Microfilm

Microfilm Holdings

A self-service microfilm and microfiche reader is available in the Genealogy & Periodical Room on the second floor of the library for patron use. Use is limited to one hour if other patrons are waiting. Copies are 15 cents each regardless of quality.

Newspapers

Images of the newspapers below, copied from our microfilm, are available on all of the library public computers and from the wireless connection inside the library building at this link, due to a generous donation from the Friends of the Library. The Digital Reel database is not available from other locations. The database of newspaper images is keyword searchable, however the search results are limited by the quality of the original images. Newspapers with wrinkled pages, creases or blurred ink will not search reliably, but you can select papers to view based on dates and page numbers.

The microfilm remains available for use for those who prefer it.

Rockwall Success: 3-19-1886 to 6-11-1886
Miscellaneous dates: 1888, 1889, 1891, 1909, 1911, 1927, 1932, 1933 2-2-1940 to 12-26-1941
2-1-1946 to 12-31-1965 (reel for 1966 & 1967 missing)
1-5-1968 to 12-1989 1-2-1990 to 11-7-1992 Parts of 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Rockwall Chronicle: 1-1-1997 to 3-31-1999

Rockwall Express: 1-3-2001 to 12-27-2001 1-3-2002 to 12-26-2002
Rockwall / Rowlett Morning News: 11-15-2000 to 12-28-2001 1-2-2002 to 12-27-2002
Rockwall County News: 9-13-2000 to 12-26-2001 1-2-2002 to 12-27-2002
Miscellaneous Newspapers
Texas Success: 6-18-1886 to 12-23-1886
Dixie Land: 9-1-1888
Houston Daily Post: 4-30-1897
El Paso Daily Herald: 3-16-1897

The Dallas Morning News is available from our “Databases & Downloads” link, as are recent issues of the Rockwall County Herald Banner and the Royse City Herald Banner.

Census Records

Note: Most existing U.S. Census records are included in our subscription to the Ancestry for Libraries Database (available only inside the library) and HeritageQuest Online in the TexShare Databases. Ask at the circulation or reference desk for access information.

1790 Census:
We have paper indexes (no film) for:
Connecticut North Carolina
South Carolina New Hampshire Vermont Pennsylvania New York Rhode Island Massachusetts Maryland Maine Virginia

1850 Census:
We have no indexes, but complete films for: Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas. We have parts of other states.

1860, 1870, 1880, 1890 Censuses:
Various Texas counties on film. Note that the originals of most of the 1890 federal census records were destroyed by fire and water so very few records exist.

1890 - Union Veterans and Widows of the Civil War - Rockwall County and some misc.

1900, 1910, 1920 Censuses - records for Rockwall County and a few other
areas.

1848-1852: Rolls of the Eastern Cherokee
1885-1940: Indian Census Rolls
1886, 1887, 1890, 1891:Cheyenne River Sioux

Miscellaneous Rockwall County Records

Deed Records - 1848 to 1901
Marriage Records Index - 1875 to 1935
Probate Index - 1875 to 1987
Probate Records - 1877 to 1938
District Court Minutes - 1875 to 1895; 1910 to 1914
Births (Regular and Probate) event ca. 1860 to 1953, filed 1918 to 1958
Royse City Births - 1911 to 1921
Royse City Deaths - 1911 to 1922 & 1928
District Court Minutes Index - 1875 to 1978
District Court Minutes - 1896 to 1928Civil Case Papers - 1874 to 1930

Comprehensive Rockwall County Public Records are available from the Rockwall County Clerk's Office:
Rockwall County Courthouse
1111 E Yellowjacket Lane
Suite 100
Rockwall, TX 75087
Phone: 972-204-6300

The Courthouse is next door to the library.