Prowers County Genealogy Records

Prowers County sits in southeastern Colorado. The county seat is Lamar. It was formed in 1889 from Bent County. The area has rich farming history. Many families settled here in the late 1800s. Records in Prowers County go back to its founding year.

The Clerk and Recorder office in Lamar keeps vital and land records. You can find marriage licenses from 1889. Land records start then too. Some birth and death records exist from the early years. The office can help you search for family history.

Prowers County Clerk and Recorder

The Clerk and Recorder is the keeper of records in Prowers County. This office handles many tasks. They issue marriage licenses. They record land documents. They also run elections. For genealogy, their records vault is key.

You can visit the office in Lamar. Staff will help you find records. Some files may be on microfilm. Older records might need special handling. Call ahead at 719-336-8011. Ask about what you need. They can tell you if records exist.

Vital Records in Prowers County

Vital records include births, deaths, and marriages. Colorado law under C.R.S. 25-2-117 limits access to recent records. Birth and death records become public after 100 years. Until then, only family can get copies. The Clerk and Recorder has some early records.

For records from 1910 to now, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health. Their Vital Records office is in Denver. Call 303-692-2200. You can also order online at VitalChek. The cost starts at $20 per copy.

The Colorado State Archives has older records. They hold some birth and death records before 1908. These are part of their genealogy collection. Use their Archives Search Database to look for names. The database is free to use.

Marriage Records in Prowers County

Marriage records in Prowers County start in 1889. The Clerk and Recorder keeps all marriage licenses. These records are public. Anyone can request a copy. Bring the names of the couple and the date if known.

The State Archives has a statewide marriage index. It covers 1890 to 1939. This includes Prowers County. You can search this index online. It shows the license number and date. Use this to get the full record from Lamar.

Land and Property Records

Land records in Prowers County date to 1889. The Clerk and Recorder keeps deeds and mortgages. These show property owners over time. You can search by name or property description. The office has indexes to help you find records.

Farming families may find homestead records. Early settlers filed claims with the county. The records show when land was bought and sold. Water rights are also recorded. These can be key for family history in this farming region.

Colorado State Archives Resources

The Colorado State Archives in Denver holds Prowers County records. These include court records, school records, and more. State law C.R.S. 24-80 guides their work. You need an appointment to visit. Call 303-866-2358.

The Archives Search Database is online. It has names and record types from many counties. You can search from home. Not all records are in the database. But it is a good starting point. Staff can help with research questions.

There is a pull limit of 10 items per day at the Archives. Plan your visit carefully. Bring a list of what you want to see. Copies cost $0.25 per page for self-serve. Staff copies cost $1 per page.

Online Genealogy Resources

Many resources are online. You can start research from home. Here are useful sites:

• Colorado State Archives - State records and databases
• FamilySearch - Free genealogy records
• Prowers County Clerk - County record information
• CDPHE Vital Records - Birth and death certificates

FamilySearch has a wiki page for Prowers County. It lists available records. The wiki gives research tips. Check the wiki before you start.

Nearby Counties

Ancestors may have lived in nearby areas. Check these counties too: