Genealogy

Glenn and Betty Collier genealogy center

The Glenn and Betty Collier Genealogy Center is located in the basement of the library. The Howard County Genealogy Society provides Genealogy assistance to the public on most Friday afternoons from 1 to 4 pm unless it is a Holiday or we are experiencing inclement weather. The Center has records, books of obituaries and other materials of interest to genealogists.

If you are interested in genealogy, talk to our resident genealogist, Kathy Jo Biswell Brady.  Kathy has been our genealogist for more than two years,after the passing of Harold Kerr.  However, Kathy has been an active member of the genealogy department for many years.  She is well-versed and very knowledgeable in the field and has access to several databases in which to research.  Our genealogy room is located in the lower level of the library and is named the “The Glenn and Betty Collier Room.”  It is open every Friday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.  It houses family and local histories, past obituaries and yearbooks, just to name a few items.  Also available is the book, “Howard County, Missouri, from Prairie Land to Promised Land”, a remembrance by Jim Steele, for sale for $25. Another book that we  have available  is “As We Remember the Courthouse Square.”  This book has stories and photos contributed by Fayette residents, featuring Betty Collier.  This book sells for $15. 

Howard County Genealogical Society

The Howard County Genealogical Society promotes family history research by providing educational and research opportunities, offering community services in related fields, and collecting, preserving, and publishing genealogical and historical records. The society meets every quarter in Glenn and Betty Collier Genealogical Center in the basement of the library. For more information about the society and dates and times of their meetings,  visit their website by clicking on the logo to the left.  The society provides Genealogy Help Sessions in the center every Friday afternoon from 1 to 4 pm.

Smiley Library

Smiley Library on the campus of Central Methodist University provides a variety of genealogical record including the Missouri United Methodist Archives.

Howard County Courthouse

The Howard County Courthouse, located on the square in downtown Fayette, houses the County Clerk's Office,the County Recorder's office and the Probate Court. The County Clerk has birth and death records from 1882 to 1892 and some old one-room school records. The County Recorder's Office has Circuit Court records, Land Records and Marriage records.