The Roy and Christine Sturgis Library of Cleveland County
The Roy and Christine Sturgis Library of Cleveland County – or the Cleveland County Library – was built in 1992. It is located at 203 Magnolia Street. Some up-to-date services are wi-fi access, public computers, fax and copy services, and programs for children throughout the year in addition to the more traditional library offerings: a wide range of books, videos and DVDs, and books on tape for checkout. The Heritage Room has historical and genealogical materials (see article below). Go to the library’s website for hours and more information concerning the library.
The Cleveland County Historical Society
The Cleveland County Historical Society, organized in 1971, holds regular meetings at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of February through June and September through November at the Cleveland County Library. Programs are centered on the history and genealogy of Cleveland County which was once part of Bradley, Jefferson, and Dallas Counties. It was known as Dorsey County from 1873 – 1885.
When the Roy and Christine Sturgis Library of Cleveland County was built in 1992, the Heritage Room, a history and genealogy room was included. It holds a variety of research materials including various family histories, Cleveland County Cemetery Records (1996), some marriage and death records, a 1925 land ownership map and other print materials. Microfilm records include the Cleveland County (and some surrounding counties’) Census records, the Cleveland County Herald from the early 1890s, the prior birth index, some church records, some early court records, and WW I discharge records. A microfilm reader-copier is available for use.
The Cleveland County Historical Society has published a two-volume set of the county’s history and genealogy: CLEVELAND COUNTY ARKANSAS, Our History and Heritage. Volume I (2006) has 584 pages and Volume II (2017) has 462 pages. Other publications are Civil War People and Events in what became Cleveland County Arkansas; World War II Veterans of Cleveland County, Arkansas; and Cleveland County Potpourri: RECOLLECTIONS FROM HISTORY AND FOLKLORE. The CCHS has also printed several journals on various aspects of the county’s history including the schools, medical care, agriculture, timber industry, the Saline River, the City of Rison, the courthouse, the Battle of Mt. Elba, and the Battle of Marks’ Mill. These books are available for use at the library and are also available for purchase. For more information, contact the Cleveland County Library at 870-325-7270 or clecolib@yahoo.com or Annette Rawls at 870-550-8028 or rlab4060@gmail.com. The CCHS website is clevelandcountyhistory.com
The Cleveland County Courthouse
The records vault located on the first floor of the Cleveland County Courthouse on the SE corner of Main and Magnolia contain many records of interest to historians and genealogists. Records available for public use include land records, tax records, marriage records, probate records including probated wills, minutes of Quorum Court meetings, ordinances and resolutions of the Quorum Court, Ministers’ Records, Criminal and Civil Court records, Civil War Pensions (delivered through the post offices) records, and other miscellaneous court records. Hours of operation are from 8:00 – 4:30 Monday – Friday except on holidays. For information call the County Clerk’s Office at 870-325-6521.