New Hanover County, North Carolina Genealogy
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Guide to New Hanover County, North Carolina ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.
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County Information[edit | edit source]
Description[edit | edit source]
New Hanover County is located in the southeastern portion of North Carolina and was named in honor of England's King George I of the House of Hanover.[2]
County Courthouse[edit | edit source]
New Hanover County Courthouse
3rd Princess Street, Rm 103
Wilmington, NC 28401-4090
Phone: 910-341-7125
New Hanover County Website
Register of Deeds has birth, marriage, death and land records.
Clerk Superior Court has divorce, probate and court records.[3]
New Hanover County, North Carolina Record Dates[edit | edit source]
Information for this chart was taken from various sources, often containing conflicting dates. This information should be taken as a guide and should be verified by contacting the county and/or the state government agency.
| Birth* | Marriage | Death* | Court | Land | Probate | Census |
| 1879 | 1741 | 1879 | 1738 | 1729 | 1732 | 1784 |
Record Loss[edit | edit source]
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1789, 1819, 1840 Courthouse fires in 1789, 1819, and 1840 resulted in some record loss. For suggestions about research in places that suffered historic record losses, see:
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Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]
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For animated maps illustrating North Carolina county boundary changes, "Rotating Formation North Carolina County Boundary Maps" (1664-1965) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website. |
Populated Places[edit | edit source]
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit HomeTown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[6]
| Cities | ||
| Towns | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Census-designated places | ||
| Townships | ||
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History Timeline[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
Bible Records[edit | edit source]
- Bible Records at North Carolina Digital Archives - index and image
- Bibles at New Hanover County, NC USGenWeb Archives
Biographies[edit | edit source]
- [Lewis] Lewis, J.D. My Neck of the Woods: The Lewis Families of Southeastern North Carolina and Northeastern South Carolina. Little River, S.C.: J.D. Lewis, 2002. FHL Book 929.273 L585Ljd; CD-ROM no. 1036
Business, Commerce, and Occupations[edit | edit source]
Cemeteries[edit | edit source]
- 1852-2005 North Carolina, Wilmington, Cemetery Records, 1852-2005 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images Also at: Ancestry ($)
- North Carolina, Historical Records Survey, Cemetery Inscription Card Index at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Census Records[edit | edit source]
| Historical populations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± |
| 1790 | 6,837 | — |
| 1800 | 7,060 | 3.3% |
| 1810 | 11,465 | 62.4% |
| 1820 | 10,866 | −5.2% |
| 1830 | 10,959 | 0.9% |
| 1840 | 13,312 | 21.5% |
| 1850 | 17,668 | 32.7% |
| 1860 | 21,715 | 22.9% |
| 1870 | 27,978 | 28.8% |
| 1880 | 21,376 | −23.6% |
| 1890 | 24,026 | 12.4% |
| 1900 | 25,785 | 7.3% |
| 1910 | 32,037 | 24.2% |
| 1920 | 40,620 | 26.8% |
| 1930 | 43,010 | 5.9% |
| 1940 | 47,935 | 11.5% |
| 1950 | 63,272 | 32.0% |
| 1960 | 71,742 | 13.4% |
| 1970 | 82,996 | 15.7% |
| 1980 | 103,471 | 24.7% |
| 1990 | 120,284 | 16.2% |
| 2000 | 160,307 | 33.3% |
| 2010 | 202,667 | 26.4% |
| Source: "Wikipedia.org". | ||
Church Records[edit | edit source]
- 1700-1970 - North Carolina, Church Records, 1700-1970 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Baptist
- Black River. Established by 1758.[7]
Church of England
- St. James's Parish, Wilmington, N.C. Established 1729.[8] Official website. Church records from 1737 to 1892 have been published.[9] Baptisms 1754-1880 (Batch C712001 ) and Marriages 1811-1892 (Batch M712001 ) are included in the International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch
- St. Philip's Parish. Established by 1741.[10]
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Ward and Branch Records
- Wilmington
Methodist
- St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, Wilmington, N.C. Formed 1865. Served the African American community.[11]
List of Churches and Church Parishes
Court Records[edit | edit source]
Directories[edit | edit source]
Emigration and Immigration[edit | edit source]
Wilmington has been a port since colonial times.[12]
- 1908-1958 North Carolina, Wilmington and Morehead City Passenger and Crew Lists, 1908-1958 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and image
Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups[edit | edit source]
African-American
- 1862-1870 North Carolina, Freedmen's Bureau Assistant Commissioner Records, 1862-1870 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1863-1872 North Carolina, Freedmen's Bureau Field Office Records, 1863-1872 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; images only
- Pine Forest Cemetery is a historical African American burial ground dating back to 1860 and the final resting place of many notable citizens. It is located on 15 acres in the city of Wilmington at the north end of 16th Street and Rankin. The Wilmington Journal published an article (May 2012) on the history of the cemetery with contact information for donations towards the preservation and upkeep of the cemetery. Search known burials and contribute information at Find A Grave. Learn more about Pine Forest Cemetery from the Folk Art Society of America.
