Russell County was created by an act of the Alabama General Assembly on Dec. 18, 1832, from former Creek Indian territory. It is located in the south-central eastern part of the state and is bounded on the east by the Chattahoochee River and the State of Georgia. Russell County encompasses 634 square miles. The county is named for Col. Gilbert C. Russell of Mobile, a U.S. military officer who fought in the Creek Wars. The first county seat was established at Girard. The county seat was moved to Seale in 1868 and to Phenix City in the 1930s. Other towns of note include Fort Mitchell and Hurtsboro.
Probate Office: 501 14th Street, P. O. Box 700, Phenix City, AL 36868.
Among Records Held: Delayed Certificates of Births, 1943–1962; Marriages, 1873–1950; Indices to Real Estate Conveyances, 1836–1908; Deed Records, 1885–1904; Orphan’s and Probate Court Minutes, 1838–1847, 1846–1909, 1919–1923; Wills, 1838–1942.
Other: Appraisement Records, 1863–1881; Inventory Records, 1837–1863, 1880–1908; Final Settlement, 1856–1859, 1865–1868; Estate Case Files, 1826–1915.