Hawley Research Center
We are the official repository for archived Osage County records. Let the experienced staff of Osage County Historical Society & Research Center help you find your family’s history. Our resources include:
- Cemeteries (Also some for adjacent counties: Franklin, Shawnee and Wabaunsee).
- Osage County Poor Farm
- Family Histories & Research Files
- Marriage Affidavits – Bride Index
- Marriage Affidavits – Groom Index
- Osage County Declaration of Intent and Naturalization Records-4 reels of microfilm
- Obituary Index (1885 – present). Over 45,000 names UPDATED (2 October 2019)
- Scrapbook Index. Nearly 30,000 names with news items of significant events.
- Newspaper Master Index
- Tax Assessment Master Index – Assessments of land and property from 1890 through 1975.
Not all years available. Over 70,000 records.
- Cutler, William G.; History of Kansas; published by A. T. Andreas of Chicago, 1883. Every name index for Osage County portion only.
- Indexed Osage County land ownership atlases 1879, 1899 and 1918
- Complete paper records of civil and criminal court cases, 1861 – 1954
- Federal and state census records for Osage County from 1860 - 1930
- Osage County newspapers on microfilm, 1863 – 1960. Some indexed for significant events. (Some years not available.)
- Osage County school histories with pictures and lists of area high school graduates.
- Index to Osage County birth, marriage, divorce, death and probate records before 1911. (Not all years available for all records. Some available after 1911.)
- Forgotten Settlers of Kansas – pedigree charts. (26 volumes)
Because we are located across the street from the Osage County Courthouse, we are happy to obtain photocopies of original records.
For more information on our resources, or to obtain copies of records, please:
Research Policy
As of 1 January 2010, our standard research fee for non-member walk-in patrons is $3.00 per visit plus 25 cents for each copied page
Our standard research fee for e-mail, postal mail, and telephone patrons is $10.00 for the first hour, $5.00 each additional hour plus 25 cents for each copied page. (Members of Osage Co. Hist. Soc. receive the first hour of research free.) Our practice is to research all available and/or applicable records including original records at the courthouse.
When the search is complete, we provide the patron with a list of what has been found along with a cost estimate. The patron is then able to remove from the list any items he/she might already have.
After final determination of items to be sent and costs, the patron sends a check or money order for the agreed upon amount made payable to Osage County Historical Society. Upon receipt of the check or money order, the packet is mailed to the patron.
The standard research fee may be negotiated if the request is very simple or very complex.
For adjacent area research see these websites: