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BRICK WALL PROTOCOL / FREE GUIDES

Clinton County:
Connect the library's indexes with the county's archived case papers.

Frankfort offers newspapers, family files, and a court archive database. Follow the database reference to the right custodian rather than assuming every legal record moved to one place.

Addresses and access notes ↓

Clinton County, Indiana: repository locations and selected major roadsI-65US 421US 521,4,6,7FrankfortN ↑≈ 5 miles
Selected repository locations for present-day orientation. Numbers match the research stops below. Select a marker to open its stop. Locations are approximate, not entrances or driving directions. Grouped numbers identify nearby repositories; use the address key for individual locations.

Explore local streets and repository locations ↗

Explore records coverage by year ↓

Additional collection references

How to search and interpret selected collections ↓

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PLAN YOUR RESEARCH ROUTE

Match the stops to the repository

Several stops can lead to the same repository. Maps show selected verified locations, not every guide stop or every community represented in the records. Use each stop’s access instructions, including for online and out-of-county collections. Check access before traveling.

  • Stop 1, Stop 4: Frankfort Community Public Library
    208 W. Clinton St., Frankfort, IN 46041

    Search the linked indexes before visiting the genealogy area. Physical materials are used inside the library; subscription access varies by onsite use or library-card eligibility.

    Repository information · Map position source
  • Stop 2, Stop 5: Clinton County Archives
    See access instructions Not plotted.

    Send names, dates and the case or book reference to Archives. First search the library-linked court index; ask which office holds the requested original and where to consult it.

    Repository information
  • Stop 6, Stop 7: Clinton County Historical Society & Museum
    301 E. Clinton Street, Frankfort, IN 46041

    Ask the museum about the named collection and current processing status. Its research-request page provides a paid lookup option; clarify scope and costs before ordering.

    Repository information · Map position source
Other guide stops not shown on this map

These stops may be online collections, shared repositories or locations not yet confirmed for mapping. Follow the collection’s access instructions.

Map sources and limits

County outlines: U.S. Census Bureau 2024 cartographic boundaries . Selected major roads: 2024 TIGER/Line primary and secondary roads . Public repository addresses checked against the sources above, with approximate Census geocoder positions. Unmatched addresses and out-of-county repositories are listed in the key rather than assigned a guessed position. Markers identify contact locations, not collection coverage. Historical boundaries, township lines and current traffic conditions are not shown. Prepared November 5, 2026.

Sources checked October 24, 2026. Additional collection descriptions and access instructions checked November 5, 2026. Earlier repository corrections retained. Selected dates do not imply complete coverage.

Start with one connection.

Bring a person, a place, approximate years, and one question. A township, congregation, school, or employer may reveal records a surname search misses. The custodian can be outside the county.

STOP 01 / Frankfort · Clinton County

Frankfort Community Public Library: Genealogy and Local History

Build a timeline between census years.

Holdings include local newspapers on microfilm from 1853, city directories from 1890, Frankfort High School yearbooks from 1912, family files, plat books, and the James Ostler Slide Collection. Online tools include obituary and court archive databases.

Research details & a question to ask

How to begin

Use the named databases first. Local microfilm and physical holdings are used in the library; Ancestry Library Edition is onsite, while several subscriptions require an FCPL card.

A question you can ask

Can a directory entry and nearby newspaper issue place this family at an address in the missing census decade?

Keep in mind

Date ranges describe holdings, not an uninterrupted run or every school. Ask about missing issues and lookup limits.

STOP 02 / Frankfort · original legal papers

Clinton County Archives

Seek the case file behind a court reference.

Archives describes divorce, lawsuit, criminal, guardianship, and probate records, plus marriage application books for 1882–1905. Its page distinguishes Clerk-held wills and marriage licenses from Recorder-held land deeds.

Research details & a question to ask

How to begin

Contact Archives with names, dates, and a case or book reference. The county also directs researchers to the library's indexed older court records; confirm the current physical location.

A question you can ask

Where is this guardianship packet held, and can I obtain all surviving papers rather than only the docket entry?

Keep in mind

The county page includes an older library web address. Use the current FCPL genealogy page for searching, and verify the actual record custodian before a visit.

STOP 03 / Indianapolis · county-specific holdings

Indiana State Library: Clinton County research guide

Identify a record series before requesting an original.

Selected holdings include First Marriage Records, 1830–1844 (ISLG 977.201 C641gm), Marriage Book II, 1844–1851, and supplemental marriage application and transcript indexes.

Research details & a question to ask

How to begin

Use the county guide to copy the title and call number, then search the State Library catalog or use its Ask-a-Librarian service to confirm access.

A question you can ask

Does the supplemental marriage entry provide a reference beyond the basic marriage index?

Keep in mind

These are selected library holdings, often indexes or abstracts. The guide does not promise every original record or online images.

STOP 04 / Frankfort Community Public Library

Frankfort students, addresses and newspaper notices

Read the collection in context.

