC.
Will & Estates Records for Laurens Count
  • 1785-1900 on microfilm
  • More recent records are available at the Laurens County Probate Office, 101 Hillcrest Square, Laurens, SC 29360.
DAR Lineage Books and Cemetery Records For Laurens and adjacent counties
Local Newspapers
  • Laurens Advertiser beginning 1885;
  • Laurensville Herald June 1845 to July 1929 (incomplete);
  • Clinton Chronicle recent years.
  • Clinton Chronicle beginning 1919 is housed at Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC.
Other Local Resources
  • Maps;
  • Family Histories (929.2);
  • Bible & Church Records.
Genealogical Magazines
  • South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research, Brent Holcomb, editor
  • SCGS Carolina Herald
  • Various newsletter and publications of SCGS chapters

 

Map of the Room

Requesting Guidelines
The Laurens County Public Library will provide limited research and answer genealogy related questions for those unable to come into the library. The Research Request Form must be completed and submitted with a $10.00 minimum fee, which includes mailing or emailing up to five pages. Additional pages are $.50 per page. Questions should be specific and for an obituary look up, dates of death must be provided. Only one name per form request, please. We are unable to research questions such as “everything you can find on the Jones family” or “anything you find about John Jones.”
All questions – including those by phone – will be answered in the order in which we receive. Please allow up to four weeks for a reply. We only provide research for or information to individuals and do not do investigative research for companies, agencies, or law firms.
Printable Forms
Suggestions – Please read before completing request
Obituary Date of death is required. Findagrave.com is helpful when searching for dates of death in Laurens County. Specify whether to search the Clinton Chronicle, Laurensville Herald or Laurens Advertiser. Dates of Microfilm can be found by searching our catalog for titles of papers.
Book/ Periodical Lookup Search our catalog to verify that we have the title you are looking for. We are able to copy a limited amount of pages. For Index search, provide full name or subject.
Wills, Deeds and Estates Microfilmed Laurens County records at the Library are only available  up to approximately the year 1900.  All requests should be for specific items and list name, book, volume, page and other pertinent information. More recent records are not available at the Library but may be available through the Probate Court of Laurens County.
Marriage Records Marriage records are not available at the Library but are only available at the Probate Court of Laurens County and do not start until 1911.  Ancestry.com has the earlier marriage application records on their website.
Birth Records (Not available at the library.) See SCDHEC for more information.  The SC Archives has birth certificates dating earlier than 100 years ago, available to the public.
Death Records (Not available at the library.) Ancestry.com has SC death records, beginning in 1915 up to the early 1960s.

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