About the County
Franklin County is located in northeast Texas, and Mount Vernon serves as the county seat. For genealogists, Franklin County research may include courthouse records, cemetery records, newspapers, local history sources, maps, land records, and resources in neighboring counties.
As with many Texas counties, researchers often need to use multiple record groups together. A family may appear in land, tax, probate, marriage, cemetery, and newspaper records even when one source by itself seems incomplete.
Because families often moved across county lines, it is wise to check surrounding counties, historic maps, and statewide collections in addition to Franklin County materials.
County and Local Resources
- Franklin County Official Website Official county government website with access to county departments, notices, and local services.
- Franklin County Clerk Useful for marriage records, probate materials, and other county-level records.
- Franklin County District Clerk Helpful for district court matters and records handled through the district clerk's office.
- Franklin County Library Local library resource with contact information and additional library access through the county website.
- City of Mount Vernon City information for the county seat, which may be useful for local orientation and community history context.
Genealogy and Research Resources
- FamilySearch Wiki: Franklin County, Texas Genealogy Overview of available record types, research guidance, and links for Franklin County genealogy.
- FamilySearch Catalog: Franklin County Catalog entries for records such as probate, marriage, and other county-related materials.
- Portal to Texas History Free digital resource for newspapers, maps, photographs, books, and other historical material from across Texas.
- Texas Digital Newspaper Program A useful starting point for searching digitized Texas newspapers.
- Franklin County Genealogical Society Genealogical society listing with contact information and website details.
- FamilySearch Affiliate Location in Mount Vernon Shows the Franklin County Genealogical Society affiliate location in Mount Vernon.
Courthouse Information
The Franklin County Courthouse is located at 200 North Kaufman Street, Mount Vernon, Texas 75457. Researchers should always verify current office procedures, hours, and record access rules before visiting.
For some record types, the clerk's office pages are the best place to begin. For broader historical context, the library, genealogical society, and digitized statewide resources can be equally valuable.