Funeral Homes[edit | edit source]
- Adkins-Drain Funeral Service in Wilmington
- Andrews Mortuary & Crematory in Wilmington
- Atlantic Cremation Service in Wilmington
- Coastal Cremations in Wilmington
- Coble Funeral & Cremation Service in Wilmington
- Davis Funeral Home in Wilmington
- John H. Shaw’s Son Funeral Home in Wilmington
- Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington
- Tranquility Cremation By Aquamation in Wilmington
- Wilmington Funeral Chapel in Wilmington
Genealogies[edit | edit source]
Guardianship[edit | edit source]
Land and Property Records[edit | edit source]
Local Histories[edit | edit source]
Maps and Gazetteers[edit | edit source]
Click a neighboring county
for more resources
for more resources
- FamilySearch Places: Map of cities and towns in this county - How to Use FS Places
Migration[edit | edit source]
Early migration routes to and from New Hanover County for European settlers included:[13]
- Atlantic Ocean
- King's Highway about 1704
- Secondary Coast Road late 1730s
- Fayetteville, Elizabethtown, and Wilmington Trail
- Wilmington, Highpoint, and Northern Trail
Military Records[edit | edit source]
Revolutionary War
- 1778-1833 Delamar Transcripts of Revolutionary War Petitions at North Carolina Genealogical Society - index ($)
- 1779-1782 North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers 1779-1782 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Civil War
- 1861-1865 North Carolina, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1861-1865 North Carolina, Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers, 1861-1865 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1861-1865 U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865 at Ancestry
- 1861-1865 U.S., Union Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865 at Ancestry
- 1885 and 1901 1885 and 1901 Confederate Pension Applications at North Carolina Digital Collections - index and images
- 1885-1953 North Carolina, Confederate Soldiers and Widows Pension Applications, 1885-1953 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Regiments. Men in New Hanover County served in various regiments. Men often joined a company (within a regiment) that originated in their county. Listed below are companies that were specifically formed in New Hanover County:
Civil War Battles
The following Civil War battles were fought in New Hanover County:
- December 7-27, 1864 Fort Fisher I[14]
- January 13-15, 1865 Fort Fisher II[15]
- February 12-22, 1865 Wilmington, also known as Fort Anderson, Town Creek, Forks Road, or Sugar Loaf Hill[16]
- Map showing Civil War battles in North Carolina.
World War I
- 1914-1918 World War I Papers at North Carolina Digital Collections - index and images
- 1917-1919 North Carolina, World War I Service Cards, 1917-1919 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
World War II
- 1939-1945 World Ward II Papers at North Carolina Digital Collections - index and images
- 1940-1948 North Carolina, Discharge and Statement of Service Records, 1940-1948 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Naturalization and Citizenship[edit | edit source]
Newspapers[edit | edit source]
- North Carolina Newspaper Digitization Project, North Carolina State Archives. Search full text historical newspapers published in Wilmington.
