The Mississippi territorial legislature created Clarke County on Dec. 10, 1812. It was named for Gen. John Clarke of Georgia. A county seat was not established until 1820, when it was located at Clarksville. In 1831 the seat of government was moved to Grove Hill (previously known as Magoffin’s Store, Smithville and Macon). Clarke County is located in the southwestern portion of the state at the juncture of the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers. It encompasses 1,230 square miles. The county is a center of the state’s timber industry. Notable towns include Thomasville, Grove Hill, and Jackson.
Probate Office: 114 Court Street, P. O. Box 10, Grove Hill, AL 36451
Research Support Groups: Clarke County Historical Society, 16 West Cobb Street, Grove Hill, AL 36451.
Among Records Held: Births, 1914–1919; Deaths, 1914–1919; Marriages, 1869–1959; Direct and Reverse Deed Index, 1810–1915; Deed and Mortgage Records, 1814–1902, 1896–1902*; Poll Tax, 1913–1914; Wills, 1832–1839; Orphan’s Court Minutes, 1824–1850; Estate Indexes, Case Files, 1890–1915, 1810–1915**.
*Mortgages; **Case Files.