Madison County was created by Mississippi Territory Governor Robert Williams on Dec. 13, 1808. Additional land was added until the county achieved its current form in 1824. The county was named for Pres. James Madison. The county is located in the north-central part of the state, bounded to the north by the State of Tennessee and to the south by the Tennessee River. It encompasses 806 square miles. The first white settlers entered the area in 1804. The area was previously inhabited by Cherokee and Chickasaw Indians. The county seat was established at Huntsville. Huntsville also served as the temporary state capital in 1819. Today, Huntsville is the home of the Marshall Space Center. Other towns located in Madison County include New Market, Normal, Madison, Owens Cross Roads and New Hope.
Probate Office: 100 Northside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801.
Research Support Group: Marion County Genealogical Society, P. O. Drawer 1527, Winfield, AL 35594.
Among Records Held: Births, 1881–1912*; Marriages, 1936–1951; Index, 1810–1928; Index to Deed Records, 1810–1919; Deeds, 1810–1919; Orphan’s Court, 1826–1933**, 1822–1823, 1853–1868***; Sexton’s Records, 1867–1963; Wills, 1853–1953.
*Also contains records of death; **Minutes; ***Records.