- North Carolina Newspapers at DigitalNC
Obituaries[edit | edit source]
Other Records[edit | edit source]
Voter Registration
- 1868-1898 - North Carolina, Voter Registration Records, 1868-1898 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Periodicals[edit | edit source]
Probate Records[edit | edit source]
Online Probate Indexes and Records
- 1660-1790 North Carolina Will Abstracts 1660-1790 at Ancestry $
- 1663-1979 North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1663-1789 Secretary of State Wills at North Carolina Digital Collections - index and images
- 1665-1998 North Carolina Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998 at Ancestry $
- 1720-1960 - Will Books A to F and 1 to 8 (1720-1960) at FamilySearch.org - How to Use this Collection; images only (by County)
- 1735-1970 Wills Index, Volumes 1–2 North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735–1970, - How to Use this Collection; images only (by County)
- 1735-1970 Wills Index, North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735–1970, at FamilySearch.org - How to Use this Collection; images only (by County)
- 1735-1970 Bonds, Volumes 1–17, North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735–1970, at FamilySearch.org - How to Use this Collection; images only (by County)
- 1735-1970 Wills Index, Volume 3 North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735–1970, at FamilySearch.org - How to Use this Collection; images only (by County)
- 1738-42; 1759-1769 Minutes of the Pleas and Quarter Session Court 1738-42; 1759-1769 and General Index. (contains estates, inventories, wills, deeds proved, administrators appointed, orphans, etc.) North Carolina Pioneers $
- 1740-1760 Abstracts of Wills 1740-1760. North Carolina Pioneers $
- 1747-1868 Images of Wills & Estates, Book C, 1747-1858; Book D, 1858-1868. North Carolina Pioneers $
- 1760-1800 North Carolina Will Abstracts 1760-1800 at Ancestry $
- 1790-1836 Images of Wills and Estates in Court of Common Pleas. North Carolina Pioneers $
- 1827-1837 Images of Wills and Estates in Court of Common Pleas. North Carolina Pioneers $
- Pre-1790 Pre-1790 New Hanover County, North Carolina Genealogy Wills (North Carolina State Archives)
School Records[edit | edit source]
Social Security Records[edit | edit source]
- 1935-2014 United States Social Security Death Index at FamilySearch - How to use this collection; index. Also at Ancestry, findmypast, Fold3, GenealogyBank, MyHeritage, and Steve Morse. Click here for more information.
- 1936-2007 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 at Ancestry ($) — index, click here for more information.
Tax Records[edit | edit source]
- 1755 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1755 (index) in NC Taxpayers vol. 2, online at Ancestry $
- 1755 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1755 (images) at North Carolina Digital Collections
- 1755 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1755 (images) at FamilySearch
- 1755 1755 New Hanover County, North Carolina Tax List 975.6 A1 no. 260
- 1762 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1762 (index) in NC Taxpayers vol. 2, online at Ancestry $
- 1762 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1762 (images) at North Carolina Digital Collections
- 1762 Lists of Taxables, New Hanover County, 1762 (images) at FamilySearch
- 1763 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1763 (index) in NC Taxpayers vol. 2, online at Ancestry $
- 1763 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1763 (images) at North Carolina Digital Collections
- 1765 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1765 (index) in NC Taxpayers vol. 2, online at Ancestry $
- 1765 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1765 (images) at North Carolina Digital Collections
- 1767 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1767 (index) in NC Taxpayers vol. 2, online at Ancestry $
- 1767 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1767 (images) at North Carolina Digital Collections
- 1782 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1782 (images) at North Carolina Digital Collections
- 1815 Tax Lists, New Hanover County, 1815 (images) at North Carolina Digital Collections
Vital Records[edit | edit source]
- 1800-2000 - North Carolina, Department of Archives and History, Index to Vital Records, 1800-2000 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- Search online public record databases of the New Hanover County Register of Deeds, including birth and death certificates, and marriage records.
Birth[edit | edit source]
- 1800-2000 North Carolina Birth Index 1800-2000 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index
- 1866-1964 North Carolina Births and Christenings 1866-1964 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index
- 1913-1922 North Carolina, Center for Health Statistics, Vital Records Unit, County Birth Records, 1913-1922 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Marriage[edit | edit source]
- 1741-2004 North Carolina, United States Marriages at FindMyPast
- 1741-2004 North Carolina Marriage Index 1741-2004 at Ancestry $
- 1759-1979 North Carolina Marriages 1759-1979 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; Index
- 1762-1979 North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1763-1868 North Carolina, Civil Marriages, 1763-1868 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- New Hanover County Vital Records (USGenWeb)
Death[edit | edit source]
- 1898-1994 North Carolina Deaths and Burials, 1898-1994 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1906-1930 North Carolina Deaths 1906-1930 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images Also at: MyHeritage ($)
- 1908-2004 North Carolina Death Indexes 1908-2004 at Ancestry $
- 1909-1975 North Carolina Death Certificates 1909-1975 at Ancestry $
- 1931-1994 North Carolina Deaths 1931-1994 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Divorce[edit | edit source]
- 1926-1975 North Carolina, County Divorce Records, 1926-1975 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1958-2004 North Carolina Divorce Index 1958-2004 at Ancestry $
Research Facilities[edit | edit source]
Archives[edit | edit source]
Listed below are archives in New Hanover County. For state-wide archival repositories, see North Carolina Archives and Libraries.