The library lists Frankfort High School yearbooks from 1912, city directories from 1890, microfilmed local newspapers from 1853, and county family files. Separate online indexes cover yearbooks, obituaries and court archives.

Research details & a question to ask

How to begin

Search the linked indexes before visiting the genealogy area. Physical materials are used inside the library; subscription access varies by onsite use or library-card eligibility.

A question you can ask

Which original item covers this place and year, and how can I consult it?

Keep in mind

Beginning dates are broad holdings statements, not proof of uninterrupted runs. Confirm the specific year, school or newspaper issue.

STOP 05 / Clinton County Archives

Marriage applications and underlying court papers

Read the collection in context.

The county identifies divorce, criminal, lawsuit, guardianship and probate files, plus marriage applications for 1882–1905. It distinguishes these from Clerk-held wills and marriage licenses and Recorder-held land records.

Research details & a question to ask

How to begin

Send names, dates and the case or book reference to Archives. First search the library-linked court index; ask which office holds the requested original and where to consult it.

A question you can ask

Which original item covers this place and year, and how can I consult it?

Keep in mind

The county page describes past movement of older records to the library and gives differing street and mailing addresses. Confirm location and copying costs before traveling.

STOP 06 / Clinton County Historical Society & Museum

Wilson and Shanklin family papers across county lines

Read the collection in context.

A donated collection spans six Wilson and Shanklin generations, including family and Cutler-area photographs. Connections extend into Clinton County through Rossville schools, Geetingsville Church, and Frankfort businesses and public office.

Research details & a question to ask

How to begin

Ask the museum about the named collection and current processing status. Its research-request page provides a paid lookup option; clarify scope and costs before ordering.

A question you can ask

Which original item covers this place and year, and how can I consult it?

Keep in mind

The 2022 acquisition notice says processing was incomplete. Do not assume an item-level finding aid, complete family coverage or unrestricted access.

STOP 07 / Clinton County Historical Society & Museum

Colfax, Kirklin and Mulberry school and family photographs

Read the collection in context.

The Timmons and Culbertson donations include Colfax and Kirklin photographs, World War I uniform photographs, Mulberry first-graders about 1937, schoolgirls about 1944, and a 1948 parade.

Research details & a question to ask

How to begin

Browse the acquisition article, then ask for the associated image identification, donor context and reproduction terms. Use the museum contact or research-request route.

A question you can ask

Which original item covers this place and year, and how can I consult it?

Keep in mind

Approximate dates remain approximate. A group photograph does not establish every person’s identity or complete school attendance.

Leave a trail another researcher can follow.

Save the repository, collection title, dates, volume, page or item identifier, link, and the date you consulted it. Follow an index to the original record when possible. Keep uncertain names and inferred relationships visibly separate from what the source states.

Return to the Indiana county map · Explore Ohio collections

Corrections or a useful collection? hello@brickwallprotocol.com

CLINTON COUNTY / SELECTED RECORDS COVERAGE

Which collections cover your years?

Use these dated holdings to choose a next search. This is a selection of cataloged collections, not a complete inventory of Clinton County records.

A range is a lead, not a guarantee. Bars show the dates stated by the cited catalog or inventory. They do not establish uninterrupted coverage, complete reporting or online image access. Unmarked years mean not represented in this selection, not that records were destroyed. Indexes and abstracts still need to be followed to the underlying record.

Sources reviewed October 26, 2026. Blue shows cataloged holdings; rust identifies indexes or compiled publications where the source specifies them. Read the format label and access notes for each row.

inventory overview bounds

Marriage microfilm holdings

Listed years: 1830–1957.

Source, access and coverage limits

Open the inventory and match the year to a specific item, title and call number. Ask the Indiana State Library about viewing the microfilm or any digital counterpart. The overview may combine indexes and record volumes; its bounds do not promise an uninterrupted series.

Keep in mind: Selected Indiana State Library holdings. Microfilm overview bounds can include indexes and multiple volumes; consult item-level entries for gaps. These are not countywide survival dates or an assurance of online images.

inventory overview bounds

Deeds microfilm holdings

Listed years: 1829–1901.

Source, access and coverage limits

Open the inventory and match the year to a specific item, title and call number. Ask the Indiana State Library about viewing the microfilm or any digital counterpart. The overview may combine indexes and record volumes; its bounds do not promise an uninterrupted series.

Keep in mind: Selected Indiana State Library holdings. Microfilm overview bounds can include indexes and multiple volumes; consult item-level entries for gaps. These are not countywide survival dates or an assurance of online images.

inventory overview bounds

Wills microfilm holdings

Listed years: 1830–1904.

Source, access and coverage limits

Open the inventory and match the year to a specific item, title and call number. Ask the Indiana State Library about viewing the microfilm or any digital counterpart. The overview may combine indexes and record volumes; its bounds do not promise an uninterrupted series.

Keep in mind: Selected Indiana State Library holdings. Microfilm overview bounds can include indexes and multiple volumes; consult item-level entries for gaps. These are not countywide survival dates or an assurance of online images.

inventory overview bounds

Probates microfilm holdings

Listed years: 1831–1921.

