Archives + County Museum - Jefferson County Government

Archives

Jefferson County Archives was established in 1997 to ensure the preservation of historical documents and provide public access to all unrestricted records. Jefferson County Courthouse was constructed in 1845 and is among the few courthouses in the state that has not suffered a major disaster, resulting in county records remaining exceptionally intact. The primary mission of the Archives is to restore and maintain the integrity of the county historical documents. Resources are available for county department inquiries and to visitors for genealogical research.

Wayne Roberts is the current Director of Archives for Jefferson County.

Wayne Roberts, Director

What You’ll Find in Our Archives

Marriage Indexes

Marriage indexes have been computerized from 1792-2000 for ready reference. Visitors from across the United States travel to Jefferson County in search of family ancestors. The following resources are available for family research:

Jefferson County Marriage Bonds and Licenses 1792 – Present
Jefferson County Deeds 1792 – Present Microfilm
Jefferson County Wills 1792 – Present Microfilm
Jefferson County Court Minutes 1792 – Present Microfilm
Jefferson County Circuit Court Minutes 1809 – Present Microfilm
Jefferson County Chancery Court Minutes 1836 – Present Microfilm
Jefferson County Tax Records 1822 – Present (except for years 1837 – 1844 and 1873) Microfilm
Jefferson County Birth Certificates 1908 – 1912 Microfilm
Jefferson County Death Certificates 1908 – 1925 Microfilm
Jefferson County Civil War Claims Books
Jefferson County WWII Ration Cards Book 1943
WPA Records of Jefferson County – Microfilm
Family Files and Research Books
Cemetery Books – Jefferson County and adjoining counties
Local Newspaper Microfilm – Standard Banner 1931-2010; Dandridge Banner 1854 – 1951; Other miscellaneous papers
North Carolina Land Grants – Microfilm
Tennessee Land Grants – Microfilm
Greene County Tax Records 1783 – Microfilm
Hamblen County Deed Indexes 1820 – 1952 – Microfilm

1890s Tax List

Since there was no 1890 census for Jefferson County, the 1890 county tax roll was indexed to give a partial list of county residents. This list has serious limitations since only those who paid county tax are listed, including a poll tax that was collected from white males who did not own property.

Click here to view the Tax List.

The list is organized by surname and includes the following information:

The name of the taxpayer.
The Civil District in which the property is located.
Poll Tax which might indicate the property where the family was living.
The number of acres taxed and the value.
The number of Town Lots owned and their value.
The page and line where the name is recorded. Because the book contains the years 1888 to 1890, the pages start at 189.

Information in the Tax Book but not included is:

Surnames of adjacent property owners.
Value of Personal Property and Other Property.
The amount of each separate tax that was levied, i.e. State, County, Highway Cash, Highway Work.

Since the boundaries of the Civil Districts changed from time to time (in 1890 there were 19, the highest number ever), below is a map of the Civil Districts 1874-1890.

Wills

Note that there are no online images or files of the actual wills. Please contact the archives for copies.

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County Museum

Connecting the Past, Inspiring the Future

OUR MISSION

To preserve, promote, and foster the history of Jefferson County, Tennessee.

HISTORY
At the January 14, 1957, Jefferson County Court Meeting, a resolution was passed appointing Rev. Reuel B. Pritchett the chairman of the committee to establish a museum in the courthouse. Mr. Pritchett generously donated his extensive collection of area artifacts and called upon the county residents to also contribute. Over the years, the museum has expanded in size and quantity. It features a visual presentation of the history of the county from 1792 to present.

Located in the historic 1845 courthouse in Dandridge, the Jefferson County Courthouse Historical Museum offers a unique glimpse into the region’s past. Permanent displays capture the daily lives of the people who have called Jefferson County home. Exhibit cases contain the 1806 marriage bond of Davy Crockett and Polly Finley, a replica of Davy Crockett’s long rifle, military artifacts dating from the Civil War era through the Gulf War, Native American tools and weapons, photographs, textiles, fashions, and a variety of small vintage eclectic relics.

In addition, the courthouse museum proudly honors the military servicemen and women of the country. An extensive listing of deceased veterans, The Roll of Honor, is featured in a large display case in the courthouse foyer.

The museum reflects the compassion of the local Jefferson County residents who have continued to donate items to the museum since its opening in 1957.