Family History Centers[edit | edit source]
Family History Center and Affiliate Library Locator map - search for local Family History Centers or Affiliate Libraries
- Family History Centers provide one-on-one assistance, free access to center-only databases, and to premium genealogical websites.
- FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases, but may not always have full services normally provided by a family history center.
Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries
- Introduction to Family History Centers
- Wilmington North Carolina Family History Center
- Family History Centers are also located in Shallotte, Jacksonville, Kinston, and Myrtle Beach.
Libraries[edit | edit source]
Listed below are libraries in New Hanover County. For state-wide library facilities, see North Carolina Archives and Libraries.
- New Hanover County Public Libraries
Website
- Main Library and Law Library
201 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: 901-798-6301 - Northeast Regional Library
1241 Military Cutoff Rd
Wilmington, NC 28405
Phone: 910-798-6371 - Myrtle Grove Library
5155 South College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28412
Phone: 910-798-6391 - Carolina Beach Library
300 Cape Fear Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Phone: 910-798-6385
- Main Library and Law Library
Museums[edit | edit source]
- African American Heritage Museum of Wilmington
PO Box 968
Wilmington, NC 28402
Email: info@aahfwilmington.org
Website - Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
814 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: 910-798-4350
Fax: 910-798-4382
Website
Societies[edit | edit source]
Listed below are societies in New Hanover County. For state-wide genealogical societies, see North Carolina Societies.
- Lower Cape Fear Historical Society
126 S. Third St.
Wilmington, NC 28406
910-762-0492
Email: lcfhs@latimerhouse.org
Website
- Old New Hanover Genealogical Society
Wilmington, NC 28402-2536
Email: info@onhgs.org
Website
Websites[edit | edit source]
- USGenWeb project. May have maps, name indexes, history or other information for this county. Select the state, then the county.
- North Carolina Pioneers $
- FamilySearch Catalog – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection. Use Historical Records to search for specific individuals in genealogical records.
Research Guides[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), North Carolina.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ https://www.ncpedia.org/geography/new-hanover
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), New Hanover County, North Carolina. Page 512 At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), New Hanover County, North Carolina. Page 506-514 At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 505-509.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), North Carolina.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "New Hanover County, North Carolina," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hanover_County,_North_Carolina, accessed 22 February 2020.
- ↑ Perhaps located in Sampson County, or another name for Bull Tail, see: George Washington Paschal, History of North Carolina Baptists, 2 vols. (1930; reprint, Gallatin, Tenn.: Church History Research and Archives, 1990), 1:304-305. FHL Book 975.6 K2p 1990.
- ↑ Lawrence Foushee London and Sarah McCulloh Lemmon, The Episcopal Church in North Carolina, 1701-1959 (Raleigh, N.C.: The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, 1987), 21. FHL Book 975.6 K2e; Robert J. Cain, ed., The Church of England in North Carolina: Documents, 1699-1741 (Raleigh, N.C.: Division of Archives and History, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, 1999), xxxiii. FHL Book 975.6 K2cr; "St. James Church," North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program, http://www.ncmarkers.com/, accessed 22 October 2012.
- ↑ Ida B. Kellam and Elizabeth F. McKoy, eds., St. James Church, Wilmington, North Carolina: Historical Records, 1737-1892 (1965).
- ↑ Robert J. Cain, ed., The Church of England in North Carolina: Documents, 1699-1741 (Raleigh, N.C.: Division of Archives and History, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, 1999), xxx, 414. FHL Book 975.6 K2cr.
- ↑ "St. Stephen A.M.E. Church," North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program, http://www.ncmarkers.com, accessed 22 October 2012.
- ↑ Lawrence Foushee London and Sarah McCulloh Lemmon, The Episcopal Church in North Carolina, 1701-1959 (Raleigh, N.C.: The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, 1987), 21. FHL Book 975.6 K2e.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), North Carolina.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Heritage Preservation Services, Civil War Battle Summaries by State, (accessed 8 August, 2012)
- ↑ Heritage Preservation Services, Civil War Battle Summaries by State, (accessed 8 August, 2012)
- ↑ Heritage Preservation Services, Civil War Battle Summaries by State, (accessed 9 August, 2012)