Source, access and coverage limits

Open the inventory and match the year to a specific item, title and call number. Ask the Indiana State Library about viewing the microfilm or any digital counterpart. The overview may combine indexes and record volumes; its bounds do not promise an uninterrupted series.

Keep in mind: Selected Indiana State Library holdings. Microfilm overview bounds can include indexes and multiple volumes; consult item-level entries for gaps. These are not countywide survival dates or an assurance of online images.

Confirm the historical jurisdiction as well as the date. A record may be held outside today’s county, and an inventory’s ending year does not mean recordkeeping stopped.

Check historical jurisdiction → · Find collections for my years →

FOLLOW THE COLLECTION

Additional collection references

Official catalog descriptions checked October 25, 2026. These notes identify research routes, not completed name-level searches.

Price-Moore Family Papers, M 0701

The Indiana Historical Society holds family correspondence and papers, circa 1850–1956, concerning the Price-Moore family of Clinton and Tippecanoe counties. Letters include exchanges between Lydia Moore and relatives serving in the Civil War, and a later letter from the Indiana State Soldier’s Home.

How to begin: Use the PDF folder list and request M 0701 from the society’s library. Identify the writer, recipient and date; ask about consultation or copies.

What remains uncertain: The finding aid lists no access restrictions but requires written permission for reproduction or publication. A family collection may contain others’ names, but such coverage is not guaranteed.

BEFORE YOU SEARCH

Understand the collection. Choose your next step.

Two selected collections, with practical ways to search and interpret the result. These are research suggestions, not findings about a particular person.

  1. Choose a source
  2. Check its limits
  3. Search and record
  4. Follow the next lead
Selected local collection

Frankfort High School yearbook holdings

What it can tell you
This collection offers evidence about frankfort high school yearbook holdings. Inspect the record itself and its purpose before drawing a conclusion about an individual.

Selected listed years: 1912–2026

Date overlap is a lead, not a guarantee of complete coverage.

How to search, request and interpret this collection

Coverage and gaps
Beginning dates are broad holdings statements, not proof of uninterrupted runs. Confirm the specific year, school or newspaper issue. Broad published span; verify individual volumes and gaps. Physical holdings and online index are different resources.

How to search
Begin with the named collection, school, congregation or locality. Search name variants, then inspect the cited entry and surrounding pages. Record the item reference and distinguish what the document states from your interpretation.

How to retrieve it
Search the linked indexes before visiting the genealogy area. Physical materials are used inside the library; subscription access varies by onsite use or library-card eligibility.

Practical access
Search the linked indexes before visiting the genealogy area. Physical materials are used inside the library; subscription access varies by onsite use or library-card eligibility.

If nothing turns up
Beginning dates are broad holdings statements, not proof of uninterrupted runs. Confirm the specific year, school or newspaper issue. Broad published span; verify individual volumes and gaps. Physical holdings and online index are different resources. A missing result alone does not establish absence from the community.

Read the collection source ↗

Source review: 2026-11-05; published collection descriptions checked; individual records not comprehensively inspected. Search and interpretation suggestions are BWP guidance.

Then try this

Check the collection description and source links before planning a request or visit.

Follow this research route →

Match collections to your research years →

Selected local collection

Frankfort city directories

What it can tell you
This collection offers evidence about frankfort city directories. Inspect the record itself and its purpose before drawing a conclusion about an individual.

Selected listed years: 1890–2026

Date overlap is a lead, not a guarantee of complete coverage.

How to search, request and interpret this collection

Coverage and gaps
Beginning dates are broad holdings statements, not proof of uninterrupted runs. Confirm the specific year, school or newspaper issue. Broad published span; confirm individual volumes.

How to search
Begin with the named collection, school, congregation or locality. Search name variants, then inspect the cited entry and surrounding pages. Record the item reference and distinguish what the document states from your interpretation.

How to retrieve it
Search the linked indexes before visiting the genealogy area. Physical materials are used inside the library; subscription access varies by onsite use or library-card eligibility.

Practical access
Search the linked indexes before visiting the genealogy area. Physical materials are used inside the library; subscription access varies by onsite use or library-card eligibility.

If nothing turns up
Beginning dates are broad holdings statements, not proof of uninterrupted runs. Confirm the specific year, school or newspaper issue. Broad published span; confirm individual volumes. A missing result alone does not establish absence from the community.

Read the collection source ↗

Source review: 2026-11-05; published collection descriptions checked; individual records not comprehensively inspected. Search and interpretation suggestions are BWP guidance.

Then try this

Check the collection description and source links before planning a request or visit.

Follow this research route →

Match collections to your research years →

HELP KEEP THIS GUIDE USEFUL

Know a collection we should include?

Suggest a correction, an overlooked collection or an updated access detail. An official link or source helps us check it before making a change. Please leave out private family documents and sensitive personal information.

Suggest a correction or collection

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