St. Joseph county was organized in 1830 from Randolph and Wayne counties. It was named for the St. Joseph River that flows through the county to Lake Michigan. Its population in 2020 was 272,912. South Bend is the county seat.
St. Joseph County
indiana counties
Contents
St. Joseph county
Historical Overview
St. Joseph County Information
Townships
Centre, Clay, German, Greene, Harris, Liberty, Lincoln, Madison, Olive, Penn, Portage, Union, Warren
Towns
South Bend, Mishawaka, Walkerton, Roseland, Osceola, New Carlisle, North Liberty, Lakeville
Surrounding Counties
Elkhart, Starke, LaPorte, Berrien, MI, Cass, MI, Marshall, MI
St. Joseph County Genealogist
County genealogists are invaluable resources for anyone seeking to delve into the past. They can answer general questions about the county, providing insights into its history, culture, and communities. Need to know where specific records are held or where to find them? County genealogists are experts at pointing you in the right direction. They’ll also inform you about what records exist and, just as importantly, which records do not exist, saving you valuable research time.
County genealogists can recommend search avenues and tools tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you’re on the right track to uncovering your family’s history. Please note that while they are fantastic information resources, they are not typically able to conduct genealogy research for you. Instead, they empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to embark on your own genealogical journey.
County Genealogist
Lacey King
Contact Information
lacey.genie@gmail.com
St. Joseph County Research
South Bend Area Genealogical Society
PO Box 11
Notre Dame, IN 46556
sbags.org
Digital Archive, Michiana Memory, https://michianamemory.sjcpl.org/
PO Box 11
Notre Dame, IN 46556
sbags.org
Digital Archive, Michiana Memory, https://michianamemory.sjcpl.org/
St. Joseph County Public Library: Local & Family History Dept.,
304 S. Main St.
South Bend, Indiana,
https://sjcpl.org/lfh/
574-282-4646
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library
209 Lincolnway E.
Mishawaka, Indiana,
https://www.mphpl.org/
574-259-5277
New Carlisle Olive Township Public Library
408 S Bray St
New Carlisle, IN 46552
574-654-3046
ncpl.lib.in.us
North Liberty Branch Public LIbrary
105 E Market St
North Liberty, IN 46554
574-656-3664
www.sjcpl.org
Walkerton-Lincoln Public Township Public Library
406 Adams St
Walkerton, IN 46574
574-279-0177
walkerton.lib.in.us
Lakeville Branch Public Library
120 N Michigan St
Lakeville, IN 46536
574-784-3446
sjcpl.org
304 S. Main St.
South Bend, Indiana,
https://sjcpl.org/lfh/
574-282-4646
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library
209 Lincolnway E.
Mishawaka, Indiana,
https://www.mphpl.org/
574-259-5277
New Carlisle Olive Township Public Library
408 S Bray St
New Carlisle, IN 46552
574-654-3046
ncpl.lib.in.us
North Liberty Branch Public LIbrary
105 E Market St
North Liberty, IN 46554
574-656-3664
www.sjcpl.org
Walkerton-Lincoln Public Township Public Library
406 Adams St
Walkerton, IN 46574
574-279-0177
walkerton.lib.in.us
Lakeville Branch Public Library
120 N Michigan St
Lakeville, IN 46536
574-784-3446
sjcpl.org
The History Museum
808 W. Washington
South Bend, Indiana
https://www.historymuseumsb.org/
574-235-9664
Building South Bend, digital resource for historic property information with interactive map,
https://buildingsouthbend.nd.edu/
808 W. Washington
South Bend, Indiana
https://www.historymuseumsb.org/
574-235-9664
Building South Bend, digital resource for historic property information with interactive map,
https://buildingsouthbend.nd.edu/
St. Joseph County-City Building
227 W Jefferson Blvd
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9534
sjcindiana.com
227 W Jefferson Blvd
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9534
sjcindiana.com
St. Joseph County Archives & Records Center
1140 S. Lafayette Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9091
https://www.sjcindiana.com/2026/Archives-Records-Center
St. Joseph County-City Building
227 W Jefferson Blvd
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9534
sjcindiana.com
1140 S. Lafayette Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9091
https://www.sjcindiana.com/2026/Archives-Records-Center
St. Joseph County-City Building
227 W Jefferson Blvd
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9534
sjcindiana.com
St. Joseph County Families
Fred Willard Taylor
Fred Willard Taylor birth: 16 Dec 1886 in Young America, Cass, Indiana to John William Taylor and...
Benjamin Franklin Reed
Benjamin Franklin Reed birth: 2 May 1888 in Logansport, Cass County, Indiana to Francis Harvey...
Ruth Nave
Ruth Nave birth: 24 November 1892 in South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana to Teter "Tete" Nave...
Myer “Mike” Krueger
Myer "Mike" Krueger birth: 10 January 1887 in the town of Lachawitz, Minsk, Russia (now...
Connect With IGS
Have a question, suggestion, or just want to connect with the Indiana Genealogy Society? We welcome your inquiries and are here to assist you on your genealogical journey. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a newcomer exploring your roots, our team at the Indiana Genealogical Society is dedicated to fostering a supportive community. Feel free to reach out to us through our Contact page for any assistance, membership inquiries, or to share your own genealogical discoveries. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing in the rich tapestry of Indiana's historical and familial heritage.